Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 117

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 117

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Bradley Winslow was born in Watertown in 1831. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Col- lins) Winslow, were natives of Vermont and Jefferson County, respectively. Bradley com- menced the study of Jaw in the office of Hon. James F. Starbuck, of Watertown, in 1852, and subsequently continued his studies at the law school at Poughkeepsie, and with H. & M. Hale of the same city. He was admitted to practice in 1855, and has since commanded a leading position in the bar of Jefferson County. He has a brilliant war record, entering the service in 1861, and remaining until its close. He was first elected lientenant of Co. A, 35th N. Y. Inf .. and in a few months was promoted to captain. He subsequently became lienten- ant-colonel of his regiment, and in 1864 accepted the command of the 186th Regiment, and at the close of the war ranked as brevet brigadier-general of volunteers. Gen. Winslow was se- verely wounded April 2, 1865, in the assault upon the works in front of Petersburg, being shot through the body. He was elected district attorney in 1859, serving until he entered the service, and upon his return in 1865 was reelected and served three years. He served as mayor of the city in 1875, and in the fall of 1879 was elected state senator, serving one term. He is a leading member of the G. A. R.

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

A. H. Sawyer was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, in 1834. His father, George, was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman and an early preacher upon the Black River circuit. He was located at varions places in Jefferson County, and during his ministry at Sackets Har- bor the present Methodist Episcopal Clinrch was built. For eight years he was presiding elder. He died in 1880, and his wife, Mary Richardson, in 1885. Two children survive them: George C. Sawyer, an attorney of Syracuse, and A. H. The latter's education was academic, being prevented from a college course by ill health. His law studies were superintended by Amos G. Hill, of Oswego County. In 1857 Mr. Sawyer was admitted to practice and immediately be- came associated with Hon. James F. Starbuck, a noted politician and lawyer. These relations continued from July 1, 1857, until the death of Mr. Starbuck in 1880, during which period the firm was recognized as one of the best in the state. Since the death of his partner Judge Saw- yer has practiced alone. During the war he was a prominent and active worker for the Union canse. He was chairman of the Union and Republican Committee during most of this period, also president of the Union League, of Watertown. In 1867 he was nominated for county judge by acclamation, and elected, serving four years. He was renominated by acclamation, and reelected for a second term of six years. After the close of his judicial career he resumed assiduously his professional dnties. In 1885 he was elected a member of the board of education, of which he is now serving as president. Upon retirement from the bench he was elected general counsel for the Agricultural Insurance Co., for the United States and Canada, and in that connection has become widely known, and has acted as counsel for other companies. He is a director of the Agricultural Insurance Co., the Eames Vacuum Brake Co. (for which he is counsel), the Union National Bank (of which he is now serving as president), and the Carth- age, Watertown & Sackets Harbor Railroad. Judge Sawyer has served as one of the railroad commissioners for the town since 1880. For 20 years he has served as warden of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Wilbur F. Porter is a native of Herkimer County, where he was born in 1832. His parents, Andrew and Sally (Parkhurst) Porter, came to Jefferson County from Herkimer about 1842, and located in the town of Theresa, where they resided until the close of their lives. Wilbur F. Porter received an academic education, and commenced the study of law while teaching at Cape Vincent. His studies were continued in the office of Bagley & Wright, of Watertown, and in 1857 he was admitted to practice. In 1860 he located in Watertown, where he estab- lished and has since retained a leading position as a young lawyer. Mr. Porter was in the office of Bagley & Wright for a number of years, and for 10 years was a partner with E. B. Wynn. mn 1877 he formed his present copartnership by admitting Charles H. Walts, ex-county judge. Mr. Porter is a popular citizen, and has been elected mayor of the city four times, and is hold- ing that office now, by the unanimous selection of both political parties.

Hon. Frederick Lansing was born in Herkimer County in 1838. He received an academic education, and when 18 years of age came to Watertown and entered the office of Judge F. W. Hubbard. He remained under the instruction of Judge Hubbard until 1859. when he was ad- mitted to practice and to a partnership with his friend and preceptor. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 10th N. Y. H. A., and was chosen first lieutenant of his company. In June, 1863, he was promoted to adjutant of the 8th N. Y. Cav. At Bristow Station in October, 1863, he was dangerously wounded by a musket-ball, which passed through his body and disabled him from further service. He was in active and continuons service from the date of his enlist- ment until disabled, serving with the Army of the Potomac. After the close of the war he resumed the practice of his profession, and in 1873 became associated with Watson M. Rogers, which copartnership continued until Mr. Lansing was elected to the 51st Congress in the fall of 1888, from the 22d District. From 1881 to 1885 he served as state senator. He is emi- nently qualified for the high position to which he has been called.

John C. MeCartin was born in the town of Alexandria in 1840. He received a common school and academic education; worked on the farm till 1859, when he entered upon the study of the law, and two years later was admitted to practice. After being admitted for two years he was managing clerk in the office of the then celebrated law firm of Brown & Beach. He en- listed in the 14th N. Y. H. A., in 1863, and was promoted to first lieutenant of his company. He was discharged in the summer of 1864, on account of physical disability, and soon there- after resumed the practice of law at Watertown. He subsequently became associated with Hon. P. C. Williams, under the firm name of MeCartin & Williams. This firm continued till

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

Mr. Williams was elected justice of the Supreme Court, in 1883, since which time Mr. Mc- Cartin has "practiced alone. In the fall of 1889 he reluctantly consented to run for the office of county judge against Elon R. Brown, the Republican candidate, and although the Repub- lican majority in the county is large, he was elected.

Charles H. Walts was born in the town of Pamelia in 1839. His parents, William and Louisa (Allen) Walts, came from Otsego County, at an early day, to Jefferson County, where they still reside. Charles H. was educated in the schools of the county, having the advantage of attending the Jefferson County Institute. He commenced the study of law in the office of Clark & Colvin, and subsequently entered the Albany Law School, receiving his diploma in 1861, with the degree of B. A. He commenced practice in Theresa, but soon removed to Watertown, where he has since resided. He formed a partnership with Judge F. W. Hubbard, with whom he was associated until February, 1877, when he joined with Wilbur F. Porter, forming the firm of Porter & Walts, which still continues. He was elected to the bench in 1877, and reelected in 1883. Judge Walts served three years as city attorney and is prominent in political circles. He is succeeded as county judge since January, 1890, by John C. McCartin.

Francis N. Fitch was born in Fulton County in 1839. He commenced the study of law in Johnstown, N. Y., and was admitted to practice in 1863, immediately locating in Cape Vincent, where he remained nearly 10 years, and has since resided in Watertown. For a number of years he was managing clerk for Hon. F. W. Hubbard. He has devoted considerable atten- tion to the specialty of government claims, and has secured a large clientage. Mr. Fitch is also attorney for the Merchants' Protective Union.

Ross C. Scott, surrogate of Jefferson County, was born in Rutland in 1838, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Pierce) Scott. His father was a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Jefferson County. He was educated in the schools of the county, Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, and Genesee College at Lima, Livingston County, graduating in 1860. He studied law with Bagley & Wright, in 1863 was admitted to the bar, and has been in practice since, ex- cept when in office. He has served as justice of the peace, town clerk, and in the common council of the city: was elected surrogate in 1877, commenced his duties in January, 1878, has been successively reelected, and is now serving his third term.

Watson M. Rogers was born in Cape Vincent, December 3, 1846, and is a son of Fordyce M. and Eleanor (Van Nostrand) Rogers, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Jefferson County. Watson M. was a student in the High School of Watertown, and also at- tended the Jefferson County Institute. In 1867 he commenced the study of law, and the same year entered the Albany Law School, graduating therefrom in 1868. He subsequently studied in the office of Hammond & Winslow. of Watertown. In 1873 he became associated with Frederick Langsing, which partnership was dissolved upon the election of Mr. Lansing to Con- gress in 1888. Mr. Rogers is now continuing his practice alone, and has already achieved a high position among his colleagues. He served as district attorney for two terms, from 1874 to 1880.

Hannibal Smith, a leading educator and lawyer, was born in Oswego County, November 29, 1839. He prepared for college in the seminary and academy, and in 1860 entered Hamilton College, remaining one year. For two years following he was incapacitated for study on account of ill health, but in the fall of 1863 he reentered college and graduated third in his class in 1866. He received the first prize for oration, his subject being " Hamilton on the Constitu- tion." In the fall of 1866 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where he continued his studies one year. In 1867 he was elected principal of the Little Falls Acad- emy, where he remained until 1868, when he entered the law department of Hamilton, and in 1870 graduated and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court. The same year he was elected principal of the High School of Watertown and superintendent of the public schools of the city. He continued as principal of the High School until July, 1874, when he resigned. Mr. Smith then formed a partnership with Gen. Bradley Winslow, which continued until 1877, and since that time has conducted his business alone. He has always taken a deep inter- est in educational affairs, and has been a member of the board of education since 1874, for two years serving as president. He is a director of the Watertown Thermometer Company.

Joseph Mullin was born in Watertown in 1848, and is a son of Judge Joseph Mullin, whose sketch appears in the chapter devoted to the Bench and Bar. He was educated in the schools of Watertown and in the Polytechnic Institute of Troy. N.Y. His preliminary studies of the law

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

commenced in the office of his father, and were continued in Judge M. H. Merwin's office. He was admitted in 1871, and for a time was associated in practice with Judge Merwin. In 1876 he formed a partnership with Daniel G. Griffin, under the firm name of Mullin & Griffin, which is still maintained and largely interested in real estate operations.

Daniel G. Griffin, son of Maurice and Margaret (Flynn) Griffin, was born in Wilna in 1848. He was educated in the district schools, the High School of Watertown, and the Antwerp Academy. His study of the law was commeneed in the office of Hubbard & Walts, and in 1876 he was admitted to practice. Since 1876 he has been associated with Joseph Mullin.

Thomas F. Kearns was educated in the schools of Philadelphia, N. Y., supplemented by a three years course at the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary and one year at the Fort Edward Collegiate Institute. During his preliminary studies he was a teacher for five terms in various places. Deciding upon the legal profession, he entered the office of Wynn & Porter in 1871. and in 1872 was admitted to practice. Mr. Kearns continued in the office of his preceptors for several years as an assistant, and subsequently was for three years in the office of the late Ber- nard Bagley. Since 1876 he has been in constant practice. Mr. Kearns has served as a mem- ber of the board of health and as an excise commissioner, and has just served his tenth year as supervisor from his ward.

Breen Brothers (Thomas H. and Isaae R.) are attorneys in Watertown. Thomas H. was born in Lewis County, and commenced the study of law in the law office of Starbuck & Sawyer, and was admitted to practice in 1876. Isaac R. was a student in his brother's office and was admitted in November, 1888.

Henry Purcell, son of Michael and Susan (Keon) Purcell, was born in Wilna in 1848. He was reared and educated in the county, having the advantages of the Watertown High School and a two years' course in Antwerp Academy. He then became a teacher, and in 1872 entered the law office of J. C. McCartin. In the fall of 1872 he was elected school commissioner of the second district of the county, and served in that capacity three years, continuing his law studies in the meantime. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar, and was for three years with the firm of MeCartin & Williams as assistant. He then became a partner with the late Charles A. Sher- man, which association continued until the death of Mr. Sherman. In the fall of 1881 he was elected city recorder and served the four succeeding years. He has also served the city for two years as attorney, and has been a member of the school board for the past five years.

Stanton S. Trowbridge, son of Dr. William R. and Louisa M. (Smith) Trowbridge, was born in Watertown in 1854. His father was an old and esteemed practitioner of medicine. Stanton S. was educated in the schools of his native city, and in 1874 entered the office of Levi H. Brown, where he pursued the study of law. He was admitted to practice in 1877. but con- tinued in the office of Mr. Brown for many years. He is now in practice for himself and has fine prospects. Mr. Trowbridge has served as supervisor and for a number of years has been a member of the Democratic County Committee, and was its chairman in 1884.

William A. Nims, son of John H. and Abigail (Brown) Nims, was born in Cape Vincent in 1851. After attaining maturity he first engaged in farming, and in 1874 commenced the study of law in the office of Winslow & Smith in Watertown, continuing there one year. For two years subsequently he was with Hubbard & Walts, and was admitted to practice in 1877.

Hiram M. Wilbur, son of Hiram and Margaret (Wooley) Wilbur, was born in Le Ray in 1851. He was educated in the district schools, the Antwerp Academy, and the State Normal School at Oswego, and for several years was a teacher in various parts of the country. In 1875 he commenced the study of law in the office of Wyun & Porter, and was admitted in 1878, since which time he has been in practice. Mr. Wilbur served as justice of the peace in the city of Watertown four years.

Joseph Atwell, Jr., was born in Theresa in 1858. He was educated in the schools of Water- town, and was a law student in the law office of Mullin & Griffin. He was admitted to prae- tice in January, 1881, and for some time was managing clerk in the law office of MeCartin & Williams. He has served as city attorney two years (1885 and 1886), and for three years (1888, '89, and '90) has represented his ward in the county board of supervisors.

Elon R. Brown was born at Stone Mills, in the town of Orleans, October 9, 1857. His father, Elon Galusha Brown, for many years a storc-keeper at Stone Mills, and now deceased, was the eldest son of Rev. Parley Brown, a prominent local Baptist preacher for many years in this county, and the grandson of Ebenezer Brown, who came from Killingsly, Conn., and

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settled in the town of Lorraine about the beginning of this century. His mother, Lucretia R. Brown, is the daughter of Daniel C. Rouse, sheriff of this county in 1852, commissioned as brigadier-general of the state militia in the Patriot war, and for many years a leading Demo- cratic politican, and the granddaughter of William Rouse. who came from Stonington, Conn .. and earlier from Rhode Island, and settled in the town of Clayton among the first settlers. Elon R. moved with his parents to Watertown in 1868; graduated from the Watertown High School in 1874, Brown University in 1878, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Soon after his admission he formed a copartnership with L. J. Dorwin, which continued until recently, and is now in partnership with C. L. Adams. He has been actively engaged in his profession, and, with the exception of minor local offices, has never held office. He married Ettella B. Green, daugliter of Monroe and Frances M. Green, of Adams Center, in 1882, and three chil- dren were born to them.

Frank H. Peck, son of Abner W. and Laura (Pearsons) Peck, who are natives of Jefferson County, was born in this county in 1856. He was educated in the county schools and the St. Lawrence University, and in 1876 entered the Military Academy at West Point, from which insti- stution he was graduated in 1880. For two years following he was a civil engineer in the Western states and territories, and subsequently was appointed teacher of mathematics in St. Lawrence University. He was a law student in the offices of McCartin & Williams, of Water- town, and Russell & Post, of St. Lawrence County, and was admitted to the bar in 1884, since which time he has been a resident of Watertown and in practice here. He was elected dis- trict attorney, assuming his duties in January, 1887, and was reelected in the fall of 1889, which office he still holds.

Joseph A. McConnell, son of James A. and Jane (Thompson) McConnell, was born in Watertown, January 14, 1856. He was educated in the High School of Watertown and in Hamilton College, graduating from the latter institution with the class of '78. He commenced the study of law with Charles A. Sherman, continued with Sherman & Purcell, and was ad- mitted to practice in 1881. He soon after commenced practice in his native city, and from 1887 till November, 1889, was associated with F. H. Peck in the practice of the law. In 1885 Mr. McConnell was elected city recorder for a term of four years. He is now serving his second term as recorder, having been reëlected to that office in the year 1889.

Charles L. Adams is a native of Wisconsin, where he was born in 1852. He is a graduate of Hamilton College, and for several years was a teacher. He came to Watertown in 1878, and entered the office of John Lansing, under whose tutelage be remained until he was ad- mitted to the bar in 1882, and has since been in active practice. Mr. Adams was appointed city attorney in 1884, and again in 1889.

Edward P. Webb, son of Hiram and Hannah Webb, was born at Brownville in 1834. His paternal grandfather, Deacon Jonathan Webb, a prominent and early settler at Perch River, was a native of the county. His maternal grandfather. John McCombs, a native of Herkimer County, early settled in Pamelia, subsequently removing to the then unbroken wilderness in the town of Lyme, locating at what is still known as McCombs settlement. The subject of this sketch received the advantages of the excellent select and district schools then maintained at Perch River, when, at the age of 15 years, he attended the Ogdensburg Academy two terms. At the age of 16 he commenced teaching at Millen's Bay, teaching there several successive terms. In 1858 he attended the Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary one term, taking the graduating course. In 1859 he commenced the study of law with Thompson & Sternberg, remaining till the breaking out of the war, when, with the late Col. Spratt, he enlisted a company of light artil- lery, and subsequently organized another company, both of which were in the summer of 1861, attached to the 1st Regt. N.Y.Art. . He soon thereafter was promoted to be lieutenant of artil- lery, and assigned to Co. C, same regiment, with which he served until July, 1862, when he was again ordered on the recruiting service in connection with what was afterwards known as 10th N. Y. Art., being promoted captain of artillery. He commanded a battalion of this regi- ment until 1863, when he was ordered on duty at the war department. In 1880 he resumed the law, and has since been a practitioner, and since 1883 has been located at Watertown.

George H. Walker, son of Joseph T. and Dorcas (Bailey) Walker, was born in Brownville in 1859. His parents, who were natives of England, first located in Massachusetts, and sub- sequently in Jefferson County. George H. was educated in Watertown High School and Wes- leyan University of Middletown, Conn., where he graduated in 1881. He studied law with

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

Mullin & Griffin, was admitted in 1884, and in practice until his appointment as deputy county clerk in November, 1887.

Brayton A. Field, son of Safford E. and Phebe (Allen) Field, was born in 1853 in Houns- field, his parents' native town. His grandparents were natives of Vermont, and his father's father located at Field's Settlement in 1806. On his mother's side his ancestors were descend- ants from the old Ethan Allen stock; on his father's they were a branch of that family of which David Dudley and Stephen Field are members. Brayton A. graduated from the Water- town High School in 1873, and from Dartmouth College in 1878. He then became principal of Proctor Academy, Andover, N. H. In 1883 he began the study of law with O'Brien & Emer- son; was admitted April 20, 1886, and has since been in practice in this city.

Harvey W. Steele is a native of Jefferson County, and a son of Lafayette and Lois (Nash) Steele, also natives of the county. He was educated in the district school and Hungerford Col- legiate Institute, and was a teacher for five years. In the spring of 1883 he entered the office of Judge A. H. Sawyer, and was admitted to practice in 1886.

Edgar C. Emerson was born in Brownville in 1850, and is descended from one of the oldest families in the county. He commenced the study of law in 1870, was admitted in 1871, and since 1874 has been in practice in Watertown. He has served as city attorney, and also two terms as district attorney.

James A. Ward was born in Watertown in 1854. He commenced the study of law in 1876 in the office of Hon. Denis O'Brien, was admitted in 1879, and has since been in practice, for a time a member of the firm of O'Brien, Emerson & Ward.

George S. Hooker, a native of Jefferson County, was born in 1848, and comes from old and influential families. He commenced the study of law with Starbuck & Sawyer, was ad- mitted to practice in 1877, and has since been in practice, serving as city attorney for three terms.

Samuel Child was born in Le Ray in 1857, and is a son of Joseph Child, also a native of the county, and whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers here. Samuel was educated in the schools of Watertown, commenced the study of law in the office of John Lansing, and subsequently continued with Dorwin & Brown. He was admitted to practice in 1883.

BUSINESS SKETCHES.

Streeter, Brimmer & Olean are proprietors of the Grand Central clothing house. In 1823 Nelson W. Streeter, grandfather of the senior member of the above firm, began business in Watertown. He continued until 1866, and had associated with him for many years his son John C., the firm name being N. W. Streeter & Son. D. A. Smith was the next member of this firm, the name changing to Smith & Streeter, which continued for six years. About 1872 Henry A. Hanford purchased the interest of Mr. Smith, the firm becoming, by this change, Streeter & Hanford. Mr. Smith subsequently repurchased an interest, which he soon sold to D. B. Dewey, establishing the firm of J. Streeter & Co., which continued as such for a number of years. Upon the retirement of Mr. Dewey the firm became J. C. Streeter & Son, by the admission of F. W. Streeter, who had been connected with the house for years. Upon the re- tirement of John C. Streeter his son, F. W. Streeter, organized the present house in 1881. The firm consists of F. W. Streeter, H. J. Brimmer, and F. W. Olean. Mr. Strecter possesses supe- rior business attributes, and is a worthy descendant of a line of honorable business men. Henry J. Brimmer has been a business man of Jefferson County since 1857. He was for sev- eral years in business in Adams Center and Adams, and established an excellent reputation. F. W. Olean is a native of Watertown, and since the age of 15 years has been connected with the house of which he is now a partner. It will thus be seen that this firm succeeded to the oldest established clothing house in Jefferson County. Their place of business, No. 16 Public Square, is one of the most spacious and attractive in the city, and their trade extends over Northern New York.

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Geographical gazetteer of Jefferson county, N.Y. 1684-1890, Part 117

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