Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 107

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094

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schools for a time, then the seminary at Nor- walk, O., Baldwin Institute, Berea, O., and Oberlin College. He entered the 2nd Dra- goons U. S. A., in 1849, serving up to the breaking out of the Rebellion. He was a member of B Co., Capt. Blake, 9th Indiana Vols., under Colonel, afterward Gen. Robert H. Milroy, in the first three months' cam- paign in West Virginia. He reported to Gen. George B. Mcclellan at Grafton, West Va., and was sent by him on important scout- ing service ; was in the battles of Phillipi, at Laurel Hill, and Carrick's Ford. At the close of the three months' campaign, he was appointed by Gov. Oliver P. Morton to the command of a camp near Indianapolis, and finally went to the front as 1st Lieutenant

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and Adjutant of the 33rd Indiana Volunteers, Col. Coburn. Resigning from that command at the end of eighteen months' service, he be- came major of cavalry, and later was con- nected with the artillery of the 23rd Corps, under Gen. Schofield. He was once in Libby prison, and the Andersonville stockade 15

days. He participated in several of the hardest-fought battles of the war, and was several times wounded. He has an honorable discharge and is a pensioner. He is the au- thor of our history of Cape Vincent but not of this sketch. J. A. H.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

JOHN B. GRAPOTTE was born in Cham- plette, France, in 1826, came with his father, Augustus Grapotte, to the United States. The family bought and settled upon a farm in LeRay, where they continued to reside until the death of the father. John B., the subject of this sketch, being desirous of learning a trade, chose that of a painter, which he learned of William Casse, Sr., at Evans Mills, in 1848-9, working a part of the time in Syracuse. In 1850 he opened a shop in Cape Vincent, which he ran for about five years. He was married to Rosalia Cocagne in 1851, and in 1855 went into a hotel at Cape Vincent, which he kept for five years, pur- chasing a hotel at Three Mile Bay, in 1860. He kept this house five years, and then re- turned to Cape Vincent, where he entered into partnership with R. J. Smith in the drug and grocery business, selling out in 1868 to Dr. Bushnell and E. C. Kelsey, and opening a general store, which he kept for 31 years, and finally sold out to his son, John H., who still continues the business. Mr. Grapotte has always been a prominent citi- zen, having been a trustee and president of the village, and president for several years of the Cape Vincent Agricultural Society.

CHARLES B. CAREY was born in Richland, N. Y. In 1847 he removed to the town of Lyme, and thence to Cape Vincent in 1866, locating at St. Lawrence, where he keeps a general store, and for several years has been the postmaster. He married Miss Lydia Tarbell, of Cape Vincent, and has raised an interesting and accomplished family of daughters. Mr. Carey is a musical. composer of much talent, and some of his compositions are meeting with great favor with the public. Prompt to aid in everything that tends to elevate and better his kind, Mr. Carey is a good citizen, and an acquisition to the com- munity in which he lives.

JOHN G. ROSEBOOM is the son of John H. Roseboom, of Amsterdam, N. Y. He was born in Albany, to which city his father had removed. The family came to Cape Vincent in 1851. John G. was a soldier in the Union army, having enlisted in D company, 122d N. Y. Vols. He participated in the battle of the Wilderness, was wounded and taken pris- oner, May 5, 1864, and confined in the An- dersonville Stockade, where he remained several months ; from there he was taken to Millen Stockade, and was one of the last squad released from that prison and for- warded to Savannah, where he was paroled

Dec. 5, 1864. He first heard of Lee's sur- render at Fortress Monroe, while on his way to join his regiment at or near City Point. Mr. Roseboom has been for many years a hardware merchant in Cape Vicent, where he married, and has raised an interesting family. He has been once the president and several time a trustee of the village.

HORACE C. STOEL was born in Hounds- field. He is the son of William Stoel, who for many years was a hotel-keeper at Stowell's Corners. The family came to Cape Vincent when Horace was but 12 years of age, and settled on what is now the Charles Gozier farm, where the lad was initiated into the mysteries of farnı-life, in the meantime pick- ing up all the knowledge he could at the dis- trict school. In 1852 he fully satisfied his desire for travel by a trip to California in search of gold. On his return he purchased the farm where he now resides, and which he has made a model. He married Miss Anna Irving, daughter of James Irving, Esq. They have six children, four sons and two daughters. Mr. Stoel has now two farms, one of 115 acres, the other 202 acres. He has in the past engaged quite largely in stock- raising ; some extra fine cattle and horses be- ing the result. For six years he was one of the town assessors and president of the Cape Vincent Agricultural Society for several years. He has been a successful farmer, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his fel- low citizens.

FRED STOWELL is a son of Horace T. It will be noticed that he has adopted the more modern English way of spelling the name, Stowell, rather than the old Huguenot Stoel, to which his father rigidly adheres. Fred was born in Cape Vincent, raised on a farm, educated at the district school, and at Ives and Cazenovia seminaries, and at the Albany Law school, reading law in the office of Porter and Walts, Watertown. Spending a few years in the West, he returned to Cape Vincent, and has now settled down to the practice of his profession in which those who best know him prophesy that he will achieve success.

SIDNEY S. BLOCK is the only son of Sig- mund Block and Lucy (Niles) Block, of Cape Vincent. Sigmund Block, new de- ceased, was born in Tloss, Germany, in 1812, and in 1846 came to Cape Vincent. He was an active merchant for 44 years, retiring for some years before his death. Sidney S. was brought up to mercantile pursuits, educated

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

at the Cape Vincent schools, became a tele- graph operator, and an insurance agent, and is now cashier and principal stockholder in the Bank of Cape Vincent.

HANDLEY N. BUSHNELL, M. D., is a son of Dr. Handley Bushnell, who resided in Cape Vincent at the time of his death, an able and prominent physician. Handley N. has practiced medicine successfully for many years, besides carrying on a large drug busi- ness. His recent discoveries in the way of new remedies, are not only making him known throughout the country, but are proving very remunerative, because of their popularity.

JOHN F. CONSTANCE, JR., is a son of Law- rence Constance, Jr., who was a native of Germany, and who came to Cape Vincent in 1840, locating in the French Settlement with his parents. John F. early evinced a taste for business, and on the death of his brother- in-law, the lamented Alfred E. Gregor, who was a clothing merchant, he took charge of the business to settle up the estate on behalf of his sister, and finally purchasing the stock, he began business for himself, in which he has proved successful, and won for himself a position among the best merchants of the village.

LEVI ROUSSEAU is the son of Cyrille Rous- seau, who was a native of Canada, but who came to Cape Vincent, where he yet resides. Levi was born and raised in Cape Vincent, and received his education in the village schools. A lover of horses from his child- hood, he has, since old enough to handle them, been more or less a dealer in them. He is now the proprietor of the livery stable in the village, and the owner of some speedy trotters. Mr. Rousseau is also a constable of the town, and one of its most efficient offi- cers.

JAMES L. DUNNING is a son of Eli L. Dun- ning, who was a native of Connecticut, and a soldier in the War of 1812. His grand- father was Luther Dunning, a captain in the War of the Revolution. James E., the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., May 12, 1834, and with his parents came to Cape Vincent in 1835. He was raised on a farm, and gained his education in the common schools. In 1857 he married Miss Julia B. Cary, and they have one son and three daughters: Claude C., of El Paso, Texas, Maggie E., Nora M. and Inez M., who is deceased. Mr. Dunning is the present postmaster of Cape Vincent, in which office, with the very efficient aid of his accomplished daughters, he has succeeded admirably in giving satisfaction to the public.

JOSEPH C. GREGOR is the son of Charles Gregor, deceased. He was born in Chicago, and came to Cape Vincent at nine years of age, and began work in the clothing store of his uncle, Alfred E. Gregor, now deceased, where he staid several years. After the death of his uncle, he entered into partner- ship with Frank Dezengremel, 'Esq., in the grocery business, and at the end of two

years purchased the entire interest. With the business in his own hands, the young merchant made a success from the start, con- stantly increasing the extent of his trade until burned out in the disastrous fire of September 24, 1894. Nothing daunted, he has again begun business in a new store on the same site, which is in every way a model. Always noted for the style and quality of his goods, Mr. Gregor proposes to fully sustain his reputation ; and he is pre- pared to supply the wants of the people along many lines not usually found in stores of the kind. Here will be found the finest grades of fishing tackle and sportsmen's sup- plies, and fancy goods of every description, besides all the best standard groceries known to the trade. Mr. Gregor has very recently taken an accomplished partner, in the person of Miss Elizabeth Kanaley, of Clayton, on which he is yet receiving the congratulations of his many friends. May the partnership be long and happy.

PETER GARLOCH is a son of Peter Garloch, deceased, a native of Germany, who came to Cape Vincent in 1856. Mr. Garloch is a prosperous boot and shoe merchant, of Cape Vincent. He married Miss Nellie Ewings, of Kemptville, Ont., and they have a family of interesting children.

ADAM I. CRATSENBURG is a son of John A. and grandson of Adam Cratsenburg, a soldier of the Revolution. He was born in Johnstown, N. Y., April 6, 1817, and came to Cape Vincent as keeper of Tibbett's Point light, in 1866. He married Miss Mary Grems, of Minden, Montgomery county, N. Y., by whom he had 11 children. Mr. Crats- enburg served two years in Company I, 35th N. Y. Infantry, and re-enlisted in Company M, 15th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. He was in the battles of Rappahannock Station, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Fredericksburg, Wil- derness, Antietam and South Mountain. On the 2nd of June, 1864, he was wounded, lost an arm, was captured and confined in Libby Prison two months and 11 days. He was honorably discharged January 20, 1865.

RICHARD A. DAVIS is the son of Henry S. Davis, deceased. He was born in Mont- gomery county, and in 1873 came to Cape Vincent, where he now resides. He married Miss Lydia Brook, of Belleville, Ont., by whom he has four children. Mr. Davis was a sergeant in Company H, 11th U. S. Infan- try during the late rebellion. He took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsyl- vania, in front of Petersburg and before Richmond, in one of which he was wounded.

At the close of hostilities he was for some time in charge of one of the supply stations in Richmond. He now deals in real estate in Cape Vincent, makes collections, and is a successful practitioner in the Justice's Court.

CHRISTOPHER CLARK is a son of John D. Clark, deceased. He is a native of Cape Vincent, and the proprietor of a livery stable, besides carrying on a large teaming business. He married Miss Arzelia Brougham, by whom

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he has several children. He served during the late war in Co. M, 10th N. Y. H. A. for three years and was honorably discharged. He was wounded at Fort Richmond, and at the time of Lee's surrender, he was a wound- dresser in the hospital at Washington.

E. CARLOS KELSEY is a son of Eli Kelsey, who settled in Cape Vincent in 1808. Carlos was born in Cape Vincent, and educated in the district schools. He married Miss Anna M. Preston, daughter of Rev. J. B. Preston, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman. They have three children: Louis Preston, Laura A., and Mary M. Louis P. is a book-keeper for the Detroit Stove Works. Miss Laura A., is an accomplished young lady, a graduate of the Oxford (O.) Female College ; Miss Mary M., has partially completed her studies in a celebrated school for young ladies in Detroit. Mr. Kelsey has for many years done a large business in both fire and life insurance. The author is indebted to him for valuable infor- mation.

FREDERICK G. SHAFER is a son of William Shafer, a native of Nida, Germany, who came to this country in 1831, locating on a farm in Cape Vincent. Frederick G. was raised on a farm, and received his education in the common schools ; he became one of Cape Vincent's prominent and successful farmers. He married Miss Frank Frazell, and they have two daughters, Nettie and Elsie, the former recently married. Mr. Shafer has lately gone into general merchan- dizing, and bids fair to be a success in his new line of business.

ELISHA WARREN, from Massachussetts, came to Houndsfield, where he located on a farm among the early settlers of the town, and there remained until his death. He married Lydia Potter, of Houndsfield, and, of his eight children, Rensselaer removed to Hen- derson, where he died at the age of 39 years. He married Charlotte, daughter of Doctor David and Hannah (Sherwood) Dickerson, of Redfield, Oswego Co., N. Y., and their chil- dren were Glorian C., Marion A., Lafayette M., Oscar M., Antoinette A. and George W. The latter, who was born in Houndsfield, came to Cape Vincent in May, 1852, at the age of 51, engaging in the mercantile trade, which he continued for over 20 years. He married Mary A. Forsyth, of Cape Vincent, daughter of John W. and Sarah (Rogers) Forsyth, and their children are Charlotte M., Sarah C., George R. and Jennie A. He was elected and served as Town Clerk three years, having the support of both political parties ; was commissioned in 1867 by Governor Fen- ton Adjutant of 36th Regiment National Guard, State of New York, with rank of First Lieutenant. In 1873 he engaged in the lum- ber trade in Canada, which was continued for four years ; after which he became connected with the United States customs service as Inspector of. Bonded Merchandise for two years, and was then appointed by President Hayes Collector of Customs for the District of Cape Vincent, N. Y., for four years from

March, 1879. He was re-appointed by Presi- dent Arthur for another term of four years, which he served in full, the last two years being under President Cleveland. He then re-engaged in his former occupation, and is now doing a successful business in general merchandise in the village of Cape Vincent. During the Rebellion Mr. Warren was chair- man of the War Committee of town of Cape Vincent, for the purpose of securing volun- teers and supplying wants of soldiers' fami- lies that might be in need.

ABNER ROGERS, a native of West Spring- field, died at Cape Vincent, N. Y., in 1875, in his 79th year. He moved to that place (then Gravelly Point), with his father's fam- ily in 1809, and remained until 1813. During the first year of the War of 1812, he was a member of an independent rifle company, and did good service at Sackets Harbor and other points on the frontier. At the end of that year he returned to his old home, and apprenticing himself to his "Uncle Hosea" Bliss, he learned the blacksmith trade, then married Laura Wolcott, and managed a shop for himself, in which he labored until 1835, when, with his family, which had been in- creased by three boys, he again moved to Cape Vincent, where he took up a tract of land at the foot of Lake Ontario, which was then a primitive forest, and by dint of an in- dustry that never tired and a constitution of iron, chopped, cleared, built, fenced, cultivated and beautified it, so that he obtained a com- petency and a delightful home. He is men- tioned in the West Springfield centennial proceedings as "the famous drummer and blacksmith who went to the Black River country in Northern New York." For many years he attended the "general trainings" and Fourth of July celebrations, always taking a place in the band with his drum. On these occasions, even after he had reached his three- score-and-ten, his step was wonderfully elas- tic, and his eye burned with the fire of youth. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and died, as he lived, a good man. His son, Augustus, occupies the old home in Cape Vincent.

JOHN H. NIMS was born at Fort Ann, N. Y., and in 1823 came to Cape Vincent. He married Abigail, daughter of William and Sally (Boutwell) Brown, of Orleans, and his children are Frances E., Annette L., Sarah S., William A. and Charles W. He married for his second wife Miss Almira Robinson, of Cape Vincent. He has resided at his present location on road 54 for 31 years.

GEORGE LANIGER was born in Cape Vin- cent, where he married Jane, daughter of John B. and Margaret (Coenaire) Brunot, by whom he has two children, George B. and Eva A., and is a farmer on road 14, corner 19, in this town.

WILLIAM MAJO was born in St. Jacobs, Canada, and in 1825 came to this town. He married Mary Butler, and their children are Bruce, Albert C., William M., Natilla L. and Mary F., and he is a farmer on Carleton

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Island, where he has resided 35 years. Albert C. Majo married Mary E. Parsons, of Mus- kegon, Mich., where he now resides. He has three children.

JOHN ARMSTRONG, born in this town, mar- ried Elizabeth, daughter of William and Hannah (Moore) Stowell, by whom he had five children, viz: William, Annie, Robert, Brayton and Charles He is now a farmer on road 49, where he has resided 18 years. He has the confidence of his townsmen, and has held the office of assessor for six years. His son Charles is a general merchant at Cape Vincent village, of the firm of Burdic & Armstrong.

FRANK WILEY, born in Cape Vincent, mar- ried first, Mary, daughter of Edward Ellens, who bore him four children, viz : Josie, May, Gertie and Ernst. By his second wife, Martha, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Lawyer) Shell, he has one daughter, Flora, and they reside on the farm where he was born. Peter Wiley, a farmer, married Mary, daughter of Peter and Mary (Aran) Zimmerman, of this town, and their children are Frances, Eddie, Fred, Ella and Albert,

URIEL M. BURNETT was born in Gouver- neur, and in 1839, at the age of 17 years, lo- cated in this town on road 4, where he now resides. He married Almira, daughter of George and Mary (Gordinier) Simmons, of Fredericksburg, Canada, and they have three children, viz: Anna A., Theodore W. and Clarence E. He served in the late war in Co. M, 10th New York Heavy Artillery, was disabled, and is now a pensioner.

LOUIS R. DEZENGREMEL was born in this town. He married Esther, daughter of John B. and Rose (Cocagne) Grapotte, by whom he has three children, viz: Marion C., Es- telle R. and Alfred L. He resides on the homestead farm. Frank Dezengremel, son of Francis P., married Harriet J., daughter of Joseph and Cornelia (Calvin) Crevolin, and their children are: Edna M. and Ray- mond F. He is a retired merchant at Cape Vincent, where he resides on the homestead. Charles Dezengremel, son of Francis P., married Clarissa A., daughter of Charles A. and Genevieve (Brauch) Gosier, and their children are Charles E., Sadie G. and Walter E. and Wallace (twins). He is a farmer.

PETER FRALEY was born in this town, married Julia, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Barberry) Adams, and their children are George J. W., Malinda C., Frank, Mell- ford P., Christopher E., Ella N. and Mary B. He is a farmer and miller, and has re- sided on the homestead farm for 22 years. Mrs. Fraley's father, Christopher Adams, a native of Germany, came to this town in 1845. His nine children were Peter H., Christopher, Julia (Mrs. Fraley), Mary Ann, Margaret, Katie, Mary B., George and Eliza- beth.

BRAINARD RICE married Electa A., daugh- ter of Philetus and Eliza (Holcomb) Judd, their children are Albert E., Charles O. and Jessie A. They reside on the homestead farm.

ANDREW F. McWAYNE was born in Houndsfield in 1820. He married Lorina C., daughter of Daniel T. and Catharine (Ding- man) Patterson, and his children are: Ella A., Fred E., Kittie C. and Carrie. He has lived nearly 50 years on road 54. His daughter Kittie C., married Clarence E., a son of James and Mary Wiggins, of Lyme.

ALLEN WILSON was born in LeRay, came to Cape Vincent in 1856, and still resides here. He married Emily I., daughter of Othniel and Louie (Hubbard) Spinning, of this town, and is now a retired farmer.

GEORGE SAUNDERS came from England to Cape Vincent with his parents. He married, first, Mary A. Tarrant, and they had three children : William H., Marian E. and Oscar. He married, second, Georgie, daughter of James and Adelia (Fuller) Folger, of Cape Vincent, by whom he has four children, viz : Minnie G., Hiram B., Clara C. and G. Blake. He is now a farmer in this town, where he has resided 21 years. Joseph Saunders was born in England, and came to Cape Vincent with his father. He married Harriet A., daughter of John A. and Clarissa (Hollen- beck) Vincent of this town, by whom he had three children, viz: William and Cora, de- ceased, and Josephine. He is a resident of Cape Vincent, and has been a lake captain for over 20 years.

JAMES H. TUFT was born in Canada, and came to Cape Vincent in 1871. He mar- ried Maria T., daughter of Nicholas and Jane (Servet) Saillet, of this town, and their chil- dren are: Annie L., Jennie E., LaFayette E. and Jane T. James H. Tuft enlisted in Company A, 8th Ohio Infantry, for three years, or during the war, was honorably dis- charged, and is now a farmer in this town.

THOMAS W. S. MASSON was born in St. Andrews, Scotland, located in Canada in 1827, where he now resides. He married Margaret Greig, who bore him seven chil- dren. viz: James, Sarah, Ellen, William, Norman, Stewart and Thomas. The latter, was born in Seymour, Northumberland county, Canada, and came to Cape Vincent in 1875, where he has been since located as a physician and surgeon. He graduated from Queen's University, at Kingston, Canada, in 1872. He married Mary, daughter of Jere- miah Selter, of Lyme, and they have one son, Jeremiah S. Dr. Masson is a very suc- cessful practitioner.

DANIEL FITZGERALD was born in Lewis county, and in 1878 removed to Cape Vin- cent, where he died in 1885, aged 56 years. He married Alice, daughter of John and Mary (Hayes) Kanaley, who bore him seven children, viz: John, Michael, William, Mor- ris, Mary, Eugene and Daniel L. The latter was born in Clayton, and in 1877 removed to this town, where he now resides. He mar- ried Sophia, daughter of Patrick and Mary (Furlong) Walsh, of Cape Vincent, and they have three children. Mr. Fitzgerald has served as supervisor of Cape Vincent, and also president of the village.

R. W. & O. R. R .- SUGAR RIVER BRIDGE .- LOCKS ON BLACK RIVER CANAL.

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CHAMPION.

THIS town, embracing Township No. 4 of the 11 towns, was formed from Mexico by an act of March 14, 1800, including all that part of the present town of Denmark, north of Deer river. It received its name from Gen. Henry Champion, of Colchester, Connecticut, who was one of the early proprietors of this town, and also very extensively interested in lands in Ohio, and in the western part of this State.

It is the central town on the south-east border of the county. Its surface is broken and hilly. The most elevated portion is the hill in the south angle, known as " Cham- pion Peak," which is 1,700 feet above tide water. From its summit the land descends in a series of broken terraces to Black River. These terraces are undoubtedly the result of glacial action in the earliest times, followed by erosive waterways, whose action can now be plainly traced to the bank of the river. The soil is generally a clay loam, but near the river in some places it is sandy. The north part was more level. Taken as a whole, the town of Champion is a wonder- fully productive, and has always been a prosperous town. In dividing the 11 towns, this, then known as Howard, fell to the share of Harrison & Hoffman, and by them was sold to Gen. Henry Champion.

The supervisors elected previous to 1854, are as follows : 1800-14. Noadiah Hubbard ; 1815, Wilkes Richardson; 1816-17, Stowell Warner; 1818-20, N. Hubbard; 1821, Eseck Lewis; 1822-26, N. Hubbard; 1827, Samuel Dean. At a special town meeting in Octo- ber, Eseck Lewis was chosen to fill a vacancy ; 1828-29, Henry D. Cadwell; 1830- 33, Otis Loomis; 1834-38, Richard Hurlburt ; 1839-40, David Smith ; 1841-43, John Pool, Jr .; 1844, E. Lewis; 1845, James C. Lynde ; 1846, David Smith; 1847, John Pool. Jr .; 1848, William VanHosen; 1849, D. Smith ; 1850, William VanHosen; 1851-53, Benajah A. Lewis. The names from 1854 to the present date (1894), are given on pages 337 to 344.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 107

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823- Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094