Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 110

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

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JOEL HUBBARD, with his brothers Noadiah, Fairchild, Bela and Stephen, came to Cham- pion in 1799. Joel took up a wilderness farm and erected a log house, and with his wife (who was Mercy Austin), established a home in the new country. They were the parents of 13 children, four of whom died in infancy. The nine who lived to an advanced age are : Edward, Clement, Joel A., Charles, Wealthy, Phoebe, Julia Ann, Laura and Cherille, all of whom, except the latter, married and raised families in the town of Champion. Two of this remarkable family survive. Wealthy (widow of the late R. K. Knowles, of West Carthage, who at the advanced age of 90 years, has a wonderful memory,) and Charille, a maiden lady, also of West Carthage.

JOEL AUSTIN HUBBARD, who died in 1888, and J. Austin Hubbard, Jr., (a merchant at Black River,) have each in turn inherited the family name and the farm, which was deeded to Joel by Storrs and Champion, and has descended through three genera- tions. The descendants of Joel are numerous, many of them prosperous farmers, and they have all remained near the localities where their ancestors first settled.

ZELOTES DODDRIDGE MERRIAM

WAS born in Champion, January 2, 1818, son of Daniel Doud Merriam and Eunice Cady, who came from Connecticut in the year 1805, making a permanent residence in 1806. They settled near Champion Huddle. They were distant relatives of Clinton L. Merriam and General Merriam, the old stage proprietor. The father died at 77, and is buried in the Champion cemetery, leaving four sons and two daughters, viz : Zelotes, the subject of this sketch, Royal G. Merriam, John H. Mer- riam and Willis G. Merriam, Maria F. (Mer- riam) Hamblin, of Mich., and Mary P. (Mer- riam) Brown, of Baraboo, Wis. Royal, John and Mary are deceased. Zelotes was married Aug. 11th, 1840, to Lorinda Fitts, of Cham- pion, who was the mother of Josephine, Mrs. Oscar Hopkins, of Romeo, Mich. In 1855 he was again married to Adele Guyot, of Carthage, who has one son, Victor Z. Merri- am, who inherits the genius of his ancestors on both sides, which enables him to take up almost any kind of mechanism. Zelotes had the benefit of the common schools of that era. He also early developed mechanical in- genuity, which manifested itself in manufac- turing the various utensils used upon the farm, from a bob-sleigh to an ox-yoke. This mechanical capacity became an active force when he resolved to build wagons and carri- ages, a business he commenced with his

brothers at Champion Huddle, and which broadened out into a large and remunerative enterprise, employing some dozen men manufacturing vehicles that found ready ac- ceptance among the farmers far and near. This business the Merriams continued for 25 years, and it was sold out finally to two of their workmen, the Merriams retiring with a competency after developing quite a large business in the Western country, mainly in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, Mr. Mer- riam moved to the eastern portion of Cham- pion in 1863, where he has continued to re- side up to the present time. He is an hon- ored and valued citizen, and though age is making encroachments, his mind is as clear as ever, and he promises to last a dozen years yet. He has held town offices, serving as poormaster for a long time; is an elder in the Church of the Disciples, and is univer- sally esteemed for his estimable Christian character. He has declined more positions than he has ever accepted.

Mrs. Merriam, present wife of Zelotes D. Merriam, is the daughter of Bazille Guyot, who came to Carthage in 1816, having been induced to leave France at the solicitation of Mr. Le Ray, who was anxious to secure com- petent artizans and mechanics for the villages his enterprise and energy were planting upon his extended possessions. It was the 16th of

MR. AND MRS. ZELOTES MERRIAM, OF WEST CARTHAGE, N. Y.

R., W. & O. R. R .- MILL CREEK NEAR LOWVILLE.

ROME, WATERTOWN AND OGDENSBURG RAILROAD.

R. W. & ). R.R .- LYONS FALLS.

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CHAMPION.

June, 1816, when Mr. Guyot reached Carth- age, and there were six inches of snow on the ground. That was the phenominally cold year, so frequently alluded to in history. Mr. Guyot proved the best kind of an acqui- sition to the young village, for he could turn his hand to anything, and he became succes- sively the village miller, wagon builder and furniture manufacturer, not fearing to do a job at house-building, nor indeed failing in ability to carry forward any enterprise de- manding mechanical skill and judgment, for he was an able workman in Paris before com- ing to America, and that city was then the center of art and mechanism for all Europe. His wife was Mary Francis Le Roux, a beau- tiful French woman, as is evidenced by her portrait, painted by the celebrated Madame De Ferret, and preserved in an enlarged form by her daughter.

The Guyots reared a large family, four boys and five girls, all of whom have filled honorable positions in society, their industry predominating over all other traits save their mechanical ability, which is their legiti- mate inheritance from their father. Bazille Guyot died in 1865, and his wife in 1843. His second wife, Margaret (Keyes) Guyot survives him at an advanced age.

The first store ever opened in Carthage, was kept in the dwelling of the Guyots on upper State street, by an Italian named Ormando.

The following well known natives of Car- thage are brothers and sisters of Mrs. Mer- riam ; Minor Guyot was the eldest son and was his father's assistant, until the latter's death. Minor Guyot, at an early age, be-

came identified with the business interests of Carthage and established a wool-carding mill, which, however, proved an unfortunate in- vestment, for he was burned out twice in succession. He built the greater part of the plank-road from Carthage to Antwerp. He was one of the leading spirits in securing the village charter in 1841, and in the organiza- tion of a fire department the following year. He carried on a grist and saw-mill, on a site purchased of Le Ray de Chaumont. He was married March 31, 1857, to Maria, daughter of Dr. Eli West. Minor Guyot died Decem- ber 30, 1893, aged 71 years, and Mrs. Guyot died December 14, 1883, aged 55 years.

Joseph Victor, the third son, has been for many years a citizen of Carthage, and is now the owner of the grist-mill on the east side of the river, on what is known as Guyot's isl- and, on the site of his father's mill.

Harriet, the second daughter, is the wife of Dr. Seth French, the popular surgeon of the 35th N. Y. Volunteers. They are now residents of Flordia.

Sophia, the third daughter, became the wife of Mr. Zelotes Wood, and they now re- side in Watertown.

Louise, the fourth daughter, is still a resi- dent of Carthage, the wife of Christian Oberly, the jeweler.

Fred Guyot, the younger son, has been a life-long resident of Carthage and owns a furniture shop on Guyot's Island, and the fine carving he does evinces the ability which he possesses in no small degree, descended from his father, of whom he has but little recollection. They have been a numerous, respectable and industrious family.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

JOHN L. GOLDSMIDT was born near Lon- don, England, in November, 1789, of wealthy parents, and in youth entered the British army, with a commission as second lieuten- ant of cavalry, and was eventually promo- ted to lieutenant-colonel. He served in the war of the Spanish peninsula, under Sir John Moore, and acted as aid to Sir Arthur Wellesly (afterward Duke of Wellington). He had his arm broken at the battle of Vit- toria, and was present at the battle of Sala- manca, and was several times wounded in other engagements. He was knighted by John VI., then regent of Portugal, and served in the campaign of Waterloo, though at the time of the great battle he was on de- tached service. After the peace of 1815 he went to the East Indies. He was taken sick and sold his commission, and returned to England in 1821, when he was troubled with fever for eight years. He subsequently traveled for 10 years in various parts of the world. At his father's death he received $300,000, of which he lost half in French stocks, and, finally, in 1829, found himself in New York with barely $3,000. He removed

thence to Champion, in Jefferson county, where he subsequently married, and a few years later removed to Watertown, where he resided until his death, December 8, 1853, aged 64 years.

SYLVESTER MIX, son of Joel, was born in 1795, and was four years of age when his pa- rents located in Champion. He married Hannah, daughter of John Reed, of Low- ville, and settled in Champion. He had five children, Mary, Nahar, George, David and Joel.

JOEL MIX was born March 27, 1830. In 1852 he married Abigail D., daughter of George and Lydia (Selleck) Fulton, and en- gaged in farming in Champion. He was one of the road commissioners of the town, and the author of the Carthage Grange. He was also prominently identified with the Car- thage Agricultural Society. He died Septem- ber 3, 1894, aged 64 years. He was a valued citizen, and honored by his neighbors as an upright man.

LEONARD HARRIS was born in Herkimer county in 1792, and when quite young came to Champion with his father. He married

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Miss Lucinda Thompson, of Champion, and resided in that town until his death, January 24, 1873. His children were as follows : Roena, Alfred, Rachel, Clarissa, Guilford, Lovicie, Erastus, Chester and Jane S. Mr. Harris was a soldier of the War of 1812 and a pensioner at the time of his death. Mrs. Harris died in August, 1831. He again married in 1833.

JAMES STEWART was one of the early set- tlers of the town of Champion. His chil- dren are: Rachel (Mrs. Dr. Eli West, of Carthage, deceased); Thomas, who married Lydia Sillick, of Champion; Alfred, who never married ; Orson, who married Sophro- nia M. Clark, of Martin street, deceased ; · Sarah (Mrs. Ira Paddock), deceased, and Ab- ner C., who married Clara McNeil, of Great Bend. Abner was born in 1821, and enlisted in August, 1862, serving in Co. C, 35th N. Y. Vol. Infantry. He was injured while going up the banks of Antietam Creek, on the way to the battle ground of Antietam, from the effects of which he has never recovered. He was discharged in 1863. Orson has been a life-long resident of the town of Champion, and now lives at Great Bend, at the age of 86 years. He has been considered good author- ity for years concerning historical facts and data.

EDSON SANDERS, son of Joseph, was born in Champion in 1807, but spent the most of his life in Wilna. He married Phoebe Ivory, and engaged in farming. He was in mer- cantile pursuits for 25 years, and served as assessor for several years. He had four children. His son, Roselle, was born in Wilna, April 27, 1840. He enlisted August 11, 1862, in Company D, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served until February 28, 1865. He was wounded in the right leg by a shell, in front of Petersburg, and again July 8, 1864, in the right ankle, from which he has since been disabled, and now draws a pension. He married, first, Louisa, daughter of William Lamb, of Wilna, by whom he had one son. He married, second, Sarah A., daughter of Joseph Hewitt, of Denmark, who died September 12, 1887. Roselle re- sides in West Carthage.

JACOB MCNEIL was born in Saratoga county. He was the son of Archibald Mc- Neil, a teacher, and a highly-educated man. Jacob married Clara Scofield, of LeRay, and they raised 13 children, four of whom are now living. Mrs. Jacob McNeil died in 1859, in Champion, aged 70 years. Jacob was a farmer, and was drowned in Black river, between Great Bend and Carthage, in 1845.

Bend, and was for several years a com- mercial traveller. In 1839 he married Sarah, daughter of James and Mary Stewart. She died in 1867, aged 63 years. Ira married the second time, Mary M. Main, of North Wilna. At the age of 80, Ira Paddock is an unusually intelligent man, reading the small- est print without glasses. He is one of the trustees of the Baptist Church.

VOLNEY WOOLWORTH, son of Chauncey Woolworth, was born in Denmark, Lewis county, in 1812. He married Betsey, daugh- ter of Levi Moore, of Denmark, and in 1849 settled in Champion Huddle. He was a farmer and dealer in live stock, and well known throughout the county. He had four children: George G., John I. (both de- ceased), Seymour A. and Elijah M., of Champion. John married Helen S. Arthur, who survives him, and resides in Water- town. They have been blessed with four children, two of whom are deceased. John served as sergeant in Company I, 94th N. Y. Infantry. He died in Champion in 1887, aged 48 years. Elijah served in Company H, 186th Regt. N. Y. Volunteer Infantry. Seymour married Martha J., daughter of Col. Elias and Emily Sage, of Champion. He is an extensive farmer, with three daughters. George had six daughters, four of whom are married, and reside in the city of Watertown.

PHILIP HULL, son of William, was born in Norfolk, England, in 1829. He came to this country with his grandfather, William, in 1848, who settled in Oneida county, where he resided until his death. In 1852 Philip married Lucia L. Crosby, of Swan Creek, Ohio, and in 1866 located in the town of Rut- land, and later in the town of Champion. In 1883 he became a resident of West Car- thage, where he now resides. His children are William P., Ella M., who died young ; George E., a physician, who died in Cham- pion, in 1884, aged 25 years ; Fred R., who died in 1882, aged 20 years, and Charles J., who graduated from the Eclectic College, in New York City, in 1881, and is now a prac- ticing physician in West Carthage.

HON. GEORGE E. SPENCER, for two terms United Stater Senator from Alabama, was born in Champion in 1836. He was the son of Dr. Gordon Spencer, a distinguished phy- sician and surgeon, long an active practi- tioner in Champion. He attended a medical college at Des Moines, Iowa, expecting to be- come a physician, like his father. But he was a natural born politician, and in that sphere all his future was to be cast. He was admitted to the bar after acting acting as secretary of the Iowa Senate in 1856. Hav- ing been instrumental in organizing a regi- ment for the Union army, he finally located in Alabama and became one of its most dis- tinguished citizens. This was during the re- construction era, and he was classed among the "carpet-baggers," an imputation he did and patriotic citizen and worked zealously

JOSEPH PADDOCK was born in Dutchess county in 1771, and came to Champion in 1804. He married Diana Basley, and they had seven children. Ira F., their son, was born in the town of Champion in 1814. He resided in Watertown 17 years, and kept a grocery store and a candy manufactory in the basement of Clark Wilson's store. For . not for a moment deserve, for he was an able the past 25 years he has lived in Great

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for the interests of his adopted State. When Alabama concluded to return to its ante-bel- lum traditions and be represented by a pro- slavery Democrat, General Spencer's work was done in that State, and he removed to the mining region of Nevada, where he was extensively and favorably known. While on a visit to the city of Washington, he was stricken down with a fatal illness, dying in 1893. He left a wife and one son.

DANIEL C. CROOK was born in Oneida county and came to Champion in the early settlement of that town, and engaged in farming. He married Polly Gates, of Ant- werp. His sons, Clark, Horace, Ambrose and Reed R., settled in Champion. Reed Crook has kept the hotel at Champion vil- lage for the most of the time during the past 20 years. He kept the large white hotel which stood opposite the Levis House in Carthage, and had just sold it when it was destroyed by fire. Reed Crook married Mary S., daughter of Orlo and Phoebe (Hubbard) Kilborn, of Champion. Mr. Reed Crook at one time kept the Harris House in Water- town.

SILAS FREEMAN was born in Connecticut, in 1806, and came to Champion when but three years of age. He was married to Nancy Colton, of Gouverneur, and their children are : George C., Silas A., Frances M., who married Rev. William Graves, of the town of Watertown, and William P., who resides on the homestead near Champion village. He is an intelligent farmer and lecturer of the Champion Grange. He takes an interest in politics, and his opinions in the newspapers on the issues of the day have been read with interest. He married Miss Lela Miller, of Albany county.

EZRA SAYRE was born in Essex county, New Jersey, in 1781. He married Elizabeth Ball, in 1806, and the same year moved to LeRay. In 1818 he settled about one mile east of Champion Huddle, and engaged in farming and the manufacturing of lime. His wife died in 1824. He moved to New- ark, N. J., where he died in 1874, aged 66 years. His son, George Randolph, who was born in .1811, was the only child who re- mained in Champion, and succeeded his father in the lime business. George married Sarah Jane, daughter of William Rockwood, of Champion, and four children were born to them, two of whom survive: Miss Ellen, the solace of her invalid mother, and George Randolph Sayre, Jr., of Elizabeth, N. J. George Randolph, Sr., died August 22, 1888, aged 77 years. He was a member of the M. E. Church of Champion for over 40 years, and was a respected citizen.

MRS. RACHEL LOOMIS was spoken of for many years as the oldest resident of the town of Champion. She was the widow of Otis Loomis, an early settler, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Harris, who were originally from Connecticut, and resided on the road be- tween Champion and Watertown. Asa Harris died in 1834 and his wife in 1848.

Mrs. Rachel Loomis had many happy re- unions of her birthday ; when 93, there were present at the celebration 62 children, grand- children and great grandchildren. She died in the autumn of 1889, at the advanced age of 95 years. The last years of her life she resided with her son, Sylvester Loomis, in the town of Champion.

SOLOMON HOPKINS was born February 17, 1778. He came from South Kensington, R. I., to Champion in 1803, and located on the farm on Martin Street, afterward owned and occupied by his son, Joel R. He took up a tract of 50 acres, to which he added by pur- chase. He was an upright and well-known citizen, was school commissioner several terms, and also assessor and highway com- missioner His second wife was Levina, sister of Capt. J. P. Rice, by whom he had eight children, five sons and three daughters, two of whom are living, viz: Hiram B. and David W., who reside in Rundells, Pa. Joel R. was born on the Martin Street farm April 9, 1819, where he died July 4, 1892. He married, first, Harriet C., daughter of Oren Brown, who died in 1851. He married, second, Prudence H., daughter of Peter Swinburne, of Denmark, N. Y., by whom he had four children, viz : J. S. D, a law- yer, who is engaged in mining in Colorado; J. S., a physician in New York city ; J. L., also a physician in New York city, and J. L. (Mrs. W. S. McCollester), of Carthage, N. Y. Mr. Hopkins was a school teacher in his younger days, but spent a greater part of his life time in farming. He was for many years a deacon in the First Baptist Church of Carthage.

MERRITT SMITH is a school trustee, and a respected citizen of Champion. He is the son of Lyman and Clarinda Smith, who came to Champion from Woodbridge, Conn., pre- vious to 1812, and was called out to stand guard against the dreaded approach of the Indians, who were expected from the direc- tion of Great Bend. He was a carpenter by trade, and had seven children: Noyes, Nancy (Mrs. Levi Kibby, of Connecticut); Dorothy (Mrs. George Woodruff, brother of Gilbert Woodruff); Betsey (Mrs. George Burr, of Watertown, who died in Texas); Jenette, who died at the age of 18, and Merritt, the subject of this sketch. He married Almeda M., daughter of Peter Ferguson, of LeRay. They have buried three children.

LEROY WOOD, one of the pioneers of the town of Champion, was born in Herkimer county in 1811, and lived on Martin street for 30 years. His life was one of integrity and strict frugality and honesty. He mar- ried Ann Eliza, daughter of James Mix, of Champion. He died November 23, 1830, and Îeft two children, Miss May and William Wood.

ALONZO SHEDD is the postmaster at Champion village, and also keeps a general store. He was a soldier in the late war, serving three terms in the 10th N. Y. Heavy

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Artillery. He is one of nine children, and came to Champion when but 10 years of age. His parents, Simon and Roxanna (Wood) Shedd, came from Connecticut to this State about 1806, and settled in the town of Orleans, and later in the town of Champion. Alonzo married Helen Ellis, who died in 1887. Their children were: Charles C., Mabel M. and Aroline. He again married Amy C., widow of Walter Smith, who left her with four children.

CAPT. JOEL P. RICE was born in Green- field, Mass., February 11, 1781, and died in Champion, May 7, 1876. When 21 he drove four oxen for his uncle Enos, from Greenfield to Champion in 20 days, stopping twice to re-shoe his sled. He was guided by marked trees from Lowville, and drove the first team ever driven on Martin street. He purchased soon after of his uncle, 833 acres of land, and raised a crop of potatoes. In 1807 he mar- ried Elizabeth Crowner. He served in the War of 1812, and was at the battle of Sackets Harbor. He was a member of the M. E. Church, and held several town offices.

JAMES MIX, one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Champion, was born in Walling- ford, Conn .. August 24, 1797. His parents were Joel and Eleanor (Merriam) Mix. James was the fourth child of a family of 10 chil- dren. Mrs. Sally Cutler, who resides on Martin street, is the only surviving member. Joel came from Connecticut to the Black River country as a surveyor, proceeding down the river on a raft, and nearly lost his life by drowning. He built a log house on the site of the William Coburn house in West Carthage, where Laura Mix, the first white child was born soon afterward. Being a carpenter, he also erected the first frame house in the town, on the Taskett farm, which has been recently taken down. Farm- ing was his principal occupation. In early life he was a Whig, but afterward an ardent Democrat. He was a member of the Con- gregational Church of Champion. Joel died in Champion, January 28, 1813. James Mix married a granddaughter of Captain Martin, after whom Martin street was named. She died October 31, 1825. His second wife was Eliza, daughter of Asher Wilmot, who died March 4, 1847, leaving a family of four chil- dren : Mrs. LeRoy Wood, of Martin street; Mrs. Melvin Rice and Harrison Mix, of West Carthage, and Mrs. Edward Smith, of LeRay, who adopted 10 poor and friendless children. They constituted a most happy family, and truly called her "blessed." She died in 1886, and the scene at her funeral was most touching. This pioneer Mix family has always been highly respected. James kept for years a diary, which became of value to the historical student.

JOEL MANCHESTER has left many lasting monuments to his skillful workmanship in Carthage and the immediate vicinity. The old and substantial McCollum block, the foundation of which is built on the native . rock, he built in company with Edward Met-

calf, another experienced stone mason. They also laid the foundation of the Gallagher block. The old land office of Patrick Somerville Stewart, and several private resi- dences, and the locks of the Black River canal show the work of his hands. Previous to coming to Jefferson county, Mr. Man- chester worked on the State capitol at Mont- pelier, Vt. He was born in Caledonia county, Vt., in 1803, and married, in 1837, Sarah Gerry, the daughter of Ephriam Gerry, descendant of Elbridge Gerry, one of the signers of the Declaration of Indepen- dence. Immediately afterward they came to Champion, and built a frame house at the Huddle, and, in 1848, the residence now occupied by Orrin Phillips, at the head of the Draper hill in Champion, where he died October 1, 1889. They reared two children, Immogene (Mrs. Harrison Mix), and Julia I. (Mrs. Orrin Phillips). The latter have two daughters and one son. Mrs. Manchester died in 1889.

PRESERVED PIERCE, the son of Nathaniel Pierce, one of the earliest settlers of the town of Rutland, was born January 14, 1798, in Halifax, Vt. In 1825 he married Lina Ran- dall, of Lorraine, and settled in Rutland Hollow, where he resided until he came to Champion, in 1839. He served in the War of 1812. His children are: Benjamin (who died in 1859); Cordelia (wife of Hubbard Whitney, of Chicago); Obed (who married Althea Babcock, of Champion, and resides in Champion village); and Nancy (Mrs. Judson Case, of Champion). The children of Obed Pierce are: Albert (who married Jennie Byrne, of New York, September 17, 1884), and Lina Pierce, who resides at home.

MERRILL COBURN was born in New Hampshire in 1792, and came to Jefferson county in 1816, and was married the follow- ing year. In 1822 he engaged in wool-card- ing and cloth manufacturing at Felts Mills, where he was justice of the peace for many years. He was also extensively interested in the lumber trade, and successful, as he was in everything he undertook. He was one of the first directors of the Union Bank of Watertown, and at one time its president, and a director of the Jefferson County Bank for 16 years. In 1851 he was a member of the Assembly. He was a just, respected and accommodating neighbor and citizen. He died in August, 1871. His children are : Mrs. Charles Follensbe, of Chicago; Mrs. Clancy, also of Chicago, and William Coburn, late of Carthage.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 110

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