Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 114

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

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894 > Part 114

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Samuel D. Morse died September 15, 1884,

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at the age of 82 years. His widow, now living at No. 20 Baker street, Watertown, N. Y., is 85 years of age. Only two children of this marriage are now living, Charles D. Morse, residing at No. 20 Baker street, and Mrs. Mary Burdick, wife of D. W. Burdick, of Ithaca, N. Y.

H. E. Morse's grandfather Rogers and his wife removed to Watertown, and bought the farm, a part of which is now the southerly side of Brookside Cemetery. He was acci- dentally killed, October 26, 1818, by the roll- ing of saw-logs down the river's bank near his saw-mill-the second person dying from accident within what is now the city of Watertown. He left six children; five girls, the oldest girl 19 years of age, the youngest, the boy, two years old. All these children were brought up to maturity on this farm after the death of their father, under the sole care of their devoted mother. The only sur- viving one of this family is Eli Rogers, a farmer, residing in the town of Alexandria.

Lois W., the oldest, married Jonathan Demming, who formerly owned the farm on which Hon. Willard Ives now resides, in Watertown.

Sally W. married Gen. Archibald Fisher, of Theresa.

Chloe L. married Josiah Strong, a mer- chant now residing near Windsor, Canada.

Esther B. married George Walton, a mer- chant of Sterlingville, son of Azariah Wal- ton, of Alexandria Bay. For a second hus- band she married Andrew Seaman, another Sterlingville merchant.

H. E. Morse, the subject of this sketch, was born August 24, 1831, on Dry Hill, a well known locality in the south part of Watertown. When quite young, his father sold his interest in the Dry Hill farm to his brother Samuel D., and purchased a farm one and a half miles north of the city of Watertown, where he lived until his death in 1864. H. E. Morse's mother died July 25, 1859. His father's farm was one of the nearest to the school-house, and he was kept steadily at school from the time he was six years old until old enough to assist at farm work in the summer season. He then attended the winter terms of school, two terms of "select school," one term with Josiah Miles, and one term at the Jefferson County Institute when he was 16. Before closing this term of school he was licensed to teach in what was called the Miles district, in the town of Watertown. Thereafter, ex- cept while assisting on the farm during the haying and harvesting, for two or three years, he attended the Jefferson County In- stitute, and taught school four and six months each year. At 19 he commenced to study law in the office of Clark & Calvin, at Watertown. He remained in that law office until admitted to practice law, April 23, 1854. He removed to Clayton the following October, where he has ever since resided, except a temporary residence of four years at Cape Vincent.

He received from Henry S. Randall, Super- intendent of Common Schools, a certificate, dated May 12, 1852, authorizing him to teach any district school within the State of New York. He felt proud of this mark of his ability as an instructor of youth-a pro- fession in importance not exceeded by any, and in which the highest moral and in- tellectual qualifications may be fully and advantageously employed.

In February, 1855, Mr. Morse was elected school superintendent of the town of Clay- ton, which he held until that office was abolished. In the fall of 1869 he was elected school commissioner of the third district of Jefferson county, for the term of three years. He was supervisor of Clayton for the years 1884 and 1885. In February, 1887, he was appointed by President Cleveland collector of customs for the district of Cape Vincent, and continued in that office until the appoint- ment of his successor, in March, 1881.

Of his brothers and sisters, the two young- est are living : George W. Morse, a farmer, resides at Rices, this county, and Mrs. Imogene Rector, wife of Delos D. Rector, re- sides in San Francisco, California. His brother, Willard Hiram Morse, photo- grapher, was born July 24, 1833, and died at Bradford, Ill., May 5, 1891, and his sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Folts, died in Stockton, Cal., November 27, 1869.

He was married April 8, 1858, to Mrs. Helen Eddy Estes, the daughter of Aaron Eddy, of Clayton.

Mr. Aaron Eddy came from the State of Vermont with his father, to the town of Potsdam, St. Lawrence county. He married Miss Catherine Smith, of that town, and in 1837 he moved to Clayton village, where he engaged in mercantile and other pursuits, which he carried on successfully with his brother, Luther Eddy, for several years. He died September 7, 1887, in the 80th year of his age. Mrs. Catherine Eddy now resides at her home, in the village of Clayton, and is over 80 years of agc. Helen was the second of four children. The oldest, George N., died in 1855, and the third child, Mary, died in 1858. The youngest, Mrs. Amy Baars, resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Helen was born February 1, 1835.

Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morse, four are now living : George E., 33 years of age, is in business with nis father at Clayton ; Horace W., 31 years old, is cashicr of the First National Bank, at Clayton; Florence Alice, 18 years of age, and Claude Henry, 16 years old, are attending the Clay- ton Union Free School, taught by Professor Shaver. Their oldest daughter, Kittie, died December 13, 1879, at the age of 20 years. She came home from the Adams school for a short vacation, was taken sick with typhoid fever, and never recovered. In physical form she was the perfection of health-ener- getic, bright, conscientious, and an agreeable companion for young or old. She had a large circle of acquaintances, and left many

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sincere friends to mourn her loss. To her parents and to her two younger brothers, then 18 and 16 respectively, her loss was indeed irreparable.

Since preparing the above extended sketch of the writer's old-time friend, Mr. H. E. Morse, of Clayton, death has again come into that once happy family, and taken away their idol boy, Claude H., who had but lately graduated from Prof. Shaver's school with such high promise of usefulness and honor.

He was a young man of superior ability and grace of manner, and had begun to read law in his father's office. But the dread disease that had destroyed the life of his sister, who was universally beloved, fastened itself upon his active body, and he, too, died on Saturday, November 24, 1894. He was born in 1877, so that he was but 17 years of age. His parents and relatives have the sympathy of the whole community, for he was a youth of most winning manners, and had become the favorite of the town.

THE ESSELSTYNS.

THIS important family, so well and favor- ably known at Clayton and upon the river, were the descendents of Richard M. Esselstyn and Charity VanHoosen, who came into Jefferson county in 1800, among the very first settlers of the town of Cape Vincent. Their children were: Delia, (who married R. P. Lee, and they are both de- ceased), Justus, John M., Mary, James, Henry, Christiana, (who married Dr. W. H. Webb, and they are both deceased), and Richard M.

Richard M. Esselstyn, of Clayton, is now the only survivor of this large family. He, as well as all the others, was born in Cape Vincent. He received his early education in the common schools, completing it in the Black River Literary and Religious Institute at Watertown, and in other academies. His first labor toward supporting himself was in a tannery at Cape Vincent, and his first busi- ness venture was in purchasing a tannery at Clayton, which did not prove a success, but that move brought him into the town which has ever since been his home. He then en- tered the employ of Merick, Fowler & Essel- styn, the younger member of which im- portant firm was his brother. His business was to look after the books and accounts of

the vessel building department of the firm, and to do the business which required jour- neys, looking after timber supplies, banking, etc. In this labor he continued for 12 years, and until the firm removed to Detroit. He was appointed Deputy Collector of Customs under Lincoln, and continued through the various Republican administrations, and under Andrew Johnson until 1876. Since that year he has held various offices, among the rest that of Deputy Sheriff. He was, for a short time, an amateur farmer, and has had several other experiences of a business nature. Mr. Esselstyn is a remarkably well-preserved man, bearing his weight of 72 years more like a man of 55 or 60 than like one who has passed the Biblical allotment of time.

In 1846 he married Miss Margaret Reed, daughter of Thos. M. Reed, a merchant of Clayton ; they have had five children, three sons and two daughters, the daughters dying early. One of his sons is in the west, making his home in Duluth. His eldest son is Thomas M., manager of the Izaak Walton House, a most popular hotel at Clayton. Charles, another son, is a sailor, having his home in a western city.

CHARLES A. SHAVER

WAS born in the village of Perch River, N, Y., April 6, 1861. His parents being poor. he commenced work as a farm hand at 12 years of age, working during the summer and attending the district school during winter. When 16 years of age he taught his first term of school, in what is known as the Star District, in the town of Brownville. He managed to save sufficient money from his summer's work and winter's teaching to attend the Potsdam Normal School the fol- lowing spring term. The fall and winter term of this year he taught his home school in the village of Perch River. In 1882 he at- tended the spring and fall terms of school at Ives Seminary, Antwerp, N. Y. In the winter of 1882 he secured the principalship of the

Antwerp village public school, which he held for five successive terms. In 1884 he entered the competitive examination for scholarships to Cornell University from

Jefferson county, and gained first place against nine competitors.

About this time his father's failing health threw upon him the entire support of his parents, and made it necessary for him to abandon his cherished idea of obtaining a college education. He has, however, en- deavored, by diligent study and application to his chosen work, to supply in a measure what fate has denied him, and to gain rank and position as a teacher.

At the age of 23 he entered the examina- tion for State certificates, and although the

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CHARLES A. SHAVER.

youngest applicant in a class of 19, secured the highest record and passed the entire number of subjects-22-at this one session. In March, 1885, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of school commissioner in the Second Commissioner District of Jefferson county. He resigned his position as principal of the Antwerp graded school and accepted the office. He was elected to the same office in the following November by over 600 majority .. In August, 1885, he was married to Hattie Moore, of Antwerp, N. Y.

In September, 1887, before the expiration of his office as school commissioner, he was elected principal of the Clayton graded school, which he has since held, the present

year being the eighth of continuous service in the school. The grade of work in the school at the commencement of his term of service was scarcely in advance of that done in the rural districts. To-day the standard of graduation and of its scholarship is not ex- celled by any school in the county.

Mr. Shaver impresses you at once as a man of thought and erudition. He is most thorough in all he undertakes, and his capacity as a teacher is strikingly demon- strated by his success in every school he has managed. His executive qualities are superior, his learning adequate, his industry predominant-three qualities that command success.

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STEPHEN DECATUR JOHNSTON

WAS the fourth son of that William Johns- ton who was probably the best known man on the St. Lawrence for many years. He was a former resident of Watertown, where about 1815-16 he kept a store, and his wife had a millinery shop in connection. The fol- lowing anecdote is told, illustrative of the courage of the man. On one occasion a band of Indians had encamped near his placc, and were engaged in selling brooms, baskets, and other articles. During their stay a young Indian became intoxicated, and reeled along the streets, brandishing a big knifc, and daring every one to fight him, threatening and gesticulating fiercely. Johnston observed him for a few moments, when he suddenly, and without the appearance of fear, ap-

proachcd the Indian, struck him a heavy blow in the face, threw him down, and would have given him a severe chastisement, had not the savage begged for mercy. Johnston took his knife, threw it away, and allowed the Indian to go, which he speedily did, completely curing him of his braggadocio.

Stephen D. Johnston was born in Sackets Harbor in 1820. He came to Clayton with his parents from Cape Vincent, after remain- ing on Grindstone Island for a short time. He married Miss Maria Angel in 1846, and they have raised one daughter, Miss Ida E. Mr. Johnston began to keep a hotel in 1849, in the stone bulding now a part of the well- known and justly celebrated Izaak Walton house. He was one of the first to keep a hotel

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designed particularly for summer boarders and transient sportsmen, being contempora- neous with Charles Crossmon, Sr., at Alex- andria Bay, who was probably the earliest pioneer in that business. Mr. Johnston was zealously determined that his house should be select, and one to which heads of families could bring their children. The corner where the Walton House stands had been a

country tavern for many years, and this old country hotel he raised to the front rank of excellence and importance. In the midst of his usefulness and honor he was stricken with paralysis, and died within a few hours, February 1st, 1893. His death was a loss to Clayton, for he was a useful and much re- spected citizen. His beloved wife survives him.

WALTON HOUSE

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THE WALTON HOUSE. For many years kept by S. D. Johnston, now managed by T. M. Esselstyn.

THE JOHNSTON FAMILY.

THE progenitor of this family, so well- known in Clayton and throughout the north- western part of Jefferson county, was that William Johnston, born in 1782. a native of Canada, who came to Jefferson county in 1812, at the beginning of the war with Great Britain. His wife was Miss Ann Randolph, who was born in 1784. He became an em- ployé of the United States government, and rendered valuable service upon this frontier during the continuance of hostilities. Wm. Johnston, Sr., had these children: James J., Maria (now Mrs. Reed, of Detroit, Mich.), Napoleon B., John, Katherine (who married Chas. L. Hawes, Jr., both of whom are now deceased), Stephen D., and William, Jr.

It is with John Johnston we have more particularly to deal. He was born in Water- town in 1816. receiving his earliest education at Sackets Harbor. He came to Clayton for a residence in 1834. He was a poor boy, glad to row a boat at one dollar a day, or to do anything in the way of honest labor to earn his bread. Gradually he grew into the confidence of the public. On reaching his majority he began to keep a store at the foot

of James street, and in the rear of his store was the steamship wharf, over which crossed the passengers and freight traffic of the town. He was elected Deputy Collector of the port during the administrations of Polk, Pierce and Buchanan. He was for many years Supervisor for Clayton, and has held many other town offices. He has now just passed his 78th birthday, is every day upon the streets, a well-preserved man, able to attend to business, and taking a keen interest in all that is transpiring. An unfortunate accident to one of his limbs embarasses his locomotion, but in all other respects he is like the aver- age man at 60 years of age. Mr. Johnston, through all these years, has been an un- terrified Democrat, upholding that party through all its peculiar history and ter- giversation, for it has sometimes supported what at other times it has opposed; but it has ever been the party with which a poor man could affiliate, having been always and largely a "people's party." Mr. Johnston was married in 1845 to Miss Emily Jane Hawes, who was born in 1817. She has been an exemplary, devoted wife.

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MELZAR FOWLER.

MELZAR FOWLER, now only dimly remem- bered by the older people of Jefferson county, N. Y., was born in Edinburgh, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1803, and came to Depauville in the early twenties with his parents, Anson Fowler and Maria Esselstyn Fowler. His sister Jane (who afterwards married El- dridge G. Merick) also accompanied him, and his brother John. The father com- menced a mercantile business in Depau- ville, a new settlement which had just begun to develop its lumbering interest. This settlement was on the rapids of Catfish creek, which at that time was a stream of fair size, with sufficient water to float tim- ber down to its mouth at Lake Ontario - not at all resembling the greatly diminished stream it now appears, after having its banks, along its whole course, denuded of timber. The care of this business early fell upon Melzar, the eldest son, and when he was about twenty years of age he bore the respon- sibility of his father's mercantile affairs.

After some years, wishing to extend his operations, Melzar established a store at Brownville, and went there to live, still maintaining the supervision of the store at Depauville. His younger brother, John, also came to Brownville as a clerk, and was given an interest in the business.

At that time one branch of Mr. Fowler's mercantile business was the manufacture of pearl ash front wood ashes. The forests of Jefferson county furnished the only fuel in those days, and the people of the country saved their ashes and sold them to him, and, in a building for the purpose, he converted these ashes into pearl ash, which was an im- portant article of commerce, and found steady market in New York.

Shortly after establishing himself at Brownville, Melzar married Miss Clarissa Spicer, a sister of Mr. Silas Spicer, of Perch River, and during their residence there their two children, Eldridge and Nettie. were born. During these years Melzar enlarged his field of operation at Depauville by en- gaging with Mr. Merick in the business of getting out oak timber and rafting it to the Quebec market. In the spring of 1835 he moved his family to Depauville, giving up the business in Brownville in order that he might give his entire attention to the Depau- ville operations, and be with his aged par- ents, while John went to Clayton in the in- terest of Smith & Merick.

At that early day, Watertown was, as it is now, the business centre for the surround- ing country, the only method of travel be- ing by private conveyance. It was while

going there on business in August, 1835, soon after the family moved to Depauville, that Mr. Fowler had the great misfortune to have a pair of horses, one of which was vicious and unreliable.

He stopped at a hotel, and when it came time to feed the animal, the hostler was afraid to enter the stall, and called Mr. Fow- ler from the hotel, who at once took the feed-measure in his hand and entered the stall. The vicious horse, not recognizing his master. dealt him a blow with one of his fore feet, which proved fatal in three days. Every thing was done for Mr. Fowler that could be known. but the blow had produced an internal rupture.

Thus died, in the flower of his youth, and in the midst of his usefulness, one who had the warm regard of all his business associ- ates, and whose morning of life was full of promise. So high did he stand in the re- gard of his neighbors that parents would come to Mr. Fowler, while a merchant, and earnestly ask him to receive their sons into his store to teach them the business, because of his good training on every side of a boy's character.

His death, so sudden, so tragical, elicited universal regret and sympathy. His wife and her two children remained at Depauville, but the faithful mother never was herself again. A woman of superior mental ability and personal beauty, and with a natural re- finement much beyond most of those by whom she was surrounded, her loss wore upon her energies, and she survived her hus- band only seven years.

The two children, Eldridge and Nettie, thus left orphans at the age of nine and seven years, respectively, were tenderly cared for by their grandmother Fowler and their uncle, Hon. E. G. Merick.

Eldridge went later to live in the family of Mr. Hugh Smith, of Perch River, and afterwards with his Uncle John Fowler until coming of age, when he went West, where he has since lived, and become identi- fied with large lumber and land interests in Michigan, Minnesota and Canada.

The daughter grew to womanhood in the home of her grandparents, and her uncle and aunt Merick, receiving at their hands the best educational advantages. She mar- ried Cyrus H. McCormick, of reaper fame. Both as the right hand helper of her hus- band during his life time, and later in the administration of his estate (with her son Cyrus), she has been called to bear some of the heavier responsibilities of life.

COLONEL ERASTUS WRIGHT.

AN interesting character in the town of Clayton is Colonel Erastus Wright, of De- pauville. He was born in Russia, Herkimer county, N. Y., December 21, 1809. His father, Daniel Wright, came into Herkimer

county from Vermont, though his native State was Rhode Island. He was descended from Capt. Peter Wright, who served in the Revolutionary army. Daniel Wright, father of our subject, was also Colonel of a regi-

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ment in Herkimer county. This regiment was called out for service, and made the march from Herkimer county through a road which for many miles (over certain portions) was almost a wilderness.

Colonel Erastus Wright had been bred a carpenter and mill-wright, and came into Jefferson county to better his condition. He settled in Depauville, and that has been his home for over 60 years. He has always been an active man, diligent in business, prompt and honorable. He has been an ex- tensive builder, having the contract for the First Baptist Church at Lafargeville, in 1837, and the Baptist Church at Perch River, and many dwellings and other buildings through- out the towns of Orleans and Clayton.

He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for 40 years, a steward for 10 years.

In 1831, Colonel Wright was married to Clarissa Prindle, by whom he had four chil- dren. She died in 1839. In 1840 he married Miss Elizabeth Nash, and they have had one son. Colonel Wright's eldest son enlisted in 1863, in the 18th N. Y. Cavalry, belonging to Capt. Joseph Simpson's company. He

died in hospital in St. Louis in 1864. The martial spirit in this interesting family would have perhaps been unheralded had not death claimed for it the dread tribute which the exigencies of the War of the Rebellion exacted from so many families in the free North.

Colonel Wright was drafted by the gov- ernment during the so-called "Patriot " war upon the northern frontier, in 1837, serving 21 days. For this service each drafted man received a warrant for 160 acres of land.

As an enlightened Christian citizen, as an excellent mechanic, and as a patriot who gave his son to the Union army, Colonel Wright stands among the highest in his town, and is enjoying the affectionate re- gard of all his neighbors and associates. He and his beloved partner are now passing down the decline of life, calmly awaiting the summons which must come to all; but they are ready for the journey, expecting to meet in the other land the loved ones who were the companions of their earlier days, who have already entered upon their possessions there.

THE REES FAMILY.

THOMAS REES, of Clayton, was born in 1819, in South Wales. He was the son of Thomas Rees, who came to this country from South Wales, England, in 1832. After remaining a year in New York city he came to what was then known as French Creek, consuming 14 days in the journey, by way of canal from Albany to Oswego, thence by schooner to Clayton. Thomas Rees, Sr., died in 1841, much respected. His monu- ment is a feature in the Clayton cemetery.

Thomas, the junior, came with his father to Clayton, being then in his 13th year. His first experience was upon a piece of land near Clayton, but his father soon purchased another farm, and upon that land was built the family residence. It is still owned by heirs of the original Thomas Rees. Remain- ing upon the farm for a few years, he finally entered the employ of Mr. E. G. Merick, the firm afterward changing to E. G. Merick & Co. He remained in that firm until lie be- came a partner, having purchased a one- fourth interest. His relation with the firm continued until 1865, when Mr. Rees pur- chased the whole business, Mr. Merick hav- ing in the meantime removed to Detroit. One-half of this business was sold to Calvin and Breck, of Garden Island. This lumber- ing business continued for 15 years, until the scarcity of timber, combined with foolish tariff laws, gave a death-blow to that indus- try upon the St. Lawrence.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 114

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