Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 164

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 164

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The success of these people, many of whom came from the "ould sod" itself into a land of freedom, and at a time when any honest worker was sure of success and a decent competency for old age, is only another of the many illustrations afforded in Northern New York of the immense advan- tages reaped by these early settlers in the land of their adoption. They had honest hearts and willing hands, and the fruitful acres they bought at a low price have well repaid their energy and perseverance.

Northeast of Carthage, about a mile and a half, is Mount McQuillan, a bald prominence of granite, rearing its head so loftily as to be designated by some the highest point in Jefferson county. But this is an error. The elevation is named for the original McQuil- lan, Frank by name, who came early into Wilna. He lived to be more than a centen- arian, dying in Croghan, Lewis county. His purchase was from LeRay. The farm is now in possession of Mr. James Harvey, who mar- ried a descendant of the original McQuillan, and to Mr. Harvey the author is under obli- gation for acceptable kindnesses, shown when we visited his mountain, near which is an interesting "pot hole," identical in fea- ture with others upon the St. Lawrence, nearly all in this same primitive rock, and nearly all of them upon the western slope of granite shore boundaries, where rushing

WILNA.

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THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, CARTHAGE.

waters at one time doubtless produced an eddy which rotated a stone harder than the rock upon which it rested, and in ages of attritive action have worn an orifice which we call a "pot hole."

From the highest point of Mt. McQuillan may be seen Martinsburg, Castorland, Turin, Champion, Croghan, Natural Bridge, the Fulton chain, many lakes, and, far away to the northwest, a mountain said to be upon the main shore of Canada. But, grander than all, is the swell and bold continuity of the great Adirondack wilderness, which almost belts the eastern and southeastern horizon, environing Carthage with scenery that is lovely and soul-lifting. In fact the Adirondacks may be said to begin at Car- thage, for when you stand on Mt. McQuil-

lan that grand forest seems at your' very feet, the mountain itself only a spur of that unbroken range which extends almost from West Virginia to Lake Champlain.

When you stand upon the State bridge crossing Black river at Carthage, you seem to be in the legitimate valley of the river, ignor- ant of the existence of that greater valley which is unmasked if you go less than a quarter of a mile northeast-a valley which is much broader than that which the river has worn for itself. This is evidently the bed of what was once a great bay. So that Carthage, not unlike the Jerusalem of the Bible, is almost environed by hills that would be classed as "mountains" in Indiana or Illinois. The scenery is really fine, and entitled to mention.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

NATURAL BRIDGE.

ISAAC BLANCHARD, at Natural Bridge, in his 87th year, is a very intelligent gentleman. He came into Wilna from Oneida county in 1811, when only two years old. His father purchased 50 acres of land from Mr. LeRay. and upon that farm his parents lived until their death. Isaac came to man's estate upon that farm, and all his life from two years of age has been passed in North Wilna. He well remembers Joseph Bonaparte, the ex- king of Spain, who once resided at Natural Bridge. Mr. Blanchard describes the king as sauve in manner, kind to the country people and easily approached. Some times, to relieve the monotony of his life in that far away forest, he would don a workman's blouse and take a workman's part in helping to erect the large dwelling he built in 1828, and which is still standing there. The Hon. Lotus Ingalls well remembers the king as a jolly, fat old Frenchman, who would sit in front of his dwelling and throw pennies among the boys to see them scramble for their possessions. What wind of fortune bore Joseph Bonaparte to this almost trackless wilderness would be hard to tell, but there he came, whether impelled by love of adven- tur or gain, or by what we call "fate." An examination of his dwelling at Natural Bridge gave rise to many peculiar sensations. In this unpretending hamlet dwelt one who had tasted every form of earthly pleasure, and had reigned as king over one of the oldest and most chivalrous civilized nations of the world. Did he seek in the seclusion of these forests forgetfulness of the past, or did he hope by contact with the common people and by dwelling close to nature to rejuvenate a constitution worn down by the high living and dissipations of Madrid? He did not tarry long at Natural Bridge, but soon made Bordentown, N. J., his permanent home in America, and there he formed domestic relations, the result of which are familiar to the older residents of Jefferson county. Just why we democrats take so much more interest in a king's dwelling than we would in the humble abode of a peasant, is a question we will not now undertake to de- cide. But to a reflecting mind a ramble over the old Joseph Bonaparte house at Natural Bridge produces an impression not easily effaced.

A visit to the site of the ex-king's hunting lodge upon the high promontory overlooking Bonaparte Lake, brought to the writer's mind a new phase in the ex-king's life. The dwelling has long since been consumed by fire, and its foundation can scarcely now be traced. Tradition says that there he and his French associates held many a jolly carnival in the seasons when they came to "slay the deer." This brings up thoughts of Bonaparte Lake, one of the most beauti- ful sheets of water in the world. Although lying just over the line in Lewis county, we feel justified in noticing this interesting spot. It is about three and one-half miles long by

three-quarters to one and one-half miles wide, with several islands, and indented by at least one beautiful crescent-shaped bay. The water is clear, the fish abundant, and the surroundings of the lake surpris- ingly beautiful. The Hon. Joseph Pahud, of Harrisville, Lewis county, has erected, at the head of the lake, a very commodious hotel, where visitors to the lake can be elegantly entertained. To a business man, who is in search of rest amid the most delightful surroundings, yet within easy reach of Mr. Webb's great railroad system, there is no spot superior to Bonaparte Lake.

So far as could be learned, the following Union soldiers resided at or near the Bridge : J. H. Copp, John W. Nichols, Duane Crimps, Franklin Sanders, Alfred Chapin, C. C. Tooker, James W. Burns, Henry Burns, Thomas Burns, William Hall, Edwin Weatherhead, Gilbert Baker, Charles P. Booth, Leonard H. Wood, Erastus Lasher, Thomas Halloran, Isaac W. Nichols, A. G. McCoy, Volney O. Hunt, Christopher C. Lake, Luther Wright, Levi L. Bowen, John Shoemaker, John Prittie, Jacob Hopher, Stephen Mann.

THE CHURCHIES.

THE METHODIST CHURCH building at Natural Bridge was erected in 1830, and was about one year in building. Since that time services have been held, most of the time, by pastors of Carthage and other neigh- boring churches.

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH .- The present church edifice was erected in 1872. The first pastor was the Rev. J. H. Stewart, of Water- town, who remained until 1874. They have a small library.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- This church was organized in 1830, and they commenced the erection of their church building at that time. They were, however, obliged to dis- continue work upon the building shortly afterwards through lack of means, and the building was not finished until 1838 or 1840, when Mr. C. I. Becker advanced the money. The first pastor was Rev. James Rodgers, who remained for two years. Since that time, and previous to 1871, the pulpit has been occupied occasionally by pastors of neighboring churches. Since 1871 they have had no services, and the church has been un- occupied.

THE UNION CHURCH .- The church at Wood's was organized in 1839; church was built in 1849. At present used by the Methodists. Regular services are held.

METHODIST CHURCH AT NORTH WILNA was organized in 1835 No regular ser- vices are held, the pulpit being occupied by the pastor of the Methodist church in Antwerp.

The opening of the Carthage and Adiron- dack Railroad has proven a very great bene- fit to the town of Wilna. It has made Car- thage an important railroad centre, and really

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WILNA.

raised the value of real cstate in eastern and northern Wilna, by figures much above the cost of the road. There is one man whose native modesty has undoubtedly detraeted from that full portion of praise to which he is entitled. We refer, as we have already done in this History, to Hon. Joseph Pahud, of Harrisville, Lewis county, who was for a long time the main-stay of the enterprise, following up the projeet at home and abroad in a way that compelled recognition. This is a matter which should not fail to be re- membered by every citizen of Wilna.

BUSINESS OF NATURAL BRIDGE.

United States Leather Company, H. P. Flynn, superintendent, manufacturers of sole leather, with a general store.

De Witt Dawley, groceries.

John Burns, general store.

Montondo Bros., hardware.

John W. Lynde, general store.

N. A. Joncs, boots and shoes.

J. H. Copp, M. D., physician and druggist. C. S. Drury, M. D., physician.

Merrit Fargo, hotel, Central House.

Levi L. Bowen, hotel, Amcrican House.

C. C. Lake & Son, planing mill, sash, blinds and doors.

Lake & Ullman, furniture and undertaking.

E. S. Asheraft, wagon maker.

Robert Shiell, grist-mill, flour and feed.

James W. Burns, manufacturer and dealer in lumber.

Yousey Bros., manufacturers of lumber.

Mrs. A. J. Speneer, millinery and dress- maker.

Miss Emma Rice, milliner.

John Miller, blacksmith.

Luther Wright, blacksmith.

Wm. Gaskell, blacksmith.

Alvin Hart & Son, livery and sale stable. John Shoemaker, groeeries.

Elisha Dawley, earman.

John L. Sullivan, groceries and liquors. E. A. Starkey, agent R., W. & O. R. R.

THE HORR FAMILY.

ELIJAH HORR .- Few men have lived in Carthage and been more closely identified with its business interests for so many con- secutive years as the subject of this sketch. He came to the village in 1831, when only 27 years of age, and all his subsequent life was wrought into its growth and prosperity. The progenitors of the family-the name until the last two generations was spelled "Hoar"-came from England to Massachus-

ELIJAH HORR.

etts in the 17th century. The Massachusetts braneh have always adhcred to the original orthography, and as is well known, have been prominent in the history of the old Bay State and of the nation for many years, Hon. George F. Hoar being the senior Senator of the Commonwealth to-day, and one of the most eminent men in the councils of the Nation.

Elijah Horr's branch of the family came into Northern New York in the latter part of the last century, and settled in Denmark, Lewis county. Here Elijah was born November 24, 1804, and was reared like farmer's boys of the period, attending, for a brief time during the winter, a common school, and laboring the balanee of the year upon the farm. He was a steady, ambitious boy, attaining his physical growth very early. He led his father's men in the hay and harvest field when he was 15 years of age, and as a consequence, before he was 18, his health became almost completely broken for the time, and he had entailed upon his constitution infirmities from which he ever afterward suffered. Not being sufficiently robust for a farmer, he attended, for several terms, Lowville Academy, securing by this ehange a better education than was usual to most of the young men of that seetion at that time. Upon his return from school he entered the store of Mr. Norton.

At the age of 23 years he married Miss Gertrude Vedder, who was deseended, through the Vedders and Van Vlecks, from the old Knickerbocker stock of New York. Soon after, he moved to Carthage, then nothing but a hamlet upon the Long Falls of Black river. After a short time he opened a general store, and continued in the business of a merchant, at brief intervals, on account

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

of impaired health, for more than 30 years. Subsequently, for some years, in company with Orlin Holcomb, he carried on a general banking business until his 70th year, when a stroke of partial paralysis closed his active business career. He lived for six years after this, attending to his private business until his death, December 27, 1880.

In early life Mr. Horr identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. For more than 40 years he was an official member of the Carthage church, attending scrupu- lously its services and contributing largely of his means for its general expenses, and towards the building of two church edifices. He believed steadfastly in the doctrines and discipline of that church, but was wholly free from bigotry, and rejoiced in the pros- perity of the churches of all names. He was a man of very positive convictions in both religious and political affairs, but was chari- table towards the opinions of others. As a business man he was universally respected and honored. He was indefatigable in his devotion to his business interests, never allowing anything but the claims of his re- ligious life to engross his time or claim his attention, giving himself almost no recre- ation, but finding his pleasures in his work. He was a man of unusual balance of facul- ties, his judgments seldom needing revision. During the more than 40 years of his active business life, he passed through three serious financial panics, with untarnished honor and unweakened credit. He never took any active part in politics, other than to do his simple duty as a citizen. From the organization of the Republican party, he was identified with its interests, and thoroughly believed in, and endeavored to promote its policies. The evening twilight of his long and useful life was calm and beautiful. He rested in the border-land, quietly and in hope, after the unremitting toils of a busy life. His last words, as his soul went out into the unknown, were : "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The family consisted of nine children, all living until the youngest was over 21 years of age, viz: John Wesley, who died March 31, 1875; Walter Ashley, of Great Bend ; Hannah, wife of C. E. Francis, of Carthage ; Sarah, widow of Rev. Spencer R. Fuller, who died September 16, 1870: Rev. Elijah, D.D., of Worcester, Mass .; Albert Vedder, who died July 26, 1882; Gertrude, wife of John T. Connell, of Grand Island, Neb .; Louise Stewart, who died March 10, 1872, and Charles Abner, who resides at Carthage.

JOHN WESLEY HORR.

THE subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Elijah and Gertrude Horr. He was born May 26, 1831, and was educated at the Carthage Academy. From very early life, in intervals of attendance at school, he clerked in his father's store. He was a . natural salesman. From boyhood he mani-

fested a love for adventure, which led him into many hair-breadth escapes, some of which left their scars upon him ever after. When about 21 years of age he went to Ohio, where, for about two years, he was employed as a clerk in the store of his cousin, A. V. Horr. Irresistibly moved by the spirit of adventure that always pos- sessed him, he then went to California, where, after about a year and a half spent in the mines and in San Francisco, he em- barked with 86 others in the ill-starred Nicaragua expedition, under Gen. Walker. The adventures and escapes he had, the suf- ferings that he endured while in Central America, would fill a volume that would be as strange as fiction. He, with many others, sick and wounded, was faithlessly deserted by the cruel and ungrateful Walker in Grenada, to be massacred by the Costa Rica forces, but they were protected by the United States government, and finally brought with the survivors of the expedition to New York, in the frigate Wabash. He was one of six of a company of 86 that left California, who returned. His family had received no tid- ings of him for over a year. He came to Carthage as one raised from the dead-a walking skeleton-weighing only 90 pounds, just one-half his weight when he left Cali- fornia. This was before the horrors of Libby and Andersonville, and no such looking per- son had, perhaps, ever been seen outside of fever hospitals. Physicians came long dis- tances to see him and professionally examine his case. Contrary to all expectations, he fully recovered his health, and upon the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he raised a company of cavalry, of which he was made captain. The company was dis- banded after nine months of service. Upon returning home, he went, after a few months, to St. Joseph, Mo., where he was en- gaged in mercantile pursuits until his death, March 31, 1875. In 1859 he married Miss Nancy M. Root, of Deer River, who for some years survived him.

He was a man of generous impulses, brave almost to rashness, with a natural love of ad- venture that sometimes outran his judgment, but few have been better loved by those who knew him. His grave is in the family lot, in the cemetery in Carthage.

WALTER ASHLEY HORR

WAS the second son, born October 26, 1833. He was educated at the district school and the Carthage Academy, and for several sea- sons taught in Wilna, LeRay and Carthage. He spent some time in 1854-5 in Chicago and Michigan; suffering then and subse- quently from fever and ague, he returned to Carthage, in greatly impaired health. After the partial recovery of his health, he assisted his father for a time in his store ; and later, for several years, he was associated with Noyes Tuttle in milling and in the sale of fiour and feed, and was engaged in this busi-

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ness at the time of the breaking out of the war. He was inclined to enlist in the begin- ning of the conflict, for he was, from the first, alive to its serious and critical char- acter, but was dissuaded, for a time, on ac- count of the claims of his young family ; and it was urged that as two brothers had already gone into the army, it was his duty to remain at home. But, finally, in the sum- mer of 1862, while serving as a member of a war committee, appointed by Gov. Morgan for Jefferson and Lewis counties, for raising a new contingent of troops, he enlisted as a private in the 10th N. Y. Artillery, and shared the fortunes of that regiment, in which so many Carthage boys and those of contiguous towns had enlisted, until broken health compelled him to resign in the winter of 1864. He was elected lieutenant upon the organization of the company, and acted in that capacity during his period of service. No one ever doubted but that he enlisted purely from motives of patriotism. He had from boyhood taken a deep interest in the anti-slavery struggles, and in his deepest heart believed that this was God's battle, and that the future salvation and prosperity of the country depended upon its right settle- ment ; clearly discerning the magnitude and issues of the conflict, he was ready to con- tribute his part to its solution. He has always been a man less controlled by im- pulse than by fixed principle and steady pur- pose. There is no part of his life that he looked back upon with so much satisfaction as his army experiences. They cost him more than most persons, for he had scarcely known a well day since he left the service. While he had never held political office, he was ever an active politician. He has been a con- scientious Republican, almost since the or- ganization of the party ; gladly contributing his time and means to further its measures. It was characteristic of him to give his whole energies to whatever he believed to be right, in principle, and expedient in policy ; he never believed in, or advocated half-way measures. He was married in 1857 to Miss Lovania Ware, of Champion. They had two children, Jennie G., who was married to Truman A. Thayer, and who died in 1872. and Flora M., who died in 1879. He has been, for some years, a resident of Great Bend, where he was a merchant and post- master for many years. He died there sud- denly February 6, 1895, much regretted. His widow survives him.

REV. ELIJAH HORR, D. D.,

WAS the third son and fifth child of the family. He was born April 20, 1841. In early life he was very frail, and for some years it was doubtful whether he would grow to manhood. He early evinced a desire for an education, and availed himself of every opportunity for reading and study. At the age of 15 he began to attend the Gouverneur Seminary. Here hc fitted for an

advanced standing in college, teaching winters from the time he was 16, and attend- ing the fall and spring terms. Circum- stances prevented his completion of the col- lege course, upon which he had set his heart, and after some time spent in teaching at Evans Mills and West Carthage, he entered what is now the Theological Department of Boston University, from which he gradu- ated in 1863. He at once entered upon the work of the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church, having successive pastor- ates in Ilion, Syracuse and Auburn. While in the latter city, at the instance of the Presbyterian pastors, Hamilton College con- ferred upon him the degree of M. A., in recognition of his scholarly attainments. The same degree was also conferred, a few years after, by Syracuse University, which was founded while Dr. Horr was pastor in that city, and in which he has always taken a great interest.

Until 1882 he was a member of the Central New York Conference, taking the most im- portant appointments within its bounds, and serving for years as Conference Secretary, an office entailing great responsibilities and affording large influence. In the fall of 1882 he was called to Walnut Street Church, Chelsea, Mass., in the New England Con- ference. Here he at once took high rank, and was greatly in demand as a platform speaker and lecturer.

One of the elements of Dr. Horr's popu- larity in the various cities in which he has labored, has been his interest as a citizen, as well as a public teacher and clergyman, in all public questions. These he has discussed in the pulpit and on the platform freely and fearlessly. During his pastorate in Chelsea he was unanimously invited by the city gov- ernment to give the oration at its memorial service for General Grant.

In 1886 the Maverick Congregational Church of Boston gave him an unanimous call to be- come its pastor, and he remained with them between seven and eight years, when he was called to Piedmont Church, Worchester, Mass., where he now (1894) resides. The Boston Herald, on the eve of his departure from that city, said : "Without the slightest sensationalism he discusses all the topics of the day, and subjects that alike interests old and young. His popularity is by no means confined to his own congregation, or even to Boston. He is possesed of considerable repu- tation as an after-dinner speaker, and de- livered many addresses in the late conflict on the school question. He is broad-minded and has a fine command of language, and as an extemporaneous speaker he has few superiors in Boston. He is especially popular with young people, in whom he takes a great in- terest, and he has addressed from the plat- form members of the Young People' Society of Christian Endeavor in all parts of the State."

His denomination has shown their confi- dence in his judgment and business sagacity

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

REV. ELIJAH HORR, D. D.

by placing him upon some of the most im- portant of their boards of trust. He is a cor- porate member and upon the prudential com- mittee of the American Board ; is a member of the executive committee of the American Association ; also of the Sunday School and Publishing Society, and a director of the American Congregational Association.

In 1864 he married Miss Bessie Winslow, daughter of Hon John Winslow, of Water- town, N. Y. They have three children, viz : Dr. Albert Winslow, of Boston ; Katharine Pease, wife of Frederick B. Lovejoy, of Bos- ton, and John W., now a lad of 15 years.

ALBERT VEDDER HORR

WAS the fourth son, born February 18, 1843; He was a sturdy, mischievous boy of an un-

usually happy disposition. In boyhood he was little inclined "to take account of stock " before engaging in any of the ex- peditions and escapades, so often character- istic of enterprising boys in a country village. He was a recognized leader, though inclined, in his early days, to be somewhat reckless of consequences, still he was always fertile in resources, and if his thoughtless daring some- times led his young companions into scrapes, his steady bravery and persistence always helped to extricate them. He attained his growth very early, and with it seemed to have unusual maturity of judgment. He enlisted in his brother Wesley's company at the age of 17, and when the regiment was disbanded, after nine months of service, he was an orderly sergeant. He remained in Washington for several months in the service

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 164

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