Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 166

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 166

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Take him all in all, Mr. Frederick is an unique and interesting character-a man of positive ideas, of a growth that has made the town a synonym for energy, for real pluck and for independence.

He owns and enjoys three beautiful islands in the St. Lawrence river, and owns Oakside Park, on Wellsley Island, as well as quite an interest in Round Island Park. He has a fine cottage on Frederick Island, where he and his family have spent their vacation for many years. He was the pioneeer and the first cottager in all that section now dotted with summer residences, where is now Thousand Island Park and its surround- ings. He was aggressive, and a leader in this as in other matters of public interest. We extract the following from . the Carthage Republican, of September 5, 1894 :

Golden anniversaries are rare, in any department of life, but especially so in a business field, with its shifting, changing fortunes. Our successful and skillful druggist, Mr. C. L. Frederick, has attained the proud distinction of having served 50 consecu- tive years in this important and intricate art. While he has seen many business houses rise and fall since 1844, he has gone steadily, surely onward, until he has won a competence, and best of all, a character for unswerving integrity, golden, like the mortar which he uses, secundem artem. Still hale and hearty, with brain keen and alert, the Republican ex- tends hearty greetings, and hopes that for many years to come it may be our pleasure to give pre- cedence among the list of veteran business men, to the name of C. L. Frederick.

PATRICK SOMERVILLE STEWART,

A NATIVE of Edinburgh, Scotland, was born in 1790. When 14 years of age he shipped before the mast as a common sailor, and came to America. In 1815 he was so fortun- ate as to secure employment in the distin- guished LeRay family, for that meant ad-

PATRICK SOMERVILLE STEWART.

vancement from one position to another, as was the custom of that nobleman in dealing with all his employes. Young Stewart's natural sagacity, good judgment and ster- ling qualities were such that he gained the entire confidence of his employer, and in 1835 he had full power as Mr. LeRay's attorney and the care of his large estate. Mr. Stewart has had eight children. In February, 1876, his beloved wife died, aged 86. He was a Methodist in his religious affiliations, and a generous contributor to that organization.

In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican. He was a peculiar character; possessed of an indomitable will, indepen- dent, positive, energetic in the maintenance of his principles, he was yet a man of much tenderness, and would sacrifice himself to serve a friend. He died in November, 1874, aged 84 years, leaving a reputation in no wise tainted by anything unjust.

John Stewart became a resident of Car- thage about the same time as his brother Patrick, and for many years lived an exem- plary Christian life. His widow and sister Ellen live at an advanced age, with Mrs. Stewart's daughter Sarah, (Mrs. B. Vroman, of Champion). These two ladies, possessing peculiarly happy dispositions, are of the kind that never grow old, looking forward to the reward of the faithful.

Patrick Somerville Stewart was in many ways remarkable. The writer met him as clerk when he was supervisor from Wilna. The town never had a more faithful officer, nor one who took a greater delight in doing a duty to the best of his ability.

795

WILNA.

HON. ALLEN E. KILBY

THE subject of this sketch, was born in Hen- derson, Jefferson county, New York, August 13, 1842. His father, George Kilby, was a native of Connecticut, and his mother of New York State. Both were noted for their strength of character and kindly qualities of sympathy and good will. The subject of this sketch early manifested a desire for books, and soon formed the resolution to make his way through college. This was not easy where so much money was required, and the family wealth was small. The pro- ceeds of the home farm were needed to meet the demands of the family, and so young Kilby made up his mind to pay his own way by teaching school. He went from the dis- trict school at Henderson to Union Academy, Belleville, N. Y., from which he graduated

with high honors in 1866. He taught school winters to earn money to pay his expenses, and for a portion of the time, "boarded himself "-a phrase well known to many a poor student working his own way through school at this famous academy. From Union Academy he entered St. Lawrence Uni- versity, Canton, New York, and graduated therefrom in 1869, with a well won record for scholarship of the highest excellence. There, as at Union Academy, he had to rely on his own personal exertions for earning money to pay his college expenses; and his vacations were given always to hard work. The writer has known him to reach home from college on Saturday evening and go to work on the farm Monday morning-work- ing through the summer without a single

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

796

day's vacation, in order that the modest sum needed for the following college term might be provided. Entering the St. Lawrence University Law School in 1869, he graduated in the following year. While in college he was appointed tutor in history, mathematics and Latin, and remained a year after gradu- ating as instructor in mathematics. He was then chosen to the chair of pure mathematics in the University, but resigned the position to engage in the practice of the law. He was married to Miss Alice A. Johnson, daughter of Lynda and Fales Johnson, of Hen- derson, in 1871, and settled in Carthage the same year for the practice of his profession. Two children blessed this happy union, Ralph Lawrence, born July 5, 1880, and Bertha Alice, born August 4, 1883. From the first, Mr. Kilby made his mark as a close student, an excellent legal adviser, and a man of high character. Such qualities won for him the early confidence of the people, and age and experience brought him an in- creasing volume of legal business in his early professional career. In 1884 he was elected Member of Assembly from the first district of Jefferson county by the largest majority ever given in that district, and re-elected in November, 1885. He took a high position in the Legislature as a painstaking member, and one of the keenest students of all meas- ures presented in the Assembly. Nothing escaped his laborious and faithful examina- tion of bills laid before that body, and while he modestly refrained from taking part in debates to any great extent, he was recog- nized as a leading and safe authority on all matters coming before the Legislature. He served on the committees on judiciary, banks, public education, and on two-thirds and three-fifths bills, with great credit and acceptance. During his two years' service in the Assembly he refused all passes from railroads and always paid his full fare wherever he went. His view was that no public legislator should accept favors from railway corporations, whose interests might be antagonistic to the rights and best inter- ests of the people. In 1891 his name was prominently mentioned as candidate for county judge, and the strong endorsement he received was gratifying proof of the esteem in which he was held in his native county.

Mr. Kilby, at this writing, is in his fifty-first year. and presents an all-round character for legal attainments and business ability seldom surpassed by one of his age in country life, and who has had to make his own way unaided by wealth and without the assistance of powerful friendly influence. He is a trustee of St Lawrence University and vice-president of the First National Bank of Carthage, N. Y. Upright and downright in character, possessing a rare equipment of general and legal learning, un- tiring in the discharge of every duty to his clients and to every-day life, Allen E. Kilby presents an object lesson of a self-made

man-"four square to all the winds that blow "-and worthy of the fullest respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Mature in judgment, inflexible in his opinions, stain- less in his personal honor, and brave and true in his friendship-a loving and tender father, a faithful and affectionate husband- the subject of this brief sketch adds dignity to his profession and honor to the citizenship of his native country. A. D. S.

JAMES PERRY HODGKINS.

JAMES PERRY HODGKINS, who died in his 78th year, on the 18th of November, 18 -; was the oldest resident of Carthage, having resided there continuously since 1819, with the exception of a short absence. He was born in Kingsbury, Washington county, N. Y. He left there at the age of 16, coming to Carthage with his uncle, John Hodgkins, who built a foundry in what is now West Carthage, near the site of Coburn's mill. Under his uncle's instruction he became a worker in iron, in almost every department of which he exhibited great skill and enter- prise, until it became a common remark that he could make anything that could be pro- duced from iron. His whole active life was spent in business connected with the iron in- dustry and with public works-he having been a contractor on the Black River Canal and the Utica & Black River Railroad, the latter of which he was one of the earliest promoters The piers of the railroad bridge which span the river at Carthage, were built by him in the year 1852; and although the superstructure was not completed until 18 years later. the work was found to have been so well done and they were found in such a good state of preservation that nothing was required to render it a safe foundation. Mr. Hodgkins was a cousin of Alvin H. Perry, who won the renowned victory on Lake Erie over the British fleet, and in his youth enjoyed the privileges of an intercourse with that hero, which no doubt had the effect of turning his attention to political and public affairs, in which he felt an uncommon inter- est. A firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party, not only in the days of its prosperity and glory, but in the dark days of its adversity, he adhered to its fortunes with undeviating affection and confidence. He never could consent to accept any office outside of the town in which he resided. As a neighbor and friend he was universally es- teemed ; genial and sociable, he was a great favorite with all classes. Possessing an ex- ceedingly retentive memory, his mind was stored with so much of the early history of this part of the State, that he was always re- lied upon for information of that character. He married Miss Julia A. Johnson, who sur- vives him, residing with her daughter, Mrs. G. B. Farrington, in Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mr. Hodgkins is well remembered by the author of this History, for he was kind to us when a poor boy learning a trade.

797

WILNA.

CAPT. H. J. WELCH

Is a native of Chenango county, N. Y., and was born in the village of Norwich, July 17, 1834. His parents were born in Stonington, Conn., and at an early day migrated to Nor- wich, where they carved out of the wilder- ness a home on the banks of the Canasawacta Creek, from which source have sprung a numerous progeny, the greater part of whom are settled in the towns of Oxford, Greene, Bainbridge and Afton. The Captain was educated in the academies of Homer and Oxford. He read law with Col. John Wait, of Norwich, and was admitted to the bar in Binghamton in 1861. In the fall of 1862 he removed to Carthage, and for a short time practiced law with Charles T. Hammond ; subsequently he opened an office by himself and for several years occupied rooms with

the Hon. Marcus Bickford. In August, 1864, permit was given by the State to raise a regiment for the War of the Rebellion. Under this permit a regiment was raised, known as the 186th N. Y. Volunteer Infan- try, in which the subject of this sketch was captain of a company.

After the war the Captain came back to his adopted village, where he has since re- sided, and practiced his profession. He organized the Carthage Fire Department ; was elected four times president, and as an executive officer made the most efficient one it ever had. He straightened the street grade and the sidewalks, built the first stone cross-walks, caused the fences to be removed and the parking system to be carried out, the streets to be lighted and an equality of

798

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

taxation established. He is one of the best campaign orators in the State; has been and is an active G. A. R. man, and in 1888 was commander of E. B. Steele Post, No. 269. He is a lawyer, well grounded in elementary principles, possessing those rare qualifica- tions which make one of the best trial law- yers in Northern New York.

The Captain, besides his legal skill and literary attainments, is the inventor of 21 patents, among which is the Pneumatic Horse Shoe and the Glass Tube and Change- able Center Fish Bait. He was married in 1864 to Zeolade, daughter of Orson and Sophia Warren. His home is a delightful one, in the very heart of the town.

JOSEPH PARKER BROWNELL,

LONG a citizen of Carthage, and well known as a very reliable surveyor (and possessing a most accurate knowledge of the original sur- veys of all this section), was born in Duanes- burg, Schenectady county, N. Y., January 9, 1827. He was the son of Cornelius and Mary (Rulison) Brownell. He came to Car- thage in 1849, and for a time taught school, becoming finally an assistant to his uncle, Nelson Rulison, for many years the surveyor for the LeRay land office. About 30 years ago Mr. Brownell became the sole surveyor for the Carthage office, and at his death he

JOSEPH PARKER BROWNELL.

was the best known expert upon land ques- tions in the counties of Jefferson, Lewis and Southern St. Lawrence. In his line of special work he made many friends and always kept them, a rare thing for any one to do. Mr. Brownell filled many places of trust and re- sponsibility, all of which he conscientiously discharged. He had been a supervisor in Lewis county, a justice of the peace in Croghan for 18 years and held the same office in the village of Carthage; was also assessor

for many years, besides holding other offices. In 1856 he was married to Miss Parthena S., daughter of Mr. Osmyn Caswell, one of the pioneers of the town of Theresa, and a jus- tice of the peace there for several years. They have reared four children, one daughter and three sons. The daughter, a teacher of much promise, preceded him to the better land some seven years ago. Hiram M. is a farmer. James Parker is a civil engineer, a graduate from Cornell University. Charles is foreman of the Carthage Tribune. The last two named reside in Carthage.

Mr. Brownell died in Carthage on Christ- mas day, 1894. With him was forever lost much that was of interest relating to the early surveys. He was a thinker and a stu- dent. He had always a ready answer to any question relating to his profession. The author of this History had occasion once to ask him the exact measure of the water-fall in the Black river at Carthage, as well as the width of the river at the point where the public bridge crosses. He gave me the figures without reference to any book. He was a methodical and exact man, the result of long training in his profession, a matter of the utmost consequence in a surveyor. He was a superior draughtsman, plotting with exactness and ease. Taking him all in all, he was a man whose loss comes near to being a public one, for the knowledge he largely possessed was of such a nature that it was of interest to all. His last sickness was a gradual fading out of "life's fitful fever." The writer was with him and his devoted wife at Bonaparte lake last summer, and an- ticipated his speedy restoration to health, a hope that has not had fufillment. But his end was peace, for death had no terrors for him.

The father of Mrs. Brownell, Osmyn Cas- well, Esq., was born in Connecticut in 1796, and came of old Puritan stock. Three of his mother's brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary army, and fought for independ- ence at Bunker Hill. Esquire Caswell was one of the writer's earliest friends, a truly honest, conscientious man. He was the first justice of the peace in that part of the town of Theresa where he resided. He was univer- sally respected. He died in the the town of Wilna in 1881. Mr. Brownell's esteemed wife is left to mourn for her husband. They were indeed, an exceptionally happy and industrious family. J. A. H.

799

WILNA

SIMEON FULTON,

FOR many years a well-known and respected citizen of the town of Wilna, was born in Vermont in 1809. He was the eldest son of Caleb Fulton, who was born in 1777 in Coleraine, Mass., and came to Wilna from Vermont in 1810, and built a log house on the farm where Mrs. Angelica Fulton (the wife of Elisha, Caleb's son) now resides. The privations incident to settlement in a new country afforded but little opportunity to ac- quire an education, but Simeon fitted himself for a life of usefulness, and soon became a referee for his neighbors and friends, who frequently sought his advice, and it was always considered reliable. In 1833 he was married to Larissa M., daughter of John and Susanna Smith. She came with her parents

from New Jersey to the town of Wilna when but one year old, and the country a dense wilderness. Being childless they generously adopted children, who became as dear to them as their own. They took Julia A. when a child, and she, with her husband (Myron Lewis, Jr., of Wilna) and their three

children, have been a comfort to Mr. and Mrs. Fulton in their declining years. These grandchildren seemed to be the special object of Mr. Fulton's love and care after the demise of his beloved wife, which occurred in Wilna, March 29, 1890, at the age of 73 years. Thus

was severed the sacred ties of over half a cen-

tury's duration. Mrs. Fulton possessed many virtues which inspired love and commanded respect from all who formed her acquaint-

800

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

ance. Simeon Fulton was a man of many amiable and desirable qualities. Strictly honest in his dealings with his fellow men, he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy. He possessed untiring diligence and patience, which enabled him to accumulate a handsome property. He was a devoted hus- band and generous protector to his foster children, to whom he was very much at- tached. His grandchildren cannot say too much in his praise. But Mr. Fulton's superior ability was recognized outside of the immediate neighborhood where his life was spent. He represented the town of Wilna as supervisor in 1847-48-49. He was notary public and school commissioner many years, and held many minor offices in the town. He

was captain in the State militia. In 1891 he visited his birthplace in Vermont, accom- panied by his grandson, E. Fulton Lewis.

An Universalist in belief, he lived as if in accord with the teachings of the Golden Rule. He died May 6, 1894, aged 85 years. "Truly a good man has fallen," was the expression of all who learned of the demise of Simeon Fulton. He was one more of those strong and honorable men who settled in the Black River country at an early day, and lived lives which justify us in calling them exceptional in all the qualities which make up true man- hood. Principle was his guide, the light of reason his inspiration to duty. There were some like Mr. Fulton, but he had no su- perior.

THE STRICKLANDS

WERE a distinguished family among those Friends who came into Philadelphia, Jeffer- son county, early in the century, probably among the very first permanent settlers of that town. They were from the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pa., where they had long been an important family, and where their de- scendants still maintain the ability demon- strated by their ancestry. We give the biography of this entire family in Jefferson county, upon the next page. Miles and Seth, two of the sons of the original John Strickland, filled so important a position in the history of Jefferson county, that we single them out for special mention. We insert their biographical sketches in connec- tion with the town of Wilna, because Mr. John E. Strickland, son of Seth and nephew of Miles, has for many years resided in the village of Carthage, a respected citizen and large property owner and tax-payer.

Miles Strickland was born in Bucks county, Pa., several years before his father removed to Philadelphia. He grew up on his father's farm, receiving a moderate edu- cation at the public school and partly from a Friend's school, established at Philadelphia at an early day. By profession he would naturally be classed as a farmer, but he was also a miller, he having been proprietor of the grist mill at Philadelphia in company with Mr. Edward Tucker, as well as engaged in other enterprises. As he grew in wealth and reputation as a financier, he gave up his other pursuits more and more, until at last his whole time was devoted to his own finan- cial affairs. He married Miss Harriet A. Bronson, now deceased. He was a man of more than average capacity, and of excellent judgment, for which reason his advice was often sought by his neighbors. His business calling him often to Watertown, he finally made that city his home, and there he rounded out a useful and honorable life, dying March 17, 1893.

Seth Strickland, brother of the above, was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1808, and ac-

companied his parents when they removed to the Black River country. The farm of his father was his home until he purchased a farm for himself, and entered upon his life- work. He married Miss Jane, daughter of Thomas Bones, another Pennsylvanian, a sister of William Bones, of the well-known iron firm of Budd & Bones, in active opera- tion at Carthage in the forties. Mr. Strick- land was a successful farmer, well known and universally respected. He died in 1873, leaving a comfortable fortune to be distrib- uted among his children.

John E. Strickland, a leading and wealthy citizen of Carthage, was born in Philadel- phia, N. Y., August 2, 1845. His early edu- cation was in the district school, supple- mented by attendance at the Black River Literary Institute, at Watertown. His home was upon his father's farm until 19 years of age, when he entered the store of Mosher & Tucker at Philadelphia, where he remained about one and a half years, coming to Car- thage in 1869, and entering the store of Bones & Frederick. In 1871 he went into the hard- ware business with Mr. John Rogers, the firm being Rogers & Strickland, which con- tinued until 1879, when Mr. Strickland en- tered upon the business alone. In 1887 he received as a partner Mr. Henry M. Mosher, and the business is now conducted under the firm name of Strickland & Mosher.

October 9, 1873, Mr. Strickland married Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Collins Miller, of Deer River, N. Y. They have reared three interesting children, Ruth Louise, Seth Miller, and John Lyle. Their home is a typical one-solid but not ostentatious.

Mr. Strickland is the proprietor of the Strickland block, a new building in the cen- ter of the village. It was begun in Febru- ary, 1893, and was fully completed in 1894. There is no more substantial building in the county, and it is a credit to Carthage, for many reasons. The front is pressed (Tren- ton, N. J.) brick, and, with the Ohio blue stone, forms a peculiarly fine and massive

WILNA.

801

combination. The front upon State street is 90 feet, and upon Mechanic street 105 feet. Mr. Griffin, of Watertown, was the architect. The mason and carpenter work has been done largely by Carthage mechanics, and they have produced a fine building.

PEDIGREE OF THE STRICKLAND FAMILY.

JOHN STRICKLAND was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1757. In 1806 he emigrated to Jefferson county, and located in Philadel- phia, N. Y., then a part of LeRay. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and pos- sessed of a genial and kindly disposition. He brought with him a sum exceeding $25,000, with which he purchased 5,000 acres of land in that town. During the War of 1812 he bought supplies for the army, and at the termination of the war had a large quantity of supplies on hand, for which he received less than half their original cost. He was obliged to dispose of a portion of his land to pay off his indebtedness, after the ac- complishment of which he had left of his once large estate only 220 acres. He died September 15, 1849; aged 92 years. At the age of 25 he married Margaret Stout, of Ger- man descent, with whom he resided 60 years. She died in 1853. Of their children, Eliza-

beth married Thomas Townsend, and died in 1864; John, Jr., married Rachel Townsend, and died in 1859; Sarah married Ezra Com- ley, and died in Pennsylvania in 1855 ; De- borah died in infancy ; Ann married Edmund Tucker, and died in 1863; Mahlon married Mary, daughter of James Rogers, and died in 1871; Margaret married Samuel Case, and died in Chicago, in 1888, aged 91 years ; Rachel married Samuel Rogers, and died in Philadelphia, N. Y., in 1863 ; Miles married Harriet A. Bronson (deceased); Martha mar- ried Robert Gray, and died in Wisconsin, in 1875; Seth, who was born in 1808, married Jane, daughter of Thomas Bones, January 25, 1835. Of their children, Ellen (Mrs. Isaac Mosher) and William reside in Philadelphia, N. Y., and John E. in Carthage. William Strickland was born October 15, 1839, and was reared on the homestead farm, which he inherited. He married Betsey J., daughter of Truman and Fanny (Allis) Oatman, of Philadelphia, N. Y., December 29, 1862, by whom he has had two children, Seth T., born March 12, 1866, who died May 7, 1871, and Anna Jane, born Abril 2, 1874. Mr. Wm. Strickland is a farmer, and resides in the village of Philadelphia.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 166

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