Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 20

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 20

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Caleb Slocum, whose face is shown on one of the composite plates of the 35th regiment, is a LeRaysville boy, son of Samuel G. Slocum, who came into LeRay about 1814, from Dart- mouth, Mass. The elder Slocum was a miller and clothier, and at an early date he built a grist mill and cloth-dressing works on Pleasant Creek at what has long been known as Slocum's Mills. This family is directly related to Gen- eral Henry W. Slocum, lately deceased, loved and honored by his countrymen. Samuel G. Slocum was a member of the Society of Friends, and Caleb was reared in that faith, educated in the common schools, helping his father until he reached his majority. About that time Fort Sumter was fired upon, and Caleb was one of the very first to enlist, join- ing Co. A as a private soldier, but afterwards promoted to a lieutenancy for bravery in battle. As we have said, he was a member of the Society of Friends by what they designate a "birthright," and when it was known that he had enlisted, one of the most faithful and revered of that body (Daniel Childs) started on foot for Watertown to try and disuade Caleb from any resort to warfare. He walked the streets of Watertown all night, and finding Caleb in the morning, used all the argument in his power to induce him to remain stead- fast in the Friends' faith, that is, opposed to war. Caleb was stubborn, however, and patriotism prevailed over faith-so the Friends

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

quietly dropped Caleb from their fellowship, and this incipient soldier went with his com- pany to fight his way upward into prominence. Probably no man in the 35th had more friends than young Slocum, for he early showed great courage, judgment and fearlessness. He always had a smile for a friend, and his wholesome, persistent good nature was worth more than medicine to keep up the boy's spirits amidst dismal surroundings. His

memory is enshrined in the hearts of Co. A as one of its noblest braves, an honor to the company and to the regiment. He is yet in the prime of life, and holds a position under the State in caring for two of the great dams that store up the waters of Black River in the Western Adirondacks.

George Van Vleck, another of the members Co. A, 35th regiment, shown on the preceding

composite plate, was born in the town of Ant- werp in 1835, the son of a farmer, receiving his education in the common schools of his native town. He left the farm and came to Theresa to learn marble cutting from E. S. Stock well. He removed to Watertown in 1858, and from there he enlisted into the 35th Regiment, Co. A-being one of the very first to go into the ranks of that celebrated com- pany. He shared in all the battles and skir- mishes and marches of his company, and was mustered out with the regiment at Elmira, having served two years. He returned to Watertown and resumed work at his trade with Foster M. Ferrin. In 1873 he went into business by himself, and has followed his avocation successfully. He is married, and has one child ; is hale and hearty, and may be seen daily at work in his marble yard at 68 Court street, Watertown.

HON. WILLARD IVES.

Hon. Willard Ives, whose connection with the religious, educational, political and philan- thropic institutions of Jefferson county have made his name familiar throughout Northern New York, was born in the town of Water- town in 1806. His ancestry came from New England ; his father, Dr. Titus, and his mother, Mary (Phelps) Ives, were both natives of Connecticut, and came to Jefferson county in 1801. A brother, Jotham Ives, had pre- viously, in the fall, located here, and a few years subsequently the two brothers were joined by a third, Erastus. They located large tracts of land in the southwestern part of Watertown, and adjoining in Hounsfield, where they resided until their deaths. Dr. Titus Ives was a graduate of medicine, but did not continue the practice to any extent after coming to Jefferson county. He was quite prominent in local town affairs, aud rep- resented his district in the State Legislature in 1829-30.

Willard was an only child, receiving a good education for pioneer days, and has always taken a deep interest in religious and educa- tional affairs. He has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and has done much to elevate the standard of agricultural pursuits. He has resided upon his farm (now in the city limits) since 1850, and has witnessed the change of his neighborhood from pioneer days to its present advanced position in the progress of the age. In 1840 he became a director in the Bank of Watertown, and subsequently be- came its president. He has also been con- nected with other banks, and served as presi- dent of the Merchants' Bank. In religious affairs he has always been an earnest and effi- cient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1846 was appointed by Conference to represent them at the World's Convention in London, after which he passed some months in observation on the continent. While on his return from his mission to the World's Convention, the steamer Great Brit-

ain, upon which he took passage, ran hard ashore on the Irish coast, necessitating her abandonment by her passengers, who came home by other conveyances.

In 1848 he was a candidate for Congress, and, notwithstanding the demoralization of his party during that eventful year, came within 300 votes of an election. In 1852 he was elected and served one term.

Mr. Ives is still in good health, and enjoy- ing the evening of his life from the results of his own industry and sagacity. He owns 100 acres of superior farming land, all of which now lies within the city limits of Watertown. Although over 87 years of age, he still con- ducts his many kinds of business and benevo- lent affairs. He is president of the Ives Seminary at Antwerp, which he endowed, and has always contributed largely to its sup- port. He is also president of the Jefferson County Orphan Asylum, of which institution he was one of the originators and most earnest advocates. He has always been a prominent and earnest worker in the Arsenal Street Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday- school, and was one of the organizers of the Syracuse University, and was also one of the incorporators of the Thousand Island Camp- Meeting Association.

Mr. Ives, among all the descendants of the carly families, has had the most consistent and continued church relation. An earnest Methodist, he has been always a strong man among them, and has never declined aid to any enterprise relating to that church, nor to society at large. His family name is an honored one in this county, where he has ever been foremost in aid of religion and literature.

Mr. Ives has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte Winslow, sister of Hon. John Winslow, died in 1861. His second wife is a native of Oswego county, and her maiden name was Lucina M. Eddy. Her parents were old resi- dents of the town of Philadelphia.

COMLEY BROS NEW YORK.

BIOGRAPHIES.

NORRIS M. WOODRUFF.

Livy, the historian, in eulogizing the reign of one of the Cæsars, says that "he found Rome brick, but he left it marble." Not in these words, but in the broad sense that the quotation suggests, we write of one who found the present beautiful city of Watertown a mere hamlet-a cross roads, with the usual blacksmith shop, the tavern and the country store, but who helped far more than any man before or since his time to make it the most desirable village of that great State so justly celebrated for its charming towns.

If the curious reader will take a look at that valuable collection of portraits of Water- town's leading citizens, painted by the late Jonah Woodruff, and preserved from forget- fulness by that patriotic and distinguished citizen, Mr. George W. Wiggins, he will find among them the likeness of an austere-look-

ing gentleman, and will be told (if under 50 years of age, and therefore never having seen the original), that the painting represents Nor- ris M. Woodruff, as he moved and lived among his contemporaries from 1817 to 1857. From that portrait our present picture came. The austerity of his face, however, was not a reflection of his inner self, for he was a gener- ous and high-toned man, an indulgent father and an estimable citizen, but the facial ex- pression was doubtless the outgrowth of a business struggle in those early times in Northern New York, when every man was taxed to the utmost to succeed ; for the times were hard, the markets difficult to be reached, no railroad nearer than Rome or Syracuse, all freight moved by the circuitous route of canal to Oswego, thence by steamer to Sackets Harbor, and by wagon to Watertown. The

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

crops at times were scanty or uncertain ; but little money was in active circulation ; valu- able timber almost unsaleable, wood from $1.25 to $1.75 a cord ; wheat 60 cents, oats 25 cents a bushel ; butter 10 to 12 cents, and cheese 5 to 6 cents a pound. Is it any won- der, then, that the men who were the leaders in business in those times wore stern and de- termined faces, or that the intensity of their struggle for supremacy stamped itself upon their features? Nay, the only wonder is that their hearts, too, did not become hard and calloused-but they did not, for they are well remembered as men of generous impulses and active sympathies.

Mr. Woodruff was born in the town of Hartford, Conn., Sept. 7, 1792. His father was an industrious farmer in easy circum - stances, but desiring a wider field and cheaper land for his rising family, about 1803 he sought a new home in the almost unknown " Black River country," locating in the town of LeRay, Jefferson county, at what was known as Jewett's (now Sanford's) Corners, where he was for years a successful farmer. When Norris M. attained his majority he was possessed of about $100 in cash, acquired principally in teaching school. He desired to go out into the world and make a future for himself, but his father objected, as the son was considered scarcely up to the average in physique, and not quite able to compete with others in the struggle for success incident to a new country. But the young man showed his determined character, and resolved to venture into new fields. "Norris," said his father, "when you have spent your capital, come back home, where you will ever be welcome." "Father," he replied, "you will live to be proud of your son "-a prophecy most abund- antly fulfilled.

Deciding upon Watertown as his choice for location, he purchased a horse and cart, and was soon selling tin ware about the county, receiving in pay (not refusing money) such paper rags, peltry and other merchantable commodities as the settlers had to spare, and these he stored until in sufficient bulk to ship away to manufacturers of paper and other purchasers. This new life rapidly improved his physical condition, and the peculiar con- ditions of his business gave force to his natural persistency and self-reliance. After a year or two of this life he established a tinware manu- factory and hardware store near the site now occupied by the Woodruff House. His famil- iar acquaintance with the people with whom he had dealt in his journeyings about the county brought him many customers, and his fair dealing and business integrity inspired a confidence which lasted all through his life. He judiciously managed the prosperity which flowed in upon him, and gradually extended his business. Step by step he rose in the con- fidence of the people. He was for many years a director, and for a long time president of the Jefferson County Bank, an institution which survived many panics and financial disasters, but has never closed its doors during a single day since it came to Watertown.

He was one of the most active promoters of the Watertown and Rome Railroad, an enter- prise entered upon by the people of Jefferson county with much reluctance, and after great labor by its originators ; and he was also active in organizing the company which built the road north to Potsdam, to connect with the roads to New England.

Mr. Woodruff was never a money-getter for the mere pleasure of accumulation. His mind was far-reaching, and his greatest ambi- tion was bound up in the well-being of his be- loved Watertown. In its progressive life he was ever prominent; its best interests were near his heart, and his helping hand was always ready to do even more than his legiti- mate share in bearing her burdens. He was

not a politician, and never sought public office, nor placed any value upon such honors, which, had he sought them, would be at his com- mand. His favors were bestowed, not for gratitude or praise, but because it was his nature to help individuals or towns that were earnestly trying to help themselves. Columns of truthful laudation might be written in de- scribing his character, his dealings with his fellow citizens, his labors for his village. We know that those things are not forgotten by the older citizens of Jefferson county.

Previous to 1850 he gradually withdrew from the more exacting demands of his large business, and turned over the hardware branch to his son, Horace W., and his son-in- law, Mr. Howell Cooper. After Horace moved to St. Louis, this extensive business was carried on by Mr. Cooper, and he is re- membered as one of Watertown's most suc- cessful merchants. But while Mr. Woodruff withdrew from such business as he could readily delegate to others, he maintained his official relations with the railroad and the bank, and had more time to devote to his building enterprises, some of which yet re- main as mementoes of his ability and intelli- gence. In the midst of these active labors he was stricken down by disease, and in his 64th year, on January 16, 1857, he passed away. lamented by a sorrowing community, and deeply mourned by his large family.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS.

Mr. Woodruff was tall and broad-shouldered, without being bulky, and when at all excited was of commanding presence. Though above the average height, he never appeared un- couth or embarrased. On the contrary, hc bore the easy, nonchalant air of one who knew the world, and felt conscious that he was at least the peer of the foremost in any gather- ing where he happened to be. Indeed, it is my own opinion that he was never in the slightest degree, even in early life, awed by the presence of any one. He never seemed to feel inferiority to any person in whose pres- ence he appeared. He possessed a conscious- ness of his own strength and capacity for leadership, and went straight forward with his plans of building and business, seeking advice from no one outside of his own family, but successful every time. I would not have the

BIOGRAPHIES.

reader infer that there was the slightest ap- pearance of vanity or self-laudation in his bearing or his language, but rather the self- pose and calm reliance upon his own inborn self which ever mark the strong character when brought face to face with danger or opposition. And he encountered opposition and often unjust criticism and the jealousies that are the inheritance of small communities, and was often called to deal with men as de- termined and ambitious as himself. Jason Fairbanks, Perley Keyes, Orville Hunger- ford, William H. Angel, Adriel Ely, and Eli Farwell were men not easily thrust aside or intimidated ; but amidst these worthy contem- poraries he took the lead in every great im- provement, and pressed steadily forward, with a breadth of view and an irrepressible industry that would not be denied.

As I was an eager, observing boy at the time that Mr. Woodruff was at the zenith of his business career, his impression upon my mind was deep and lasting. Not that I saw him oftener than I did his contemporaries, for I served all of them with our newspaper, "The Eagle and Standard," but there was an individuality about this man that was more pronounced than in any other citizen. On horseback he rode like a general at the head of his troops; calm, reliant, self-poised. On foot he was a walking force, equally self- sustained, absorbing, turning neither to the right nor left. To have slapped him on the back or set up a joke at his expense would have been like attempting any familiarity with the great Washington himself.

Like all positive men, he had his enemies, but now that the asperities and petty business jealousies of that day have been forgotten, it is due to history to pass upon all such leaders in our early settlement the indulgent opinion of a grateful posterity, who share in the suc- cesses and the glory of those who preceded them, and made smooth the pathway for those who were to follow. If these early pioneers had faults, for surely they did have them, their memory is swallowed up by the bene- ficence of their achievements, or in the acts of their children. Being dead, they yet speak to the young men of to-day, and bid them form high standards of excellence in all their thoughts of the future, and strive to come as near them as is possible in lives that are so short as ours.

SOME OF HIS CHILDREN.

In 1847 Mr. Woodruff had married Miss Roxana P. Bush, a most estimable lady, in every respect a helpmate and advisor through

all his business life. She survived him many years. They raised a family of nine children, three sons and six daughters.

If any further evidence were needed to con- vince the present people of Watertown of the excellence of this Woodruff stock, it can be found in the exalted character of such of these children as have survived their parents, and by their public benefits and private charities have illustrated in a marked degree the en- larged benevolence which distinguished their ancestry. When the observer sees children honoring the memories of their parents by dispensing wealth for the benefit of those in humble life, or for those who have somehow honestly failed in acquiring enough money to make old age comfortable, the mind is filled with wonder that more rich people are not prompted to follow such examples, so that posterity may look back and revere their mem- ory.

Three of the daughters of Mr. Woodruff are yet living. But Mrs. Mundy, Mrs. Beach and Mrs. Cadwell, so well-known and de- servedly loved in Watertown have joined their parents "beyond the river." Mrs. Cooper has long survived her husband, and after hav- ing reared six children is enjoying the sweet reflections of well-spent years amidst the as- sociations where her whole life has been so honorably passed, and where every street and almost every building must recall memories of her parents and of her own youth. Mrs. Flower, beloved and honored by all who are privileged to know her, adorns the executive mansion at Albany, and helps her most popu- lar and excellent husband in dispensing the hospitalities incumbent upon the Governor of a great State. It has been the good fortune of Mrs. Keep-Schley, however, to confer upon Watertown what may be regarded as its crowning beneficence and its lasting glory. Left great wealth by her husband, the poor orphan boy who rose to rank among the first millionaires of a great city, she has done his memory great credit and herself distinguished honor by endowing the Henry Keep Home with funds ample enough to carry on its grand work through all time. To speak of such a noble gift, so unostentatiously carried out and made so perfect in its work, suggests food for the most pleasant thoughts.

Mr. Woodruff's influence upon his contem- poraries was marked and lasting. While he was a rich man, his wealth acquired from honest labor, not from speculation, he was ever mindful of the deserving poor. No ap- plicant for food was ever turned away unfilled from his hospitable door. J. A. H.

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

HOWELL COOPER.

MR. COOPER was born in Trenton, N. Y., in the year 1815, and was 55 years of age at his decease. When he was three years of age, his father removed with his family to Ox Bow, Jefferson county, and from 1834 to 1839 he was engaged in business with his father in Utica, and had a branch store in Hammond, St. Lawrence county. During these years, being frequently at Watertown, he made the acquaintance of Miss Lois P. Woodruff, daughter of the late Norris M. Woodruff, to whom he was married Sept. 21, 1839.

This union was most fortunate and happy, and was blessed by several children, who now occupy enviable positions in society.

Immediately after marriage he intended to remove to Utica, but was induced to form a co-partnership with Mr. Horace Woodruff, in the hardware business, and to remain in Watertown. This brought him in connection,

and he identified himself with Norris M. Woodruff in nearly all the enterprises that have contributed so largely toward making Watertown the beautiful city that it is to-day.

The Iron Block, rebuilt within ninety days from its burning, and the Woodruff House, stand now as monuments to the enterprise of Mr. Woodruff, and the energy and executive ability of Mr. Cooper. After the death of Mr Woodruff, Mr. Cooper continued in the hardware business. Not ambitious of official honors, he pursued with indomitable will that branch of trade which he had chosen, and, from a small beginning, attained affluence and high position among business men.

Reciving as a partner his brother, Elias F., the firm name of H. & E. F. Cooper was honored in Jefferson county for nearly a quarter of a century.

Mr. Cooper was one who never ate the

BIOGRAPHIES.

bread of idleness; his life was one of unceas- ing labor. He possessed elements of character that made him an honored citizen, and was public spirited to a fault. To his serious detriment, pecuniarily, he was one of the main promoters of the Potsdam and Water- town Railroad ; afterwards one of the prime movers and incorporators of the Watertown Water Works, and latterly, besides adding largely to the success of the Carthage Rail- road by his influence and sanction, he was one of the Commissioners appointed to sub- scribe to the stock by the town.

In his domestic relations he was affectionate and pleasant. Wife and children welcomed his coming when the toils of the day were over, with fondly-beating hearts ; and a hearth- stone, happy with him, was made desolate without him. But those who were near and dear to him have the cheering consolation that he was true to the kindred points of morality and Christianity, and has passed to his reward.

He was an uncommonly able man of affairs. He made himself thoroughly familiar with the details of his business, and was quick to solve whatever perplexing questions came up in connection with it. When he had decided he acted without delay. It was his custom to dispatch his business as it came up, postpon- ing nothing. To this habit his success was no doubt largely due. He connected action with thought his whole life through. He was severely, almost brusquely, practical. He had no patience with theorists. No man had a more hearty hatred of nonsense, humbug and falsehood. It was in his nature also to despise a blunderer, for he rarely blundered himself. But he did not turn away from new things. He has been instrumental in intro- ducing several new inventions among farmers and dairymen. His patent cheese-vat and heater became very popular with dairymen, especially in Northern and Eastern New York and the Eastern States. He commenced its manufacture and sale about 1860. In 1864 he commenced manufacturing the Buckeye Mower, and for several years turned out and

sold 400 a year. He made a specialty of dairymen's furnishing goods, and this class of producers were long in the habit of going to his establishment for their complete outfits. Farmers' seeds was another of his specialties, of which he bought and sold large quantities each year. Such features of his business, and their success, illustrate the foresight and practical wisdom of the man. In public enterprises he did not lag, but did his share towards originating and pushing them for- ward. His friendships were few, but warm. He was too much absorbed in business and his mind too positive to attract strongly. But his family, and others who knew him well in social life, can testify to a tenderness and gentleness behind his stern exterior which few suspected, but which they all the more appre- ciated and enjoyed.

Sunday morning, July 24th, 1870, at fifteen minutes after three o'clock, Mr. Cooper died. He had been confined to his house but a few days, and to most of his neighbors his death was unexpected. It deprived the city and county of one of its most energetic, able and successful business men.

His sudden and unexpected death shrouded Watertown in mourning, and carried poignant grief to the hearts of those who knew him best. Watertown owed much to Howell Cooper, and while it has an existence will not fail to do honor to his memory.

This was spontaneously evidenced by the appropriate resolutions passed by the several civic organizations in Watertown. The busi- ness men led off with a large meeting at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Associ- ation ; then the merchants of the city held a meeting, followed by the Common Council, the directors of the Jefferson County National Bank, the trustees of the Jefferson County Sav- ings Bank, and last, but not least, at the annual meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association, a feeling tribute was paid to Mr. Cooper's memory. In life he was respected- in death his neighbors and the citizens of Watertown honored themselves by honoring him.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 20

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