Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 51

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

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The very familiarity with which he was addressed and talked about affords a striking illustration of his appreciation by his fellow- men. Zachary Taylor, whose personal bear- ing and expression were much like our deceased townsman, while at the height of his deserved popularity as a general, was known to his idolizing soldiers as as "Old Zack" __ and when he rode before them at a review, or when drawn up in line of battle, they could hardly keep from laughing at his dumpy figure, with his resolute under lip protruding, and looking like some old farmer mounted on a general's horse. But they followed him far- ther than they would any other man, and accepted him as their leader against a whole world in arms. Our greatest President since Washington, the martyred Lincoln, seems dearer to all his earlier associates when they remember him as "Old Abe," the greatest commoner of his time. The very nick-names bestowed upon our dead citizen only showed that he was one whom the common people had set up in their hearts as worthy to be designated by some household term.

Like all the great men the writer has ever met, Mr. Fairbanks had not one bit of per- sonal repulsiveness. You felt drawn towards the man naturally, and looked upon him as one who could be talked with upon any subject, no matter how secret or important, without reserve. It is said of him that though in his long business career he had caught many persons pilfering from him, he would never expose them if they faithfully abstained from such conduct in the future. He was one whose tongue never betrayed any human being's confidence.

His self-reliance was something sublime. He never appeared to falter for a moment after he had made up his mind. If proper persons were not at hand to carry out his views, or attend to the details of his plans, he took hold with his own hands, and never waited for "something to turn up." At one time it was necessary to transport from Kings- ton to Watertown a large sum of specie. His own boys were away at school, even if old enough to attend to business of so much importance, and he had no one at hand whom he could entrust with so responsible a mission. Ordering up one of his teams, and mounting the sleigh, he drove to Kingston, loaded the specie, and was back in 30 hours.

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

As a citizen he was always prominent in every public measure. His voice was always on the side of morality and of justice-for his native good sense had taught him that by no other course could a community prosper. No man was more thoroughly identified with Watertown than he. He found it an insigni- ficient hamlet; he left it a beautiful city-its vast water-power well utilized, and its in- habitants among the most intelligent in America. To all this success he had con- tributed no mean quota; and no man could leave behind him a cleaner record nor a more enduring memory. His family life was un- clouded-an uninterrupted round of domestic pleasure for over 60 years.

We might dwell at greater length upon our deceased friend's peculiarities, for he was a man of marked and ingrained individuality, and we might illustrate every trait by some well-remembered anecdote. We have merely sought to dwell upon his higher and yet leading individualities, and to adduce from them some useful lessons for the present.

In many ways Jasan Fairbanks was an unique and always interesting character. By nature he was religious, thoughtful, observ- ing; under a calm exterior he possessed a nature capable of being awakened to great enthusiasm. His patriotic spirit and natural independence were his own by native in- heritance, and his acquaintances and friends and customers in the new country into which they had all come to found homes and help to rear the State, recognized in him the ster- ling qualities which they admired, and trace back to true Revolutionary stock. During a long life of varied business experience, he never was accused of doing a mean or un- worthy action, but was ever the friend and helper of the poor, not by gifts of money, but by giving them employment. He gave work to more men for many years than any other man in the county. Viewed in all his varied characteristics, and condensing into as brief a space as possible a description of his charac- ter, it may be said of him that he has had no counterpart in Jefferson county, and left a memory the most unique and interesting of any of his contemporaries, who were also able men, but there was only one Jasan Fairbanks. He lived on, enjoying fair health, the society of his family and friends, and his newspaper -for he was a great reader-until near his 90th year, dying in great peace on January 10th, 1875.

It seems to the writer that the faithful record of such a life as that of Jasan Fair- banks, must appeal most urgently to the emu- lation of those young men who are just com- mencing their career. They can see what temperance, industry and integrity have done for him. If he had failed in but one of these essentials he would not have been a success. Combining the three, there was nothing he desired that he did not attain to. Though he had held office, the turbid waters of politics left no stain upon him; his dependence was upon industry and not upon clamor-upon integrity rather than upon pretension. Any

young man who reads these lines may rest assured that if he gains any real success or happiness in life, it will be by following the same course that rendered Jasan Fairbanks so much respected and beloved.

Mrs. Fairbanks was Mary Massey, eldest daughter of Hart Massey, one of the very earliest pioneers in the Black River country. They were married in 1815 and had six chil- dren, two of whom died in infancy. The family occupied the same premises continu- ously for 67 years. Mrs. Fairbanks died upon her birthday, September 29, 1882, aged 87 years.

SAMUEL FAIRBANKS, eldest son of Jasan and Mary M., was born in Watertown in 1818, and spent his earlier life here. He received the best education to be had in the schools of that day, attending the celebrated French school in Montreal, and graduating at Union College in 1838. Engaging in business with his father for a number of years, he went to Florida in 1852, where he became largely in- terested in manufacturing lumber; that busi- ness, now so great, having just then attracted attention as a source of profit. Since the war of secession closed, he was engaged mainly in newspaper work, but latterly had been con- nected with the State Roard of Emigration for Florida-coming North with a view of preparing the most efficient data to aid in a publication encouraging emigration to Florida. In that State he has ever held the highest position in the estimation of his fellow-citi- zens.

Previous to removal to Florida, he married in 1842, Miss Juliet, the eldest daughter of William Smith, an honored citizen of Water- town. She survived him several years, dying in 1890, but her body was brought here from Florida, and she sleeps with her husband in beautiful Brookside.

Mr. Fairbanks was a man of extensive cul- ture, and was a writer of force and cogency. His mind had always a political bias, and his writings indicate an intricate knowledge of the many abstruse questions which appear to puzzle the politicians of to-day. He was greatly respected in the South, as well as in his old home. Returning to Watertown to prepare for his book, he was taken suddenly ill, and died September 25, 1881, before his friends thought he was seriously ill.

GEORGE RAINSFORD FAIRBANKS, second son of Jasan and Mary M. Fairbanks, was born in Watertown in 1820. He received his early education at Belleville Union Academy and at the old Watertown Academy, then taught by Hon. Joseph Mullin. His scholastic educa- tion was continued at the Roman Catholic College at Montreal, graduating at Union College, Schenectady, then under charge of the able President Nott. Mr. Fairbanks studied law with Judge Mullin, and in 1842 went to Florida, having been appointed by Judge Isaac H. Bronson, clerk of the United States Circuit Court for the Northern District of Florida. His first wife was Miss Sarah C.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Wright, daughter of Hon. Benjamin Wright, a distinguished citizen of Adams.

Mr. Fairbanks has been an important and influential citizen wherever he has lived, for his scholarly abilities and suavity of manner invited friendship. He has been mayor of St. Augustine, but Fernandina has been for many years his home; a State senator of Florida, and author of several interesting books, among the rest a History of Florida, which is regarded as authentic by the ablest writers, and often quoted as throwing much light upon the earliest Spanish occupation of that peninsula. Fernandina is his winter home. In summer he resides in the Cumber- land mountains, near Sewanee, he being Commissioner of Buildings and Lands for the University of the South, located at that place. Having lost his first wife in 1857, he married, in 1860, Mrs. Susan B. Wright, widow of Rev. Benj. Wright.

Mr. Fairbanks has always been a a busy and a useful man, universally beloved. He makes almost annual visits to Watertown, where he has been a tax-payer and property owner for many years, and the author had the pleasure of meeting him there in May, 1894, hale and hearty, apparently good for many years of life.

ANDREW J. FAIRBANKS, third son of Jasan and Mary Massey Fairbanks, was born March 21, 1826, at the old homestead on Arsenal street, the site now occupied by the New York State Armory. He received the usual advantages of common schools at the Arsenal street district school, under the venerable Justin W. Weeks, now crier of the Jefferson county courts. Later on he attended the old Watertown Academy, the late Hon. Joseph Mullin being the superintendent. Thence he went to the Black River Institute, closing his studies during the years 1843-4 at the famous French College de Montreal (Sulpic- ian), having received three first prizes delivered by the Governor General of Canada, Sir Charles Metcalfe, K. C. B. From 1845 to 1849 he was engaged in his father's business in Watertown. During the years 1849-50 he was purser on the steamers of the Ontario and St. Lawrence Steamboat Company of Lake On- tario. In 1851 he went to Florida and entered the employ of an extensive lumber company on the St. Johns river, with headquarters at Jacksonville. Remaining in Florida until the summer of 1853, he returned to Watertown. On the 2d of August, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary M. Wiley, eldest daughter of the late Nathaniel Wiley, of this city, and one of the earliest and most respected citizens. Re- maining in Watertown until 1856, returned again to Florida to remain until 1862, leaving Jacksonville after the capture of that city by the combined naval and military forces of the United States. After six weeks' occupation of the city the place was abandoned by the United States forces and immediately re- occupied by the Confederate land forces. Took passage for New York with his family by a sailing vessel, convoyed by an United

States warship, for protection against Con- federate privateers. Since 1862 Mr. Fairbanks has resided in Watertown, and was in the employ of the R. W. & O. R. R. Company for three years in the general freight depart- ment, and for two years as head clerk to the general superintendent. He has since, up to the present time, followed the profession of accountant for various mercantile and manu- facturing establishments in this city and vicinity. In his 69th year he is hale and hearty as at 40, and has a reasonable expec- tation of 20 years of life.

JASON MASSEY FAIRBANKS, youngest son of Jasan and Mary M. Fairbanks, was born at Watertown, N. Y., Sept. 19th, 1829, educated at the Montreal French College and at Hobart College, Geneva, graduating in 1851. He received the degree of A. M. in course from Hobart College in 1885. He practiced civil engineering and surveying for many years ; re-traced the western boundary of Arkansas from Fort Smith to the Red river, and ran the 98th meridian from the Red river to the Canadian river ; also the parallel of 36 de- grees 8 minutes from Cimaron river to 100th meridian, this parallel being now the north boundary of the Oklahoma Territory. He also ran the line between the Seminole and the Creek nations. While making the survey between the Seminoles and Creeks, in the new country to which these tribes were transferred, the surveyors were constantly menaced by the Comanches, and the survey was at last tem- porarily abandoned, the surveyors rendez- vousing at Fort Arbuckle, glad to escape with their lives. He was an assistant engineer in the public works of the State of New York, under W. J. McAlpine, State engineer; was also admitted to practice as attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court of New York. He died at Watertown, Jan. 22, 1894, in his 65th year, much lamented

That judicious critic who reads history by his own limited lights will perhaps wonder why we have given so much space to the his- tory of the Fairbanks family, now nearly all passed away, and with only one of the original descendants now living in Watertown. If nothing else, the inborn and unique democracy of this family, shown in the first settler here as well as in all his descendants, endears them to every true citizen. Jasan Fairbanks and all his refined and educated sons have never been seriously intimidated by that glamor of wealth which is only to be laughed at, never envied. They have gone steadily along, ob- servant, silent, efficient. Three of Jasan Fairbanks' sons were fated to lose property by both armies during the civil war, in the South. regarded suspiciously as Union men, and in the North criticised because they deprecated the shedding of blood. The author saw so much while in the service that was harrowing and disgraceful, that he never felt anything but pity for many Southern people who often saw their stock driven off, their houses burned or their families insulted. J. A. H.

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

COL. ORREN G. STAPLES

WAS born in Watertown, N. Y., October 14, 1838, and was raised in that town, receiving the advantages of the common schools of those times. When only 17 years of age he started into the patent-medicine business at Watertown, and continued in that line for a number of years, finally selling out his inter- ests to a druggist in Albany, N. Y. His next venture was in real estate, at a time when Watertown was passing through one of its favorable booms. He built 57 dwellings, which were superior in construction, and are to this day ornaments to the city, as is shown in the residence of Hon. L. Ingalls, 17 Mul- lin street, built by Mr. Staples prior to 1873.

At the close of the war, and perhaps as one of the results of the great accumulation of money in the hands of so many who had stayed at home and accumulated while the soldiers were doing the fighting, there was a decided movement towards beautifying the Thousand Islands Archipelago. The first movements in that direction were observable at Alexandria Bay, which is right at the centre of that delightful section, and nearly all of the islands were owned at the Bay by one firm. There was but one hotel there then-

the Crossmon House, which had grown into a prosperous business, and was at times crowded to overflowing. The astute mind of Mr. Staples readily perceived the advantages of a first-class summer hotel at that point, and in the fall of 1872 he began preparations for constructing the largest and most complete hotel upon the river. By July, 1873, he had the Thousand Island House ready to receive guests, and it was capable of caring for 650 to 700. He had consumed only six months' time in building that large hotel, which is yet a monument to his energy and capacity. Here he remained for ten years, but "onward and upward" was his cry. Having heard that Willards, at Washington, was in the market, he disposed of his Thousand Island House and purchased Willards, so well known and popular for 45 years, and particu- larly remembered by so many thousands of our Northern soldiers during the "late un- pleasantness." Here he removed his family in 1883, and Washington has since been his home, though he makes a visit to Watertown every season, where he is well remembered, and where so many take an honest pride in his success upon so large a theatre.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

In 1891 he purchased the Riggs House, at Washington, and both hotels are kept by him. He is Treasurer of the Washingion Board of Trade; the largest stockholder in the Colum- bian National Bank, and is a large real estate owner in Washington, and actively engaged in many enterprises at the capital. His wealth is given by those who know at nearly a million.

When young Staples left home he had only $16 in his pocket. In addition to his posses- sions in Washington, he owns the Valley Stock Farm and the Brown farm, where an important skirmish with the British occurred in the war of 1812.

Mr. Staples is a man in the prime of life, readily approached and makes friends easily. Although remarkably successful, he by no means regards his life as rounded out, or as

having reached a point where he may step out from active pursuits and enjoy what he has earned. He is very charitable, his Christmas distribution of gifts at Willard's Hotel being one of the institutions of Washington, eagerly looked forward to by the poor of that city. Nor has he forgotten Trinity Church here, which is the object of his special regard.

Taking him all in all, his many business reverses and his way of overcoming them, his tenacity of purpose after he has struck a business for which he had a liking, and the democracy of his manner under great success -he must be regarded as an exceptional character. There has never been another like him within the remembrance of the writer, and his successful career may be pointed out for the encouragement of the young men of our time. J. A. H.

LEVI L. PRATT

WAs the third son of Thomas Pratt, of North- ampton, Massachusetts, born March 18, 1818. He was educated in the common and select schools of the day, and at the age of 14, having far advanced in the English branches, entered the Courier office there to learn the trade of printing. At that time Mr. Beman Broekway, a native of the adjoining town of Southampton, was oldest apprentice and virtually foreman of the office. It was then and there that a friendship was formed be- tween them, which existed life-long. Mr. Willard MeKinstry, now one of the proprie- tors of the Censor, an old and very respeet- able weekly paper at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, N. Y., was also an apprentice.

Young Pratt served his apprenticeship ac- ceptably to his employer, who was a Cam- brige University-bred printer, and most of his term of five years he was oldest apprentice and foreman.

At 21 years of age he was called to be fore- man of the famous old Worcester Spy, one of the ablest and most prosperous weekly journals in New England. After an arduous service as such, he unfortunately resigned the position to became one of a party to go to the Island of Jamaica. W. I., to establish a silk- growing enterprise, projected by Samuel Whitmarsh, a rich and visionary capitalist of Northampton.

With others, Mr. Pratt returned to North- ampton. There he met Mr. Beman Brock- way, who was then on a visit from his pros- perous location at Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he had re-established and was editing and publishing the Sentinel, a Democratic weekly, the organ of the party in the county. It was an easy negotiation which induced Mr. Pratt to accompany Mr. Brockway to his Mayville home

The Fredonia Censor was, in 1842, the next vear afterward, offered for sale. It was a Whig paper, but very virulent in its edito- rials. Mr. Brockway thought then that he " saw his opportunity," His cousin, Mr.

Willard Mckinstry, whom we have mentioned before, happened to be in Chautauqua county. Mr. Brockway, to aid him to a business situ- ation, and get a modifying influence, pro- posed that the Censor be bought for him and Pratt, and thus the latter being always a Whig, could edit the paper, while "Mr. Mckinstry, being a Democrat by birth and education, would manage the business matters of the concern. The project was carried out. Mr. Pratt was the principal editor for seven years, at the end of which time he was appointed postmaster by the Taylor administration, and relinquished his connection with the Censor. Under the name of Fredonia Advertiser, a new paper was established in 1851, and Mr. Pratt was its editor for about thirteen years, meanwhile supporting the Whig party until its disruption, then the American party, and finally allying itself to the Democratic party, into which merged most of the Conservatives of the country.

In April, 1871, Mr. Pratt came to Water- town and became one of the Times' corps. From that time to this, most of which was under Mr. B. Brockway, he has been em- ployed as an assistant in some capacity in the editorship. In his editorial writings for the Times, which have always been on subjects out- side of political references, he has acquired some reputation for the dignity, grace and force of his articles.

He has won some credit also for his daily weather observations and occasional treatises thereon. He began work in this department 22 years ago. under the favor of the late dis- tinguished Chief Signal officer, Gen. Albert J. Meyers, and has faithfully kept up the delicate but laborious task all this changeful period of passing time.

Besides being postmaster at Fredonia, he served several years as village trustee, and he was one of the board under whose auspices the splendid Normal School at Fredonia was erected in 1869, for the State.

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

EDWARD M. GATES.

MR. GATES has been for many years one of Watertown's foremost citizens. He is a native of the city, born in 1843, son of Mr. Silas Gates, who kept the Lamon hotel before taking charge of the Harris House, where he was the landlord for several years. Edward M. was the first postmaster to occupy the new post-office building, which was built under his direction, and the act authorizing its construction was largely due to his ex- extions, he having taken a lively interest in the matter from the start.

. He was first appointed postmaster in 1882. His appointment was opposed as purely polit- ical, But he had not held the office long be-

fore the whole community was glad; he was there. The old post-office was dirty and in- convenient, and delivery windows were closed two hours a day while mails were being dis- tributed. Mr. Gates cleaned up, procured re- pairs to be made by the landlords at a cost of $2,200, and kept the office open every minute, and the employés attending to business. Then he said this town ought to have a free delivery. He asked for it and got it. That pleased everybody. This was in 1883, and he started with five carriers, having first plan- ned their work so accurately that there was not a noticeable blunder from the first. After the election of 1884, Mr. Gates was succeeded

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

by Mr. John C. Streeter. In the choice of that official's Republican successor, no other name was mentioned but that of Mr. Gates. He immediately began further improvements. The town had grown rapidly. With a good deal of difficulty, Mr. Gates procured the allowance of more carriers, and of a mounted carrier to give more prompt service to the numerous manufactories in the outskirts of the city.

Again, this town growing so rapidly, the office had outgrown its quarters, where, be- sides, there was great exposure to destruction by fire. The net income was large, and Mr. Gates said there ought to be a neat govern- ment building. A statement of the needs of the town and the business of the office was drawn up. He interested Congressman Par- ker and Senator Hiscock, and the result was an appropriation of $75,000. It is a needed building, and the business of the office war- ranted it. Mr. Gates had charge as superin- tendent, etc., and the result is that the build-

ing is honest throughout; perfectly adapted to its purpose, and there was never a shadow of scandal connected with its construction. Every dollar appropriated has been honestly expended, and the cost is inside the amount appropriated.

It may interest our people to know that the chief architect of the United States (now superintendent of Public Works in the city of Philadelphia), who designed the Watertown post-office, was once a poor boy who gradu- ated from Girard College, The granite eagle over the front door cost $1,000.

Mr. Gates is, as we have said, a prominent citizen. In company with the Remingtons, he aided in erecting the opera house, a beauti- ful and artistic front, and an interior second to no building of its like in the United States. These two fine structures are certainly evi- dence of Mr. Gates' devotion to the interests of Watertown, and therefore worthy of public gratitude. He is yet a young man, with many years of usefulness before him.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 51

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