Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 60

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 60

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The vision of the prophet is always entranc- ing; but there is a concatenation of causes in the affairs of men and nations, so certain that the philosopher can be a prophet if he will take to himself the imagination of the poet.

Judge Williams is now at the zenith of all his powers. In him centre the vigor of youth and the discretion of wisdom and age; and so wise and strong in body and mind is he that the writer turns prophet and predicts that in the next eighteen years Pardon C. Williams will attain to an eminence in the judicial office second to none in the long and honored history of the jurisprudence of the Empire State.

TALCOTT HALE CAMP,

WHO was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1817, is now in his 76th year, but he would pass anywhere as under 60, being remarkably weil preserved in every respect, mentally as well as physically, attending each day to his vari- ous duties as the country people's general financial adviser, and president of two banks. He came to Sackets Harbor with his father when an infant, and remained there in his father's family until the time of his majority. But the Harbor had begun to show evidences of a decline in its business prospects, and Mr. Camp, as well as many others of its bright young men, left that historic town for a more promising field. Providentially he was di- rected to Watertown, where he came in the spring of 1840. He opened a drug and paint store in the Paddock block, fronting the Square, and his engaging manners and spirit of friendly accommodation soon made him customers and fast friends, In this store he grew into the confidence of the community, and earned a fair fortune, which has been in- creased by judicious investments. His liber- ality and public spirit are well known. For the past 30 years the business he established has been managed by Mr. George B. Massey

and Mr. Camp's son, Walter Hale, under the firm name of Camp & Massey.

Mr. Camp has been identified with numer- ous enterprises and corporations, which have been influential in advancing the material, educational and moral growth of Watertown. At an early day he advocated and assisted in building the long-needed railroad from Rome to Cape Vincent, and in 1863 was chosen one of the directors of the road, which office he held about 25 years, during 7 of which he was its vice-president. The office of the treasurer of the corporation was located in Watertown, and its financial transactions were largely under the care and direction of Mr. Camp, and were so well supervised by him as to meet the hearty approval of the directors and stockholders. He has been connected with several manufacturing enterprises, but more intimately associated with the Watertown Steam Engine Company, continuing as one of its trustees for many years, and has aided in its growth until it has now become a large and flourishing concern, with one of the most extensive plants in the United States.

The Black River Literary and Religious In- stitute, founded in 1837 by the Presbyterians

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and Congregationalists of the county, and for many years affording advanced educa- tional advantages to the youth of both sexes, found in Mr. Camp a reliable friend and sup- porter For 40 years he has been one of its trustees.

He has been connected with the Jefferson County Savings Bank for about 30 years as one of its board of trustees, and is now presi- dent of the institution. His services, like the services of every member of the board, have been rendered without compensation, their sole aim being to build up a strong and safe institution, where depositors could leave small sums of money to accumulate for future use in time of need.

He has been president of the Jefferson County Bank, the oldest bank in the county, since 1856. This bank, since its removal to Watertown in 1821, has never closed its doors for a single business day, nor ever failed to pay all it owed. An extraordinary record, credible to its long line of distinguished presi- dents, including Orville Hungerford, Robert Lansing, N. M. Woodruff and Talcott H. Camp.

Mr. Camp has not been desirous of political preferment. As a citizen he has always sus- tained the institutions of his native land; but in no sense has he been a narrow-minded partisan. Although eminently qualified, by business and executive ability and unimpeach- able integrity, to fill any position of trust or

responsibility within the gift of the people, he has left the race for office to others. From the time of his coming to Watertown he has been a member of the first Presbyterian Church, a Christian institution long recog- nized for its beneficient influence and gener- ous charities, to which Mr. Camp has been a liberal contributor. On June 3, 1847, Mr. Camp was married to Ann Elizabeth Sewall, daughter of Henry D. Sewall, a man noted for his public spirit and mental ability. Her mortal life ended June 3, 1888, just 41 years from the day of her marriage, and her mem- ory is cherished by her devoted husband and three worthy sons, namely : Fred Sewall, who resides in Norwich, Conn., and is inter- ested in a large cotton-mill there; Walter Hale, who resides in Watertown. and is of the firm of Camp & Massey; and George Van- Santford, who also resides in Watertown, and is connected with the Jefferson County National Bank.

Mr. Camp is still not only active and engaged in many business pursuits, but is also prominent in social and literary circles. He is a charitable and kind-hearted Christian gentleman, ever ready to offer counsel and substantial aid to the numerous deserving ones who seek his advice. His physical and mental activity warrant the belief and hope that he has many more years of usefulness before him.

SOME FAMILY HISTORIES.

STILLMAN MASSEY was born in Vermont, April 10, 1800, and came to Watertown with his father, Hart Massey, in 1801. He was a farmer. He married Almira Ingalls, and they had two children, one of whom, Sarah A. (Mrs. Timothy Smith) survives, and resides in this city at 221 Arsenal street. Mr. Mas- sey died June 10, 1882 His widow, who was born February 19, 1806, is still living, and resides at the old home, No. 6 Massey avenue.

Joseph Kimball came to Watertown from Massachusetts, about 1806. After a few years' residence here he removed to Sackets Harbor and served as an officer in the war of 1812. He was a contractor and builder, had a distillery and kept a store, and after the close of the war received the contract for building the barracks at Sackets Harbor, where he remained a few years, finally return- ing to Watertown. He married Prusenda Huntington, of this city. Their son, Joseph C., resides here, and has been a directory pub- lisher since 1864.

Stephen Boon was born in Manchester, Vt., in 1804, and in 1819 he settled in Watertown. He married Miss Mary A. Wilcox, and they had three sons and one daughter. Mr. Boon was largely interested in real estate, and owned about forty houses in this city. He built the City Hotel, on Court street, and for ten years was a director of the old Union Bank. In

1856, in company with other persons, he organized the Quincy Bank, of Quincy, Ill , and was president of that institution in 1860 and 1861. He died in 1890.

Samuel Adams was born in Jaffrey, N. H. After the close of the war in 1812, in which he did faithful service for his country, he bought a farm in Watertown, and here re- sided several years, dying Dec. 18, 1854.

Elisha Harvey came to Watertown from Connecticut about 1826, and here followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner. He married Esther Rogers, of this city, and they had two sons and two daughters. In 1832 he located at No. 8 Mechanic street. He died March 12, 1874, and his wife March 22, 1880.

Benjamin Jackman, a native of New Hamp- shire, located in the town of Philadelphia in 1818, and was a hotel-keeper there and else- where in Jefferson county for 55 years. He had six children, four sons and two daugh- ters. Miss Abi S. Jackman, daughter of Daniel, was born in Champion, May 29, 1868, and when 16 years of age showed a decided talent for literature, and wrote her first book, A Silver Ray. She has since written Evening Star, A Golden Sunset, Fatima, a book of essays, and Dreams and Fancies of a Twilight Hour. Benjamin Jackman died in Water- town, Sept. 4, 1889, aged 87 years.

Chauncey D. Morgan came to Watertown about 1825, and settled upon a large farm in

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the southern part of the town. He was sub- sequently employed by the R. W. & O. Rail- road several years. He was a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was deacon a number of years. He had two sons, Homer Bartlett and Lothario Donald- son. He died April 24, 1872, and his wife, Almena Bartlett, Aug. 10, 1877.

Harry Mann, son of Curtis, was born in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1798. In 1802 he re- moved with his parents to Rutland, and in 1827 located in Watertown, where he built the first house on the north side of the river, which is still standing.

James R. Ryther was born in Whitestown, N. Y., December 8, 1803. He learned the blacksmith and machinist trades, and in 1830 settled in Watertown, where he married Clarissa Dean. Mr. Ryther died Oct. 30, 1870.

Peter Haas was born in the city of Hobil- gheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, whence he emigrated to this country, and in 1830 settled in Watertown. He was a brewer, and carried on that business here for 38 years. He married Nancy Failing, and they had six sons and six daughters. He died in 1868.

Augustus J. Peck, son of Rev. Phineas, was born in Lyndon, Vt., September 29, 1805. He came to Watertown in 1831 and opened a store on Public Square. In 1839 he built two stores, which were burned in 1849. After the fire he built three stores on Court street, and there carried on business about four years. He married May Eliza Utley, of Wil- braham, Mass.

Dr. John Binsse, of French parentage, was born in New York city, November 14, 1808. He was educated at the Bancel Lyceum, in New York, and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that city, with high honors. He practiced his profession in his native city until 1837, and in 1838 located in Watertown, where he had charge of the LaFarge estate. He died January 7, 1879.

Rev. Gardner Baker was born in Minden, N. Y., September 11, 1802. He was a Metho- dist clergyman and preached for 50 years, and was presiding elder for 35 years. He died at Thousand Island Park in 1877, and the Black River Conference has endowed a chair in Syracuse University, known as the Gardner Baker professorship. Mr. Baker's was the first death to occur at that place after the organization of Thousand Island Park. Mr. Baker owned at Utica and sold to John A. Haddock the first cylinder printing press run in Northern New York, for the Democratic Union.

A Palmer Smith was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1824. He married Mary A. Smith, also of Oneida county, and in 1848 settled in Watertown, on the farm where he now resides. He served as alderman of the Third Ward two years, and as assessor five years, and has been an extensive dealer in real estate. He is a farmer, and raises about 10,000 pounds of hops per year. Timothy A. Smith, brother of A. P., settled on the farm he occupied until 1846. Timothy A. is now dead.

William Rouse came from Utica, locating in Clayton in 1815. He was a member of the Legislature three years, and a justice of the peace about 20 years. He helped to organize the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and some time was its president. He was a deacon of the Freewill Baptist Church, and superintendent of its Sunday-School for morc than 40 years. He died in 1886, aged 93 years. Collins Rouse, brother of William, came on in 1818, and settled on an adjoining farm. He married Dolly Sexton, and they had nine children. He was a successful far- mer, and was one of the first six men in Orleans who voted the abolition ticket. He was a man of influence and ability in the community in which he lived, and was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. Four of his sons are now successful business men in California. His son George was brigade inspector under General Rosecrans, and was killed by a shell. Abner enlisted at the age of 17 years, was captured in the battle of the Wilderness, and starved to death in Libby prison. Daniel Rouse, brother of William and Collins. was sheriff of Jefferson county, general of State militia, and a justice of the peace for many years. The Rouse family was a much respected onc in this county.

Frederick T. Story was born in Cherry Val- ley, Otsego county, November 30, 1825, and in 1844 he located in Watertown, and estab- lished a wholesale and retail crockery store, and was quite extensively engaged in import- ing crockery. Here he continued until 1852, when he organized the Watertown Gas Light Company, in which business he has since continued.

Hiram Becker came to Watertown from Rochester, N. Y., about 1849. Previous to that time he had sold nursery stock for Ell- wanger & Barry, thus obtaining a thorough knowledge of the business. He established the Jefferson county nurseries. He was superintendent of the laying out of Brookside Cemetery, and put out most of the shrubbery and ornamental trees in this city. in 1865. He died

Samuel North was born in Leeds, England, August 24, 1820, and has been a resident of Watertown since 1849, and during a great part of that time has been foreman of the works of Bagley & Sewall. He owns five houses in this city, and is an industrious and enterprising man.

De Witt C. Middleton was born in Rutland, April 11, 1850, and educated in the Water- town High School. For four years he was clerk in the store of J. & A. Bushnell, and has since been engaged in the shoe business in this city. He was mayor of Watertown in 1884-85, and was a member of the Board of Education two years. In 1885 he organized the Watertown Electric Light Company, of which he is now the President.

Elisha Andrus came from Kinderhook, N. Y., to Rutland, about 1803. He mar- ried Mary Fish, and they had three children. His son, Merrit Andrus, was

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born in Rutland, December 9, 1823. In 1842 he came to Watertown and studied law with Joseph Mullin, and in 1846 was admit- ted to the bar, although he never engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1848 he opened a grocery store, with W. N. Woodruff as partner, under the firm name of Woodruff & Andrus, which continued until 1851, when the firm was dissolved. Mr. Andrus then took as partner Francis R. Lamon, and for three years continued the business at No. 8 Woodruff House block, under the firm name of Lamon & Andrus. After 1854 Mr. Andrus has carried on the business alone. He married Ella F. Dickinson, and their children are Ella, Grace, Sherwood, Seward and Maud. Mr. Andrus died in 1892.

C. L. Schuyler was born in Canton, St. Lawrence county, in 1849. In 1866 he entered the employ of R. S. Rhodes, photo- grapher, in Gouverneur, and in 1868 engaged in that business at Parish, Oswego county, where he remained until 1879, when he entered the employ of the Davis Sewing Machine Company, in this city. In 1889, with his brother, G. D., under the firm name of Schuyler Brothers, he engaged in the sale of musical instruments, and as agent for Davis Sewing Machine Company. In Janu- ary, 1890, his brother withdrew, and he has since continued the business alone.

Joseph A. Hinds came to Watertown in 1880, and since that time has been engaged in the upholstering business. In February, 1889, he opened a shop at No. 3 Cooper block.

Andrew P. Baltz (son of Philip, who emi- grated from Germany about 1829, and located in Orleans), was born in the town of Orleans, December 7, 1837. In 1858 he commenced, in a small way, the manufacture of Limbur- ger cheese, and was one of the first in this part of the State to engage in that business. He has since, in one year, sold $130,000 worth of cheese, the most of which was of his own manufacture. In 1869 he located in Watertown, where he now has a grocery store at No. 70 Court street.

Tomlinson & Allen started a lumber yard at 54 Court street, and continued it one year, when it was purchased by Starbuck & Mc- Carty, Henry M. Allen acting as agent for one year. March 1, 1876, the present company of Starbuck & Allen was formed, and has since continued Mr. Starbuck resides in Gouverneur, and Mr. Allen is a resident of this city. They handle about 2,000,000 feet of lumber, 1,500,000 shingles, and 1,500,000 lath annually.

John Hose, architect, is a native of Herki- mer county, where he was born in 1821. Mr. Hose, early in life, learned the carpenters' trade, and subsequently began the study of architecture, for which art he has natural abilities of high order. For many years he was also contractor, during which time he built the court house, the Stone Street Presby- terian Church, the Agricultural Insurance Company's building, and other public struc- tures in Jefferson county, besides many of

the best private residences. During the years 1867, '68 and '69, he was superintend- ent of construction of the Hospital for the In- sane at Middletown, Conn., and previously, in 1865, had served as prison architect for Auburn State Prison. He has also been superintendent of various other public enter- prises outside of Jefferson county. Mr. Hose has been a resident of Watertown since 1841.

Patrick Phillips was born in Ireland in 1837, and in 1849 he located in Watertown. He is a contractor and builder, and previous to the death of George Flower was his part- ner in business from 1875 to 1881. Mr. Phil- lips built the armory in this city, the barracks at Sackets Harbor, and also the church and school of the Sacred Heart. and other build- ings. He also built the Danbury and Nor- walk Railroad extension from South Norwalk to Wilson's Point, in Connecticut.

John Hardiman was born in Ireland in 1843, and in 1866 he located in Watertown. In 1881 he engaged in the businse of contract- ing and building. He built the County Clerk's office, the Cooper street and Academy street school-houses, and several other promi- nent buildings.

Almon Parker, son of John, was born in the town of Lyme, N. H., April 22, 1832, and when two years of age removed with his parents to Lewis county, N. Y. At the age of 10 years he came to Watertown, and his father died here in 1844 Almon, in 1864, en- listed in Co. E, 10th N. Y. Heavy artillery. After the close of the war he engaged in con- tracting and building and has since erected the Utica & Black River depot, the county house, Union Carriage and Gear Company's shops, and it is said a larger number of dwelling houses than any other contractor in the city.

Daniel Kieff was born in Franklin county, N. Y., in 1847, and in 1859 came to Water- town, and here learned the carpenters' trade. He has been a contractor and builder for several years, and employs about 100 men. He built the Times building, Smith block, Dillon block, Tubbs block, Opera House block, thermometer works, Nill & Jess' babery, Babcock buggy works, Watertown Spring Wagon works, Remington Paper Company's mill, and was engaged in erecting the extensive buildings of the Watertown Steam Engine Company.

Addison M. Farwell has for over thirty years been identified with the manufacturing, banking and commercial interests of Water- town. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, in 1819. In 1859 Mr. Farwell came to Water- town, and in association with Frederick Baker, established a tannery under the firm name of Farwell & Baker, and this firm con- tinued for twenty years. Their tannery was on Newell street. Mr. Farwell conducted the business after the retirement of Mr. Baker until 1888, when he retired from active affairs.

Alfred Coolidge was born in Nelson, Madi- son county, March 7, 1800. February 27, 1819, he removed to Philadelphia, and for two years worked upon a farm. In the fall of

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1820 he bought his time of his father, for which he paid $100, and took up fifty acres of wilderness land, upon which he cut the first tree, and made a clearing the same year, and the next year built a log house, in which he lived alone for three years, during that time working out among the farmers clearing land. He bought a farm of Joseph Bona- parte, and drove to Bordentown, N. J., with a pair of horses, which he sold to obtain money to pay for the farm. He owned at one time 500 acres of choice land. In 1853 he located in Watertown.

Thomas M. Kenyon, son of Lodrick, was born in Galway, Saratoga county, December 29, 1842. His father died when Thomas was eight years old, and in 1855 he located in Watertown. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. G, 32th N Y. Volunteers, and served two years, and then re-enlisted in the 1st N. Y. Veteran Cavalry, and served to the close of the war. He was the first superintendent of the Henry Keep Home, where he has been since that in- stitution was opened.

Henry C. Baldwin settled in Antwerp about 1808, on a farm one-half mile south of Ant- werp village, where he followed the dual oc- cupation of carpenter and farmer. He had six children, four of whom are living. David W. Baldwin, son of Henry C., was born September 2, 1816, and when 13 years of age entered a store in Antwerp, where he clerked three years, and the next three years were spent in the land office of George Parish, in that village. He then removed to Rossie, St. Lawrence county, where he resided 27 years. About 1858 he came to Watertown, where he was employed with Mr. Hoard until the close of the war. He was then for several years Secretary and Treasurer of the Portable Steam Engine Company. of which company he has been a director since its organization. At one time Mr. Baldwin owned five cheese factories, and now owns two in Antwerp. He served two years as supervisor.

Abner W. Baker, son of Artemas, was born in Theresa. Mr. Baker was elected sheriff of Jefferson county in 1858, and held that office three years. He died May 11, 1888.

Elijah and Sterling Graves removed from East Haddam, Conn., and took up a farm in the then wilderness of Antwerp, in 1820, where they built a log house. Sterling came to Watertown, where he died September 16, 1881. His wife died May 3, 1859. Otis S. Graves, son of Sterling, was born in Ant- werp. Mr. Graves was in Middletown (Conn.) University two years, studying for the ministry, but on account of poor health was obliged to abandon his studies. He was for three years a teacher in Gouverneur Semi- mary, and is now a farmer.

Alexander Campbell emigrated from Scot- land, and located in New York city about 1825, subsequently locating near Amsterdam, N. Y. Peter Campbell, son of Alexander, was born in Montgomery county in 1834, and when nine years of age located with his mother in Pamelia. He married Philena C. Watson, and they have five children living.

James B. Campbell, brother of Peter, enlisted as captain in the 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, was promoted to major, and was mustered out as lieutenant-colonel. Alexander, another brother, was a merchant in Watertown for many years. and another, Ebenezer, resides in Alexandria.

Nelson Burdick, son of Adam, was born in Lyme, December 28, 1820. In 1867 he came to Watertown and engaged in manufacturing, and in 1870, with M. Horton, he commenced the manufacture of carriages and wagons at his present location. In 1874 Mr. Horton re- tired from the firm, and Mr. Burdick con- tinued the business alone until 1877, when he took his son, W. W. Burdick, as partner. Mr. Burdick was mayor of this city in 1882- 1883.

John C. Rhines came to Jefferson county, from Schenectady, about 1800, and located in the town of Orleans, where he engaged in farming. Mr. Rhines died in 1867. His son, Foster P., resides in this city, and is of the firm of Farwell & Rhines, millers, in which business he has been engaged thirty years. He was alderman of the First Ward in 1887, and has served as supervisor.

Henry C. Normander is a large land owner, and for many years was proprietor of the Harris House, of Watertown. He was born in Rutland, and is a son of Charles and Lucy (Robertson) Normander. His father came from Canada about 1809, and settled upon a farm in Rutland, where he resided until his death. Henry C. followed agricultural pur- suits until he came to Watertown, in 1867. He became proprietor of the Harris House, and conducted it until 1889.

David Satchwell located in Watertown in 1869, and engaged in market gardening and the growing of small fruits. Mr. Satchwell has received a prize each year he has exhibit- ed vegetables at the county fair. He is the inventor of Satchwell's seed and phosphate garden drill.

Oscar A. Freeman, son of Jedediah, was born in Adams in 1840. He married Betsey G. Millard, and they have two children. In 1870 he located in Watertown and was fore- man of the inspecting room of the Davis Sew- ing Machine Company for eighteen years. In April, 1888, he took charge of the Jefferson County Orphan Asylum.

Frank A. Fletcher, son of Lewis A., was born in the town of Bennington, N. H., Feb. 23, 1838. At the age of 13 years he was ap- prenticed to the papermakers' trade, at New- burg, N. Y. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 2d Regt. N. H. Volunteers, from Ant- rim, N. H., participated in eighteen general engagements, and was discharged in June, 1864. In 1874 he came to Watertown and entered the employ of Knowlton Brothers, and continued with this firm until 1885. In 1888, in company with Ida A. Fletcher, F. X. Zapf, and E. H. Thompson, he purchased the Great Bend paper-mills of L. H. Mills & Co., and is now president of that company.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 60

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