Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 92

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

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424

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

M. commenced attending W. T. Goodnough's school at Theresa, where he had a fellow- student in Orison Lull Haddock, the boy orator. Continuing in Mr. Goodnough's school several terms, he at the same time began to study law, and then, when his money was exhausted, taught school to recuperate his finances. He taught for the second year at the Ox Bow, giving good satisfaction.

During the second year of the Rebellion, he enlisted as a private in Company F, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to be commissary sergeant, then to be lieutenant. He was recommended for promotion by Major Campbell, on the field, for bravery at Peters- burg.

Here is a little incident which shows how green troops were regarded by some of the regular army officers. Lieutenant Watson's company was one of those in the front line whose duty it was to aid in making the first charge upon Petersburg. The 10th's boys looked rather gay, for they had been in gar- rison and kept their clothing neat and clean. One Gen. Brown, a fussy little martinet, who commanded a brigade right in the rear of the 10th's line, was heard to say to some of his officers: " If those greenhorns in our front break or run, push them forward on your bayonets." When the word came to "ad- vance," General Brown must have been astonished as he saw the line in his front move forward as one man, preserving its alignment after having passed through underbrush for a distance of perhaps 30 rods. The 10th reached the low rifle pits, halting as the skir- mish line rallied, and passing around in the rear of the fortification, quickly scooped the garrison, and were marching the Confeder- ate prisoners away as Gen. Brown's line came out of the underbrush 80 rods distant. They didn't push anybody forward on their bayonets that day.

At the close of the war, Mr. Watson entered the law office of Hubbard & Wright, in Watertown, and in 1868 was admitted to the bar. He was at a later day also admitted to practice in the National Courts in South Dakota.

Since being admitted to the bar he has taught schools at intervals, and holds a State certificate. He was first elected justice of the peace of the town of Alexandria, in 1873, and has since continuously held the office, with the exception of about five years-three of those years being spent in Dakota, where he was also justice of the peace during all the time of his residence there. He returned to Redwood in 1884, where he has since resided. He married, for his first wife, Miss Julia Has- kell, whose parents came from Vermont. His second wife was Miss Nancy Cosgrove. He has two sons, John G. and Arthur M., both bright young men, giving promise of unusual usefulness.

Lieutenant Watson served three years as school commissioner of the third district of Jefferson county, and his labors in behalf of the higher elevation of the common school system of the State has been constant and ef-

fective. He enjoys the unchallenged respect and regard of his fellow-townsmen, as a good soldier, a just judge, an exemplary man.

AZARIAH WALTON, born in Chesterfield, N. H., August 20, 1784, was of English descent. He emigrated to Jefferson county previous to the War of 1812, and superintended the con- struction of the cotton-mills at Brownville, as an expert mechanic. In 1824 he removed from Brownville to Theresa, where he was a merchant until 1828, when he received the ap- pointment of deputy collector of customs for the port of Alexandria Bay, which office he held for nearly 19 years, and lived there until his death, June 10, 1855. Mr. Walton became owner of a large part of the American islands in the St. Lawrence river, and through life was a prominent man of the town and county. Although Mr. Walton passed away nearly 40 years ago, his personality was so marked that he is yet well-remembered in Alexandria and many anecdotes are told of him.

WILLIAM P. WESCOTT was born in Alex- andria Bay, April 28, 1859. He attended the graded school until 17. In September, 1887, he married Miss Jane A. Crabb, and they re- side in Alexandria Bay. Mr. Wescott is pro- prietor and captain of the steamer Minnie.

ALFRED A. HOLMES came to Redwood in the year 1864. He had formerly resided at Philadelphia and Theresa, in which places he was engaged in the general merchandise busi- ness. He bought out M. W. & G. T. White, and M. W. White's residence in Redwood. Mr. Holmes' parents came from England, and settled in Schenectady county, where relatives now live. He has been a hard working man, never lacking enterprise and industry in what- ever he undertook.

In politics, a Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp. He met with reverses at his start in business, which he overcame by close at- tention to the little things pertaining thereto, and he soon took a position ennabling him to reach out and gather in the grain left by the wayside. He was thrice elected supervisor of the town of Alexandria, the last time without opposition. In building the Morristown and Black River Railroad, from Morristown to Carthage, from its inception to completion he was one of the foremost, and upon the road's completion, was chosen secretary and treasu- rer of the company. Since the completion of the railroad his entire attention. has been given to his merchandise. Some 10 years since he received into partnership his eldest son, Fred T., upon whose shoulders the indoor work is now carried; while the father indulged in speculations outside, in which he was successful to such a remarkable degree that the competency gathered allowed him to turn over his share of his store interest to his second son, W. W. Holmes. In the fall of 1892 he concluded to see a little more of the world, and to learn of the business way of Antipodeans. In company of his wife and daughters, Misses Ada and Sarah, he made a trip to Australia and Tasmania, spending the winter abroad and returning in the following summer.

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ALEXANDRIA.

Notwithstanding the many drafts upon his energies, Mr. Holmes looks much younger than he really is. He has three farms, upon which he keeps 90 cows; the Redwood grist- mill, which he purchased of H. S. White some years ago, and much other real estate and personal property. Fred T., the eldest son, is a young man of great perseverance and remarkable executive ability. Five years he has served the town on the board of supervisors, and was accounted one of the most active in that body. The future for him is certainly bright.

ADAM BICKELHAUPT, one of the principal merchants of Redwood, is deserving of a good record in the History of Jefferson county, for he is one of those toilers who commenced his career as chore-boy with Holmes & Reed, 28 years ago. Notwithstanding the funny jokes and side thrusts at his verdancy, he kept right on climbing to the top. Before leaving the employ of Holmes & Reed, his capacity was recognized. The business problems of this firm he took a deep interest in, and sought a proper solution, not only for the welfare of his employers, but as safe guides when he began carrying on the same kind of business for himself. In the year 1872 he formed a co-partnership with Byron Briggs, in general merchandise. That part- nership continued four years. Since 1876 he has continued the mercantile business alone, adding such outside business as his means allowed, until now he is conducting 12 cheese factories, three of which he owns. In those 12 factories he manufactures into cheese the milk of 1,500 cows.

Mr. Bickelhaupt born

in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. was

His father came to this country in 1853, bringing his entire family with him. They settled first in the town of Alexandria, where the father died in 1875, leaving a wife and three children, of whom Adam and Leonard are the only ones surviving. The mother resides with Leonard on the old homestead. In 1874 Adam married Miss M. Olney. They have three children, two boys and a girl.

Mr. Bickelhaupt was elected supervisor of the town of Alexandria three successive years, the last time without opposition. So well did he manage the affairs of the town upon the board of supervisors, that did not his personal matters demand all of his spare time, he would have been continued as long as he could serve.

HENRY S. WHITE commenced business in Redwood in 1842, when there were but six families living there. A co-partnership had been previously formed between Judge Micah Sterling, of Watertown, John W. Fuller, of Alexandria Bay, Joseph Butter- field, of New Hampshire, and Henry S. White. This firm bought out what was known as the Redwood Glass Works. They only ran one fire, and sold out to Dezeng & Co. Messrs. White & Butterfield still con- tinuing in partnership, they started a coun- try store, connected with a potash and pearl-

ing oven. At that time only the produce that could be exchanged for money was the pro- duct of these potash works. The Dollinger hotel was built about the time (or a little before) Mr. White came to Redwood. The firm of White & Butterfield continued in business until 1852; in that time they had built the Redwood grist-mill and upper saw- mill, and made many improvements in and about the village. At the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. White kept the grist-mill and quite a quantity of real estate surround- ing Redwood. In the fall of 1856 he bought out the Dollinger store, and remained in the business of general merchandize until his eldest son became of age, when the busi- ness had increased from the few dollars first received for potash, to $70,000 per year. Mr. White had in the meantime purchased a thousand acres of timber-land in Hammond, St. Lawrence county, and a steam saw-mill. He successfully carried on the mill until 1865, when he sold out to Charles Lyon, of Ogdensburg, continuing in possession of the Redwood grist-mill property until 1882, when he sold it to Alfred A. Holmes. In February, 1884, Mr. White buried his wife, a very estimable lady, who had shared all his successes and sorrows. Since then he has been living in Chicago most of the time. The last year he has spent in Redwood.

ANSON HARDER, of Redwood, was born August 4, 1834, at Newville, Herkimer county, N. Y. His parents were both born in Herkimer county. His great-grandfather came from Holland, and as the country opened up, drifted north with the tide, and his descendants have since lived in Columbia and the intervening counties, and at last in Herkimer. They were among the first settlers north of New York, and along the upper Hudson and Mohawk. His maternal predecessors were by name Thompson, who first settled in Connecticut, and with the tide went westward to New York.

Anson Harder received his early education in the common schools, and at Clinton, Fair- field and Fort Plain. He studied law and entered the class of 1856, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., graduated and took up the practice of his profession. He entered the office of Judge Harder at Little Falls, there perfect- ing himself in practice. He then removed to Leonardsville, Madison county, where he practiced three years-thence to Redwood, where he opened an office in 1862, and has continued the practice of his profession up to the present time.

He has been an active Republican, and has always labored for the success of his party. Living in a town largely Democratic, by strenuous work and with good men at the front, he has sometimes had cause to rejoice in the election of their candidates. He has invariably represented the town in various conventions, district, county and judicial.

He was married to Mary E. Crumb in 1861. She died in March, 1871. In 1874 Mr. Harder married his second wife, Miss Jennie

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Hutchins, sister of Dr. Martin J. Hutchins. Mr. Harder's labors are more diversified just now, for he has quite an extensive farm, on which he spends a large part of his time in the summer season. Clarence Harder, his only son, aged 19, superintends his father's land possessions during the latter's absence.

MARK R. WILCOX was born in the town of Alexandria, April 11, 1859. His parents came to this town carrying their packs in the single path through the wilderness. Mark R. first entered upon general mercantile business in 1883, at Plessis, occupying the old stone store once occupied by Jasan Clark. He was married to Miss Mary Corlis, in October, 1884, and to these parents were born two children, Charlotte and Lena Wil- cox. Mr. Wilcox is one of the denizens of the town of Alexandria, whom it is safe to pattern after. He has been a staunch Re- publican since attaining his majority. He is yet in active business, and much respected by the entire community.

BYRON OSTRANDER, born in the town of Theresa, May 20, 1843, was the son of Jacob and Fanny Ostrander. His mother's maiden name was Fanny Cole, who was the first white child born in the town of Theresa. But Mary F. Lull, now Mrs. Haddock, was the first white child born in the village of that name. Byron moved to Plessis in 1886, and was married soon after to Bellona Augsbury, daughter of George Augsbury, one of the pioneers of the town. Mr. Ostrander has been engaged in active busi- ness as a merchant, farmer, and at the present time is the undertaker of Plessis. He also deals in agricultural implements. He was elected justice of the peace in 1891-the only Republican elected to that important office in many years, Alexandria being Democratic by a large majority, and has been so for a long time.

JOHN DONALD and Mary Frater were united in holy wedlock in Scotland, coming to the town of Hammond about 59 years ago. Thomas H. Donald, the youngest child, was born April 9, 1844. He lived with his parents on the farm until he was 20 years of age, when he enlisted in Company B, 71st New York Volunteers, joining the regiment at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Was in en- gagements at Gravelly Run, Five Forks, and in all the subsequent engagements with the regiment up to the surrender of General Lee. In October, 1868, Mr. Donald engaged in business with Dr. C. A. Carlin, as druggist, at Redwood.

He was married to Abbie M. Caltin, Janu- ary 19, 1869. To them have been born two sons, Myrem H. and Charles C. Myrem is a graduate of the Potsdam Normal School, and is now engaged in the insurance business at Antwerp, N. Y. Charles C., after taking a thorough business course at different schools, graduated with honors at the East- man Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

JAMES DILLIN is the son of Lodwick Dil- lin, who was born in Brownville in 1813, and

married Julia Ann Suits. James was born in the town of Alexandria in 1842. He married Corintha Augsbury, daughter of George Augsbury, November 1, 1866. They have one child, Miss Georgia Dillin, now in attendance at the Normal School at Potsdam. James enlisted into the Union army October 21, 1861 ; re-enlisted December 21, 1863, and was in the following engagements: Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Hatcher's Run and Petersburg, and followed up Lee to the surrender at Appomattox. He was severely wounded at Antietam by a gun-shot wound through the lower jaw, breaking the jaw; was also wounded at the Weldon Rail- road ; was commissioned 2d lieutenant June 1, 1854; brevetcd first lieutenant July, 1865, in Company G, 59th N. Y. Vol. Infantry.

DELOS HERRICK was born in the town of Brownville, N. Y., April 23, 1838. His parents came to this country at a very early day. His father, Edward Herrick, married Miss Elmira Thurston in the early thirties. Delos married Sophrona Curtis, grand- daughter of Dudley Chapman,, April 9, 1861. From this union came Edward Her- rick, who married Lillie Babcock; Cheeseman A. Herrick, born July 23, 1855, and at a very early age gave evidence of such a liking for books that his parents, to the extent of their ability, gave him every advantage. Cheese- man commenced teaching school and using the salary earned to further his desire to acquire knowledge. He first attended school at Ives Seminary, at Antwerp, two terms of three months each. Then he took up teaching in the State of Illinois, and sub- sequently graduated in the English course at the Normal School, 'at Normal, Illinois. Thence he went to Philadelphia, Pa., and entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in the clinical course in June, 1894. He is now engaged in extension work for that University.

Mr. Herrick is one of the most interesting lecturers in the field, a quiet, unassuming young man; was one of the debaters who met the Cornell University class and defeat- ed them, April, 1894. The question debated related to the annexation of the Sandwich Islands.

The only girl, Mina, born July 25, 1868, married James Houghton, now living in the town of Antwerp. Delos Herrick has spent his life in the towns of Theresa and Alex- andria, excepting the time spent in Company K, 14th Heavy Artillery. His record as a member of this organization is such as to cause his children happiness. He is looked upon as an upright and honorable man. He was elected road commissioner in the spring of 1894, jor a term of two years. Mr. Her- rick is a Democrat in politics.

CHARLES LOUIS MILLOT settled in the town of LeRay in the early part of the present century. Several years thereafter he married Martila Border, of German des-

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ANTWERP.

cent. George L. Millot was the fourth child from this union. George's early life was like most of the young men who lived in his vicinity. When the call to arms came, George shouldered his gun in Company A, 35th New York Vol. Infantry, and, during the regiment's entire service in the field, he was with them. When stationed at Camp Rufus King, near Falmouth, General Pat- rick called for the appearance of every man in his brigade who was able to walk, to fall in line for review. The 35th in line present- ed a fine appearance, every soldier dressed excepting George, who was minus a cap, that head-dress having been appropriated by some other soldier. There was not a cap in the quartermaster's department that George could wear, for his head was large; but true to the call, after making known the fact to his captain, he took his place in line.

General Patrick discovered the bareheaded soldier boy at the head of Company A. The General halted directly in front of him, grabbing him by the hair and screamed out : " Scoundrel, do you want to make a black- guard of me?"

The author of this History witnessed this action on the part of General Patrick, and regarded it as the most brutal thing he wit- nessed in the whole of his long service with the enlisted men. George Millot bore his treatment like a hero, but the men expected to see him run his bayonet through the General's body. The matter was hushed up afterwards, but it made a lasting impression upon the men, and lowered General Patrick immensely in the eyes of every beholder.

George married Miss Jane Carman, July 24, 1863, and lost his wife in 1886. He re- mains unmarried.

DANIEL EDDY settled in Jefferson county in 1832, at Orleans Corners, and married Miss Mary C. Strough. He lost his first wife in 1844, and subsequently married Miss Mary Francisco, of Orleans, and moved to Lafarge- ville, in 1858. He served as justice of the peace for 24 years, occupying that position when he died. Dr. Elmer E. Eddy is the youngest child by the second wife. The Doctor commenced to study medicine in 1885, in Dr. C. L. Jones' office at Lafargeville ; was one year at the Ann Arbor University, of Michigan, and completed his course at Buf- falo, graduating in 1890. He settled in Red- wood in July, 1890; married Miss Sadie L.

Mitchell, daughter of Isaac Mitchell, of Orleans, a representative man in his section, March 30, 1892. The Doctor's practice is fast making inroads into the lines of the old school. He was elected coroner in 1891, and at the Jefferson county Republican conven- tion, he was re-nominated for that responsi- ble position the second time, in 1894.

JOHN B. GEORGE was born in the town of Alexandria, March 13, 1838, and is still living on the old homestead. He graduated at an early age from the old No. 6 school house, continuing his work upon the farm until the war broke out, in 1861 and became a member of Company I, 35th New York Vol. Infantry. Very soon after commencing active service he was promoted to sergeant; contracted typhoid malaria, but continued with his company. He was discharged in 1863, returned home and continued his farm work. He was married to Miss Martha A. Peck, daughter of Alexander D. Peck (who was one of the early settlers of this section), on December 29, 1863. Mr. George was elected assessor in 1886, and has served every year since that date.

Mr. George has four children: William, John, Mrs. Frank Northup and Harrison. William has graduated, and John is attend- ing the Potsdam Normal School.

NATHANIEL W. FREEMAN, born February 2, 1842, is the only son living of Friend S. Freeman. While his father was engaged in the ministry, Nathaniel, after he arrived at the age of 15 years, did the most of the hard work upon the farm, and, assisted by his grandfather, the entire work was performed. Nathaniel Freeman, grandfather of N. W., was one of the very earliest settlers, having emigrated to this section from Connecticut. He took part in the battle of Sackets Harbor. Nathaniel W. commenced his early education at home, but finished his school work under the tuition of W. T. Goodnough, at Theresa. In 1866 he took up the study of medicine, which he had to give up in consequence of the close confinement. Yet his services were called for in the schoolroom, wherein he continued as an active worker for nearly 30 years.

He was elected justice of the peace in 1887, and has now filled that office for the second term. He was married to Ucetta S. Card, November 9, 1882. Two children, a girl and a boy, have blessed this union

ANTWERP.

PREPARED BY MYRON H. BENT.

The territory embraced in the town of Antwerp assumes the form of a parallelogram lying in the extreme northern part of the county, with one face of the figure bordering upon St. Lawrence county on the north, with Lewis as a boundary upon the east. Antwerp can claim but one important

stream as its own, the Indian river. [See p. 9.] Along the upper part of this river are thousands of acres of the best timber land, comprising both hard and soft woods of all kinds, which have supplied yearly the large mills of Mr. Copley, at Antwerp, and Mr. Roberts, at Philadelphia, with several

428

THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

million feet, which will last the former for nearly 30 years; and thousands of acres are yet (1894) untouched. The Indian river enters Antwerp from Wilna, flowing north- easterly through the village of Antwerp, thence changing its direction southwesterly into Philadelphia, and again westerly into Theresa.

The Oswegatchie makes a bold dash at the town from the north, but suddenly changes its course, returning to St. Law- rence county, and describes a sharp bend in the form of the bow of an ox, which is the reason for the name of the village of Ox-Bow.

The honor of making the first settlement in Antwerp belongs to one of two men, but more specific data will probably never be found. In the year 1803, Captain William Lee and Peter Vrooman both made settle- ments, under the assumed right of " squatter sovereignity." Captain Lee planted his habitation on the State road, on lot No. 657, while Vrooman built his log cabin at the great bend of the Oswegatchie, on a site near the lower end of the present village of Ox-Bow. With true Yankee tact, both these pioneers became inn-keepers, and kept their log dwellings open for the accommodation of the public. There remained a "tavern " upon Captain Lee's farm for over 50 years. It was located upon the farm now owned by John Wilbur, three and a half miles north of the village of Antwerp. Here were the first settlements.

The existence of these inns is mentioned in the diary of James Constable as early as 1804. Constable was an executor of the estate of his deceased brother, William, who had been an extensive land owner in Jeffer- son and adjoining counties, and in the inter- est of this estate he made long tours during the summers of 1803-4-5-6. He was a very intelligent man. He says;

" Pass on through Tract No. 4 * * * 10 (ten) miles to the Long Falls (Carthage), where we breakfasted at a middling good tavern. * * * Proceed on four miles from the river to a log hut, then six miles to another, then 12 to a third, there being but three settlers on the Great Tract No. 4 unless there are some on Pennet's Square. * * * This tract belongs to, or is under the management of Mr. LeRay and Mr. G. Morris, and nothing has yet been done towards settling it. The three people now on it have a verbal promise that they shall have the land at a fair price as first settlers, but they are very anxious in their inquiries after General Lewis R. Morris, who, it is understood, has undertaken the selling of 100,000 acres * * * Sleep at Lee's tavern, 22 miles from the falls, with hard fare and poor lodgings."

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 92

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