USA > New York > Franklin County > Historical sketches of Franklin county and its several towns > Part 78
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
Nathan Knapp, born in Bangor, February 21, 1824, came to Malone in 1841, and after having clerked for a time for his uncle, Wells Knapp, entered upon the mercantile business on his own account - continuing in trade successfully to the day of his death. Of quick perception, sound judgment, and a ready and diligent application, Mr. Knapp quickly established himself in the front rank of Malone's business men, with a high character for integrity, and in enjoyment of the entire con- fidence of the community. In 1866 he succeeded Edwin L. Meigs for a few months as president of the Farmers National Bank. He died February 23, 1867.
Henry G. Kilburn, born in Poultney, Vt., August 21, 1824, became a bloomer in iron works in Essex county, but, having ambition for a higher and broader life, studied law, and after admission to the bar located in 1859 at Fort Covington. The place offered few opportunities, and the struggle for a few years was trying and strenuous. In 1870 Mr. Kilburn came to Malone, where his sturdy common sense, clear perception of the essentials in a case, and his vigorous prosecution of suits soon brought him clients in considerable numbers and gained him
750
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
a good standing at the bar. It was enjoyable to listen to his quaint expressions and unique and striking illustrations in argument before a jury, which usually won the good nature and sympathy of the men with whom the interests of his clients rested, while at the same time he drove home his points of law and equity in a homely but effectual way. In 1883 he was elected district attorney, and was twice re-elected. Politically he was a radical of the radicals - an ardent anti-slavery man before the civil war, and afterward a Republican without wavering or shadow of turning - incapable even of comprehending how any one could take any course except to support unquestioningly the regularly made nominations of his party. During his final years he was a suf- ferer from an excrutiatingly painful ailment, and was compelled by it to retire from active practice. He died January 20, 1899.
Frederick D. Kilburn, born in Clinton county, July 25, 1850, came to Fort Covington with his parents in 1859. It is told of one of his long-ago ancestors that, having lost an axe through the ice on a pond, he unhesitatingly followed it into the water, and recovered it. True or false, the reported incident is characteristic of the subject of this sketch - for what he wanted he always went after with determination, and usually found. Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, he worked for his education, and in early manhood was an admitted and well equipped attorney at law, building up an excellent business. But in 1885 he abandoned practice to become the vice-president and active manager of the then newly organized Peoples National Bank of Malone, in which relation he continued for nearly eleven years - gaining invaluable personal experience and making the bank a pronounced suc- cess. Both before and during this service Mr. Kilburn was conspicu- ously active as a Republican worker and leader, and for a number of years was the unquestioned head of the party organization in Franklin county. He was in turn town clerk, clerk of the board of supervisors, and county treasurer for six years. In 1891 in a memorable judicial convention deadlock, the delegates turned spontaneously to Mr. Kilburn as the one man who could resolve all conflicting interests, and unani- mously offered him the nomination, equivalent to election, for justice of the supreme court ; but having been out of active practice for several years, he doubted his qualifications for the office, and declined the honor. In 1892 he was elected to the State Senate by the district com- posed of Washington, Warren, Essex, Clinton and Franklin counties - the largest in area and with the greatest population in the State -and,
751
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
though without previous legislative experience and serving in a body of exceptionally strong men, commanded immediate consideration by his older colleagues, and quick admission into their most intimate councils. In January, 1896, Mr. Kilburn was appointed State super- intendent of banks, and was successively reappointed by three Governors - holding the office until 1907, when he resigned with a record for thoroughness and efficiency of administration which was recognized and admired by all of the banking interests of the State, and which brought him from time to time most tempting offers to associate himself with large banks or trust companies. His service as State superintendent of banks compelled his retirement from the active management of his home bank, and after 1907 Mr. Kilbourn had no confining business occupation except during the years when he was the head of the Malone Light and Power Company - in which he sold his stock and interest in 1914. But he was nevertheless far from idle during this period, since his qualifications for leadership and executive management, with the possession of the energy which forces action and co-operation by others, were so generally recognized that whenever any local project of public consequence seemed to call for unusual effort and care, he was drafted by the compelling will of his townsmen to take the lead and carry the purpose to consummation. A ready and forceful speaker, and always in earnest, he was often made the spokesman at publie meetings of community sentiment on large questions of a non-partisan character, and was also the most popular and effective Republican cam- paigner in the county. For a matter of a third of a century Mr. Kil- burn was more closely and helpfully identified than any other single citizen with large movements that looked to the betterment of Malone - having been a leader in the reorganization of the waterworks company that made Horse brook its principal source of supply; untiring in aiding to raise the bonus which Dr. Webb required in consideration of bringing the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railway here : and a principal factor in giving the town an adequate and high-class electric and gas lighting plant. Then he became the head of the home-defense organization for Franklin county, and gave practically all of his time to patriotic work. In a word, Mr. Kilburn was the county's foremost figure in every large local undertaking which appealed to public spirit, and had for its aim advancement of the general welfare and patriotic endeavor; and was the most capable and strongest all-around man in Northern New York. He died December 2, 1917, broken down by the war work that he performed.
752
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Julius M. Keeler, son of Elijah, a pioneer, was born in Malone in 1825, and was one of those infected with the California gold fever of 1849. He was living in Connecticut at the outbreak of the civil war, was commissioned a captain in one of the regiments of that State, and was stationed for service in Oregon. After the close of the war he founded Oregon State University, and became one of its faculty. He located afterward in California, and died there January 28, 1890.
John Clarence Keeler (son of Colonel Carlos C. Keeler) was born in Malone February 17, 1851, and located in New York city in 1871, where he became a clerk in the office of the district attorney. In 1882 he was appointed by Attorney-General Leslie W. Russell a deputy, and after two years' service in that capacity located at Canton for the practice of his profession. He was an acute and strong lawyer, and had many notable court successes. He was member of Assembly for one of the St. Lawrence county districts in 1892 and 1893. He died in New York city October 18, 1899.
Birney B. Keeler (son of Amos B. and brother of John S.) was born in Malone in 1840, and entered the army as a first lieutenant in the 142d regiment - serving throughout the remainder of the war, and rising to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. In 1865 he enlisted in the regular army, receiving a commission at once, and from that date until his death in 1886 was detailed nearly all of the time to staff duty - serving for many years at San Francisco as judge-advocate on the staff of General McDowell. Colonel Keeler was a natural soldier, loved the profession, and was thoroughly competent in it. He had a brilliant mind and a fine presence, and was always an engaging companion.
James W. Kimball, born at Lawrence, N. Y., June 30, 1825, located at Fort Covington in 1845, and for seven years was a merchant's clerk. In 1852 he began a mercantile business for himself, with a capital of $300, and closed out in 1863. Acquisitive, energetic, enterprising and notably shrewd, he was successful to a degree, and was understood to have accumulated $40,000 clear in these eleven years. He was active in Republican politics locally, was supervisor for five years during the civil war, and served in the Assembly in 1865, 1866 and 1867. There were whisperings at the time that he had made some of his votes in the Legislature profitable to himself; but I recall having been present at a conversation wherein he reviewed all of the charges and suspicions
753
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
of that sort, and with a clearness and vigor that was convincing to me denied and refuted every accusation ever made against him. He was in no sense an orator or public speaker, but a stronger and more persuasive talker I have seldom heard. He died March 7, 1872.
John Kelley, born in Franklin, Franklin county, Vt., January 20, 1841, came to Bellmont with his parents in 1842, and has ever since resided in Bellmont or Malone. There were eight children in the family, and the father not having been strong, the duty of caring for the mother and for the sisters and younger brothers devolved largely upon the subject of this sketch from the time that he was old enough to work, which in those days was at an early age. There was little time for attending school, and except for a few winter weeks in distriet schools Mr. Kelley had no educational opportunities until at the age of nine- teen he succeeded in arranging with O. T. Hosford to work for his board and attend Franklin Academy. Students in this day who some- times feel that their struggle is a hard one may find encouragement in learning what that schooling cost Mr. Kelley. He had to take care of fifteen head of cattle, saw the daily supply of wood, draw hay or fill ice houses every Saturday, and give one cord of wood from his father's farm (which he chopped himself out of school hours) for each week's board and lodging - hauling the wood with a yoke of oxen. But it was more an actual, intense hunger for knowledge and self-improvement, prompting to home study and omnivorous reading, that gave to Mr. Kelley his remarkable fund of general information and equipped him to put his thoughts and convictions on paper in a strikingly readable and persuasive way. Mr. Kelley continued to make Bellmont his home until 1880, always taking interest and bearing his part in the duties of good citizenship. He held there the offices of constable, commissioner of highways, justice of the peace and supervisor, and was also a justice of sessions when the county court of sessions used to have its so-called " side judges." Upon his removal to Malone Mr. Kelley bought and engaged in operating a planing mill and sash and trim factory, in which business he still continues. In the years when political ardor moves men more than it is apt to do in age Mr. Kelley was one of the most active, enthusiastic and influential Democrats in the county, but always from conviction, and never as a self-seeker. His leadership gave him close relations with Governors Hill, Flower and Dix, and with Senator Murphy, so that more than once he was able through them to promote local enterprises of importance to Malone and Franklin county. Mr.
754
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Kelley has always taken a broad and intelligent interest in local public affairs, and especially in the public schools. For forty years he was a school trustee, and at present is president of the Malone village board of education.
John P. Kellas, born at Mooers Forks, N. Y., September 13, 1854, came to Malone to study law in 1877. Following his admission to the bar, he entered upon the practice, and quickly gained an assured stand- ing in the profession. A diligent student, with a keen appreciation of the salient questions in a case, with a painstaking attention to the niceties and twists of procedure, and with a natural aggressiveness and persist- ence that contested every point to the uttermost, Mr. Kellas became one of the most formidable trial lawyers at the Franklin county bar. About 1900 he became the attorney locally for William G. Rockefeller, and in time was associated with him in deals in timber lands which yielded a nice return. Mr. Kellas engaged also in a number of other outside enterprises which proved profitable, and evinced in all of them a shrewd- ness and sagacity of business judgment that have made him well to do. Among these investments are an electric lighting plant at Champlain. and practically the sole ownership of a railroad which runs from Wil- mington, Vt., to the Hoosac Tunnel, Mass. Though Mr. Kellas con- tinues in the practice of the law, his other interests have become so numerous and important as to occupy more of his attention, and his appearance in court in recent years has been confined largely to important cases.
Anslem Lincoln, born at Cohasset, Mass., January 12, 1791, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and came to Malone in 1815, having been twelve days in making the journey from Boston. There were then only twenty houses on the east side of the river, and but a slightly larger number on the west side. Mr. Lincoln began business here as a shoe- maker, and then as a tanner. He mingled but little in public affairs. but was an exemplary citizen. He died October 20, 1888.
Darius Watts Lawrence, born in Moira, February 19, 1822, was in business at an carly age, and, forming a partnership a few years later with his cousin, Clark J., continued merchandising until 1867, when. yielding to persistent urging, he came to Malone to become cashier of the Farmers National Bank, of which he became president a few years later, and so remained until the day of his death, taking an active part in the management. The firm of D. W. & C. J. Lawrence was one of
755
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
the strongest in the county, both in its individual composition and in the extent of its operations and of its resources. Each of the members had superior judgment, great energy and enterprise, and commanded the entire trust and confidence of the community. Their success was notable, each having accumulated a hundred thousand dollars or more before closing their Moira business. Mr. Lawrence filled a conspicuous part in the business life of Malone, his bank connection alone having been important, and other undertakings having also engaged his atten- tion. He was one of the builders of the Ferguson House and Lawrence Hall in 1869, became a director of the Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad Co., was long a member of the village board of education, was heavily interested and actively occupied in the Lawrence-Webster woolen mills, and for thirty years or more was a trustee of the Northern New York Institution for Deaf-Mutes and its treasurer. Having the pres- tige of the Lawrence name, which meant much fifty or sixty years ago, particularly in the western part of the county, Mr. Lawrence was elected to the Assembly in 1851 and 1852 as a Democrat, and, for some reason unknown to the writer, was then known politically as "the Young Buffalo." Thereafter for a period of more than thirty years he was regarded as the most popular Democrat in the county, and was often drafted by his party as its candidate for one or another office -- par- ticularly for member of Assembly or county treasurer - whenever it was sought to make an especially telling canvass, or to conduct a determined drive against a Republican who was thought to be weak with the voters. Though himself usually passive in such contests. and the county being strongly Republican, he nevertheless invariably made an excellent show- ing, and ran well ahead of his ticket. Personally Mr. Lawrence was one of the most estimable of men in the county, sagacious in judgment, public spirited, and upright in every walk of life. With grievous alllie- tions and sorrows thrust upon him, he yet seemed always genial, and radiated sunshine. He died suddenly November 26, 1913.
Clark J. Lawrence, born in Moira in 1832. began business life in that village at an early age in partnership with his cousin, Darins \\'. Lawrence. The firm's operations, varied and extensive, included general merchandising, the manufacture of starch and lumber, and dealing in farm produce. Careful, shrewd and competent, they were prospered from the first, and when they closed ont active undertakings in Moira in 1867, to associate themselves with the management of the Farmers' National Bank of Malone, each had accumulated a handsome property.
.
756
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
For thirty years Mr. Lawrence was vice-president of the bank, and was not only assiduous in his application to the management, but brought to the conduct of its affairs an acumen and soundness of judgment of a high order, which counted heavily for the institution's success and pros- perity. In 1897 he retired from active sharing in administration of the bank, though remaining a director and always interested and an advisor in it until his death. Apart from the bank connection, he was interested in no general business undertaking after his removal from Moira with the exception of a partnership of three years with Clinton Stevens in the furniture trade. Twenty years ago or such a matter there began to be suggestion and tentative agitation for the establishment of a general hospital in Malone, and in 1904 an incorporation was effected to further the project. Nothing was really accomplished, however, until in 1910 Mrs. Angie Hardy Leighton bequeathed ten thousand dollars and Baker Stevens gave a five thousand dollar farm to the association, and thereafter the movement made no progress until in 1911 Mr. Law- rence added twenty-five thousand dollars to the fund - the gift carrying no conditions except that an equal amount be raised by general subscrip- tion and that the institution be named the Alice Hyde Memorial Hospital, in memory of the donor's deceased niece -- a woman of lovable traits and character, who had been as a daughter to Mr. Lawrence from her childhood. Both conditions were fully met, with the result that in 1913 the institution was opened, completely equipped, and has since been doing continuously a beneficent work. By his will Mr. Lawrence, having no children, gave his entire estate of fifty-odd thousand dollars, less four bequests of a thousand dollars each to relatives, to further endow the hospital - the will reciting that Mrs. Lawrence, possessing ample means of her own, had requested that nothing be devised to her. Comment upon the splended benefaction would be superfluous. Mr. Lawrence person- ally was not of easy approach upon terms of intimacy, notwithstanding he was at heart companionable and enjoyed keenly the pleasure of asso- ciation with those for whom he cared. One had to know him particularly well in order really to know him at all, and to appreciate his fine qualities of mind and character. He died after a brief illness September 1, 1917.
Timothy B. Ladd, born in Meredith, N. H., in April, 1820, came to northern New York about 1850, and was yard master of the old Northern Railroad at Ogdensburg until 1855, when he became road- master. with headquarters at Malone, and so served for ten years. He then bought the Union House at Chateaugay, and was its landlord until he died, January 7, 1887.
757
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
Eugene H. Ladd, born in Meredith, N. H., in 1835, came to Malone to become a clerk in the offices of the Northern Railroad about 1856, and eventually became general ticket agent. In 1868 he bought the W. W. & H. E. King interest in the Horton grist mill and saw mill, and in time acquired sole ownership of the properties. William E. Smallman bought into the concern later, when its activities broadened, and grew to include large lumbering operations in Duane and Clin- ton Mills, hop growing on an extensive scale in Malone and Canada, and dealing in fine driving horses. Mr. Ladd was originally a Repub- lican in politics, but became a Democrat, and, naturally with his tem- perament, which often suggested the finding of a positive pleasure in antagonizing and defying any majority sentiment, was both more active and more bitterly partisan in the latter relation than he had ever been in the former. But he was never much of a party worker or manager, his business interests generally engrossing his attention. In this field he was remarkably capable, systematic, self-poised and successful. Not readily admitting men to friendship, he was steadfast and warm to those to whom he did give confidence and regard. He served one term as president of the village, and in affairs which enlisted his interest he always showed zeal and efficiency. He was especially active and useful in the campaign to raise the fund required to bring to Malone the Adirondack and St. Lawrence Railway. He died March 3, 1908.
Uriah D. Meeker, born in Washington county April 24, 1804, removed with his parents to Massena, and in 1829 located at Fort Cov- ington, where he established himself as a merchant for one year, after which he was in trade at Bangor for a short time. Returning to Fort Covington in 1831, he again opened a store there. For nine years from 1834 he was county clerk, and then deputy county clerk under his successor in office. In 1853 he became a merchant in Malone, continu- ing in business until 1862, when he was appointed assessor of internal revenue taxes, holding the office until his death. Mr. Meeker was of spotless integrity and irreproachable character ; of exceptional abilities ; kindly and companionable; and especially interested in the young, for whom he always had a pleasant greeting, and was ready as occasion sug- gested with words of encouragement and counsel. He was stricken with apoplexy April 5, 1868, and died instantly.
Albon Platt Man was born in Westville in 1810, and located in New York city in 1831, where he gained eminence in the law, and acquired a competence. He died March 30, 1891.
758
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Hamlet B. Mears, for half a century or more a large figure in Fort Covington affairs, was born at Hawkesbury, Ont., and died at the former place in 1887.
Andrew M. Millar, born in Scotland August 13, 1819, the son of Rev. James Millar, came to the United States with his parents, and, himself entering the ministry in 1842, became one of the best known clergymen in Northern New York, and had perhaps the longest service in it of any who ever officiated in the county. He preached his first sermon in Chateaugay, when the Presbyterian church there and its mem- bership in Burke were one, and continued so to serve until Burke was set off as a parish. He was thereafter pastor of the latter society until 1896- or for forty-four years without a break except for one year when he was ill and except also for the time that he was an army chaplain during the civil war. From 1868 he was pastor also of a church which he organ- ized at Bellmont Center, and at one period served Constable also for seven years, the places being distant a number of miles from each other. Nevertheless Mr. Millar never permitted weather or any preventable cause to keep him from filling his appointments. He officiated at more than two thousand funerals, and preached six thousand sermons. No work was too arduous for him, and his life was of large usefulness, fine in its influence, and noble in all its aspects. From 1866 he made his home in Malone, where he died August 22, 1896.
Edwin L. Meigs, son of Guy, was born in 1822 - probably in Con- stable, as his father (born in St. Albans, Vt., in 1793) is known to have been a resident there and to have been established in business in West- ville in 1824. Mr. Meigs became a merchant in Malone in 1845, and so continued, in various partnerships, for about eighteen years. He had also branch stores from time to time in Brushton, Constable and Trout River. Upon the incorporation of the Farmers National Bank of Malone in 1864 he was chosen president, and, his health having been somewhat impaired, the strain incident to the work of organizing and starting the institution's business taxed his strength so severely that after a few months he went to New York for medical advice and treatment, and died there. No shrewder, more capable business man, nor any one who was quicker and brighter mentally, ever lived in Malone. He was very popular personally, and had tremendous energy and a keen perception of opportunities. His operations were varied and numerous, and his success uniform. He had five children, all of whom died without issue, so that his direct line is extinct. He died May 14, 1865.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.