USA > New York > Cayuga County > History of Cayuga County, New York > Part 42
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Mr. Osborne is a Democrat-untrammeled. Even personal preferment counts less with him than principle, and while he would naturally rejoice to see the party prosper, it must do so along right lines and under high-minded leaders. Both by nature and train- ing he is a builder, not of wood and stone, but of those ethical
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structures which are the fortresses of civilization and national life; and political or social ramshackle is as unsightly as an architecture- less building. So, although he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Chicago in 1869, when the free coinage of silver was made a paramount issue, he did not acquiesce, but went as a delegate to the National or "Gold Standard" Democratic Convention at Indianapolis, which nominated Palmer and Buckner. In 1906 he was a delegate to the Democratic State Convention at Buffalo, but declined to endorse the methods there pursued, or the Gubernatorial nominee. Still he has not sought to force his opinions upon his party, nor has he harshly criticised moves and methods which he could not approve. He has, however, consistently declined to follow the multitude down brambly by-ways, and seems to foster a patient hope that they will come back.
Mr. Osborne is a patron of music and the arts, and his interest in educational affairs has always been most earnest. He was a member of the Auburn Board of Education from 1885 to 1891, and from 1893 to 1896, and was instrumental in having the school buildings properly lighted and ventilated. Also, he took an active part in carrying to success the project to erect the present High School building which was completed in 1888, and at the dedication of which he delivered the principal address. He is a trustee of Wells College, Aurora, N. Y., and has served as trustee of Hobart College, Geneva, and Hackley School, Tarrytown, N. Y. He has done much to foster the George Junior Republic, at Freeville, N. Y., of which he is president of the Board of Trustees, and has made it possible for some worthy young men to take college courses which they could not have obtained otherwise. He builds intelli- gences, adds recruits to the army of civilization. But his benefac- tions are not ostentatious. No public institution bears his name. He is a builder of minds and character, of vital and not inert fabrics. His influence is an active, and not a passive force. The glory is not all confined to the actor.
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Organizations whose aim is the extension of commerce and the betterment of commercial conditions, also enlist his services, and he is a member of the American Economic Association, the American Free Trade League, the International Rights Association, the American Social Science Association, the Prison Reform Association, and several others.
Among his social affiliations are the Harvard clubs of New York, Buffalo and Syracuse, the University clubs of New York and Chicago, the Tavern Club of Boston, the City Club of Auburn, and the Unitarian Association of Boston, of which he is one of the vice-presidents.
In January, 1908, Governor Hughes appointed Mr. Osborne a member of the Public Service Commission. As the commission is virtually a court, and as Mr. Osborne was appointed for a term of three and one-half years, this recognition by a Republican governor is a distinct tribute to his learning, ability and integrity.
Notwithstanding the heavy and constant draughts upon his time by the many responsibilities he has shouldered, Mr. Osborne manages to spend occasional hours with his pen, and his article on the Public Service Commission, in the Atlantic Monthly for March, 1908, and another in the May number of the same magazine, on the question: "Has the Democratic Party a Future?" give an idea of his ability to deal with large subjects. A small volume, Adventures of a Green Dragon, is the result of a trip abroad in the summer of 1907. The story not only reveals the sunlit view- point from which the author studies his fellowmen, but is so sprightly, so full of lurking humor, gives such vivid photographs of Europeans at home for American eyes, that it seems regrettable it was published for private circulation only.
Thomas Mott Osborne married, in 1886, Agnes Devens, of Cambridge, Mass., now deceased. Their children are: David Munson Osborne, second, born in 1887; Charles Devens Osborne,
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born in 1888; Arthur Lithgow Osborne, born in 1892, and Robert Klipfel Osborne, born in 1896.
EDWARD J. JEWHURST, chief of the Auburn fire department, was born in the City of Auburn, July 20, 1853, and is the son of Edward and Jane (Lynd) Jewhurst. The father was an old resident of Auburn, born at Rolvenden, Kent, England, about 1823, that place having been the home of the family for many generations. He settled in Syracuse when about twenty years of age, and was engaged as a dealer in horses, being one of the oldest and most prominent horse dealers in the town. When he first came to Auburn, he engaged as coachman to one of the old residents, that having been his employment when in England. He afterward had a large stable for the sale of horses, and was also lessee of the Driving Park here, as well as at Syracuse, training trotting horses at both places, being well known to all owners of good horses throughout the state. He is still living, but has retired from active business. Mrs. Jewhurst is a native of Londonderry in the north of Ireland, and comes of Scotch parentage. She moved to Auburn with her family when quite a child. Mr. and Mrs. Jewhurst have four children, all of whom are living, namely: Edward J,. the sub- ject of this sketch; Mary, wife of John Hunter; Joseph L., of this city; and Sarah L., wife of Adelbert Sadler, of Elgin, Ill.
Edward J. Jewhurst received a good practical education at the public schools of his native city, after which he learned the printing business, working on the Northern Christian Advocate, at that time printed by Mr. William J. Moses. He was also with Mr. Moses on the Bulletin, and was fourteen years in the Advertiser office. For two years he was in the oil region in Titusville, where he worked in a store, and afterward returned to Auburn, re-engaging in the printing business up to the time of his permanent connection with the fire department.
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His first connection with the fire department was as a volunteer in the spring of 1869, joining the Logan Hook and Ladder Company. He remained in that until he went to Titusville, and on his return joined the Cayuga Hose Company, then newly organized, serving in all the offices of that company, including second assistant foreman, first assistant, and also as foreman, the company electing its own officers. In 1879 he was appointed first assistant chief of the department; and in August, 1880, he was appointed chief of the department, to fill a vacancy caused by death. To be chief of the fire department means to be the head of all the companies of the department in Auburn, to which responsible position Mr. Jewhurst has been appointed every year since 1880.
Mr. Jewhurst was married May 18, 1877, to Miss Helen A. Steel, of Weedsport, daughter of William Steel, an old settler of that place, a soldier in the late war, who was taken prisoner, and con- fined in Andersonville Prison, where he was starved to death. Mr. and Mrs. Jewhurst have four children, two girls and two boys- Jennie L., William J., Sarah L., and John H. The family are attendants and supporters of the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn.
HON. C. AUGUST KOENIG, mayor of Auburn, was born in New York City in 1867, and is a son of William and Kate (Fleige) Koenig. He received his education in the public schools and at a boarding school near New York, and also took a course in the scientific school in that city. His father, William Koenig, founder of the brewing business, now conducted by Mayor Koenig, was a native of Germany, born July 21, 1831. He became a brewer by trade, and coming to the United States worked in New England and subsequently engaged in business in New York City. In 1868 Mr. Koenig came to Auburn and was engaged in business until
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1891, when his son, C. August Koenig took charge. Mr. Koenig died August 14, 1901. The brewing business is located at 245 State street corner of Grant. The plant covers an area of 30,000 square feet of floor space and its capacity is about one hundred and seventy-five barrels per day ; a force of forty hands are regularly employed.
Mayor Koenig has large property interests in Auburn and has served the city for four years in the Common Council and entered upon his duties as Mayor, January, 1908. He was elected upon the democratic ticket over a very strong opponent and by a hand- some majority. Mayor Koenig is giving Auburn a model régime of city government.
JOHN F. WEST, president of the Cayuga Construction Company of Auburn, came to this city as local manager for the Clemence Construction Company of Syracuse in 1907. Upon February I, 1908, the Cayuga Construction Company was organized, and took over the business here of the Clemence Company; they leased the plant for five years and are doing a very excellent business. They take contracts for building all descriptions of edifices from the ground up, also excavating and stone work, and furnish all kinds of lumber and mill work. Their office, yards and mill are located at 143 to 153 Kelsey street where they employ about twenty- five hands. The officers of the Cayuga Construction Company are : John F. West, president; John E. Strickland, treasurer; and Louis K R Laird, attorney. Mr. West resides in Auburn. His family consists of his wife, formerly Miss Rose O. Loomis, and four children, namely, Lulu, Clauda, Minnie and Arthur.
MOSHER, GRISWOLD & COMPANY. This firm was originally established in 1838 by F. L. Griswold, who died in December, 1879, after which the business was conducted by his surviving partners
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who adopted the firm name of Barker, Griswold & Company, the individual members being Justin L. Barker, who died in 1904, Frank H. Griswold, who died in 1898, and Charles P. Mosher. George F. Eldred and Collins L. Griswold were admitted in 1894, and in January, 1905, the firm name became Mosher, Griswold & Company.
Much of the success of this notably reliable house in gaining public confidence can be attributed to the sterling business prin- ciples upon which it was founded and which have been strictly adhered to from its inception by F. L. Griswold, down to the pres- ent day-a period of seventy years. The public has thoroughly learned the fact that any merchandise purchased from this estab- lishment can be relied upon as being absolutely as represented. ..
Besides the large stock of ready made clothing constantly carried by this house and manufactured by them, they do an extensive custom business, importing much of their fabrics direct. The premises occupied comprise two large stores, each having a frontage of twenty-two feet and a depth of about one hundred and eighty feet; two entire floors and basement in each store are utilized in the business.
The present members of the firm are Charles P. Mosher, Collins L. Griswold, and George F. Eldred. The house employs a large force of people in its manufacturing department and a competent staff of salesmen. The head of the house, Mr. Charles P. Mosher, is a man of advanced ideas, and is identified in many ways with the best interests of Auburn.
WILLIAM T. READ, manager of the Axminster Rug Company, in Auburn, is a native of England. He has been connected with these important works since 1902, and prior to taking charge here had been ever since a boy associated with the rug manufacturing industry of England, and therefore is thoroughly practical in every detail pertaining to the business. In the works in Auburn
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the Axminster Rug Company furnish employment to a force of about seventy women and fifteen men, and turn out over eighty- five chenille rugs per week. The plant is most advantageously located for shipping purposes and is large and commodious, cover- ing over one acre of land in extent. Mr. Read resides in this city and his family consists of wife and two children, namely, Charles Thomas and Oswald William.
CYRUS O. Cook, pension attorney and government claim agent at Auburn, was born in Troy, N. Y., July 11, 1846, and is the son of James N. and Eunice (Underwood) Cook, natives of Rensselaer County. The Cooks were of Revolutionary antecedents, and the Underwoods came to this country from Scotland in the early part of the seventeenth century, and located in Massachusetts where they became prominent in the affairs of that state.
Cyrus O. Cook received a common school education and early became interested in the political issues of the day. He enlisted in February, 1862, though only sixteen years of age in Company K. of the Seventy-Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry. They were first ordered to Pensacola, Florida, and then his company was ordered on detached garrison duty to Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa Island, where they were on duty until the following September. They were then sent to join the regiment at the barracks below New Orleans where they were soon made a part of the Reserve Brigade, First Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, and then went up the river. During this trip Mr. Cook was taken seriously ill and was left behind at Carrollton. He soon recovered and joined his regiment at Thebodeaux, where the regiment was camped for the winter. In 1863 the regiment participated in the siege of Port Hudson from May 27th to July 9th. Here Mr. Cook was wounded, having his right thumb cut off close to the hand, so that he was ordered to the University United States General Hospital at New Orleans. After three weeks here he was given charge of one of the
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largest wards in the hospital, containing sixty-three men. After six months of this work he was ordered to the Veteran Reserve Corps when he managed after a little sharp practice in using his disabled hand, to get back into the ranks, keeping his hand covered when he was examined. At length he rejoined his regiment at New Iberia but was soon ruled off on account of his hand and with other veterans was transferred to the Fourteenth New York Cavalry and went on Banks' second expedition with the cattle-drivers of the Second Brigade. He then after the defeat at Sabine Cross- roads was sent back to University Hospital and after a partial recovery was given a position as orderly of the hospital. This he retained until December 8, 1864, when he was honorably discharged on account of general disability and the numerous wounds he had received.
Mr. Cook was married September 13, 1865, to Miss Alice Goff of Jordan, N. Y. They had a family of nine children, namely, Rose, Clara E., Amos W, Eddie J., who died when four years af age Pearl, Edith, Lyla. Keta, and David, who died November 7, 1893, at the age of three years. Mr. Cook is identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, Crocker Post, and has been pension agent since 1887 and since then has assisted many hundreds of veterans in obtaining a pension. He is a member of the United American Mechanics, Pride of Cayuga Council.
HARVARD DENTAL PARLORS, 141 Genesee street, Auburn, were established in 1899, and have since become known as the leading dental parlors in the city. Only the most expert and careful dentists are employed, and they handle the most sensitive teeth without pain to the patient All the work in the line of filling, crowning, cleaning and extracting is done painlessly and in the most conscientious manner Their crown and bridge work is the triumph of dentistry and their artificial plates are made to look as near like the natural teeth as possible.
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CYRENUS WHEELER was born March 21, 1817, and was a native of Bristol County, Mass. He came to Cayuga County in 1835 and settled on a farm in Venice. He had a fertile, constructive mind and soon began to invent devices to facilitate farming operations, such as seed-planters, feed cutters, etc. He also patented several devices for the improvement of mowers, and greatly increased the utility of that machine. Although his machine was known by his name, it became more widely celebrated, about 1860, as the Cayuga Chief. The Cayuga Chief interests united with D. M. Osborne in 1874. It is said that the inventions of Mr. Wheeler for the improvement of reapers and mowers were at one time used upon every machine in the United States. He was enthu- siastic in pushing forward his patents and for thirty years he followed his machines through the harvest fields, and traveled over all the grass and grain growing states and territories.
In Auburn he is remembered quite as well for his public services as for his business success. He was elected mayor of the city in 1881, and was re-elected not only in 1883, but also in 1885. Then again in 1889 he was once more elected, so that he served as mayor of the city for eight years. He took great interest in military matters and the Auburn Military Company was named the Wheeler Rifles in his honor.
ERASTUS CASE, third son of Elisha and Delight (Griswold) Case, was of English descent, and of the sixth generation of the American family. He was the founder of the Case family of Auburn, N. Y. ; and in the endeavor to give some idea of this truly remarkable man we cannot do better than quote what has been set down regarding him by his grandson, Willard E. Case.
"Six of the seven sons of Elisha Case reached mature age and filled honorable positions in society. But the spirit of enterprise characterizing the New Englander in general, and the Case genera- tion in particular, led them successively to seek other homes for a
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more extended sphere of action; and so it came to pass that of this family of fourteen children, only the youngest remained in the homestead, with filial devotion to care for his aged parents, and to lie down with them at last, in the burying place of his kindred.
"Of one of these sons a personal sympathy induces me to speak at length although my regard for his character has a more sub- stantial basis than the affectionate reverence of a grandchild. Erastus was a man of no ordinary ability, for in him were combined the traits of foresight, wise calculation and indomitable energy. He delighted in difficulties as one who mastered them and danger only added zest to his undertakings. At the same time he was prudent and far-seeing. In the prosecution of large business enter- prises, though decided and courageous, he was wary, and those whose opinions differed from his concerning the management of affairs had often to regret their neglect of his wise courses. He was a pioneer in the railroad building of this country, having assisted in the construction of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Rail- way Company, and also a director therein. He was also prominent in the organization of the Oswego Starch Factory, at Oswego, New York. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of Auburn, and donated not only his services but largely to the founding and erection of the Auburn Theological Seminary.
"He belonged to that class of men who can best be described as world builders. To him occupation for its own sake was pleasure; but in a life full of activities he could always pause to smooth the way and lead into safer paths those who were struggling with mis- fortunes. His singularly affectionate and helpful nature, threw the ægis of protection over every needy person that fell in his way, and the testimony of the Rev. Prof. Condit, who conducted the funeral services after his death, was well merited when he said: 'I found in Mr. Case a true and steadfast friend,' and others added. 'such he was.' In personal appearance he was portly and dignified, and his handsome gracious countenance was a true index to his
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heart. Important offices were often pressed for his acceptance, but being unsuited to his tastes were usually resigned to others.
"It may not be amiss to notice one feature of his mentality which I do not attempt to explain but for the truth of which I vouch. From his earliest childhood he was a "dreamer." Often in his sleep, revelations were made to him of what afterward, with- out his instrumentality, became facts; and although I do not know that these dreams ever influenced his course of action, and although he was frequently amused by the peculiarity, yet he never failed to treat the subject seriously. In his later years these dreams were fewer and less trustworthy, and he used to say that his power was failing. Nevertheless, not long before his death, he narrated at the breakfast table a dream so improbable and yet, with which he was so evidently impressed, that every member of the family became interested in watching for its fulfillment. To their amusement, as well as his own, only a day or two elapsed, before every minutiæ of the dream was accomplished."
Erastus Case married in early manhood, Mary, the second daughter of Colonel Theodore Pettibone, sixth in descent from John Pettibone, who was described, in 1658, as a freeman of Windsor, Conn. The children of Erastus and Mary Case were Jane F. and Theodore P. Case. Jane F. was born January 3, 1813, and married Dr. Sylvester Willard, September 30, 1830. Theodore P. Case was born June 8, 1818, and married Frances Fitch, January 1, 1856.
In 1843, Erastus Case moved to Auburn, N. Y., where he resided until his death. His selection of Auburn as a permanent home and the consequent planting of the Case family in this city are to be attributed to a desire to please his daughter. In the year men- tioned he removed to Chicago, where he had business interests, accompanied by his wife, son and daughter and her husband, Dr. Sylvester Willard. Later, in returning to Connecticut, his wife and son, Theodore P. Case, had their attention called to the family
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residence which now stands on the corner of Washington and Genesee streets in Auburn, it being for sale, and they then decided to purchase it. In that house Erastus Case and Doctor Willard 1 originated and perfected many of their successful business plans and ideas.
Erastus Case was a robust man up to the time of his death, which occurred suddenly in 1857, when he was sixty-seven years of age. To his children he left not only a large estate, but a memory which is revered as a father's by his grandchildren. His widow survived him until February 15, 1870.
THEODORE P. CASE. Seldom has a biographer the pleasure of writing of such a man as Theodore P. Case. Not because he stood conspicious among the giants of achievement, but because he made no effort to achieve yet did more for man than many a Hercules piling up material mountains
In this country almost every man throws his energies into some field of activity. Theodore P. Case had no vocation. Inheriting a large fortune from his wonderful father, he might have become a great captain of industry, or devoted his life of leisure to public affairs; he could have excelled as a professional man.
Physically he was not strong, but to his fine mentality was added the strength and refinement of scholarship and culture. His ambition was not to hoard up wealth, but to increase his store of knowledge and to do what he might to elevate the world, or at least that part of it lying within his horizon. Like the lily of the field he neither toiled nor spun, yet he had glories of his own.
The value of such a character and such a man is not appreciated as highly and widely as it should be, yet the voices of the wise are beginning to cry out for such personalities, knowing them to be the salt of the earth. Justice Brewer, in a recent address at Cooper Institute, emphasized this sentiment, pointing out that material
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success, no matter how gigantic, is not true greatness. There must be the leaven of the humanities to sweeten and exalt the race. The ideal must refine the gross. He is, indisputably, the loftiest manner of man, who having the means to become what he may, elects to use that means for the benefit of intellectual and moral forces. Therefore the life of Theodore P. Case, and the deeds he did without ostentation, are worthy the thoughtful consideration of the wisest.
Theodore P. Case was the only son of Erastus and Mary (Petti- bone) Case, and was born at Canton, Conn., June 8, 1817. The family is of English descent. About the year 1845, he came to Auburn to reside, and this city was his home during the remainder of his life. On January 1, 1856, he married Frances Fitch, daughter of Abijah Fitch, of Auburn. She was born January 16, 1834. Their children were two sons, Willard Erastus Case, born February 19, 1857, and Howard Eugene Case, born September 15, 1861.
Theodore P. Case's tastes and habits were scholarly with an especial preference for languages. Besides having a knowledge of Latin and Greek he spoke French, German and Spanish with fluency. Of an investigating mind there were few discoveries in general science with which he was not familiar, and his leisure was usually occupied in the study of such subjects. In one word he might be described as a savant, for his mind was completely ab- sorbed with the intellectual to the exclusion of the sordid. As heir to his father's estate many business affairs presented themselves to him, but, beyond acting for some years as a director of the Lake Shore & Southern Michigan Railway Company, he did not respond to any of them. To increase his own wisdom and to contribute to the welfare of his fellowmen and his country seems to have been his unwavering desire. He was a consistent member of the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, and assisted largely in building its present edifice. The spire and organ of the church were gifts of his. Case Memorial Hall of the Auburn Theological Seminary,
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