History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 63

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862

USA > New York > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 63

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).

A fire-company was formed in Adams about 1836, and a small crank-engine purchased by voluntary subscriptions. These provisions against the destructive element have ma- terially lessened the damage caused by the several fires which visited the place in 1860 and 1866. On the night of Dec. 15 of the first-named period, Webster Bros.' store, in the middle of the row of buildings on the west side of Main street, was burglarized and sct on fire, presumably to destroy the cvidenee of the crime. A strong wind, amount- ing almost to a gale, prevailed at the time, and before the progress of the flames could be stayed the entire row was consumed. Among the buildings destroyed were Saunders & Holman's machine works, Carter's block, Skinner's block, Rosa's store, and Doxtater's corner store. David Mitchell was apprehended for the crime, and, upon trial, was sen- tenecd to the penitentiary for life. Equally destructive was the fire which desolated the east side of the street in April, 1866. All the buildings, from the mill, north, to the cor- ner, including the old Whipple block, a good two-story brick, erected in 1845, as well as the old Whitney House, a stone structure on the northwest corner, were destroyed. Instead of retarding the growth and prosperity of the vil- lage, these fires purged the place of a poor elass of build- ings, and caused the erection of the splendid business houses now lining the principal business street.

Among the most active and enterprising builders and business men of the village is T. P. Saunders. It was owing to his energy and foresight that the first public hall was erected, in 1851, before the future of the place was assured. It was a large frame structure, with a hall 45 by 75 fect in the fourth story. This building, in common

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RES. & SASH DOOR AND BLIND FACTORY OF O. DE GRASSE GREENE , ADAMS CENTER, JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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MRS. A. D.STANLEY.

RES. OF A. D. STANLEY, ADAMS, JEFFERSON Co., N. Y.

253

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

with his large factory, in the same locality, and many others, was destroyed by fire. Nothing daunted, Mr. Saun- ders began at once to build the large brick block which now occupies the site of the old factory. Other buildings followed, until almost the entire west side of Main street was reconstructed by him. In 1866 he began his largest and most noteworthy enterprise,-the building of the " Cooper House Bloek," on the corner formerly occupied by Doxtater's store. This is an imposing three-story edifice, 52 by 148 feet, with a basement. The lower por- tion is fitted up for a first-class hotel, with elegant parlors, dining-rooms, and offices. A portion of the upper floor, 52 by 90 feet, was prepared for a publie hall, with the usual appointments of such places, and a seating capacity for 1000 persons. On the 1st of January, 1867, the hotel was formally opened by a public meeting, when the ladies of the village bestowed Mr. Saunders' nanie upon the hall, in honor of the builder.

On the opposite side of this building is the Whitney Block, now Huson House, erected in the most substantial manner, 40 by 60 feet, three stories high, and admirably arranged for hotel purposes. On the east side of the street is the large Hungerford and Bond Block, fitted up for stores and offices. " Jackson Hall," in the Mendell Bloek, erected in 1854 by Sidney J. Mendell, deserves mention in this connection. The building is a large frame, and was designed for stores and offices. The hall was commodious, and was used for public meetings until Saunders' was com- pleted. The location of the building, being away from the business centre, has prevented its use for its intended pur- pose, and it is at present occupied as a carriage-factory.

THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS

of the village date from 1800. That year David Smith built and got in operation a saw-mill near where the pres- ent mill stands. It did a great deal of work, yet it was not able to supply the demand for lumber, and even the slabs were used in building. From this circumstance the village was sometimes called "Slab City." A larger mill replaced the first one, which has long since been destroyed. In the western part of the village there is a good saw-mill, owned by Saunders & Wright.

In 1802, David Smith got in operation a small grist- mill, near his saw-mill, that superseded the stump-mortars of the early settlers, and relieved them from the necessity of making tedious journeys to Coffeen's mill, in Rutland, or voyages in open boats from the mouth of Sandy creek to Kingston. The mills had a wide reputation, and their owner's name was for many years synonymous with the name of the village. About 1827 the old mill was super- seded by the present " Adams Mills," built by David Smith's son, Willard. It is a frame, 50 by 72 fect, three stories, and basement. The old-fashioned water-wheels have been replaced by the modern turbine, and ordinarily there is enough water to furnish power for the four run of stones with which the mill is supplied, and which give it a grinding capacity of 500 bushels per day. The property has been owned and operated a number of years by Frasier & Pitcher.

Tanneries were built at an early day, Seth Gaylord having

one soon after his settlement, in 1806. A portion of the buildings were afterwards transformed into a brewery, by Samson Jackworth, and later into a nialt-house, by A. Kel- logg, for which purpose it is yet used. William Doxtater had a tannery on the site occupied by Ripley's shoe-store, which was discontinued in 1832.

The "Jefferson Tannery," erected in 1831, on the site formerly occupied by the distillery of Hale, Hart & Wil- liams, by Wright, Grenell & Co., has been conducted ever since. In 1847, J. S. Lewis became the proprietor, and for several years carried on the business on a large seale. At present he docs custom-work principally.

In the lower part of the village John F. Weaver built a tannery in 1850, using some of the old building erected for the mill. This he and his son have carried on since, using 27 vats, and manufacturing 1000 sides annually. A specialty is made of finishing leather. Among the workers in leather at an early day were Isaiah M. Cole and Jeremiah Griswold, harness-makers, and Chauncy Smith and Edward Willard, shoemakers.

A hoe- and fork-factory was built in 1856, by a stock company, which soon sold out to T. P. Saunders and David O. Holman. They turned it into a general machine-shop, and it was operated as such until destroyed by fire. New shops were afterwards built in the lower part of the village, near the saw-mill, and water-power used. Work was carried on in an extensive way, employment being given to 20 hands. For the past few years the shops have lain idle. Saunders & Wright are the proprietors.

Among the early workers in wood and iron were Ward Fox, blacksmith, and Joseph D. Smith, wagon-maker. The Niblock, Philips and Mariott carriage-works were estab- lished in 1864. Two buildings are occupied, and six men are employed in producing general carriage-work and farm- wagons. The old Mendell block was changed into a ear- riage manufacturing establishment in 1874, by E. T. Lit- tlefield. Farm-wagons and all kinds of running-gear are also produced. Hands employed, ten.

Wheeler's Planing-Mill and Sash- and Blind-Factory, an illustration of which appears in this work, was established in 1860, by W. H. Wheeler. A dam aeross Sandy creek supplies power for the different shops, giving employment to ten men. Mr. Wheeler is also a lumber-dealer, builder, and contractor, and many of the buildings of the place have been designed and erected under his supervision.

Brown's Furniture-Factory was established by Perley D. Stone and Samuel Bond in 1817. The trade was carried on by these parties forty-four years, and they were succeeded by Overton Bros. The present factory is on Sandy creek, and is operated by water-power. J. S. Brown, proprietor.

There were, also, pot- and pearl-asheries, distilleries,-by E. Morton, Hale, Hart & Williams,-and carding-mills, at an early day, and, later, a boot- and shoe-last faetory, a candle-factory, a woolen-factory, and other small factories which have been discontinued.

A large malt-house of brick, SO by 240 feet, with slate roof, was erected at the depot, in 1855, by Rufus P. White. Its capacity is 80,000 bushels, and there are two drying- kilns. In June, 1877, Mr. White sold his interest to W. R. Waite and Henry O. Kenyon, who are now condueting it.

254

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

The first in Adans to engage in mercantile pursuits was Jesse Hale. He brought a small stock of goods with him from Oneida county when he came to the county in 1804, and had for several years the only store in the place. He died in 1808, leaving a son,-Erastus,-who is yet a citizen of the village. In 1806, Hale & Hart opened another store, which was conducted by them until 1809, when the firm became Hale, Hart & Williams, and as such they carried on a large trade, operated a distillery, and fur- nished supplies for the army in 1812. In 1815 there was a dissolution of the firm, and Hart took the goods to a new store on the north side of the creek, the business up to that time having been done on the south side. He retired from trade in 1825. In 1811, H. Brown began business, but sold out in a few years, and the principal trade was then carried on by M. V. V. Rosa. For more than thirty years he was a successful merchant, and retired with a competency, removing to Watertown in 1850. John H. Whipple began trade in 1820, and continued until 1859. About the same time Frederick Harter opened a store, remaining twenty years. In 1828, Erastus Hale embarked in trade, being a successful merchant many years. William Doxtater & Son were in trade many years, retiring in 1848. About this time Whipple, Eddy & Johnson opened a store, which they conducted several years. S. N. Bond engaged in business in 1845, and has continued in trade ever since, either alone or in partnership. Some of the leading firms since 1845 were Bond & Co., Angel & Chittenden, H. Miller, Stearnes & Carter, Salisbury & Bond, and Waite & Co.

In 1860, A. P. Redway began the book trade at Adams, and was in 1862 succeeded by D. A. Dwight, who associ- ated Justus Eddy with him the following year. They have been in trade ever since as Dwight & Eddy. Besides the firms already mentioned as being in trade at present, the following are some of the principal business houses : Dry goods, Hungerford & Arms, D. E. Taylor ; clothing, Love- lee & Kilby, E. B. Cooper, E. S. Salisbury ; hardware, Thompson & Little, John Wait & Son ; drugs, Withington & Kneeland, Fox & Ingraham, Lyman Buckley ; grocers, J. O. Brown, J. E. Cook, A. H. Coughlan, A. Gilman ; boots and shoes, R. Ripley & Son, Chandler & Lampson, B. F. Thayer ; fancy goods and millinery, Miss L. J. Bullock and E. Bersie; jewelry, S. A. Barney, R. F. Steele ; harness, M. L. Hodge, Loren Ripley ; photographers, G. P. Heusted, Silas Armsbury ; flour and feed and coal dealer, C. K. Stone; dentists, M. D. Manville, R. T. Kirkland ; express agent, R. J. Traver ; liverymen, Lockwood & Huson, C. H. Andrus, C. M. Totman. There are also 2 paint-shops, 2 meat-markets, 1 bakery, 5 blacksmith-shops, 3 cooper-shops, 1 gunsmith-shop, and 3 insurance agencies.

THE HOTELS

of Adams deserve a prominent place in its history. Early an important point on one of the principal thoroughfares from the interior to the border, numerous public-houses were kept along the State road and at Adams. At this point Abel Hart was the first to open an inn, in a frame house on the site of the " Huson House." This site has been used almost continuously for hotel purposes since 1803. The present is the fourth structure built for a hotel, and

was erected by Wm. Whitney in 1867, upon the destruc- tion of his stone building. It is well arranged, has 30 rooms, and is finely kept by A. B. Huson, who became the proprieter in 1876. Among the other landlords were Ben- ton, Whitney, and Dayly. South of Sandy creek was a noted hotel stand, where " Dad" Williams kept a well-known tavern many years until his removal to the west about 1830. Jolin Burch, Waldson, and Ranney were among the pio- neers who dispensed good cheer in the village. In later years the last-named hotel was best known as the " Lock- wood House." Its use for this purpose has been discon- tinued. In 1867, N. Gaylord opened the large hotel widely known as the " Cooper House." This has been kept sub- sequently by the Cooper Brothers, J. W. Bertram, and H. C. Case, into whose hands it passed in 1877. Under his management it is becoming quite popular. There are 40 rooms, and the appointments are first-class.

THE BANKING INTERESTS

of the village are intimately connected with its growth and trade, and have aided largely in giving Adams its present business character.

The " Jefferson County Bank" was located at Adams June 20, 1817, as a compromise between Watertown and Brownville, both aspirants for the location. A fine, sub- stantial brick house was erected for its use, and it had, for a short time, a very flourishing existence. It was re- moved to Watertown in 1824, and its subsequent history will be detailed in that connection. The bank building has been converted into a dwelling, at present occupied by P. C. Maxon.

The "First National Bank of Adams" was established Aug. 27, 1863, with a capital of $75,000, and S. D. Hunger- ford, president, and R. H. Huntington, cashier. Its office was in the Hungerford bank building, and it was, in some respects, tributary to that institution. On March 17, 1873, it was merged into the Deposit National Bank of New York.

The " Adams Bank" was not one of issue, but was, more properly, a broker's office. It was opened, in 1872, in the Whitney Block, by Gilbert & Babcock, and con- ducted by them until their interests were purchased by Hungerford and Huntington and transferred to their own bank, previously established.

The "Hungerford National Bank," which is the only bank in the place, was established, in 1845, as the " Hun- gerford Bank," Solon D. Hungerford sole owner, with $50,000 capital. September 1, 1853, it was changed to a banking association, with the same name, and the capital increased to $125,000. The first board of directors were : Solon D. Hungerford, Jeremiah Griswold, Philander Smith, M. R. Patrick, N. M. Wardwell, George Gates, Almanzo Braddon, Roswell Kinney, and Samuel Ward- well. In 1865 it was changed to a national bank, with the capital remaining at $125,000. The present officers are S. D. Hungerford, president; G. W. Bond, cashier. The last-elected board of directors (January, 1877) are : Solon D. Hungerford, Hart Grenell, S. D. Kimbull, A. M. Wardwell, Luther Haven, G. W. Bond, R. H. Hunting- ton, J. A. Lawyer, and Abram Sheldon. The bank build-

THOS. R. GREENE.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. THOS. R. GREENE , ADAMS CENTER, JEFFERSON CO., N. Y.

RESIDENCE OF MRS. NANCY S. THOMAS, ADAMS CENTER, JEFFERSON CO., N.Y.

255

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

ing is a substantial, detached two-story briek structure, ereeted in 1865, and is owned by the bank. The vaults and safes are of the best known construction and material, with time-loeks and all modern improvements for security against burglarious assault.

THE POST-OFFICE

at Adams was established about 1806. That year a mail- route was established from Rome, through Redfield via Adams, to Sacket's Harbor. April 28, 1810, a new route was established from Utiea, via Camden and Adams, to Brownville ; and on March 3, 1825, from Watertown, via Adams, to Sandy Creek. The mail service at present is by railroad to points north and south, and by stages to Lor- raine, Belleville, and Henderson. A man by the name of Perry was one of the first postmasters. He was succceded by Lyman Munson. Among others who held the office were George Andrus, T. C. Chittenden, Jason Marsh, Cal- vin Skinner, Zelotes Barncy, Mason Curtiss, T. P. Saun- ders, J. D. Smith, E. S. Salisbury, Nelson Green, T. C. Chittenden, and T. T. Carter, the present ineumbent.

A postal moncy-order office was established in 1872. The amount of the orders drawn for the year ending Oct. 1, 1877, was $7697; paid, $6279; number of registered letters received, 200; sent, 324; stamps and stamped envelopes sold, $2300. Letters received daily, 250; sent, 260. Papers distributed weekly, 1200. This last item does not inelude papers mailed in bags.

THE PRESS OF ADAMS.

The Censor, an Anti-Masonic sheet, by Theron Parsons, was the first paper published at Adams. Its first issue bore date July 1, 1828, and its publication, at this place, was continued until June 13, 1829, when it was removed to Watertown. Owing to its bitter hostility to Masonry, its enemies named it The Cancer, which soon caused the title to be changed to The Anti-Masonic Sun.

The Jefferson County Democrat was the next eandidate for public favor, appearing June 27, 1844, under the con- trol of J. C. Hatch, who three years after sold to E. J. Clark. It was a four-page, 24-column sheet, 24 by 36 inches in size. In June, 1855, Clark sold his interest in the paper to Justus Eddy, who changed the name to the Jefferson County News, independent in politics. In 1863, D. A. Dwight was associated with Eddy, and the paper continued by them until June, 1865, when it passed into the hands of George C. Bragdon, who changed the name to The Adams Visitor. In the course of a year the office was destroyed by fire, and the publication of the paper was assumed by De Long & Babcock, May 21, 1868. March 11, 1869, S. D. Pratt purchased Babcock's interest; and on the 15th of April, 1869, the form of the paper was changed to eight pages, and the name to Northern Temper- ance Journal, becoming the organ of the Good Templars. It was continued as such until Oct. 20, 1871, when Pratt & De Long changed the name to the Jefferson County Journal, and made it an independent sheet. March 30, 1871, William J. Allen purchased Pratt's interest, and four months later, S. W. Hatch, De Long's, the new firm being Hatch & Allen. In the hands of these gentlemen

the Journal has become an ably-eondueted, well-patronized sheet, having 3400 bona fide subscribers, which is a larger circulation than that of any other village paper in the State. The office is well supplied with presses, operated by stcam- power.

The Adams Herald was founded March 31, 1876, by H. W. Gunther & Co., with C. W. Jennings as associate editor. It was a four-page, 28-column sheet, local in its purpose, and intended as an advocate of the lieense system. It was discontinued at the end of its first year, the presses, type, etc., being incorporated with the Journal.

Several amateur and ephemeral papers, as well as jour- nals, devoted to the interests of Hungerford Collegiate Institute, have also been published. The most noted of the latter class was the Institute Record, which met with considerable favor.

THE LEARNED PROFESSIONS

had representatives in the village at an early day, Dr. Eli Eastman being probably the first to settle as a physician. Prior to his eoming, when medieal attendance was required, the settlers were obliged to go twenty-five miles, through unbroken wilds, to what is now western Oneida county, using, in winter, snow-shoes to effeet the journey. Dr. Eastman was greatly esteemed for his qualities as a physi- cian and a citizen, and resided in town until his death, September 6, 1844. Dr. Joshua Bealls came about 1806, and remained in practice a number of years. John Spaf- ford was located in the village, as a very successful physi- cian, from 1811 to his death, in 1828. Dr. Samuel J. Gaines was here from 1823 to 1831, and was accounted a good practitioner. Walter Webb eame to Adams at the instance of Dr. Spafford, whose practice he assumed on the latter's death, and was located here until 1872, when he removed to Brooklyn. Dr. Wetmore was contemporary with Dr. Webb, and removed to the west in 1870. A Dr. Brownell came to the village in 1845, remaining until 1866. Dr. Bemis commenced his praetice in 1854, and continued until 1875, when he retired. Dr. Paletiah Dwight was a practicing physician for fifty years in Henderson. In 1875 he removed to Adams, where he at present resides. E. R. Maxson, LL.D., was also in practice in the village. Dr. A. P. Hale, a botanical, has been here since 1835; his son, A. Kent Hale, is in practice as an eclectic, having located in 1875. The same year M. W. Gallup located as a homœopathist, and now practices that system. Dr. Waldo, in 1863, was the first of that school to locate at Adams, remaining but a few years. Dr. Parley H. Johnson, a regular, has practiced since 1865 ; and Dr. J. Pierce, of the same school, sueeeeded Dr. Benis, being at present in prae- tice.

The legal profession of Adams has attained more than a local reputation. Lyman Munson came as the first repre- sentative, opening an office in Benton's tavern in 1804. Micah Sterling followed in 1806; removed to Watertown. Benjamin Wright opened an office in 1808, and was soon after elected surrogate. This office he held 17 years. Among the students of Judge Wright was Charles G. Finney, in 1821, who attained a national reputation as an evangelist and afterwards became president of the Oberlin College.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

David Wardwell came about 1812, and soon after associated Joseph P. Rossiter with him, but neither remained very long. Thomas C. Chittenden became an attorney at this place in 1812; was elected to Congress in 1838, appointed judge in 1840, and removed to Watertown in 1844. He, also, had a law student, Orson Parker, who became widely known as an evangelist, changing from law to theology in 1826. Calvin Skinner opened an office about 1824; he afterwards became county judge. Besides these mentioned, Perry, Channing, Burnham, Jason Marsh, Phelps, and Butterfield were here at an early day. About 1814, Judge Wright horsewhipped T. C. Chittenden, which resulted in a ease of assault and battery. The matter was finally re- ferred to arbitration; and was settled by Wright's paying- for the liquor. Another case, showing the perversity of mankind and the wisdom of the law, was brought before Justice Randall in 1870. It was an action to recover the value of two hens, alleged to have been stolen from F. by M. Esquire Randall's decision having been unsatisfactory to the parties, an appeal was taken to the circuit court, where it was decided in favor of the plaintiff. The hens cost the parties $400.

The bar of Adams has at present the following attorneys: T. P. Saunders, P. C. Maxon, T. C. Chittenden, A. J. Brown, E. F. Ramsdell, I. L. Hunt, Jr., G. B. R. Whip- ple, T. H. Breen, W. H. H. Taylor, and C. W. Hewitt.

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS.

" Rising Sun Lodge, No. 124, F. & A. M.," was organ- ized, probably in 1806, with Robert Merrick as the first W. M. Regular meetings were held until the anti-Masonic times of 1827, when the lodge was suspended. In March, 1851, it was resuscitated with the same name, the number being changed to 234. The officers and charter members were B. Wright, W. M .; J. C. Cooper, S. W .; J. Gris- wold, J. W .; Dennis Waite, Almanson Tibbetts, Herman Strong, J. H. Whipple, Elijah Wright, and Titus Bassett, members. The present membership is more than 200. An elegant hall was formally dedicated in 1867. The principal officers are, D. W. White, W. M .; T. T. Carter, S. W .; D. E. Taylor, J. W. ; and F. J. Kneeland, Sec'y. " Meridian Chapter, No. 86, R. A. M.," was chartered Feb., 1824, with 31 members and Joseph Enos, H. P., and H. P. Pond, Sec'y. Succumbing to the excitement of 1827, its last meeting was held March 5, 1828.

A dispensation was granted February 26, 1867, to form a new Chapter at Adams, which is at present known as " Adams Chapter, No. 205, R. A. M." It was organized with 30 members, and the following officers: T. C. Chit- tenden, H. P .; C. K. Stearne, E. K .; H. C. Brodie, E. S. The Chapter has at present 85 members, officered by R. H. Huntington, H. P. ; A. B. Watkins, E. K .; and John Ross, E. S.

Among the members who have become distinguished in State and National councils are B. B. Babcock, at present the Eminent Commander of the Grand Commandery of Ohio; and R. H. Huntington, the Grand Scribe of the Grand Chapter of New York.

" Wenona Lodge, No. 323, I. O. of O. F.," was chartered Oct. 18, 1847, with C. W. Rogers, P. G. ; H. B. Whipple,

N. G. ; S. D. Hungerford, V. G. It had a very prosperous career for about twenty years, when its meetings were dis- continued. There were at that time only about 40 mem- bers, a great deal of the interest having centered in Collins Lodge, in the adjoining town.

" Oriental Encampment, No. 75, I. O. of O. F.," was formed by the following members withdrawing from Monte- zuma Encampment, at Watertown : J. D. Houghton, Alex. Dickinson, S. D. Hungerford, G. G. Grenell, J. S. Dodge, Justus Eddy, G. S. Dodge. This, too, was long since dis- continued.

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History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 63

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 862

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862