History of Montgomery and Fulton counties, N.Y. : with illustrations and portraits of old pioneers and prominent residents, Part 53

Author: Beers, F.W., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: New York : F.W. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 664

USA > New York > Fulton County > History of Montgomery and Fulton counties, N.Y. : with illustrations and portraits of old pioneers and prominent residents > Part 53
USA > New York > Montgomery County > History of Montgomery and Fulton counties, N.Y. : with illustrations and portraits of old pioneers and prominent residents > Part 53

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HON. WEBSTER WAGNER.

Among the prominent self-made men of the Mohawk valley in active life to-day, is Webster Wagner. He is of German extraction, and descends from one of the pioneer families that located in Palatine early in the last century. He was born at Palatine Bridge, Oct. 2, 1817. His father's name, as also his grandfather's, was John, and his great-grandfather was Lieut .- Col. Peter Wagner, of "border warfare " memory, who was an active partisan officer in the Revolution, and as a man of means exerted no little influence in Tryon county ; besides, he had four grown-up sons, all whigs of the times, ever ready on an emergency to discharge any perilous duty. His dwelling, a stone edifice, was Fortified in the war, and known among the stockades as Fort Wagner. (The head of a Palatine family, which wintered, with other German immigrants, on the west side of the Hudson in 1710, was Peter Wagner, possibly the first man of the name who located in the Mohawk valley about a dozen years later. When the Yankee school- masters first began their labors in the German settlements, they anglicised this name by writing it Waggoner-an orthography which prevailed a couple of generations before it was finally corrected.) This house, with a wooden addition, situated on the Mohawk turnpike, two miles westerly of Fort Plain, is now owned and occupied by the dairyman J. Harvey South. The mother of Senator Wagner was Elizabeth Strayer, also a descendant of an early German family.

When at a suitable age, the subject of this notice served an apprentice- ship with his brother James, at the wagon-maker's trade, and became his partner in the business, with which they connected a house-furniture ware- room. The business proved unprofitable, but with good habits, good health, and a will to do, the junior partner resolved, in courting the goddess of fortune, to try again, or be ready for Shakespeare's

"-tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune."

flis advantages at school, though limited, were well improved, and his known experience, reliable judgment and good common sense gave him the appointment. in 1843, through his friend, Mr Livingston Spraker, a

director of the N. Y. C. R. R. Co., of station agent at Palatine Bridge, his agency embracing hoth the ticket and freight business ; to which was sub- sequently added the agency of the American Express Company. The varied duties of these important trusts were all satisfactorily discharged, and those of the latter by proxy for several years after he resigned the position.

In 1860 his duties as freight agent ceased, but for several years before that he had, on his own account, successfully engaged in the handling of grain and other farm products. While in the latter business, which gave more scope to his active brain, he conceived the idea of building sleeping- cars ; and associating with him in the enterprise Messrs. George B. Gates and T. N. Parmalee, of Buffalo, and Morgan Gardner, of Utica, he con- structed four cars, at a cost of $3,200 each. Berths were provided for the sleepers, provided with a pair of cheap blankets and pillows. These cars commenced running on the New York Central, Sept. 1, 1858, at which time the Hon. Erastus Corning was president of the road. He looked with favor upon the enterprise. The project at the outset did not prove as successful as was anticipated. The difficulty seemed to be in the want of a better ventilation of the cars, which the inventor's genius was at once taxed to remedy. The ventilators being opposite to the sleepers, it was dangerous to leave them open at night, while the air was suffocating with them closed. In 1859 Mr. Wagner invented the elevated car-roof, placing his ventilators in the elevation, which at once gave success to the new ad- venture. Ventilating the car near the roof was found so useful an improve- ment that it was at once adopted, not only in the sleeping-car, but in all new passenger-cars, to the increased comfort of the traveling world.

The sleeping-car had not been long in use when the civil war came on, during which time the cost of these cars was from $18,000 to $24,000 each. They were constructed, however, not only with reference to strength and beauty, but for the comfort of their occupants, being furnished with mat- tresses and all necessary bedding for an undress, contrasting most favorably with the first ones in motion. That style of car now costs from $13,000 to $14,000. In 1867, Mr. Wagner invented and put in operation his first drawing-room or palace car, the first ever seen in America, which at once became so popular with the tourist that it secured to him a fortune, and home-comfort to its thousands of generous patrons. Wagner cars are now in use on most of the important railroads in this country, and they have recently been introduced by Mr. Pullman on some of the best regulated roads of Europe, entitling the inventor to the gratitude of the millions who have already experienced their comfort, while his future memory will be embalmed in the hearts of the traveling world as a benefactor of his race.

In 1871 Mr. Wagner was called to a new field of labor, being chosen to a seat in the State Assembly, to which he was sent by a majority of about 200 in the county. In 1872 he was elected to represent the XVth district in the Senate, by a majority over his competitor, Mr. Isaiah Fuller, of 3,222. At the end of two years, he was returned to that body without op- position. In 1876 he was again sent back to the Senate, by a majority of 2,623 over Mr. Samuel T. Benedict, of Schenectady. In Nov., 1877, Mr. Wagner was the fourth time put in nomination for a seat in the Senate ; and so great was his personal popularity, that although the Hon. Geo. G. Scott, of Ballston, a man of sterling integrity and known ability, was the opposing candidate, he was again re-elected, by 2,216 majority, for the years 1878 and 1879.

In politics Mr. Wagner is known as a Republican. His long term of service has rendered him familiar with legislative business, given him heretofore a prominent place on many of the most important committees ; and caused his opinion on many interesting subjects to be sought for by young and less experienced members. He has recently passed his sixtieth birthday with good health and mature judgment ; and by carefully heed- ing nature's inflexible laws, he may yet render the publie important service in some untried capacity. He is a man of ample means ; honest and np- right in all his dealings ; courteous and affable in his manners ; generous and hospitable in his nature ; social and genial in his habits, and kind. hearted and exemplary in his family relations. He owns not only a pretty mansion with highly cultivated lands around it at Palatine Bridge, but also a very nice house in New York city, in which his family spend their win- ters. Mrs. Wagner was Miss Susan Davis, a lady as amiable and sensible as she is unassuming and domestic. She was a daughter of the late John P. Davis, a master-mechanic-a house-carpenter by trade -- a very worthy citizen of Canajoharie at an early period of its village history. The re- mainder of this family consists of five children, a son and four daughters,

158

THE HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

all of whom are married, except Miss Nettie, the youngest. If Senator Wagner was unsuccessful at the outset of his business career, energy and perseverance enabled him to triumph in the end, in gaining both wealth and worldly honors ; and take him all in all we may pronounce him one of nature's noblemen.

We hope every young man who reads this brief biography will learn from it this important lesson, that, although he may not be equally success- ful, yet, in order to be at all prosperous he must be honest, industrious, prudent and persevering-trampling at his start in life upon all manner of evil habits, which drag the many down to ruin, if not an early grave. Among those habits to be especially avoided are evil associations, profanity, smoking, gambling and drinking. Avoid all these as you would the sting of an adder, and practice the virtues named, and your success in life will be almost certain to follow, if properly directed.

WILLIAM H. DAVIS.

Mr. Davis is a native of Canajoharie, where he was born Oct. 25th, 1824. His father was John P. Davis, a native of New Jersey, but who moved to Canajoharie early in life and carried on the business of carpenter and builder, on an extensive scale, for a long time. William, the subject of this sketch, also learned the same trade, with his father, which he pur- sued until the age of nineteen. In the spring of the year 1844. he went to Troy and became a clerk in the grocery and wine store of H. & W. J. Averell, where he remained one year. In the spring of 1845 he moved to Rochester and became clerk for Brackett, Averell & Co., of that city, a branch of the Troy firm. At the end of five years' clerkship, he was ad- mitted as a junior partner. At the death of Horatio Averell, in August, 1854, the house at Rochester was closed, and Messrs. Brackett & Davis, in

connection with J. O. Howard, commenced the same business in New York, under the firm name of James Brackett & Co.

In the year 1858, Stillman A. Clark and Josiah B. Wright were admit- ted as partners in the house, and the business was continued by this firm until January, 1868, when Messrs. Davis. Clark and Howard purchased the interest of Brackett and Wright, and continued business under the firm name of Davis, Clark & Co., until January, 1872, when Davis and Clark purchased the interest of Howard and admitted to the concern John P. Davis, brother of W. H. Davis, and Henry O. Clark, nephew of S. A. Clark, who are at this date doing a successful business under the latter firm name.

On January 5th, 1853. Mr. Davis was married tu Anna Catharine Geort- ner, daughter of George Gieortner, of Canajoharie, who died in the year 1869. Two daughters, Olive Stafford, and Edith Alliene, remain as the fruit of this marriage. The eldest daughter, Olive, was married to Charles H. Whitaker, of Toledo, Ohio, in 1873. Although the place of business of Mr. Davis is in New York, he retains his residence at Palatine Bridge, where he, sometime since, erected a handsome dwelling, which, with the grounds connected, has been named " Rose Terrace."

Mr. Davis has, for a long time, been a director of the Canajoharie Bank, and for the past twelve years vice-president of that institution. A few years since the political party to which Mr. Davis belongs complimented him by nominating him for member of Assembly during his absence from home, but, although strongly urged to accept by his friends, he was forced to decline on account of his business engagements. At the C'entennial celebration at Canajoharie. July 4th, 1876, Mr. Davis was selected by the committee as the presiding officer of the day, the duties of which position he discharged with dignity. In private life Mr. Davis is a social, genial gentleman of the old school. strictly honorable in his dealings with all, liberal in charitable and benevolent enterprises, and possesses conversa- tional powers of a high order.

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MRS. W. H. DAVIS.

WILLIAM H. DAVIS.

"ROSE TERRACE" REST OF WEIL DAVIS, PALATINE BRIDGE, MONTGOMERY, COL, N. Y. VOR

JAMES SPRAKER.

TRES. OF JAMES SPRAKER, PALATINE BRIDGE, N. Y.

159

Hon. Joseph Spraker.

Mrs. Joseph Spraker.

" Residence OF THE HON. JOSEPH SPRAKER, Palatine, Montgomery Co . New York. HOMESTEAD OF THE SPEAKER FAMILY

JOST SPRAKER

MRS. JOST SPRAKER

THE SPRAKER FAMILY.

This family, which has long been prominent in the Mohawk valley io wealth, business enterprise and social and political influence, deserves par- ticular mention. George Spraker, the remotest ancestor of the family in this country, a native of Saxony, settled in the town of Palatine, Mont- gomery county, then a part of Albany county, about the year 1755. He married Maria House, who was also of German descent, and by honest industry became the builder of his own fortune and advanced from pov- erty to prosperity. At the time of his death George Spraker was the owner of some of the finest agricultural land in the valley, a part of which was on the Mohawk flats, and resided at the old homestead on the north bank of the Mohawk river, which has ever since remained in the family.

George Spraker had four sons and five daughters, and the sons, with himself, bore arms against the British, tories and Indians in the war for independence and the early frontier struggles. John and George, sons of George Spraker, were with the detachment of the heroic Col. Brown in the bloody battle with the British and Indians on the 19th of October, 1780; and George Spraker himself, then an elderly man, and his younger sons, Conrad and Jost, were among the garrison of Fort Keyser, within the limits of the present town of Palatine, on that memorable day. Nancy Spraker, a daughter of George Spraker, and widow of Jacob J. Lawyer, still survives and resides at Schoharie, being nearly one hundred years of age.

On the death of George Spraker, Jost Spraker, his youngest son, suc- ceeded to the paternal homestead. Jost Spraker became well known throughout and beyond the State. Travelers through the valley before the time of railroads were entertained at his hotel, which became famous for liberal hospitality. Mr. Spraker was personally noted for his humorous sayings, and many interesting anecdotes of his original wit have survived to the present day. He was an extensive land owner, and possessed many slaves until they became emancipated by law. In the village of Spraker's Basin, opposite his residence, was erected in early times the church known as " Spraker's Church." This old church was replaced in 1858 by a new edifice built upon another site, which was donated by George Spraker, the eliest son of Jost Spraker, to the Reformed Association. The station of the New York Central Railroad near the homestead of Mr. Spraker is ap- propriately named "Spraker's."

Jost Spraker married Catherine Frazier, a descendant of one of the Scottish pioneer families who first settled Johnstown, and died in 1848, in his 84th year, having outlived his worthy and accomplished wife five years. Six sons and two daughters survived him; and the sons, acting in concert in important enterprises for upwards of half a century, have deserved and realized a rare degree of prosperity, and made their family name the guar- anty of honor and responsibility. These six brothers have been very prominent in the social, business and political circles of their time, and

have justly merited their singularly high reputation for business ability and integrity. A brief sketch will be given of the sons and daughters of Jost Spraker:

NANCY SPRAKER.

Nancy Spraker married, and settled at an early day at Sackett's Harbor, New York, where she recently died at an advanced age, leaving descendants. '

CATHERINE SPRAKER.

Catherine Spraker after marriage resided in Cobleskill and Richmond- ville, in Schoharie county, New York, at which last named place she died in 1866, having attained old age among her children.

JAMES SPRAKER.

James Spraker, the fifth son of Jost Spraker, commenced business 25 1 merchant at Spraker's Basin in 1832; the location of his store being upoo the south bank of the old canal. At this place Mr. Spraker carried on an extensive and prosperous trade for six years.

Prescient and successful in financial enterprise, Mr. Spraker at an early day saw the field, as well as the public necessity, which existed at Canajo- harie and Fonda, for the successful establishment and operation of banks. and by uniting his counsels and efforts with those of his brothers, organ ized the Spraker Bank at Canajoharie in 1853, and the Mohawk River Bank at Fonda in 1856; each of those institutions being the pioneer bank in its own locality. Mr. Spraker removed to Canajoharie in 1853 to take charge of the Spraker Bank, and resided there until 1865, when he removed to Palatine Bridge, and purchased the residence of Henry Loucks, coun sellor-at-law. James Spraker is one of the original directors of the Spraker Bank and of the Mohawk River Bank; he has been president of the first named institution since its organization, and his able and careful manage ment of its affairs has ever been manifest in its flourishing condition.

But not in financial achievements alone is his fame memorable; for in the midst of a busy and yet tranquil life, Mr. Spraker still finds time to re- lieve the distressed and assist the young in the battle of life He is well known as a generous donor to religious, charitable and benevolent objects, and his name is often sought to head the subscription list. Al though frequently urged to accept nominations for office, Mr. Spraker has always preferred the freedom of private life, and for. half a century has given to the Democratic party the aid of his wisdom and experience 10 council and the support of his untarnishrd personal character.

The home of James Spraker at Palatine Bridge, guarded in front by two huge and beautiful elms of primeval growth, which are doubtless older than the settlement of the county by Europeans, is one of the most charm ing in the valley.

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160

LIVINGSTON SPRAKER

Livingston Spraker, the fourth son of Jost Spraker, was extensively and favorably known both within and beyond the limits of his native State; having been sheriff of Montgomery county; delegate to the national Demo- cratic convention held in Chicago in 1864; assistant superintendent of the Utica and Schenectady Railroad; and a director of the New York Central Railroad for many years; and having held other prominent positions. He resided at Palatine Bridge, amassed a large fortune, and died September 15th, 1873, in his 71st year, leaving a widow and children. Livingston Spraker was prominent in the politics of his native county and State for a quarter of a century; and was one of the original directors and founders of three banks : the Spraker Bank of Canajoharie; the Mohawk River Bank of Fonda; and the Fort Plain Bank; being the first vice-president of the last-named institution. Mr. Spraker and lady were liberal donors to the English Lutheran Church of Canajoharie, of which he was a member at the ti ne of his death.

The mansion of Livingston Spraker was one of the most hospitable in the valley; and his many friends, scattered far and wide, will long miss his imposing presence, courtly manners, and generous hospitality.

JOSEPH SPRAKER.

Joseph Spraker, the youngest son of Jost Spraker, resides upon the origi- nal family homestead in the town of Palatine, which he has recently fitted up with all the modern improvements. In 1853 he married Angelica Mitch- ell, daughter of the late Hugh Mitchell of Spraker's Basin, and has four soos and one daughter. His spacious mansion is the scene of many a youthful frolic and of princely entertainment. Mr. Spraker is one of the founders and a director of the Spraker Bank of Canajoharie and of the Mohawk River Bank of Fonda; and is now vice-president of the first named institution. Among other important positions held by Mr. Spraker is that of supervisor of the town of Palatine two terus; and in 1856 he represent- ed Montgomery county in the Assembly.

The official life of Mr. Spraker was characterized by the same courtesy and honor which distinguish him as a man, and realize the true ideal of a republican form of government-official power united with integrity and intelligence. Mr. Spraker and his brothers have always been identified in politics with the Democratic party, and influentialin its councils. Joseph Spraker and lady have been leading members of and liberal donors to the Reformed Church at Spraker's Basin from the time it was rebuilt in 1858.

The numerous guests who have been entertained by Mr. Spraker and his accomplished lady at their elegant and beautiful residence, will not soon forget either the abundance and good cheer of the table, or the hearty laugh and kind welcome of the host and hostess.

GEORGE SPRAKER

George Spraker, like his father familiarly known as "the Major," was the eldest son of Jost Spraker, and settled at Spraker's Basin, in the town of. Root. He built at the canal lock a large and imposing stone mansion and store, and there carried on a prosperous mercantile business for many years, in sight of the paternal homestead across the river. Among the im- portant and responsible positions filled by George Spraker are those of justice of the peace and supervisor of the town of Root, director of the Spraker Bank of Canajoharie, and superintendent of the Enie Canal for many years under the appointment of the late Governor Bouck, who was then a canal commissioner. He enjoyed the life-long friendship of this distinguished man, and after his retirement from political life the governor and his wife frequently visited Mr. Spraker at his residence. George Spraker married in early life, and died January 14th, 1869, in his 73d year, leaving a family of three sons and two daughters. Although George Spraker and lady were members of the Methodist church, yet they liberally and constantly supported the Reformed church at Spraker's Basin, the site of which was donated by George Spraker to the church society.

George Spraker was courteous in manners, kind and social in disposition, and an eminently honest and upright man. His charities and hospitality were well known, and during his whole life he possessed the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

DANIEL SPRAKER.

Daniel Spraker, the second son of Jost Spraker, resided at Spraker's Basin until 1853; and while there was engaged extensively in the mercan- tile, storage and forwarding business on the Erie canal for many years, In which by the aid of energy and economy he became one of the leading merchants of the valley. In 1853 he removed to Canajoharie and lived a retired life for a few years. In 1856, upon the establishment of the Mohawk River Bank at Fonda by the enterprise of himself and brothers, he re- moved to Fonda and accepted the presidency of that institution, which position he has held to the present time. As manager of the Mohawk River Bank he has shown such financial ability, sagacity and prudence as have conspicuously contributed to the success and sound condition of that institution. Mr. Spraker has also been one of the directors of the Spraker Bank at Canajoharie since its organization. Daniel Spraker married Eliza Dykeman, daughter of Stephen Dykeman, and has one son and two daugh- ters living, his wife having died several years ago, Mr. Spraker is a prom- inent member and a liberal supporter of the Reformed church of Fonda

Unmoved by the smiles or frowns of fortune and of power, the conduct of Daniel Spraker has been always guided by justice and integrity, and his manners tempered by the courtesy of the old school and the gentle im- pulses of a kind heart; and now, far advanced in age, for many years he has enjoyed the pleasant fruits of a noble life, the respect and esteem of all, and an ample fortune which he has honestly acquired.

.. ..

161

Daniel Spraker.

MOHAWK RIVER BANK , Fonda N .Y. DANIEL SPRAKER. PRESIDENT.

Residence of DANIEL SPRAKE.R FONDA . N.Y.

162

HON. DAVID SPRAKER

David Spraker, the third son of Jost Spraker, attended the Johnstown Academy, and in 1819 entered Union College, graduating in 1822 with honor; being at the time of his death a member of the board of councillors of the college and of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He excelled in literary composition and oratory, and participated in the commencement exercises of 1822 as one of the two orators chosen by the college literary society known as the Delphian Institute. Mr. Spraker studied law at Amsterdam with Marcus T. Reynolds, at Albany with Judge Alfred Conkling and at Johnstown with Daniel Cady, and was admitted to practice as attorney of the Supreme Court in 1825, aod as counsellor in 1828, under the rigid re- quirement of seven years study by the old regime. In 1842 he was licensed in the Circuit and District Courts of the United States. In 1830 he be- came Supreme Court commissioner, an officer who, under the law of those days, exercised much of the jurisdiction of the present Supreme Court; and in 1833 was appointed master and examiner in chancery. In 1835 and for some years previous thereto he was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery county, and resigned his office in the fall of that year to take his seat in the State senate and the Court for the Correction of Errors, which was then the State court of last resort; to which offices he had been elected, and which he filled for four years from the first day of January, 1836. During his career in the senate, although probably the youngest member of that body, he established for himself a reputation for eloquence, ability and integrity, which extended far beyond the borders of his native State. Of that senate, Mr. Hammond, in his Political History of New York, mentions with approbation only Senators Spraker and Young, for their efforts to prevent the squandering of public money in private schemes, and in the interest of corporations ; and in the widely separated counties of Erie and New York public resolutions were adopted thanking those two senators for their intrepid devotion to the cause of honesty and the public. The judicial ability of Mr. Spraker is illustrated by the fact that upon the construction by the Court of Errors of the complicated and numerous provisions of the celebrated James will, the opinion of Judge Spraker was the only one which was concurred in by

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History of Montgomery and Fulton counties, N.Y. : with illustrations and portraits of old pioneers and prominent residents, Part 53

Author: Beers, F.W., & co., New York, pub Publication date: 1878 Publisher: New York : F.W. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 664

Author: Beers, F.W., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: New York : F.W. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 664