History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 107

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932

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when they wished to make remittances to Ireland and other parts of Europe, gave him the money, and requested him to secure a draft and forward it to their relatives. So frequently was he called upon to do this that it became necessary, as a matter of convenience, to secure an agency from the Emigrant Association. Thus he became their agent, and corresponded regularly with their relations at home. And as he passed along through his mission he not only announced the glad tidings of the gospel, but also very frequently carried welcome news from the fond friends whom the emigrants had left in the dear old home. Thus this good priest was more than a father to the early settlers, and we need not wonder that he was their joy and their pride. His good- ness to his spiritual children and his labors for their welfare, both temporal and eternal, did not make him forgetful of other obligations. Over twenty years ago the death of his brother, Mr. Joseph Beecham, and his estimable lady (sister of Bishop Quarter, first Bishop of Chicago), so well and favorably remembered in Rome and other parts of the State, brought upon him the responsibility of caring for and educating their six orphans, and of economically administering their estate. He was not untrue to the trust committed to his care by the dying wife of his deceased brother. He had the consolation of having his last days made joyous by those same children, and was consoled in his last moments by their tender care and pious attentions, by their sympathy and prayers. He had the satisfaction of knowing they would cherish his memory, pray for the repose of his soul, and ever respect the sacred dignity and character of the priesthood. He began to build St. Peter's Church in 1838. It is a brick edifice, the main part of which is 53 by about 80 feet. I have frequently heard Father Beecham say that the great Archhishop Hughes, speaking to him with the freedom of a brother, told him be must be mad when he undertook to build St. Peter's. And we cannot be very much surprised at this when we consider the circumstances.

"When he took charge of the mission there were not ten Catholic families in what is now known as the city of Rome, and even the few

that were there were very poor. In such circumstances it was almost impossible to suoceod, and no wonder the archbishop told him that even if he succeeded in building it it would be sold for dehts. Still Father Beecham was not discouraged. In 1838 the Black River Canal was opened, and month after month tho young priest passed over the entire work, soliciting and receiving the generous contributions of the laborers; and he had the satisfaction in 1840 of seeing his efforts crowned with success in the completion of the church and in the liquidation of nearly all claims against it. We may now bnild more stately temples, more pretentious edifices, to the glory of God, but we must not forget the circumstances,-we must remember that in those days the building of St. Peter's was a work of far greater magnitude than the erection of more expensive and elegant churches in these days. In these days, when the warning voice of our Most Holy Father is so often raised in inculcating the necessity of making education 'more Christian,' no wonder a wide-spread interest is manifested in the matter of education,-no wonder that bishops, priests, an'l people are making many sacrifices in order to provide Catholic schools for the young. But in those days, when the voice of Christ's vicar on earth could not be heard so frequently, and on such a variety of subjects of vital im- portance, wben priests were so few, the faithful so dispersed, and Catb- olie schools almost unknown, Father Beecham saw the great necessity of providing a school in which the children of his parish might receive not only a secular education, but also, what was of far greater impor- tance, a thorough Catholic training. For over thirty-five of the forty years of his ministry he has supported a Catholic school, and although at times he was obliged to suspend it for a brief period, like a true pastor and faithful shepherd he never at any time abandoned the pro- ject, but at all times made great sacrifices to provide Christian instruc- tion for the young of his flock. Speaking of the great interest taken by him in the matter of education brings to mind an occurrence that took place about two years ago. It is, in our opinion, the crowning glory of his priesthood. The number of children to be instructed, his growing infirmity, and consequent inability to make any great effort to secure means for the support of the schools, and the example of others in the archdiocese of New York, caused him to apply for aid to the Board of Education of the city of Rome. The board, entertaining the most profound respect for his character, the warmest attachment to him per- sonally, and knowing the great sacrifices he had made in the past for the advancement of Christian education, kindly consented to rent the schools and salary the good Sisters wbo were engaged in instructing the children of the parish. They granted him the privilege of select- ing the class-books to be used in the schools, and, at his request, even agreed to give teachers' certificates to the Sisters without subjecting them to an examination, though this was a waiving of one of their rules, and one, at least in some instances, prejudicial to the success of our Catholic schools. The board merely required that the superintend- ent be permitted to visit the schools. The Right Rev. Administrator, interpreting the words of our Holy Father, 'make education more Christian,' etc., and not less Christian, in their strict and undoubtedly their correct meaning, objected to the arrangement, and said the schools should be conducted as heretofore, and the superintendency of the State entirely excluded from them. Father Beecham at once acquiesced in the bishop's decision, obeyed him to the letter, and humbly apolo- gized to his lordship for not consulting him beforehand, saying he would certainly have done so had he considered it necessary or regarded his action with the board in the least censurable or indiscreet. Father Beecham, up to the time of his death, conducted the schools as directed by his Right Rev. Bishop, provided a lay teacher for the boys, whom the Sisters from this date refused to instruct on account of another rule incorporated into the code of laws that govern their order. This un- qualified submission in his old age to the will of his bishop, and com- plete and hearty acquiescence in his decision, although a strict duty, is nevertheless, we repeat, the crowning glory of his priesthood. As a citizen of Rome, he had at all times identified himself with its pros- perity and progress, and took an active part in the advancement of its interests. As a priest, he grew up with the city, and became one of its institutions, so to speak, on account of his long residence in it and his great usefulness as a citizen. All the inhabitants, irrespective of creed or nationality, entertained the highest respect for his character, were very much attached to him personally, approached him with ease, and were happy to greet him as he took his daily walks."

Father Beecham was succeeded in the care of St. Peter's Church by Rev. Father A. Murphy, the present pastor, iu

# His death occurred March 10, 1876.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

April, 1876. The pastor is superintendent of the large Sabbath-school. About 310 families are connected with this church at present. The building is located at the cor- ner of Floyd Avenue and Stanwix Street. In connection with the church is a convent and an academy, in charge of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus; also, St. Peter's School for boys.

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCHI.

This society was organized in 1848, previous to which time missionary services had been held for several years. The first resident pastor (1848) was Rev. Florian Schweniger. The present pastor is Rev. P. J. Smith. About 300 families are connected with this church, of which number a large proportion is composed of country members. The pastor is superintendent of the Sabbath- school, and J. B. McGrath is organist. A frame school- house, standing in the rear of the church, was occupied in 1871, and the day-school kept in it has a large attend- ance. The school has three divisions,-junior, middle, and senior.

The corner-stone of the present fine brick church on Lib- erty Street, west of Washington, was laid May 18, 1871, by Bishop John J. Conroy, of Albany. The building is 56 by 150 feet in dimensions, with sandstone trimmings, and a belfry the top of which is 100 feet from the ground. The dedicatory services were held Sunday, Sept. 22, 1872. The church will seat 900 persons.

TRINITY CHURCH (GERMAN LUTHERAN).

Organized in 1848. The frame church located at the corner of James and Ridge Streets was built in 1853, in which year the society was incorporated. - The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Wetzel, now of Utica, and the church was built during his pastorate. The present pastor is Rev. H. Veith. About 120 families are connected with the church, and a Sunday-school is sustained with an attendance of about 75, and the pastor as superintendent.

ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL CIIURCII.

Organized about 1868-69. The church, a frame build- ing on the corner of Madison and Park Streets, was built about the same time. The present membership of the society is not large. A Sabbath-school is kept up in connection with church services. Rev. Charles A. Wiegel is the pastor.

Besides the churches mentioned, there is a small Metho- dist Episcopal Church northwest of the city.

For information furnished regarding the history of Rome we are indebted to the articles published by D. E. Wager and others in the Rome papers; to Edward Huntington, Esq., S. G. Visscher, Esq., Colonel Enoch B. Armstrong, Colonel Louis Roth, L. E. Elmer, Prof. O. C. Harrington ; the pastors and members of churches ; members of the fire department, eity band, and various other organizations and societies ; the officers of the water-works; Dr. R. E. Sut- ton (city chamberlain); the publishers of the Sentinel and Citizen, and many others whose names we have not space to mention.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

D. M. K. JOHNSON, A.M.,

was born in Cazenovia, N. Y., June 7, 1815. His father, David B. Johnson, for many years a leading member of the bar in his section of the State, was district attorney for Madison County, and also master and examiner in chancery. A native of Connecticut, he removed to Troy about the beginning of the present century. Pursuing a course of legal study there, he was licensed to practice in 1810, and marrying Miss Eliza L. Kilborn, of one of the old families of that place, he settled in Cazenovia, Madison Co., in 1811, which continued to be his place of residence through life. D. M. K. Johnson was an only child, and was care- fully educated in the seminary of his native town, where he prepared for a higher course. Entering the sophomore class of Hamilton College at the early age of sixteen, he pursued his studies until the fall of 1832, when their further pursuit was interrupted by the necessity of accompanying his father, whose failing health rendered imperative a change to a warmer elimate. Upon his return to Cazenovia, the next summer, he determined to adopt the legal profession as his avocation, and, preparing himself for this career, under the tuition of his father, he was admitted to the bar as at- torney and solicitor in 1837, and three years later as count- selor, under the old régime. After being licensed to practice he resided a while in Cazenovia, and thenen removed to Camden, whence he removed to Rome, in 1844.

He has acted as attorney and counselor for the New York Central Railroad for his vicinity since 1857, and has also served several financial corporations in Rome in the same capacity. He has also been employed in several important matters on behalf of the State, and, either as at- torney or counsel, has been connected with many of the important cases of his seetion. In 1859, Hamilton College conferred upon him the degree of A.M. Inheriting excel- lent legal talent, he has cultivated with industry and success, and not only stands high in the profession, but ranks among the representative men of his section. He was married in 1844 to Miss Frances J. Matteson, of Rome, who died in 1851. In 1860 he married Julia W. Sumner, of Jackson, Mich., by whom he has two children,-daughters, -Julia Frances and Ella Sumner Johnson.

Mr. Johnson has persistently refused to accept office, in some instances declining after nomination, preferring to de- vote his entire time to the honorable but arduous profession to which he has dedicated his life.

DR. M. CALVIN WEST.

The West family is of English origin, and emigrated to this country at an early date; but we are unable to trace their ancestry back prior to John West, who was born in the State of Vermont and emigrated to this county about the year 1790. IIe located in the town of Western, where his son John was born Dec. 26, 1796. The family in 1816 removed to Rome. John, Jr., was married, Nov. 26, 1821, to Mary, daughter of John Driggs, she being born in Stafford, Tolland Co., Conn., Jan. 22, 1800. Her father removed to Rome in 1804, and engaged in the

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

manufacture of woolen goods, and operating grain- and lumbering-mills. He continued his business activity to the time of his decease, in 1855. Dr. M. Calvin West, the youngest son of this couple, was born in Rome, Sept. 11, 1834. Having passed successfully through the district schools and an academic course, Dr. West graduated at the age of eighteen, and, for a few years immediately succeed- ing, he was engaged in assisting his father in agricultural industry. In 1857 he entered the office of Dr. Calvin West, his paternal uncle, at Hagerstown, Ind., for the pur- suit of medical study, and, subsequently attending the regular course at the University of Ann Arbor, Mich., he received his degree in medicine in 1860. Continuing his studies, scientific and clinical, after graduation, in associa- tion with his uncle till 1861, he removed in the fall of that year to Floyd, where he practiced medicine till 1863, when he removed to Rome, his present place of residence. While a practitioner in Indiana he was a member of the Wayne County Medical Society of that State, of which organiza- tion he was also president. He is actively connected with the Oneida County Medical Society, and has been a delegate to the New York State Medical Society, and is a permanent member of the American Medical Association. While a member of the Wayne County Medieal Society he pre- pared and read before that body an able and practical article on " Hypodermic Injection," which was published in the Cincinnati Lancet. Dr. West has been for a long time a member of the board of directors of the National Bank at Rome, and is connected with other local corporations. Active and untiring in the performance of his duties, and recognized as a leading member of his profession, he is also gifted with excellent general abilities. Wise in coun- eil and of much practical knowledge, his fellow-citizens rely on his judgment in matters other than those purely pro- fessional. He was married in 1861 to Miss Felicia H. Williams, daughter of Jesse Williams. Mr. Williams built and managed the first cheese-factory in the county, and for several years stood alone in that branch of industry. He died in 1864, aged sixty-seven.

HENRY PATRICK.

About the year 1770, three brothers by the name of Patrick emigrated from the old country and settled in Still- water, Saratoga Co. One of these was the great-grand- father of the subject of this sketch. The family continued to be residents of that town for a number of years, and Henry was born there, Aug. 9, 1810, being the son of Isaac and Anna Patrick. He remained on his father's farm till the age of twenty-four, when he purchased a farm in North- umberland, Saratoga Co., on which he resided three years. He subsequently removed to Saratoga Springs, in the same county. In 1842 he came to Rome, Oneida Co., for the purpose of engaging in lumbering and farming, with very small means. He located in what was then called the Pine Plains, and commeneed to fell, saw, and ship timber to the Eastern markets ; he continued in this business till 1865, having amassed a comfortable fortune. He belongs to the Republican party, and has been solieited at various times by his fellow-citizens to hold offices of trust and confidence, but has always declined to serve them in any public position.

PHINEAS ABBE

was born in Windom, Conn., March 3, 1811, being the eldest son of Charles and Nancy Abbe. In 1814 his father removed to Solon, Cortland Co., N. Y. At the age of ten Mr. Abbe went to work for himself on a farm, and pursued the same calling in life till 1835, when he bought a farm of 63 aeres in the town of Rome, being the same farm on which he now resides. He was married, March 8, 1835, to Mary, widow of Elisha House, she being born in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., June 24, 1799, being the daughter of Chester and Mary Stillman. By her first marriage she was the mother of two daughters, and by her seeond marriage three sons : George Henry, born Dec. 13, 1838 ; Elisha Stillman, Feb. 17, 1840 ; William Edward, Feb. 17, 1842. Mr. Abbe belongs to the Republican party. He is a member of no particular church, but his wife is an active worker in the First Presbyterian Church of Rome. They enjoy a comfortable fortune, which has been obtained by their joint efforts in industry, frugality, and economy.

E. P. ARMSTRONG.

A man who, from an humble position and by his own efforts, has risen to affluence and social position, and through all the events of a checkered life has preserved his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of the historian, and to be held up as a model to posterity. E. B. Armstrong was born in the town of Lee, Oneida Co., Jan. 10, 1809. His father, Oliver Armstrong, moved to that locality previous to 1800. The subject of this sketch attended the school of his native town till eighteen years of age, after which he attended the private school of Oliver E. Grosvener for nearly one year. His education finished, he entered the store of his brother, General J. Armstrong, as clerk, and after two or three years of strict business training, during which time he proved himself to be the possessor of excellent business qualities, he became a partner in the business, the firm continuing until his brother's death, which occurred in August, 1852. His brother's place was filled by young members of the family for some time; finally he became sole proprietor, remaining so till 1870, when he virtually retired from active business duties. Since that time he has found his time well employed looking after his own private affairs, and in the management of his estate, which is very exten- sive, and includes large interests in the manufacture of iron. He has been engaged in the manufacture of pig- iron, more or less, for over thirty-five years, and at one time was manager of the Talberg furnace. During the past twelve years he has been a director in the Franklin Iron-works. He is also vice-president and director of the Rome Iron-works, with a capital of $400,000; and presi- dent of the Rome Merchants' Iron-mill, eapital $150,000.

Mr. Armstrong is also a director of the Fort Stanwix and Central National Banks. He was joined in wedlock, in 1837, to a daughter of Henry Tibbits, Esq., an old resident of Rome, by whom he had four children ; none of them, however, are living. Mr. Armstrong has always been thoroughly identified with the interests of Rome and Oneida County, being a large real estate holder, and the

mewEl

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

owner of many valuable farms in the county. He is to- day, with one or two exceptions, the oldest " Roman of them all," and has gained his position and influence by personal exertion, proving himself to be an indefatigable worker. A history of Mr. Armstrong's life is useful for its practical instruction. He has amassed a fortune that would content the extravagant requirements of royalty. Yet he has never risked a dollar in the precarious invest- ment of wild speculation, but day by day added to his little commencement. Attending wholly to his own business, he has become honored for his integrity, and known as one of the most influential citizens of Oneida County.

CHAPTER XXII.

ANNSVILLE.

THIS town is located in the northwest part of the county, and includes portions of towns 1, 2, 3, and 8 of Scriba's Patent. Fish Creek forms more than one-half its present boundary, while the west branch of the same stream forms most of its southern boundary. The town extends to the county line on the north, is bounded by Florence and Camden on the west, and includes an area of 36,316 acres. It was named from the wife of J. W. Bloomfield, its first settler.

Aside from the two branches of Fish Creek, the town is watered by numerous smaller streams, among them Miller's Creek,-named from the first settler on its banks,-Fall Brook, Glenmore Brook, and a sınall stream emptying into Fish Creek at Taberg, with several of lesser note. Fall Brook is so named from the falls at its outlet into Fish Creek. The upper fall is fourteen, the middle twenty, and the lower sixty feet. The stream is small, except in time of high water, when a rushing flood thunders over the rocky walls into the abyss below, affording delight to the bcholder. All the streams in this town are very rapid, falling from thirty to one hundred feet per mile, and were originally filled with fish. The scenery along the largest of them is inexpressibly grand and imposing, and a secker after the beauties of nature will find a visit to this locality well repaid by a study of the many phenomena it contains.

A branch of the Oneida tribe of Indians formerly resided at the meadows in this town, and about the time of the French war of 1755-60 a party of Canadian Indians, about twenty in number, settled at the forks of Fish Creek, for the purpose of enjoying the facilities for fishing afforded by this stream. The Oneidas objected to this proceeding, and finally succeeded in driving away the intruders.

The town of Annsville was formed from Lee, Florence, Camden, and Vienna, April 12, 1823, and the first town- meeting was held March 2, 1824, the following-named officers being elected : Supervisor, Benjamin Hyde ; Town Clerk, John Segar ; Assessors, John Bloss, James Hart, Dan Taft ; Collector, Edminster Harrison, Jr. ; Overseers of the Poor, Inercase Bartlett, Peter Abbott, Jr. ; Commis- sioners of Highways, Daniel Griswold, Zachariah Tompkins, Jolin Paddock ; Constables, E. Hammon, Jr., Eben S.

Bartholomew, R. R. Jones; Commissioners of Common Schools, Eliakim Simons, Gilbert II. Hull, William Clover ; Inspectors of Common Schools, Joseph C. Bloomfield, Ben - jamin Hyde, Jr., Marshal F. Fairservice; Poundmasters, Barker Cobb, Asher Miller.

The Supervisors of this town since 1825 have been as follows, viz .: 1825-27, Joel Northrop ; 1828, no record ; 1829-31, Israel S. Parker (record missing from 1832 to 1853 inclusive) ; 1854, Thomas B. Allanson ; 1855-56, Alfred Blenis; 1857-62, Thomas B. Allanson; 1863, David Beekman ; 1864, Benjamin F. Seeor ; 1865, Thomas B. Allanson ; 1866, George W. Brown ; 1867-68, Benja- min F. Secor ; 1869-70, David B. Danforth ; 1871, William G. Cornwell; 1872, A. J. Brewster; 1873, Ambrose Bloss; 1874, William HI. Nelson; 1875, William C. Armstrong ; 1876, George H. Wilson ; 1877, William II. Nelson ; 1878, Supervisor, Thomas B. Allanson; Town Clerk, Matthias Hanley ; Justice of the Peace, George Gibbons; Assessor, Dennis L. Daley; Commissioner of Highways, Jonathan Stanford ; Collector, John II. Lackey ; Overseers of the Poor, District No. 1, William W. Barber ; Distriet No. 2, Jacob Sauer ; Constables, George W. Brown, Byron Morse, Clark Kilborn, Warren Kingsley ; Game Constable, George Kenyon ; Town Auditors, II. T. B. Hannay, Henry S. Wetherbee; Inspectors of Election, Distriet No. 1, Chauncey Tompkins, Isaac W. Ethridge ; Distriet No. 2, Morris O'Connor, George Sherman; Com- missioners of Excise, Harrison Lillybridge, Edmund C. Spinning.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first white settler in this town was John W. Bloom- field, who came here in April, 1793, from Burlington, New Jersey. He made his first improvement on the place afterwards occupied by Dr. Beach. The night before he arrived within the present limits of Oneida County he stayed eight miles below Old Fort Schuyler, now Utica. He pur- chased a large tract of land in Annsville, and soon built a grist-mill and a saw-mill. It is related that in the morning of the day he arrived in Oneida County, he came from his stopping-place of the night previous to Old Fort Schuyler for his breakfast, but on reaching that place he could not find sufficient to make a meal upon or to feed his horse, and was consequently obliged to mount the animal and ride four miles farther to Judge White's, at Whitesboro'. Hle arrived at the latter place just in time for dinner, and took the two meals in one. He stayed with the judge about two weeks, and from thenee proceeded to Fort Stanwix, arriving there the same day with George Huntington, who brought in a small stock of goods for sale to the settlers. After stopping a short time at the fort he went on to his purchase at Taberg.

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History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 107

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 932

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia, Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 932