History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 95

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

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Unwilling to return to private practice while there ex- isted urgent need for surgical service among our troops, Dr. Churchill accepted an appointment as surgeon of the 8th Regiment Heavy Artillery, Colonel Porter command- ing. This body of men was raised about Niagara, and stationed at Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and subse- quently, in 1863, at Federal Hill, at which point Dr. Churchill had charge of the post hospital. In the spring of 1864 they were ordered into active service, continuing thus occupied until the close of the war. During his eon- nection with this regiment Dr. Churchill was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for meritorious services, and afterwards was created colonel. He returned to domestie practice at the elose of the war, in 1865. Previous to his military services he had won honors of a professional character. His contributions to medical literature are able and have been well received, particularly the following: a paper on " Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis." communicated to the New York State Medical Society ; also one on "Strangulated Hernia," published in the "Transactions of the Oneida County Medieal Society"; and another on "Sanitary Seience," upon which last his extended surgico-military experience qualified him to speak with authority.

Dr. Churchill is a prominent member of the New York State Medical Society, also of the Otsego County Medical Society, and was in 1869 the president of the Medical So- ciety of Oncida County, of which he is still a member. He was appointed surgeon-in-chief of the Faxton Hospital upon its organization, which position he now holds, and is also one of the trustees of that institution. Dr. Churchill is interested in church and other kindred interests, and for several years has been a vestryman of Calvary Church, Utica, N. Y.

He has never been actively connected in political circles ; was originally a member of the old Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party has supported its principles and reform.

Dr. Churchill, hastening, with many medical compatriots, to the defense of the flag and the constitution, in his con- neetion with the corps of operating surgeons, rendered val- uable service to his country. Recognized as a man of eminent ability by the fraternity, and rewarded with mili- tary honors by the government, he has merited, by his devotion to the cause of humanity, the respect and admira- tion of the community. In the year 1834, October 2, he married Miss Jane, daughter of Walter Morgan, a native of Wales, but for a long time a resident of Utica. They have two daughters : Charlotte, wife of James E. Carmalt, of Susquehanna Co., Pa., and Emma D.

DR. JEAN BATISTE MARCHISI

was born in Turin, in Piedmont, Italy, on the 10th of Feb- ruary, 1788. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the French army, and served for three years and five months. He had seen the great Napoleon many times, and re- ealled many incidents of his early army life. He spoke with enthusiasm of Napoleon's attention to liis soldiers in hospital. His rank was that of paymaster's sergeant. Being on board a French frigate in the year 1809, a severe storm drove the craft under the guns of the British fort at Messina, in the Island of Sicily, and the commander of the frigate surrendered to prevent the total destruction of his ship. With the other prisoners Sergeant Marchisi was confined in Fort Messina for a long time, and many of his comrades died through hard prison fare. His captors finally offered him liberty pro- vided he would join the British service. He consulted with his fellow-prisoners, and all determined to enter the service of the enemy, believing that this was the only way to save their lives. His captors gave young Marchisi the same rank he held in the French army, sent him to this country, and stationed him at Fort George, below Kingston. The old gentleman speaks of his duties in Canada as being laborious in the extreme. The pay- master's clerical work all devolved upon him, and most of the time the paymaster was absent. The doctor says he was obliged to prepare five estimates-the original sheet, one for the paymaster, one for the commissary-general, one for the commander, and one for the English government. Here he learned to write in that elear, stereotyped hand that marks his penmanship at the advanced age of ninety.

He was married in 1813. His marriage certificate hangs in. his residence, and when it was alluded to by the writer

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the doctor went to the house, detached it from its position on the wall, and laid it on the desk. It reads as follows :

" KINGSTON, UPPER CANADA, Dec. 18, 1813.

" I do hereby certify that the religious ceremony of matrimony was duly solemnized on the 18th day of December, 1813 (Sunday), be- tween Jean Batiste Marchisi and Catherine Forbis, the former Pay- master Sergeant in De Walterville's Regiment, and the latter an in- habitant of Kingston, who were married on the above day by license, and with the permission of V. Visher, Lt. Col. Commanding, by me. " GEORGE OKILE STUART,

" Minister and Missionary of Kingston, U. C."

Sergeant Marchisi was on duty in Fort George when that fortress was taken by the American forces in the war of 1812, and he continued in the British service until the cessation of hostilities.

ALITTLE

Photo, by Williams.

91. Fears Cto

Dr. Marchisi came to Utica in 1815. In Italy, from his fourteenth to his eighteenth year, he had been in the ser- vice of an apothecary, and on one occasion, when a boy of fifteen, was sent to deliver some medicine to Prince Beau- harnais. He deseribes his sensations while exceuting this commission, and speaks vividly of the terror inspired by the huge black Mamelukes who stood guard at the door of the chamber of the Prince. His early experience as an apothe- eary's assistant induced him to enter the medical field when he came to Utica, in 1815. He entered the office of Dr. Hull, and was with that physician for ten years. He was naturalized at the old court-house, in Whitestown, by Judge Miller, the father of the late Rutger B. Miller, and his naturalization papers are dated sixty-two years ago.

Utica was then a village, and, as the doctor expressed it, " there were no sidewalks, and really but one street, Main Street. There was but one brick building in the village, and that was occupied by Judge Ostrom. It stood on the site of the okl Franklin House." Dr. Marchisi recalls the time when the late Thomas E. Clark was sick. He resided in the upper part of Genesce Street when it was so thickly wooded that it was impossible to reach Mr. Clark's residence with a conveyance. He remembers Ezra S. Barnum in those early days, and speaks with warm expressions of praise of Mr. Barnum's services as collector, trustee, and under-sheriff. He remembers distinctly when Win. N. Seward was a printer here and kept a bookstore. He recalls Judge Camp, president of the village of Utica, and the Merrell family, and General Kirkland, and other early residents.

Mrs. Dr. Marchisi is living at the age of seventy-eight. Her health is very good. " Of course," said Dr. Marchisi, " my wife can't run as fast as she once could, but her average physical condition is extremely good." In speaking of his labors as a physician, the doctor said, " I am proud of one feature of my career-the discovery of the Catholicon. Howarth & Ballard paid me $10,000 cash for it. I believe it has done untold good."

The doctor and his wife have had thirteen children, three of whom are now living. These are Mr. Henry N. Marchisi, of Utiea, Mr. F. W. Marchisi, of Chicago, and Mrs. Elizabeth Tanner, of Cooperstown. They have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Dr. Marchisi served thirteen years in the volunteer fire department of Utica, being a member of old Lafayette Fire Company, No. 4. His certificate of discharge hangs framed in his office, and bears the signature of Ward Hunt (since one of the justices of the United States Supreme Court) who was mayor of Utica at the time Dr. Marchisi's exemp- tion certificate was made out.

Dr. Marchisi is a life member of the Utica Mechanics' Association, and his certificate to that effeet, signed in 1848 by " Theo. S. Faxton, President," has been carefully pre- served.

He was also one of the original stockholders and members of the Utiea Female Seminary, and exhibits the first eer- tificate of stock issued bearing the signature of " J. Wat- son Williams, Treasurer."

Dr. Marchisi is an entertaining talker. He gives an in- teresting account of his first voyage to this country. The trip to Quebec consumed thirty-two days, and was an event- ful one to the young sergeant, who had just joined the ser- vice of the King of Great Britain. His memory is excel- lent, and he can to-day carry on a conversation in either German, French, Italian, or English. He called on his old friend, Ezra S. Barmim, a short time before his death, and both enjoyed the interview greatly. While the writer was conversing with the doctor, his son Henry entered. The old gentleman inquired after Mr. Barnum, and said, " I am sorry Mr. Barnum is so poorly. He is only eighty- six years old, however, and I think he should live much longer. Ilis habits have always been the very best."*

" Mr. Barnum has since died.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

WILLIAM RUSSELL

was born of Scotch parentage, in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, on the 5th of June, 1821. He was the eldest of nine children of Robert Russell and Agnes Dunlop. His father was a coal-factor in the city of Glasgow, where he managed a large and profitable business. The family emigrated to this country in the year 1832, acting on the advice of their lawyers in the prosecution of a claim for the cscheated estate of the late John G. Leake, of New York, whose property, by act of the Legislature, founded and built the Leake and Watts' Orphan Asylum.

In early life Dr. Russell evinced an ardent love for study, leaving the pursuit of pleasure always secondary to that of knowledge. His tastes naturally led him to study medi- cine, and in the year 1845 he began to study in the office of Dr. Whiting Smith, of Whitesboro'. Subsequently pursuing his studies in Berkshire Medical College, at Pitts- field, Mass, he took the degree of Doctor of Medicine at that institution in the fall of 1848, and the following winter took a post-graduate course in the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons in New York, and also attended the lectures of the eminent Valentine Mott.

In the year 1849, Dr. Russell settled in the practice of his profession in the city of Utica, where he has practiced continuously until the present time.

Soon after his settlement here he became identified with the Oneida County Medical Society, and took rank as an active and influential member. He has been connected with that society as its secretary for ten consecutive years ; subsequently as its vice-president, and in 1871 was elected its president. In the following year he delivered an able address on the question : "Is woman adapted by nature and social position for the arduous duties of the medical profession ?" and read several papers before the society on " diseases peculiar to women."

Dr. Russell was elected to permanent membership of the State Medical Society in 1860, and also a member of the American Medical Association.

He was appointed consulting surgeon for the Provost- Marshal's Board during the examination of drafted and cnlisted inen.

He has been identified as a member of the Board of Health of Utica City, and in 1875 was elected by the trustees a member of the medical staff of Faxton Hospi- tal, which position he now holds. Without making any special efforts in this direction, his practice has become large in the field of obstetrics and diseases of children, and his large experience and unusual success in this department of practice have given his opinions weight on points of treatment, and brought his services into requisition as a consulting physician in these special branches.

In December, 1851, he married Agnes, daughter of Alexander Patterson, of New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y. Their children are (one daughter died in infancy) Charles P., born May 11, 1853, is now a physician, associated with his father in practice, having received his preliminary edu- cation at the common school and academy, from which he graduated in 1871. He was a student of medicine in his father's office, attending lectures in the University of Michi- gan and in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York,

and receiving the degree of M.D. from the latter institu- tion in 1874. In the year 1875 he went to Europe, spent nearly a year in clinical study in the University at Edin- burgh, Scotland, and was for some time previous to his re- turn home house-surgeon in the Royal Maternity Hospital of Edinburgh, where he enjoyed to a large degree the opportunity of becoming practically acquainted with obstet- rics, and the instruction of such eminent men as J. Mat- thews, Duncan, Simpson, and Ziegler. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and at present holds the office of Secretary of the Oneida County Medical So- ciety. The second son, William G., born Dec. 23, 1854, after receiving his preliminary education in Utica, en- tered the office of Conkling, Lord & Coxe, in 1874, as a student of the law ; was admitted to the bar in February, 1878, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Utica. The third son is R. W. Russell, born April 6, 1863.

Dr. Russell, when only seventeen years of age, united with the Presbyterian Church, and has remained a member until the present time, being always interested in church and all kindred interests, and all enterprises tending to ele- Vate and educate the rising generation.

Politically, Dr. Russell has never taken a very active part, but has firmly adhered to the principles of first the Whig and subsequently the Republican party.

DR. GILBERT A. FOSTER.

His father, James Sears Foster, came from Connecticut to Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was born June 3, 1803. Gaining a better education than was common to farmers' boys in those days, at the Paris Hill Academy, then a prominent high school, he learned the trade of a machinist at Willowvale, and ac- quired marked skill. For some years he was employed at Auburn in superintending the construction of the machin- ery at the State prison. He came back to a farm in New Hartford, Oneida Co., and, in 1827, married Miss Orpha Eliza, daughter of Rev. Publius Virgilius Bogue, then of Sauquoit, a pioneer clergyman, born March, 1764. Her father was a graduate of Yale College, in the class of 1787, and her grandfather, Ebenczer Bogue, was a graduate of the same institution of learning in the class of 1748, and the first clergyman that ever settled in Farmington, Conn. The family is descended from the emigrant John Bogue, a native of Scotland, born and brought up in the city of Glas- gow ; came to this country about the year 1680, settling at East Haddam, Conn.

Mr. Foster became a resident of Utica in 1832, and entered here upon the practice of dentistry, to which he had already successfully devoted himself, and in which he became recognized as one of the most scientific and adroit operators. He studied his profession zealously, and labored long and earnestly to elevate it. His associates in it recog- nized him not only as a father in it, but as a leader in the improvements which have been introduced. His remark- able skill in mechanism, and his inventive faculty, enabled him greatly to improve the rude methods which he found in dentistry ; and he was one of the first to devise and manufacture teeth.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

He was one of the first members of the American Soci- ety of Dental Surgeons, and one of the earliest permanent members of the State Dental Society, and when the Fitth District Dental Society sought for its first president. Dr. Foster was the natural and obvious choice.

In 1853 he was one of the commissioners at the World's Fair, in New York, on dentistry.

Dr. Foster was a man of natural taste and refinement. He loved nature and the sports of the woods and waters. and his annual pilgrimage to the north woods had the zest of poetry and religious feeling. He was passionately fond of music, was well versed in it, and did much to promote it here. In painting and engraving he would not style himself a connoisseur, but he had a quick eye for good work, and when such things were more rare in our commu- uity than now, he aided not a little in cultivating and dis- seminating a taste for art. For archaeology, and all that relates to the beginnings of our local history, he had an intelligent and suggestive interest.

In social intercourse he was genial and attractive, unsel- fish, anxious for the enjoyment of others, and with a cheery word for everybody.

He was in practice and profession a Christian, without cant and withont self-assertion, and at the time of his death was a member of the Reformed Church. He was connected with the Masonie fraternity from his twenty-first year, and was one of the first members of " Amicable Lodge and Horeb Chapter, of New Hartford." For thir- teen years he has been a member of Utica Commandery. Knights Templar. He was a life-long member of the Utica Mechanics' Association, and one of the originators of the Oneida County Historical Society. In none of these organizations did he aspire to anything but active member- ship. preferring faithful service in the ranks to the honors of office.

In politics, he was a Whig, and subsequently a Repub- lican, and was earnest in his convictions and faithful to them. He was au alderman of the city in 1846, but polini- cal office was not to his taste. All his life a resident of U'tica and its immediate vicinity. he had during the period of nearly three-quarters of a century observed the growth of the city and county, and had a warm affection for them and their people. He knew how to discriminate and he loved his friends, but his heart had no room for hate.

He never sought notoriety, but he delighted in kindliness. and iu what is sweet and bright in life. That is the memory which he left to family and friends. He died Dee. 7, 1877.

Dr. Foster's wife of his youth survives him with three children .- Dr. Charles B. Foster, of Utica, N. Y., Mrs. Sophia Ingalls, of Chicago, and Miss Kittie E. Foster, of Utica. N. Y.

CHARLES H. HOPKINS

was born at Cassville, Oneida Co., N. Y .. Nov. 7, 1819. He was the eldest son of Ira D. Hopkins and Polly War- ren, the former a native of Connecticut, born July 28. 1795 ; removed to this county previous to his marriage and about the year 1$15 ; was a mechanic and miller by occu- pation ; was a member of the Baptist Church for nearly a half-century ; was a quiet, unostentatious man, possessed of great integrity of character. He died at the age of sixty-

nine years, in the city of Utica. The latter. a native of Oneida County, town of New Hartford, was a daughter of Ephraim Warren, and born April 26, 1797 ; was a consist- ent member of the summe church as her husband for some fifty years, and died at the age of seventy-three years.

Mr. Hopkins until he was some eighteen years of age spent his time at home attending school and learning the milling business. At that age he left home, and after one

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year in Rochester and several years in Peterboro', N. Y .. and at home about one year, he went to Oswego, where he remained during the summer of 1841 in the mill of Mr. Burkel. From 1842 to 1844 inclusive he was in Fayetteville, and then went to Chittenango, where he re- mained until April, 1846. when he removed to Utica, and engaged in partnership in the milling business with Mr. John C. Merritt, of New York. Upon the decease of Mr. Merritt. about 1848. Mr. Hopkins engaged also subse- quently in business with George Curtiss and Samuel Y. Lane, remaining in business with the latter until May. 1869. May 12. 1861, Mr. Hopkins was appointed post- master of the city of Utica, under the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and, with the exception of six months. has held that position until the present time, 187S. And during these years of public office he has performed the duties of the responsible position of postmaster with that evenness of bearing to all, and unwavering courtesy and business ability that commands the respect not only of his friends, but the confidence of those opposed to him politi- cally.

Politically Mr. Hopkins is identified with the Republican party, and was originally a member of the old Whig party, and during his middle life, from 1856 until his health failed him in 1869. was very active in the councils of his party. He has been largely interested in the various enterprises

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

in the city since his residence there, and a member of its council for two years as alderman from 1858 to 1860.

Mr. Hopkins has been married twice,-first to Miss Al- mena M., daughter of John Downer, of Peterboro', N. Y., March 26, 1839. She was born May 4, 1819. By this union there were born three children,-William A., Pul- cheria M., and Almena D. His wife died June 7, 1849. For his second wife he married Miss Eliza, daughter of Elijah Budd, of Schodack, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 1, 1854. She was born Nov. 9, 1826. By this second union he has living two children,-Jennie F. and George E.

Mr. Hopkins and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and interested in all kindred institutions tending to educate and elevate the rising generation.

JOHN B. WELLS

is a native of Colchester, New London County, Conn., born August 24, 1816 ; the youngest of five children of Henry Wells and Sophia Breed.

In the year 1825 the family removed from Colchester to a large farın in Berkshire County, Mass. Herc he re- ceived his early education at the district school, two miles from his home. This school was only open about four months in the year, from November to March. And here, after cheerfully bearing his part in the farm labor, he sought to obtain the knowledge which should fit him for useful life. At the age of fourteen an opportunity was given him to enter the country store of Owen & Hurlbut, merchants and paper manufacturers, of South Lee, Mass. He remained with this firm seven years, attending with such fidelity to its interests, that on attaining his majority he was admitted as a partner, the senior members furnish- ing for the store a capital of $3000. At the expiration of one year Mr. Wells' share of the profits was $500. This was considered a neat sum for those days ; but as the field for extending business was limited, the partnership was dissolved. Leaving Massachusetts, Mr. Wells visited his parents, who were then living in Portage County, Ohio; but not finding a desirable opening there, he came to Utica, and entered the dry-goods house of A. L. & R. H. Wells. Two years later, in the spring of 1841, he formed a copart- nership with Lewis Bailey, of Utica, for five years, under the firm-name of Bailey & Wells. The business was com- menced and conducted in Auburn, N. Y., for two years, and the remaining three years in Utica. In 1846 the partnership expired, and Mr. Wells commenced business alone at 88 Genesee Street, remaining there ten years. In 1856 he removed to the Marble Block, then newly built, and in 1864 to his present location, 79 Genesee Street. A year later the firm-name was changed to J. B. Wells & Co., and in 1874 to J. B. Wells, Son & Co.

As a business man, Mr. Wells has been noted for his energy, perseverance, strict integrity, and close application to business. He never failed, never allowed a note to go to protest ; and whether on the farm or in the store, faith- fully performed the work before him. Thus, from small beginnings, the house of which he is the lead has gained an extensive influence and an honorable name. In politics Mr. Wells was formerly a Whig, and in later life a Repub- lican. Though decided in his political views, he was never

radical ; and after depositing his vote on each election day, his next duty was to attend to his business. In religion he has long been a Presbyterian, and that church has received from him a liberal support.

He was united in marriage with Roxanna Hill Lee, in the year 1841. By this union were born five children, four of whom are still living.

STEPHEN THORN

was born in the parish of Brenchley, county of Kent, England, May 2, 1802. He was the fifth child of James Thorn and Elizabeth Springate. His father was by occu- pation a timber-surveyor and farmer, and died in the year 1816. In the year 1818, the mother, with six of the

Photo. by Williams.

Stehen Thomas

children (leaving only the eldest son, James, in England), emigrated to America, landed in New York, where they stopped only a short time, and came to Albany, where, after one year, the mother and two of the danghters died. Thus thrown upon the world as orphans, Stephen came to Utica, and learned the saddle-, harness- and carriage-making business ; and about the year 1822 set up business of the same kind for himself here, which he continued successfully for ten years, when he engaged quite extensively in the real estate business, not only here but in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This has been the main business of his life since and until 1867, at which time he gave up active business operations. In the year 1838 he became interested in the forwarding business in Utica, and also in brewing and malting, which he continued, more or less, until 1865. Throughout his life he has been generally successful in busi- ness, and has carried forward all enterprises with that reso-

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History of Oneida County, New York, 1667-1878, Part 95

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

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