USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume I > Part 55
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
"The committee have now fulfilled the duties assigned them, and in their investigation they have endeavored to elicit nothing but facts, and those facts are submitted, so far as they have been able to do so, in a plain and simple manner. There are some questions of moment that require the candid consid- eration of this community.
"1 .- Does the present condition of this city call for the development of its resources in new springs of action? If so, ought the citizens of Utica to engage in this new enterprise ?
"2 .- Is it of sufficient importance to this city to justify the outlay ?
"3 .- Is there a strong probability that the investment will be a safe and a profitable one ?
"Your committee believe, with the information they have derived from their investigation, that all the above questions may be safely and judiciously answered in the affirmative.
"All of which is respectfully submitted,
"Spencer Kellogg, A. S. Pond, E. A. Graham, Committee."
The company was organized, and, although it had a serious financial struggle, it finally was successful, and those who have been fortunate enough to have stock in the company have reaped a rich reward.
In 1880 a company was organized known as the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills, and its factory was constructed in the easterly part of the city, but this corpora- tion and the Utica Steam Cotton Mills were consolidated under the name of the Utica Steam & Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills. Since the consolidation the new company has been eminently successful, and is one of the largest industries within the county.
In 1882 the Skenandoa Cotton Company was incorporated, principally for the manufacturing of cotton yarn. It is still carrying on a most successful busi- ness in Utica.
At Chadwicks, in the town of New Hartford, a cotton factory was established
443
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
in 1809, called Eagle Cotton Factory. The control of the business fell finally to George W. Chadwick, and it was known as Chadwick's Mills. Mr. Chadwick conducted the business successfully, amassed a large fortune, and after his death a company was organized known as Chadwick's Mills Cotton Company, but it was not eminently successful, and the manufacturing of cotton goods ceased there some time since.
In 1880 there was organized the Willowvale Bleachery Company, the object of which was the bleaching of cotton cloths. A large factory was built at Wil- lowvale, and the bleaching is done for many different manufactories of cotton cloth. The company has been eminently successful, and its reputation is very high. The officers are Daniel N. Crouse, president, and Charles B. Rogers, sec- retary and treasurer.
The first manufacturing of knit goods in Oneida county was done by S. S. Lowery and James S. Lowery in 1863. Their factory was located on Pine street, Utica, and business was carried on until about 1867 under different managements. In 1867 a firm consisting of S. S. Lowery and J. L. Williams was formed. The factory on Pine street having been destroyed by fire, the business was removed to the corner of Franklin and Fulton streets in Utica. In 1886 this company closed out its business, and the plant was for a time idle, but in 1889 a new stock company was formed, which operated the factory for about a year and a half. This company was not successful, and in May, 1896, a new firm was or- ganized, took possession of the property, and is now known as Utica Knitting Company, which has increased its facilities enormously, and to-day is said to do the largest business of any knitting company in the world. The writer was in- formed by the general manager that this company produces every twenty-four hours 34,000 garments of underwear, and it has a large domestic and export trade.
Among the other knitting companies within the county are Fisher Knitting Machine Company, Fisher Bros. Mfg. Company, Artistic Knit Goods Company, Augusta Knitting Company, Capron Knitting Company, Clayville Knitting Company, Fort Schuyler Knitting Company, Fisher & Stanfield Knitting Com- pany, Kendall Knitting Company, LaTosca Knitting Company, Lynch Knitting Company, New Hartford Knitting Company, Oneita Knitting Mills Company, Progressive Knit Goods Company, Richelieu Knitting Company, Supreme Un- derwear Mills Company, United Knitwear Company, Ritesize Underwear Com- pany, Regal Textile Company, Brothers Manufacturing Company, Fort Stanwix Knitting Company, Rome Textile Company, Columbia Knitting Mills and Rome Knitting Company, Hathaway & Reynolds and James Cunningham & Son, Stitt- ville Knitting Company and Camden Knitting Company.
The products of the knitting factories of Oneida county amount to more than $20,000,000 a year, and Utica manufactures more knit goods than any other city in the world.
SCOTCH CAPS-Several manufacturers of Scotch caps have done business within the county, among them being D. W. Northrup and also The D. W. Nor- thrup Company. This business was carried on by Mr. Northrup on Liberty
444
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
street, Utica, and for many years was very successful, but financial complications intervened, and the business ceased to be profitable.
The manufacturing of Scotch caps was also begun in a small way by Thomas Hanford in New Hartford in 1868. He had as partner John E. McLoughlin, and the business was finally removed to the lower end of Park avenue in Utica, and Hiram E. Brewster was admitted into the company. The name was changed to the Mohawk Valley Cap Factory Company. This business was successful, has increased its capacity and taken on other lines of business, until it is a very large establishment and is successfully conducted at the present day. Scotch caps were also made by the Empire Scotch Cap Factory, which was organized in 1887, and by the Lynch Scotch Cap Factory, in 1885, and the Lennox Fac- tory, which commenced business in 1888.
WOOLEN-The Oriskany Manufacturing Society was incorporated February 16, 1811, and soon began making woolen goods on Oriskany Creek, obtaining the wool largely from a flock of sheep kept in Deerfield by Dr. Capron. For a time the wool industry was very profitable, particularly during the war with England, but when importations were resumed the price fell, and great losses were entailed upon the manufactures in this country.
H. Waterbury & Sons Company of Oriskany are now engaged in the manu- facture of felt for use in paper mills.
The Utica Steam Woolen Mills were incorporated February 27, 1846. A building was erected on Columbia street on Nail Creek, which is still standing. The company was successful for some time under the management of Peter Clogher, but sold its goods through the great house of A. T. Stewart in New York City, who made advances upon the goods. This proved very disastrous to the manufacturer, for at a time when the company could not pay it was called upon to settle its accounts with Stewart, and as it could not do so suit was brought, and a judgment of more than $200,000 was taken against the company, the property sold and purchased by Stewart. No business was ever done by Mr. Stewart in the factory, and it fell into decay. At the present time it is used as a knitting mill.
In 1847 the Utica Globe Mill was organized, and the business men interested were some of the foremost of the county, among whom were Theodore S. Faxton, Judge William J. Bacon and Horatio Seymour. This company did not succeed, and the property was sold. A new company was organized known as Utica Woolen Mills, which started business in 1855, and after the panic of 1857 the mill was successfully operated. An experienced Englishman by the name of Robert Middleton took charge as agent, and his unusual business capacity en- abled the mill to manufacture goods that were the equal of any woolen goods of the class imported. In 1868 the name was changed to The Globe Woolen Mills. In September, 1891, the entire building, with all of its machinery and contents, was destroyed by fire. Soon after a much better mill was constructed upon the site, and the business was increased by the manufacturing of worsted goods. After the death of Mr. Middleton the business was carried on by his son, Walter D. Middleton, until the last few years, when he sold out his interest to Frederick
445
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Maynard and others, and Mr. Maynard became and has since been the head of the institution, which has been successful and profitable to the investors.
For a time woolen goods were manufactured at different places in the county than Utica, but all of these mills have ceased operations, and at this date no woolen cloths or worsteds are manufactured within the county except by The Globe Woolen Mills in Utica.
It is not the purpose of this work to give a detailed history of every manu- facturing company in the county, for the number of manufactories is so great that we cannot even mention them all.
CLOTHING -- Among the first manufacturers of clothing in the city of Utica were R. V. Yates, Henry J. Wood, Charles A. Yates and Thomas L. Kingsley. All these men accumulated fortunes in the clothing business, and left to their successors either a successful business or estates of substantial magnitude. The house established by Mr. Wood was continued under the name of Rockwell & White. Some time afterward Mr. Rockwell withdrew, and the concern was known as White & Company, but it was not successful, and finally became in- solvent. The house which had been successfully conducted by Charles A. Yates was sold to Griffith, Roberts & Butler. The members of this house separated, and a company was formed known as Crouse & Brandegee, now known as Brande- gee, Kincaid & Company, which is very successful, doing an immense manufac- turing and wholesale business. After the death of Mr. Griffith the house became Roberts, Wicks & Company, and it is still conducting a very large business under that name.
Thomas L. Kingsley conducted a successful business for some years, and af- ter his death the business was carried on by his son, Charles C. Kingsley, but he made a financial failure, and the business was taken by his son, Thomas L., who conducted it for several years, but finally it was closed out and the house ceased to exist.
One of the most successful clothing manufacturers in Utica was Palmer V. Kellogg, under the firm name of P. V. Kellogg & Company, who manufactured clothing for a number of years in Utica, and during the Civil War made uniforms for the soldiers. A branch store was started in Chicago, the goods being manu- factured in Utica and sent to Chicago for sale, but the Chicago end finally be- came the larger of the two, and the business was closed out in Utica, Mr. Kellogg removing to Chicago, where he died some years afterward.
Another concern which carried on a large business in the manufacture and sale of clothing was Owen, Pixley & Company, consisting of John Owen, Philip Owen and Henry D. Pixley. The partnership was dissolved, and the Owen Brothers, after several years, closed out the business, but Mr. Pixley formed a partnership with his son, and has since carried on a successful business in this line.
Another successful house is that of H. H. Cooper & Company, which has for many years and is still doing a successful business, both as manufacturers, whole- sale and retail dealers of a high class of goods.
Several other firms have existed for a short time and then ceased business, but among those doing a good business at present are Mitchell & Thomas, Bird, Jones & Kenyon and Utica Clothing Company.
446
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
BOOTS AND SHOES-One of the large industries in Utica at one time was that of manufacturing boots and shoes. One of the first business men to enter this field was James M. Wiswell, and with him was associated James W. Thomp- son. The manufacturing of these articles was begun on a small scale in 1862 or 1863, and it was about this time that Gordon Mckay invented the machine for sewing the sole of a boot or shoe to the upper. Prior to this time all sewed shoes or boots were made by hand, and it was a laborious task to affix the sole of a shoe to the upper. The remarkable invention of Mr. Mckay enabled shoes to be sewed at the rate of a pair every two minutes. It may be well here to remark that the machine was never sold by Mckay, but rented to a manufac- turer, although the first rental value that was required to be paid in advance was probably very much more than the value of the machine; the rental also consisted of two cents per pair for every pair of boots or shoes sewed upon the machine. The income from this source made Mr. Mckay a multi-millionaire. This machine was used in Utica at this early date, and revolutionized the mak- ing of boots and shoes. The firm of Wiswell & Thompson was dissolved, and Newton Cloyes became a partner with Mr. Thompson. For a time the business was carried on successfully, as was other manufactories of the same articles in Utica, among whom were R. S., William H. and George Reynolds. These three brothers commenced the making of shoes on a small scale in 1865. They were successful, and soon increased their capacity very largely. On the death of William H. the firm became R. S. & George A. Reynolds. Some time after that R. S. retired, and the business was conducted by George A. The factory was located on the corner of John and Catharine streets in Utica, and the business was that of manufacturing ladies' fine shoes, at one time 1,500 pairs being made daily. While the business was carried on as a partnership it was ex- tremely successful, but after it was conducted by George A. complications arose between the manufacturer and the workmen, and it has been claimed by Mr. Reynolds that the conditions imposed by the trades unions on the manu- facturer had succeeded in driving every manufacturer of shoes from Oneida county.
Another firm which was successful for a time was Holbrook & Ludlow. This concern manufactured a fine grade of shoes, but finally gave up the business, as all others, who had undertaken the manufacture of shoes in the city, were obliged for some reason to do. At present boots and shoes are not manufactured in the county, but the wholesale trade is carried on in the city of Utica success- fully by at least one house, that of D. C. Hurd & Company.
SOAP AND CANDLES-At one time the industry of making soap and candles was an important one in the city of Utica, but it has ceased to exist. Before the discovery of kerosene oil and the general use of gas the candle industry was a substantial and important one, but after the use of kerosene oil the use of tal- low candles almost entirely ceased. This was reason enough for discontinuing the manufacturing of candles, and the soap industry has been in late years monopolized by the great corporations, largely in connection with packing houses, such as Armour & Company. As a separate industry the making of soap and candles was begun in Utica in 1812. Later, John and Stephen Thorne
447
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
bought out the concern which had been started by Boyd & Chamberlain, and in 1835 Isaac Maynard was admitted to the partnership, and the firm became Thorne & Maynard. This firm was very successful, and the business was very profitable, finally establishing a house in Chicago, and conducting business there as well as in Utica. Later they sold the business to William Heath and Joshua Tavender, which was carried on by that firm for some years, and then under the name of J. Tavender & Son.
At one time B. T. Babbitt & Company manufactured soap at Whitesboro, but that has been discontinued, and the property where the business was con- ducted has been utilized for other purposes.
In 1886 a company was formed in Rome for the manufacturing of Fuller's earth into soap. This material was found on the farm of Chauncy Brodock, in the town of Vienna, and the business was carried on profitably for some time. It is claimed that the mine from which the Fuller's earth was taken was the largest in the United States. Although this business had been profitable they discontinued it some years since, but finally the plant was utilized by Rome Soap Manufacturing Company, and at the present time this company is carry- ing on a very extensive business, and has constructed a new building in which to conduct its successful and growing business.
OIL CLOTH-The manufacturing of oil cloth was started in Utica about 1832, and for many years it was manufactured with success and profit to the in- ventor. The original manufacturer was J. D. Edwards, but his interests finally passed to Theodore Pomeroy and Thomas R. Walker. An invention of machin- ery changed very much the method of manufacturing the goods, and lessened the expense of producing the articles manufactured at this plant. Theodore Pomeroy succeeded to the management of the company, and after some years took his son, George G. Pomeroy, in partnership, the concern being known as Pomeroy & Son. The factory was located on the corner of Cornelia and Colum- bia streets, consisting of an enormous wooden building, but, as the business ceased to be profitable it was discontinued, the building torn down, and the site is now occupied by an automobile garage.
TOBACCO-The manufacturing of tobacco into cigars and for other uses was begun in Utica about 1835. The first person to undertake this business was a Mr. Tomlinson. His business was sold to Leslie A. Warnick and John Bryan in 1839. This firm commenced the manufacture of cigars and smoking tobacco. In 1845 they were located at 112 Genesee street, Utica, later removed to 86 Genesee street, and in 1852 Mr. Bryan was succeeded by John G. Brown, this firm continuing until the death of Mr. Warnick, when the firm became John G. Brown & Son. After the death of Mr. Brown the business was conducted by his son, Leslie W. Brown. This is one of the oldest business establishments in Utica, as it originated in 1835 and is still in existence, doing a large, successful and profitable business.
For many years the manufacturing of cigars was successfully carried on by many different establishments. At one time F. M. Kendrick did an enormous business in Utica, but difficulties arose between the employer and the workmen
448
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
which could not be reconciled, and the effect of this was to drive all of the manufacturers out of business. For a number of years no large concerns have manufactured cigars in Utica, although there are many cigars manufactured, but generally by co-operative organizations or private individuals, who manu- facture in their own houses, or in comparatively small establishments. The condition in Rome is very much the same as in Utica, there being no large estab- lishments manufacturing tobacco into cigars or other kinds of products for the retail trade.
PIPE ORGANS-The manufacturing of pipe organs was begun in Utica in 1852 by Mr. Andrews, who afterwards took his son into partnership, and the business was carried on in a factory on Seymour avenue. In 1854, J. G. Marklove, an Englishman, became one of the firm. On the retirement of Mr. Andrews Mr. Marklove engaged in business on his own account, and Mr. Andrews also con- ducted the manufacture of organs at the same time. After the death of Mr. Andrews no one succeeded to his business, but C. F. Marklove manufactured or- gans in the factory of his father, then located at 60 John street. Subsequently Albert L. Barnes, who was one of the most accomplished performers upon the organ that Utica has ever had, took charge of the manufacturing of organs in the establishment formerly belonging to Mr. Marklove. The business did not prove a financial success, as contracts had been made for the construction of or- gans, notably one large one to be placed in one of the Utica churches, at a price far less than it could be produced for, and Mr. Barnes, becoming discouraged with the situation, in a fit of melancholia took his own life in the factory. His untimely death was a great loss to the music loving people of the county, as he was one of the most accomplished musicians who has ever claimed Oneida county for his home. Since his death no attempt to build organs has been made in Oneida county.
LUMBER-As Oneida county was originally a heavily wooded country, and as it still borders upon the Adirondack region, the lumber business has always been an important one in the county. Small establishments for the cutting of lumber have existed in nearly all parts of the county, and still exists in many towns. The most extensive establishment is that located at Hinckley, partially in the town of Trenton, partially in the town of Remsen, and partially in Herkimer county. A mill of great magnitude was established at this place early in the '50s by Hinckley & Blue. Logs were cut in the Adirondack region, floated down the West Canada Creek, and cut into lumber by the waterpower of this power- ful stream. The product was sawed and planed spruce and pine lumber, and at one time broom handles were extensively manufactured there. After the death of Messrs. Hinckley and Blue the business was discontinued for some time. The plant was finally sold to business men from Michigan, was reconstructed on a very much enlarged scale, but was confined almost exclusively to the product of sawed lumber. For a few years the business was carried on, but it was not successful, the concern making a disastrous failure, going into the hands of a receiver, and the creditors lost substantially the entire indebtedness of something like a million dollars. Afterward the Hinckley Fibre Company was organized,
449
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
the manufacturing of pulp was started there and is still carried on on an im- mense scale. The process of making pulp is what is known as the sulphate pro- cess, and the number of logs consumed each year runs into the hundreds of thou- sands. The wood is received from the Adirondack region by floating down the West Canada Creek, and it is also brought in upon the railroad from the north- ern part of the state.
Among the early dealers exclusively in lumber in the city of Utica were Dr. Jonas Fay, Joshua N. Church and Charles Downer. It is said that at one time Charles Downer owned or controlled every lumber yard in Utica. In 1844 he had a yard on Lafayette street, and during that year Charles C. Kellogg became his partner. This firm was afterwards dissolved, and each of the partners car- ried on a separate business, Mr. Downer taking as his partner his son, E. F. Downer, who succeeded to the business about 1877. After the dissolution of the partnership of Downer & Kellogg Mr. Kellogg took as his partner Frederick Wardwell, but Mr. Wardwell lived but a short time thereafter, and later Mr. Kellogg took as his partners his sons, a corporation being formed known as Charles C. Kellogg & Sons Company. The business of this company has largely increased, and it is at the present time the largest concern of the kind in central New York. It carries on the wholesale and retail business of lumber, and the manufacturing of all kinds of lumber for building purposes. It sus- tains the reputation of being one of the best concerns of the kind in the entire state, and manufactures all kinds of finishings for houses and public buildings, Of late they have created a large lumber yard at the station of the West Shore railroad in Utica, and a portion of their plant on Seneca street has been sold to the Utica Hotel Company as a part of the site for Hotel Utica, which is just being completed.
G. P. Gibson & Son also carry on an extensive lumber business, doing a gen- eral wholesale and retail business in all kinds of lumber, sash, doors, blinds, etc., and is counted a house of first class standing.
Another large concern is that of Nellis, Amos & Swift, in the same line of business, and this house has also a high standing in the trade.
One of the successful business enterprises connected with the lumber trade is that of F. H. Conant & Sons of Camden. Mr. Conant established a manu- factory of chairs, which was eminently successful, and the business has been in- creased from time to time until the work turned out by the establishment is known throughout the entire country. The product consists of expensive chairs of all kinds. The business has been most successful, and is still in a very pros- perous condition.
In the city of Rome the important lumber dealers are Edward Comstock, Beach Lumber Company, Rome Box & Lumber Company and Rousseau Box & Shook Company.
The lumber business is general throughout the county, and in almost every village and hamlet there is usually some one who deals in this article for the accommodation of the immediate vicinity. It would be beyond the scope of this work to give any description of all of those who are engaged in the business.
Vol. 1-29
450
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
BEDS AND BEDDING-In 1871 Segar & Company commenced the manufactur- ing of spring beds in Utica. This firm was changed and became Segar & Foster, and then Foster Brothers. The concern manufactured spring beds and mattresses. This also included what is known as the bedstead, made of metal or wood. The business was successful, but, unfortunately, a few years since the establishment located on Broad street was entirely consumed by fire. It has, however, been restored on improved lines, the business successfully continued, and the goods produced are first class and meet a ready sale. From time to time there have been other manufacturers of spring beds in the city of Utica, but they have not continued in the business for any great length of time. In the city of Rome the Rome Metallic Bedstead Company is doing a successful business in the manufacture of metallic bedsteads.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.