USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 12
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
HUDSON S. GRAVES.
Iludson S. Graves, for a long period closely associated with the business interests of Rome, his activity contributing to the enterprise and upbuilding of the city, was born at Skaneateles Junetion, New York, March 31, 1853. His father, Jerome Graves, was born in Marcellus, New York, January 3. 1829. and was a son of Salmon Graves. When Jerome Graves was five years of age his parents removed with their family to Camillus, where he remained until twenty-one years of age. His edneation was acquired in the public schools and on attaining his majority he was employed on the New York Cen- tral & Hudson River Railroad as agent at Skaneateles Junction. In 1856 he removed to Rome and was appointed transfer elerk for the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad, transferring freight from the railroad to the eanal.
Three months later he removed to Watertown, New York, where for six years he ocenpied the position of agent for the same road. In 1862 he was returned to Rome and represented the company as agent here for twenty-five years, when he was retired at his own request. He then engaged in the carting busi- ness as a member of the firm of J. Graves & Company. Ilis political allegianee was given to the democratic party and he was somewhat active as a worker in its ranks, his opinions carrying weight in its local councils. Ile was not a politician in the sense of an office-seeker, yet political preferment was given him and in 1871 and again in 1878 he served as a member of the city council. IIe was an active champion of the educational system of Rome and served as a member of the school board for almost a decade. Fraternally he was con-
.
130
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
nected with the Roman Lodge, No. 223, F. & A. M .; Fort Stanwix Chapter, No. 153, R. A. M .; and Rome Commandery, No. 45, K. T. His religious faith was that of the Baptist church of which he served as a deacon and trustee, and his life was at all times in harmony with his professions.
On the 18th of December, 1851, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Jane Waring, who died December 1, 1882. They were the parents of four children: Jerome and George, who died in childhood; and Hudson S. and Norman K. The death of the father occurred October 12, 1901, and all who knew him felt regret at his passing, for his life had been worthily spent and had impressed itself for good upon the community in which he lived.
Hudson S. Graves, whose name introduces this record, was a young lad when his parents established their home in Rome, and his educational advan- tages were those offered by the public school. He entered the employ of the Rome, Watertown & Odgensburg Railroad Company in the freight office and later was made yard master at this point. During the year 1879-80 he was in charge of the freight yard at Watertown and in connection with his railway business he became interested with his father and Henry Near, Sr., in the trucking business, which was carried on under the name of Graves & Near for a number of years. At his father's death Hudson S. Graves took his place in the firm and later Mr. Near sold out to Norman K. Graves, so that the firm name of Graves Brothers was assumed. Business was carried on under that style for a number of years with excellent snecess. Iludson S. Graves also became associated in 1891 with B. S. Fox in the coal and wood business un- der the style of Fox & Graves. In all business connections and transactions he enjoyed the confidence of every one with whom he had dealings and was highly esteemed because of his conseientions purpose and honorable principles. Ile was never known to overreach another in a business transaction, preferring rather to suffer loss than to cause another to lose by any act on his part. His business is still carried on by his widow and son-in-law, James II. Hooke.
On the 25th of December. 1878, Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Kate L. Bennett, a native of New Jersey, and to them was born a daughter. Margaret J .. who is now the wife of James II. Ilooke. of Rome. Hudson S. Graves was a member of Roman Lodge, No. 223, F. & A. M .. Fort Stanwix Chapter. No. 153. R. A. M., and Rome Commandery, No. 45. K. T. He was also a number of the Baptist church, and was one of the trustees of the church at the time of his death which occurred October 17, 1902. Throughout the greater part of his life he had been a resident of Rome and his fellow citizens knew him as a man of gennine worth, worthy of the high regard that was uni- formly given him.
JOSEPH CENTOLELLA.
The merchant tailoring and men's furnishing business is ably represented in Utica by Joseph Centolella who for sixteen years has made his home in this city and through his gentlemanly address and thorough buisness qualifica- tions has gained a lucrative patronage and also a host of friends. He was
131
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
born at Controne, Italy, April 15, 1880, a son of Louis Centolella, who came to America in 1896 and located at Utica. He now conducts a grocery on Elizabeth street in this city.
Joseph Centolella received his preliminary education in the schools of his native city. In 1895, being then fifteen years of age, he crossed the ocean to the new world, having decided to cast his lot with the American republic. IIe selected Utica as his home and found employment with the clothing firm of Hirsh & Fitch. After two years he retired from this position and became con- nected with M. Shiman & Company, manufacturing tailors, with whom he was identified for seven years, In 1904 he established himself in business on his own account and is now at the head of one of the flourishing houses of the city. He owes his success largely to his honorable ambition to win a creditable name and also to his intimate knowledge of the wants of his patrons.
On September 8, 1904, Mr. Centolella was married in this city to Miss Angelina Perretta, a sister of Rocco Perretta, record of whom appears else- where in this work. They have become the parents of three children: Ernest, who was born in 1906; Louis; and Victor. The family resides at No. 1471% Elizabeth street and Mr. Centolella owns this property, being also the owner of considerable Utica real estate. IIe is active in promoting the cause of the republican party and has served as delegate to various political conventions at Utica and elsewhere. Possessing strong social tendencies, he holds member- ship in Garibaldi Lodge, No. 542, A. F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias, the Masonie Craftsman's Club, the Sons of Columbus Club and the Laurenzana Society. Ife has found in his wife a sympathetic and helpful companion whose encouragement has been to him a constant inspiration. She is an active worker in church, charity and Italian women's affairs. Mr. Centolella is a modern business man of remarkably good taste and judgment and is noted among his friends and acquaintances for his genial temperament and his spirit of help- fulness.
FRANK J. HOPPLE.
Frank J. Hopple, who engages in the general real-estate business in Utica, with office at 202 Areade building, and has met with a goodly measure of suc- cess on account of his pleasing address and thorough business qualifications, is a native of Italy. He was born at Macchia, April 27, 1879, and is a son of George Hopple, a mason contractor who came to America with his family in 1887 and located in Madison county, New York.
Mr. Hopple of this sketch arrived in New York state with his parents at the age of eight years. IIe attended school for a short time in his native city be- fore coming to this country and after arriving in Madison county continued his studies in the public schools. He came to Utica in 1898 and entered the Utica School of Commerce, from which he was regularly graduated. In 1901 he went to Schenectady, New York, and there became identified with the offices of the General Electric Company, continuing in the employ of that company until 1903. After spending four months abroad on a business trip he returned to
132
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
U'tica and engaged as a building contractor. In 1905 he began in the real-estate business in this city and showed a judgment and an adaptability to his voca- tion which have made his name favorably known to a large circle of pur- chasers and investors. lle is now one of the well established real-estate men of the city.
In 1905 Mr. Hopple was married, at Utica, to Miss Matilda E. DeVito, and they have one daughter. Florence, who was born March 8, 1906. Fraternally Mr. Hopple is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Sons of Columbus Club of Utica, being financial secretary of the latter organization. He was a member and an officer in various societies at Schenectady and resigned from the position of financial secretary of the Garibaldi Society when he removed to Utica. Politically he supports the republican party. He has taken an active part in polities and evinces the interest of a patriotie citizen in public affairs. He and his wife are members of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic church. Although Mr. Hopple is a young man, he has made great progress in business and by his honorable methods has gained the confidence and respect of the best business men of the city. Among his associates he is highly popular and there are few of his age anywhere who can look forward more confidently to a prosperous and useful career.
JAMES EDWARD BENNETT TIIORN.
The keynote to the character of James Edward Bennett Thorn, now de- eeased, who for more than sixty years was connected with the transfer business at l'tica, was fidelity to responsibility, and he will be remembered as one of the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of Utiea. He was born in a house that is still standing on Jay street, this city, June 10, 1829, being a son of Stephen Thorn, who was born in Kent county. England. The father came to America and was married at Albany. New York, to Mary Ann Bennett of New York city. They took up their residence in Utica where he entered the harness business at 41 Genesee street. Very soon after the Erie canal was opened in the 20s a company was organized to carry on the transportation business and a relative Springate Thorn became interested in the company which was known as the Utica Line. In 1835 Mr. Thorn also became interested in this concern as a member of the firm of Eli Avery & Company, with which he con- tinned during the remainder of his life.
Mr. Thorn of this review received his preliminary education in the publie schools and in the Free Academy at Utica. At the age of seventeen years he secured employment as a clerk in the establishment of Grannis & Greenman. dealers in drugs and groceries, with whom he continued for two years and for one year was engaged in the dry-goods business. In 1848 he became connected with the U'tica Line as clerk in the office at Albany and a year later was made agent for the company in that city. He showed remarkable business capacity and in 1850 went to New York city as junior member of the firm of Shaw, Judson & Thorn. New York representatives of the Utica Line. He continued
135
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
at the metropolis for seven years and then returned to Utica as a member of the firm of Shaw, Thorn & Company, Mr. Judson having retired in 1856. The firm became Thorn & Pomeroy in 1872 and had charge of the business of the Utica Line until November 1, 1891, after which time Mr. Thorn was the sole owner and carried on a general transfer, forwarding and commission business npon a large and Incrative scale. He was identified with the same company from February 1, 1848, and it was principally owing to his ability and good judgment that it attained its great success. He was also identified with a number of other commercial interests of the city.
On the 1st of August, 1855, at Bethel, Sullivan county, New York, Mr. Thorn was united in marriage to Miss Hannah II. Roosa, a daughter of Charles Baker and Amelia Elmore (Foster) Roosa. The father was born at New York city and engaged for many years in the merchandising business, later serving as postmaster of the town. Ile lived retired for several years before his death. The mother was a native of Orange county, Florida. Three chil- dren came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thorn, Sarah Amelia and Delia Roosa and Charles Baker Roosa, who died in infancy. In politics Mr. Thorn gave his support to the republican party and in religious faith was affiliated with Grace Espiscopal church. lle was a member of the Utica Mechanics As- sociation, serving as director for many years. Ile was also a member of the "Mechanics Six," a firemen's organization, the Central City IIose Company, and the Wide-Awake Hose Company, being for a long time identified with the Exempt Firemen's Association. He was prominently connected with the Utica Citizens Corps, the Odd Fellows, the Masons and the Elks, and was noted for his generosity and publie spirit, no worthy applicant for assistance ever being turned away by him empty-handed.
On February 12, 1910, the city was called upon to mourn the death of Mr. 'Thorn whose demise elicited expressions of profound regret. He passed away at the age of eighty years, eight months and three days and of him it may be said that through life he presented an example of industry, steadfastness of purpose and faithfulness to chosen ideals well worthy of imitation by a younger generation. Mrs. Thorn resides at the old family homestead and is greatly respected for her many attractive traits of mind and heart.
JOHN C. CHIAMPION.
While business usually seems the main factor in a man's life, back of his activity in industrial, commercial or professional lines is the character of the individual and the motives that prompt his actions, and it is upon these that the judgment of every man concerning him is based. There was in John C. Champion a nobility of character and an honesty of purpose that commended him to the kind regard and friendship of all with whom he came in contaet. Ile was born in New York city, January 6, 1835, and his death, which occurred October 29, 1899, was the occasion of deep regret to those who knew him. His youth was passed in Westerly, Rhode Island, and ahont 1870 he came to reside Vol. II-7
136
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
in Rome. Four years before he had entered the employ of the New York Cen- tral & Ihudson River Railroad and with them he continued until his demise, acting as lumber purchasing agent in his later years, a position for which his business ability and sound judgment thoroughly qualified him. The company which he represented found him at all times reliable in conducting the interests intrusted to his care.
In September. 1860, Mr. Champion was married to Mrs. Mary W. Dodge, who in a little over a year, in November, 1861, passed away. leaving one daugh- ter. Mary W. In 1868 Mr. Champion was united in marriage to Miss Har- riett B. Dodge and they became the parents of six children. of which three are living, namely: William A .. John C .. Jr., and Anna C., who is married to Walter B. Johnson. Mr. Champion held membership in Zion Episcopal church, of which he served as a vestryman for a number of years. In the work of the church he was much interested and his cooperation was a feature in its growth and progress. Hle possessed that sunny disposition that endeared him to all who knew him and friendship with him was something real, large- hearted and generous. Citizenship. too, was never to him an idle term but meant the indorsement and support of all projects and movements which he deemed of value to the community. His ideals and standards of life were high and in his life history was found much that is commendable and worthy of emulation.
FRANK A. DELLECESE.
Another of the promising young business men which Italy has contributed to Utica is Frank A. Dellecese, a well known building contractor of the city. He was born in Italy on the 16th of November, 1884, and is a son of Paolo and Jessenda Dellecese.
Frank 1. Dellecese was educated in the common schools of Italy and Amer- iea. emigrating to the United States with his parents in 1893 and locating in New York. They came to Utica on the 5th of December, 1905, from Providence, Rhode Island. where they had been for two years, and have ever sinee con- tinued to reside here. Mr. Dellecese makes a specialty of erecting commercial and flat buildings and has been awarded the contracts of a number of fine structures. His offices and yard are located at the corner of Jay and More- head streets.
Mr. Dellecese married Miss Maretta Lena, a daughter of Dominico Lena, and to them has been born one daughter, Margaret, whose birth oeeurred on the 31st of May, 1909. They reside on 55 Bacon street where Mr. Delleeese has recently erected a very pleasant residence.
They are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and belong to the Mount Carmel parish. Mr. Dellecese is also affiliated with the Masonic frater- nity holding membership in Utica Lodge, No. 542: Oneida Chapter. No. 57, R. A. M .: Utica Commandery. No. 3: the Consistory and Shrine. Ile also be- longs to the Masonie Craftsman Club, the Sons of Columbus Club, of which
137
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
organization he was treasurer for two years, and several other societies and clubs. His political affiliation is with the republican party. He always takes an active and prominent part in all municipal affairs being very public-spir- ited, and possessing a high sense of civic responsibility. Energetie and enter- prising, Mr. Dellecese has the requisite confidence in his own powers and capabilities to enable him to take the initiative and carry to a successful issue any enterprise with which he may become identified.
MERRITT N. WILLSON.
Merritt N. Willson, who has been numbered among the leading and able lawyers of Oneida county for more than three decades, has practiced in Rome since 1895 and maintains his offices at No. 103 West Dominick street. His birth oeeurred at Lee Center, this county, on the 14th of May, 1854, his parents being Wright and Lydia (Tracy) Willson. The father, a native of Oneida county, passed away in March, 1903. The paternal grandfather came here from Belchertown, Massachusetts, about 1830.
Merritt N. Willson obtained his early education in the district schools of Lee Center and attended the Rome Free Academy in 1874. Subsequently he turned his attention to the profession of teaching, acting as an instructor in the district schools of the county about four years. Having determined upon a legal career, he began the study of law in the office of Edward L. Stevens, of Rome, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Hle practiced at Lee Center for fifteen years and on the expiration of that period, in 1895, came to Rome, where he has remained continuously since. The zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the careful regard evineed for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct.
On the 5th of November, 1882, Mr. Willson was united in marriage to Miss Edith Catherine Brown, a daughter of John C. and Jemima (Kneiskern) Brown, of Oneonta, New York. Unto them have been born five daughters, as follows: Mande J., the wife of Clifton E. Schlemmer, of Iship, New York; S. Mabel; Mary B .; Edith A. ; and Ethel L. Mr. Willson belongs to Roman Lodge. No. 223, F. & A. M., and is also identified with the Royal Areanum
ROCCO PERRETTA.
Conrage and self-confidence accomplish wonders, especially when their pos- sessor is endowed with ability and cool judgment. All of these qualities are prominent characteristics of Roeeo Perretta, a well known business man of Utica, with offices at No. 46-48 Kossuth avenue. Born in Italy, September 15, 1876, he seeured his preliminary education in his native land. At the age of fourteen he came to America alone and secured employment in the cotton
13>
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
mills at Utica where he continued for three years. He then went to New York city but two years later returned to Utica and served for live years as clerk in the business establishment of S. Pellettieri. Early in 1900 he asso- ciated with his brother, John Perretta, who previously had returned to Italy and served three years in the Italian army, and they purchased the business of Mr. Pellettieri. The firm is known as R. Perretta & Company and is engaged extensively in the commission business, dealing in olive oil, cheese, fancy gro- ceries, provisions, and paying special attention to importing goods of the finest quality. The brothers also act as private bankers and steamship agents.
Mr. Perretta married Miss Antonietta Vittucci, of Utica, and they are the parents of three children : Josephine, who was born October 5, 1901; Vito, born December 13, 1903; and Rocchettella, born July 5, 1908. Mr. Perretta is a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce and the United Commercial Trav- elers. He is a prominent worker in the Masonic order, being a member of Garibaldi Lodge, No. 542, A. F. & A. M., Utica Chapter, R. A. M .; Utica Com- mandery, No. 3, K. T .; Ziyara Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. In addition to the organizations named he is a member of the Laurenzana Society of which he was president three years, resigning in 1909; the Corn IIill Benefit Society ; and the Sons of Columbus Club. His polities is indicated by membership in the Republican Club. He takes an active part in elections but has never been an office seeker, having always refused to permit his name to be presented for any public office. By his gentlemanly address and his honorable business methods he has gained many friends of all nationalities and political and relig- ious beliefs and is a constantly growing force in the community. His family are consistent members of the Mount Carmel Roman Catholic church.
MICHAEL II. POWERS.
Michael Il. Powers, who has been numbered among the legal practitioners of Oneida county for the past thirty-seven years, has maintained his offices at Rome since 1884 and has enjoyed an extensive and profitable elientage. llis birth oeeurred in North Annsville, this county, on the 10th of June, 1851. his parents being James and Catherine Powers. In the acquirement of an education he attended the district schools of his native town and also spent a short time as a student in the Clinton Liberal Institute. laving determined upon a legal career, he began the study of that profession under the preceptor- ship of II. O. Southworth and later read with Barnett & Sayles. Subse- quently he entered the Ilamilton College Law School. completing his studies in that institution in 1874. Locating for practice at West Branch, Oneida county, he there remained for two years and then opened an office at Flor- ence, where he continued for eight years. In 1884 he came to Rome and has here remained continuously since, enjoying a large and distinctly representa- tive clientage. Ilis success in a professional way affords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and con-
139
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
cise in his appeals before the court. Much of the success which has attended him in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no in- stance will he permit himself to go into court with a case unless he has ab- solute confidence in the justice of his client's cause. Basing his efforts on this principle, from which there are far too many lapses in professional ranks. it naturally follows that he seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted.
On the 14th of January, 1877, Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Costin, by whom he has two children: William J., who is associated with his father in the practice of law ; and Kathleen.
MORRIS C. COPELAND.
Morris C. Copeland, proprietor of the Copeland Creamery at Yorkville and one of the highly successful business men of the city, was born in Germany, April 2, 1873, a son of M. S. and Rose Copeland. He received his preliminary education in the public schools of his native country and at the age of sixteen decided to seek his fortune in America. Accordingly, he crossed the ocean and selected Oneida county, New York, as his theater of operations. From the start he was self-supporting and worked on farms near Utica for several sum- mers, attending school during the winter months. IIe applied himself with great diligence to his studies and became very proficient in the English lan- guage. Ile also took a commercial course in the Utiea Business College, which has proved of great value to him in the practical concerns of life. In 1895 he established himself in the creamery business although only twenty-two years of age. Ile began on a small scale, the receipts in 1896 amounting to three hundred dollars a month. By good management the patronage has been very largely increased and the receipts now range from sixteen hundred to two thousand dollars a month. In 1906 he purchased a home on Main street in Yorkville, containing four acres of land bordering on the Erie canal and erected a large modern conerete building which is provided with every desir- able facility, making it one of the up-to-date creameries of the state. He is also extensively interested in the ice business. He is sole proprietor and man- ager of his business and has conducted his affairs to excellent advantage, gain- ing a name as one of the thoroughly reliable men of the city.
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.