USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 13
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September 10, 1895, Mr. Copeland was married in this city to Miss Lillian Bridgeman. Mrs. Copeland was born in Utica in 1873, daughter of Henry and Hannah Bridgeman, natives of London, England. The father died when Mrs. Copeland was only three years old and the mother raised the family. Mr. and Mrs. Copeland are parents of two children : Mabel, who was born January 20, 1898; and Earl, born July 9, 1901. The son is now attending the public schools. The daughter is now attending the Utica Free Academy. Politically Mr. Cope- land is a Roosevelt republican and is a strong advocate of the application of busi- ness principles to polities. He has served as collector and also as treasurer of school district No. 6 for a number of years, and is now a member of the board of trustees of the village of Yorkville, his term extending from 1910 to 1912. He
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is a stanch believer in the Bible and holds membership in St. Luke's Episcopal church. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of the subordinate lodge of the latter organization and also of Trimount Encampment and the Ftica Rebekab Lodge. For over ten years he has been an active member of the Yorkville Fire Company and is now serving as president. He is entitled to exemption from service but declined to accept it. continuing loyally at his post. Mr. Copeland is a self-made man and deservedly stands high in the opinions of all who know him on account of his upright business methods and progressive citizenship.
HENRY C. PALMER, M. D.
The life record of Dr. Henry C. Palmer, of Utica, was brought to a close by the hand of death October 7. 1909, and. although he had been in failing health for several years and his demise was not unexpected, the announcement was the occasion of general sorrow. By years of conscientious and untiring devotion to the relief of the sufferings of others he had gained a place in the estimation of the community accorded only to persons of unusual merit. ITe was born at West Winfield, Herkimer county, New York, February 14, 1841, a son of Walter and Rachel (Smith) Palmer, who were members of prominent families of Herkimer county. Five of their children are now liv- ing: Vose W. and Luther MI .. both of West Winfield; Charles J., a leading attorney of Little Falls; W. B., a well known physician of Utiea; and Mrs. E. E. Walker. of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Henry C. Palmer received his early education at West Winfield Academy and Cazenovia Seminary. He began the study of medicine under his uncle. Dr. J. M. Rose, of West Winfield. Later he became a student in the medieal department of the University of New York and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1865. While the Civil war was in progress in 1863 he was appointed assistant surgeon of a New York regiment and served in the Army of the Potomae near Washington. He began practice at Westmoreland, New York. where he continned with marked success for ten years, at the end of which time he moved to Rome and there built up an extensive clientage. In May, 1884, he attended lectures in the hospitals of Vienna, Austria, and returning in 1885 settled at Utica, which he made his permanent home. Ile was a hard worker, very attentive to his patients, and was one of the most suceessful phy- sicians of Oneida county. Ile served for a number of years on the consulting staff of Faxton Hospital and he and his wife furnished one of the rooms in the institution. He was very much devoted to his profession and spared no efforts in keeping pace with the discoveries in medicine and surgery in order that he might best serve his patients, by whom he was held in high esteem.
On the 27th of June, 1867. Dr. Palmer was united in marriage to Miss Amelia II. Warner, a daughter of Austin and Phoebe (Griswold) Warner and a sister of the late George II. Warner, of New York Mills. The father spent several years at sea in a whaling vessel in his early manhood and then settled
Henry. C. Palmer 111,20
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at Westmoreland, Oneida county, devoting his attention to agriculture. Ile was married to Phoebe Griswold, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Smith) Griswold, one of the early settlers of Westmoreland. Politically Mr. Warner gave his support to the democratic party and in religious belief was a faithful adherent of the Methodist church. Three sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Palmer, two of whom died in infancy at Westmoreland. The youngest son, Dr. Walter W. Palmer, attended the public schools and was graduated from the Utica High School. Subsequently he attended the school at Lawrenceville and spent two years in the Andover Preparatory School. He then entered the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale and following his graduation therefrom spent several months traveling in Europe. 1Ie next became a student in the medical department of the New York University, completing his course with the class of 1899. Soon afterward he began practice in New York and later removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he specializes in the diseases of the nose and throat, in which branch of practice he has been very successful and has gained much more than local renown. He wedded Miss Maria C. Graves, a daughter of General J. C. and Augusta C. Graves.
Dr. Palmer was an active member of the Utica Medical Library Association and the Oneida County, New York and American Medical Societies. IIe was a member of the Oneida Historical Society and of the Fort Schuyler Club. Fraternally he was connected with the Masonic order, holding membership in Faxton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter and Utica Commandery, K. T. In politics he was in sympathy with the republican party but never held pub- lie office. He was for many years a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church. Ile visited Europe several times and traveled quite extensively in that country. A man of culture and refinement, he attracted friends wherever he was known and by a life of devotion to a high calling gained the confidence and love of his associates and to an unusual degree the respect of all with whom he came in contact.
REV. OCTAVIUS APPLEGATE.
Rev. Octavius Applegate was born at Franklin, Delaware county, New York, in 1865, a son of Rev. Octavius Applegate, D. D., who for many years was rector at Newburgh, New York, and the mother before her marriage was Ellen Matilda Ray.
Mr. Applegate of this review moved with his parents to Newburgh in his early childhood and after receiving his educational training matriculated at Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, from which he received the degree of B. A. in 1887. Three years later he was awarded the degree of M. A. from the same institution. After leaving college he entered the General Theological Seminary at New York city and was made deacon in 1890 and priest of the Episcopal church in 1891. He served as rector at St. John's church, Ellen- ville, New York, from 1891 to 1896, filling a similar position at St. James' church, Keene, New Hampshire, during the three years following. Ile was
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rector of St. John's church, Kingston, New York, from 1899 to 1909, and since April 15, 1909, has officiated as rector of Grace church at Utica. Having thoroughly given his heart to this work and made every necessary preparation for the responsibility of the office, he has met with a gratifying degree of sue- cess and his congregation is one of the largest and most attentive in the city. Ile is deeply learned in the Scriptures and being an eloquent and convincing speaker. the services of Grace church are largely attended and are instrumental in leading many to adopt the higher life.
lle is a man of carnest convictions, with courage to follow wherever they lead, and is recognized as one of the most popular preachers of Utica. Rev. Applegate is deeply interested in civic affairs and engages actively in cam- paigns promoting the welfare of the city and conducive of the betterment of conditions tending toward the uplift of the human race. Fraternally he is identified with the Alpha Delta Phi and the Phi Beta Kappa Greek letter so- cieties; he also holds membership in the Yahnundahsis Golf Club of Utica.
ALFRED ETHRIDGE.
Alfred Ethridge was for many years known as one of the leading mer- chants of Rome. As the head of Alfred Ethridge & Company he gave proof of business ability of an unusual order and established the wholesale house which ranks with the best in the state. He was of English descent and was born at Little Falls. New York. July 29. 1817. His father. James Ethridge. engaged in hat manufacturing at Little Falls, but later devoted his attention to farming in the town of Herkimer. Finally, however, he returned to the business which he had followed in his early manhood. He died in 1865.
At the age of nine years Alfred Ethridge left home and took up his resi- dence upon a farm where he spent four years. He then became a clerk for Root Berry & Company, contractors for the enlargement of the Erie canal at Frankfort. where they ran a store for supplying their men, and was soon made manager for them. After remaining with them a few years he established a business of his own under the name of Northrup & Ethridge. In 1844 they moved their stock to Rome and opened a store on the east side of James street, just south of Canal. The establishment was destroyed by fire in Jan- uary, 1856, and the partnership was dissolved. Soon afterwards Mr. Ethridge opened a store on his own account at the corner of Dominick and James streets and continued at this location until 1865 when he erected the Ethridge block at the corner of Dominick and Sonth Washington streets into which he moved his store. After several years Ackley P. Tuller became a partner and the title of the firm was changed to 1. Ethridge & Company, Erwin C. Carpenter being also admitted as a member. In 1875 the eldest son of Mr. Ethridge, Franklin A. Ethridge, was given an interest and subsequently the title of the firm was changed to Ethridge. Tuller & Company. Messrs. Tuller and Carpenter retired January 1, 1879, and the firm was reorganized under the name of Alfred Ethridge & Company, consisting of Mr. Ethridge and his son.
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Two years later another son, James M. Ethridge, was admitted to partnership but the title of the firm has remained unchanged. The company originally engaged in handling general merchandise at wholesale and retail.
About 1875 the retail end of the business was discontinued and from that time it was exclusively wholesale. In 1898 the firm moved from the Ethridge block to the corner of James and Front streets, the original spot, where he had his first store in Rome. This store is one of the finest in the state and has about two acres of floor space. The territory of the house's activities extend over New York and into adjoining states and their trade increases steadily. Mr. Ethridge was one of the founders and a director of the Merchants Iron Mill and was at various times interested in many other corporations. He possessed exceptionally good business judgment, made friends wherever he was known and accumulated a competency.
On November 5, 1851, he was married to Miss Abby Murdock House, a daughter of Leonard House, who was a son of Eleazer and Abigail (Moseley) House, and four children were born to this union, three of whom are now living, Franklin Alfred, James Murdock and George. Mr. House, the father of Mrs. Ethridge, was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, August 24, 1787, and died December 23, 1879, at Houseville, Connecticut, a town named in honor of the family. The mother of Mrs. Ethridge was before her marriage Louisa Murdock. She was a member of one of the old New England families.
Mr. Ethridge died September 11, 1899, having arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two years. In politics he was an old line whig and after the organization of the republican party became an earnest supporter of its prin- ciples. Ile took an active part in local affairs and was a member of the board of supervisors, always evineing a lively interest in the advancement of Rome. Ile led a busy and useful life and being a man of resourcefulness and large practical knowledge of affairs, he was a leader in the community. Mrs. Ethridge still makes her home in this city where she has long been known and is beloved and respected by all.
E. N. HAYES.
Financial and commercial interests of Boonville, Oneida county, New York, have both felt the stimulus of the keen business sagacity and executive ability of E. N. Hayes, now president of the National Exchange Bank and for many years identified with the grocery business at this point. He was born in this city on the 23d of September, 1851, a son of John P. and Sarah (Nellis) Hayes, the former a native of Boonville and the latter of Jefferson county, New York. He received a good education in the schools of his native town, and his initial step in the business world was in connection with his father's retail grocery store at Boonville, assisting his father until the latter's death in 1868. In that year, although but a youth of seventeen years, he assumed full control of the business, early manifesting sound judgment and good business ability. Under his careful supervision the trade steadily increased and as the years
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passed prosperity attended his efforts in a substantial degree. He was thus associated until April, 1910, when he sold his business to l'eter Gill, and is now serving as president of the National Exchange Bank of Boonville. This bank is one of the well known, moneyed institutions of the district, becoming very popular with a large number of patrons, for its safe, conservative policy has commended it to the trust and confidence of the residents of Boonville and vicinity.
Mr. Hayes was married, in 1876, to Miss Ella J. Brinckerhoff, a daughter of John L. Brinckerhoff, and to them were born four children, as follows: Eugenia, who passed away in 1879; L. Rena; J. Harold, a graduate of the Boonville high school and Poughkeepsie Business College, now assistant cashier in the National Exchange Bank; and Laura B. Mr. Hayes and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mrs. Hayes belongs to William Floyd Chapter, D. A. R. She is a lady of estimable character, occupying a foremost position in the social circles of the community. Mr. Hayes' fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Adiron- dack Encampment, and also with the New York State Banker's Association. Ile is a trustee of the Boonville Cemetery Association and served as assistant superintendent of section 1 of the Black River canal. He is deeply interested in the public affairs of the community and has served his townsmen for several years in positions of trust. He has become widely known throughout this locality as a man of honor and business rectitude, always endeavoring to deal justly with his fellowmen, and Boonville numbers him among her most respected and valued citizens.
ADRIAN LEE.
Adrian Lee, whose demise oceurred in Utica on the 25th of June, 1901. was long and successfully engaged in business here as a wholesale meat merchant. His birth occurred in Utica in September. 1843, his parents being Erastus and Eliza (Simpson) Lee. The father, who came to this city from Connecticut. first followed farming, but later became a horse dealer. He was also the first proprietor of the old Fifth Ward House. In young manhood he had wedded Miss Eliza Simpson, a member of one of the early families of Frankford Hill.
When Adrian Lee was yet a small boy his parents removed to a farm on Frankford Hill, where he spent his early life. Returning to Utica, he learned the butcher's trade and later conducted a market at John and Bleecker streets. Subsequently he disposed of his retail establishment and embarked in the wholesale trade exclusively. This was at a time when most dealers did their own slaughtering and our subject's business soon assumed extensive propor- tions. During the last fifteen years of his connection with the meat business he handled western beef almost exclusively. For ten years he was the Utica representative of Nelson Morris & Company. and later represented the Cudahy Packing Company. One year prior to his death he made another change, his establishment on Main street becoming known as the Omaha Packing Company,
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while that on Genesee street was known as the Mohawk Valley Packing Com- pany. Ilis sons, Louis, Alfred, Ambrose and Edward, were associated with him in the conduct of the business. Ambrose is now interested in the horse business.
NIr. Lee also had a creditable military record. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private of the One IIundredth and Fifty-second New York Volunteer In- fantry and was mustered in on the 13th of the following month for three years' service, joining Company K. After participating in a number of hotly con- tested engagements and winning the stripes of second lieutenant, he was taken prisoner while in action near Petersburg, on the 22d of June, 1864, and was confined in the following rebel prisons: Libby, June 24 to June 29; prisoners' stockade at Macon, Georgia, July 9 to August 1; prisoners' stockade at Savan- nah, Georgia, August 2 to September 13; Charleston jail yard, September 13 to October 6; asylum prison yard at Columbia, South Carolina, October 6, 1864, to February 10, 1865; Charlotte, North Carolina, February 11 to Feb- ruary 21; prisoners' stockade at Raleigh, North Carolina, February 22 to Febrary 27. He was then paroled, passing through the lines near Wilmington, North Carolina, on the 1st of March. On the 26th of April he was exchanged and on the 7th of May, 1865, reported for duty at regimental headquarters in Richmond, Virginia. After the cessation of hostilities he was mustered ont with the rank of first lieutenant on the 13th of July, 1865, at Munson's Hill.
On the 24th of December, 1867, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Brace, a daughter of Benjamin and IIelen (Miller) Brace, both of whom were representatives of early families of Oneida county. Benjamin Brace resided on what was known as Sleighton's bush road and followed both farming and carpentering.
In politics Mr. Lee was a stalwart democrat. He served as a member of the board of supervisors for three terms and acted as one of the charity com- missioners of Utica for two terms. In 1894 he was the candidate of his party for sheriff against Van R. Weaver, making a very commendable showing at the polls. Ile was a valued member of Bacon Post, No. 53, G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He was a gentle- man of genial, jovial disposition and drove about the city with horse and car- riage in the discharge of his business duties. As the circle of his friends was almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances, his death was the oc- casion of deep and sincere regret throughout Utica.
GEORGE DAIKER.
Some men are born with talents which lead them to success in anything they undertake and to this class belongs George Daiker who is now making his home in Utiea. Ile is a native of Germany, born in 1844, a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Streibling) Daiker. The father engaged in the mercantile business, sold baked goods, and conducted a hotel, thus making an honest and comfortable living for his family.
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George Daiker grew to maturity under the shelter of a kindly home and in the public schools secured the foundation of an edneation which he has greatly widened by reading, observation and travel. At the age of nineteen he crossed the ocean to America, landing in New York city. Under his grand- father in the old country he had learned the trade of cabinetmaker which he mastered in all its details and he readily found employment in New York. Subsequently he engaged in business on his own account as a manufacturer of fine furniture. He was the first man to introduce machines in America for the manufacture of fine furniture, all work of this character having pre- viously been done on this side of the Atlantic by hand. For twenty years he engaged in the business under the title of George Daiker, Manufacturer of Parlor Furniture, and sold the products of his factory in all of the lead- ing cities of the country and as far west as the Pacific coast. In the earlier years of his experience as a manufacturer he shipped considerable furniture by water around Cape Horn to San Francisco. After conducting his business with remarkable success for twenty years he turned it over to his foreman and retired, traveling in various parts of the west and visiting a brother-in-law in Kansas. Ile also made a trip to his native land and while in Europe visited the principal cities and objects of interest on the continent. Upon returning to America he found his time hanging heavily upon his hands and accordingly engaged in building in New York city, erecting a number of beautiful stone and brick private residences which he disposed of to good advantage and also dealing extensively in real estate. fle again retired for several years but once more was attracted to business pursuits and erected large apartment houses in various parts of New York city, among them the Majestic apartment house, one of the finest buildings of the kind in the world. containing ample accommodations for one hundred and fifty families. Ile had charge of this honse until recently when he sold it to the president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. He gained an enviable reputation for energy, honesty and square dealing. He always paid cash for everything and no man in New York city stood higher in the opinion of investors or of those with whom he had business dealings. Four years ago he came to Utica and while enjoy- ing a ride on Genesee street his eye caught sight of the old General John Butterfield homestead. He made an offer for the property which was accepted and he has converted it into one of the most desirable homes of the city. He also acquired a valuable tract of land and has laid ont a member of building lots, dedicating a portion of it for a boulevard which will greatly improve the appearance of that part of the city.
In 1875 Mr. Daiker was married in New York city to Miss Mina Holzer, who was born in Germany, and three children came to bless this union : Minnie; George, who was the engineer on the apartment buildings erected by his father ; and Herbert, who is now a high school pupil.
Politically Mr. Daiker gives his support to the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by membership in the Fortieth Street Dutch Re- formed church. For seven years he was a member of Battery K, New York State Militia, and took a great interest in that organization. Starting as a young man in a strange country, he took advantage of opportunities as they
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were presented and by good judgment and application of sound business prin- ciples gained a position of leadership so greatly desired by all ambitious young men. IIe has never sought to profit through the necessities of others and has always endeavored to return full value for money received. He belongs among those who improve and beautify their surroundings and leave the world more attractive than they found it. To such men modern civilization owes a debt of gratitude which it would be difficult to pay and Mr. Daiker and men of his type may therefore be truly named as benefactors of the race. He has a host of friends who wish that he may live many years and continue the good work in which he has so successfully engaged.
GEORGE WOODLAND.
The printing business for many years elaimed a worthy representative at Utiea in the person of George Woodland, now deceased. He was industrious, energetic, capable and consequently highly successful in a vocation which he thoroughly understood in all its details. He was born in England, May 24, 1819, a son of George Woodland, Sr., who came with his family to America about 1832 and settled at Utica. Ile was a printer by trade and for a num- ber of years was connected with the office of the Gazette.
Mr. Woodland of this review attended school in England and received fur- ther educational training in the public schools of Utica. He learned the printer's trade under his father and for a few years was connected with the Gazette, later being employed in the office of the Herald. He entered the printing busi- ness on his own account and continued in this line during the remainder of his life. 1Ie possessed good business taet and judgment and by untiring perseverance gained a competeney for himself and family.
In 1842, at Utica, Mr. Woodland was married to Miss Hannah Stevens, a daughter of Nathan Stevens, of this city, and six children came to brighten their home, namely: George, who is president of the Prairie State Bank of Chieago; Isabelle, who is living at home; Charles, of California; Henry, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Kate, also at home; and Mrs. Melville Brown, of Utiea. Mr. Stevens, the father of Mrs. Woodland, was born in 1790 and was one of the early settlers of Utica. He learned the carpenter's trade and en- gaged very extensively in the building business. He was married, October 1, 1813, to Miss Agnes Summerville. He purchased a tract of land from Mr. Hopper on Park avenue, which is now the choice residence section of the city, and built five homes on this avenue for himself and children. He died in August, 1875.
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