USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 14
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
Mr. and Mrs. Woodland set an example of application, patience and self- reliance which had a marked effect in shaping the lives of their children. IIe was kind-hearted and considerate to those with whom he associated and was greatly beloved by his friends, of whom there were many. He died May 8, 1895. He was a man of fine musical talent and for years sang in the old Grace church choir, also serving very acceptably as organist of Calvary church.
152
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
In religious belief he was an Episcopalian and politically was an adherent of the republican party. He was a large-hearted, public-spirited man and richly deserved the respeet in which he was held by all who came within the circle of his influence.
ARTHUR MICHAEL BURKE.
Arthur Michael Burke, who has been city clerk of Utica since 1908, was born in this city on the 21st of January, 1884. his parents being Michael J. and Joanna C. (Lee) Burke. The father, a native of Montreal, Canada, was brought to the United States by his parents when a child, ever after making this country his home, while the mother was born in Bennington, Vermont. To Mr. and Mrs. Burke were born thirteen children, the son Arthur Michael be- ing the sixth in order of birth.
Utica has always been the residence of Arthur Michael Burke, who acquired his education in the publie and parochial schools, being graduated from As- sumption Academy with the class of 1899. He subsequently pursued a business course in the School of Commerce of this city for one year and then took up stenography. During the first two years of his business career he was em- ployed as stenographer by D. D. Winston & Company, wholesale grocers. In 1903 he was appointed bookkeeper and stenographer to the city clerk. John A. Cantwell, continuing in that position until 1908, when he was appointed by the city council to the position of clerk, and reappointed to the same office at the expiration of his term in 1910. During the period of his service Mr. Burke has shown himself to be most competent and trustworthy in every way, dis- charging the responsibilities of his office in a most ereditable manner.
On the 25th of April, 1910, Mr. Burke was united in marriage to Miss El- len F. Jacquemin, a native of Utica, and a daughter of John and Maria Jacque- min, the father a retired contraetor.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Burke are comumnicants of the Roman Catholic church. being members of the parish of St. Agnes. Ile is also affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Arcanum Chib and holds membership in the Loyal Order of the Moose and the Seneca Chib. Even since attaining his majority Mr. Burke has given his political support to the candidates of the democratie party. Although still a very young man, judging by the record he has made in his present official capacity his future in public affairs would seem to be most promising.
WILLIAM TOWNSEND.
William Townsend, who is one of the able representatives of the legal pro- fession in l'tica, was born in Walton, Delaware county, New York. After the completion of his preliminary education he entered Yale University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1871. Coming to Utiea he entered
15
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
the office of Judge Mason, where he read law for a time, continuing his study in the offices of W. and John D. Kernan, being admitted to the bar in 1876.
In the early years of his practice Mr. Townsend was appointed assistant dis- triet attorney of Oneida county under M. D. Barnett, serving in this capacity for three years. At the expiration of his term of office he formed a partnership with Judge William P. Quinn, their practice being conducted under the firm name of Townsend & Quinn. Later Dexter E. Pomeroy became associated with them, the firm thereafter being known as Pomeroy, Townsend & Quinn until 1881, when Judge Quinn withdrew, removing to New York city. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Townsend ran for distriet attorney, his plurality exceeding that of his ticket by about seven hundred votes. Two years later he was elected to the state assembly on a three cornered fight, his plurality this time being eight hundred. He served as chairman of the committee on general law, also a member of the insurance committee. When he retired from the legislature he practiced alone until January, 1897, when he formed a partnership with Thomas S. Jones of Utica and IIon. Henry W. Bentley, of Boonville, under the name of Bentley, Jones & Townsend. Mr. Bentley retired at the end of a year. and they continued as Jones & Townsend until 1898, when they admitted Joseph Rudd. In 1902 Mr. Townsend was elected state senator, and the following year was placed on the judiciary: forest, fish and game ; agriculture ; and privileges of election committees. Sinee retiring from the senate, Mr. Townsend has given his entire attention to his large and exacting legal practice. In addition to the heavy demands made upon his time by his profession and political duties he found time to serve on the board of managers of the Utica State Hospital, where he was retained for four years. A man of marked versatility, Mr. Townsend has proven efficient in any capacity in which he has served the public, his keen discernment seldom leading him amiss in the recognition of the trend of gen- eral affairs.
JEROME M. BROWN.
For twenty years a resident of Utiea, Jerome M. Brown made many friends in this city who deeply regretted his death, which occurred October 15, 1909. He was a native of Oriskany and was born about 1871. He received his early education in the schools of Oriskany and continued at home until 1889. IIe then entered the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railway Company with which he was identified as trainman during the remainder of his life, his long and uninterrupted period of service being convincing evidence of his faithfulness in the discharge of responsibilities and of the confidence reposed in him by the officers of the company.
Mr. Brown was married to Mrs. Emma Lester of Utica and to them one daughter, Gertrude, who is married to Henry G. Lux, Jr., was born. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of Robert Barker who was born in England and came to America in 1871, settling at Utica. He was an expert finisher and was employed in the woolen mills of this city, his death occurring March 17, 1907.
151
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Mr. Brown of this review was a consistent member of St. Luke's church and also heldl membership in the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, having many close personal friends in that organization. Ile was highly popular on the road and was well known from one end of the line to the other as a genial, kind-hearted and trustworthy man who could always be relied upon to extend a helping hand to one less fortunate than himself. His life was an exemplifi- cation of brotherly kindness and the memory of his cordial hand clasp and cheerful countenance will long remain in the minds of those with whom it was his pleasure to meet. Mrs. Brown makes her home in a comfortable resi- dence at No. 5 Lansing street, Utica.
REV. ISRAEL NEWTON TERRY, D. D.
During a period of fourteen years, dating from September, 1876, the Rev. Israel Newton Terry filled the pulpit of the Presbyterian church of New ITart- ford. this being the longest pastorate in the ministerial career of this good man which was terminated by death on the 16th of July, 1908. Mr. Terry was born in South Weymouth, Massachusetts, on the 20th of February, 1851, and was descended from a long line of Puritan ancestors. Ilis parents were the Rev. James Pease and Catherine (Matson) Terry, the father being a direct descendant of Major Ephraim Terry of Continental army fame. He was eighth in descent from Governor William Bradford of the Mayflower.
The son of a minister the Rev. Israel Newton Terry was reared amid en- vironments which were naturally conducive to the adoption of the church for his life vocation. His early education was acquired in the public schools of his native village, after the completion of which he entered Amherst College, graduating in 1871, when he matriculated at the Hartford Theologieal Sem- inary at Hartford, Connecticut, from which he was graduated. Later he took a post-graduate course at Union Theological Seminary at New York city. Pos- sessing mental powers of more than average ability and being of a studious nature Mr. Terry continued his studies all through life and was a man of broad general information on all secular as well as theological subjects. In May, 1876, he was called to fill the pulpit of the Presbyterian church of New Hartford, which position, as mentioned above, he most eapably filled for four- teen years. ITis scholarly instincts and innate refinement and culture, as well as his broad views and tolerance for the ideas of others. whether or not they coincided with his own made him a charming friend and delightful companion as well as popular minister. During the fifteen years that followed his with- drawal from the church of New Hartford Doctor Terry was acting pastor at the Whitesboro Presbyterian church for six months and at the First Presby- terian church at Utica for nearly two years, but most of his work was given to the Presbyterian church at New Hartford and Westminster church at Utica, where together twenty-five years of his life were spent. He served seven years as associate pastor with Dr. Thomas JJ. Brown at the Westminster Presbyterian
1
157
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
church in Utica, after whose demise he was installed pastor continuing his work there np to the time of his death, July 16, 1908. In 1897 Hamilton College of Clinton, New York, conferred upon him the degree of doctor of divinity. Al- though he was only fifty-seven years of age when he died he had been a mem- ber of the Utica Presbytery since 1876.
For a wife and helpmate Doctor Terry chose Miss Emily Huntington But- ler, their union being solemnized in New Hartford, on the 28th of September, 1880. Mrs. Terry was a daughter of Francis and Harriette (Sherrill) But- ler, and a direct descendant in the paternal line from Eli Butler, who was a captain in the Continental army. Doctor Terry held membership in both the Sons of the Revolution and the Society of the Mayflower Descendants. Al- though it has been more than twenty years since he was a resident of New Hartford Doctor Terry is remembered, the impress of his personality upon those with whom he came in contact being so strong that his influence eould not be lost in any community where he might have presided.
GEORGE T. ANDERSON.
All history has demonstrated that there are great possibilities in a young man of good habits who is impelled by the desire to win an honorable place in the world. Many illustrations of the truth of this remark are presented in this work and the record of George T. Anderson, a sneeessful merchant of Whitesboro, is additional evidenee of the beneficial effects of industry and self- reliance when under the direction of sound judgment. He was born at Luck- now, Canada, October 2, 1873, a son of William Anderson.
George T. Anderson received limited advantages of education in the schools of Wingham and Hespeler, Canada, being thrown on his own resources at an early age by the death of his father. lIe entered the employ of a tinner at Hespeler as an apprentiee and served in this capacity for three years. After learning the trade he remained in the same shop for two years, receiving wages as a journeyman. Having then decided to seek a more congenial field, he went to Chicago where he worked at his trade for more than two years. In the course of this time he gained a large amount of knowledge of which he has been able to make practical use. In 1894 he came to Utica, Oneida county, and for two years was connected with the Mohawk Valley Cap Factory. In 1896 he arrived at Whitesboro and was employed as a tinner and plumber un- til November 4, 1900, when he embarked in business on his own account on Mosley street. Two years later he moved to his present location, at Main and Westmoreland streets. He deals in shelf and heavy hardware, also tiling, and carries on a flourishing tinning and plumbing business.
In 1898, at Utica, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Mabel Rose, and they have two daughters, Mildred Rose and Leona Gertrude. Politically Mr. An- derson gives his support in national affairs to the republican party but votes independently at local elections. Although solicited to do so, he has always re- Vol. II-8
158
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
fused to be a candidate for public office. He and his family attend the Bap- tist church and fraternally he is identified with Oriskany Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Schuyler Lodge, No. 147, 1. O. O. F. He served for fifteen years as a member of the Whitesboro Fire Company and was for two terms president of the organization. He is at the present time a valued member of the Exempt Firemen's Association. He is up-to-date in his methods and as he has a thor- ough knowledge of the wants of his patrons and is of a genial and accommodat- ing disposition, his business has grown steadily until it yields a substantial an- nual income. llis success is well deserved as it is due to earnest and con- seientions effort.
THEODORE LA MONT CROSS.
Theodore La Mont Cross has inscribed his name high on the keystone of the legal arch of the Empire state, practicing in Utica, where he has success- fully followed his profession since his admission to the bar. Ile was born February 9, 1858, in Boonville, New York, his parents being John Cleave- land and Permelia (Goodrich ) Cross. He is descended from New England ancestry, including the Cleaveland. Jackman, Choate, Adams and Burbank families of Massachusetts. In the acquirement of an education he supplemented his public school studies by a course in the Clinton Liberal Institute. from which he was graduated with the highest honors of his class in 1876. He pre- pared for the bar as a student in the law department of Hamilton College and was graduated in 1881, on which occasion he had the honor of delivering the legal oration. He also studied law under the direction of the Hon. Charles D. Adams, whose preceptorship and friendship meant much to the young man. He became acquainted with the high professional ideals held by Mr. Adams and the same standard of professional service has been his since his admission to the bar in 1883. In the intervening period. covering more than twenty- eight years, he has resided in Utica, following his profession in a manner that has insured him equal rank with the distinguished practitioners before the state and federal courts. Earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have gained him prestige as a lawyer and few have made a more enduring impression upon the bar of the state both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which im- presses itself upon a community. Of a family conspicuous for strong intel- lects, indomitable courage and energy, he entered upon his career and such has been the force of his character and natural qualifications that he has over- come all obstacles and gained a place in the ranks of those whose records are a credit and honor to the judicial history of New York.
On the 26th of August, 1885, Mr. Cross was married to Miss Fannie E. Lewis, of Utica, and they now have two children. John Theodore and Gorham La Mont. Mr. Cross has never been a candidate for political office or honors, preferring to devote his attention to his profession, and it is notable in the many cases that he has argued that he has lost but few. No one better knows
159
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
the necessity for thorough preparation and no one more industriously prepares his cases than Mr. Cross, whose handling of a cause is always full, compre- hensive and accurate; his analysis of the facts clear and exhaustive. He gives to each point in the case its due relative prominence and his presentation sets forth the best and strongest reasons which can be urged for his contention, pre- sented in cogent and logical form and illustrated by a style unusually leid.
REV. RALPH WATSON BROKAW.
Of worthy Huguenot ancestry, Rev. Ralph Watson Brokaw, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Utica, has proved a sturdy advocate of the faith and justly ranks among the leading divines of central New York. Ile is a native of Middlebush, Somerset county, New Jersey, born February 14, 1855, a son of Peter Stryker and Adaline Brokaw. The parents were direct de- seendants of Bourgeon Broucard and Catharine (le Fevre) Broncard, Hugne- nots who came to America in 1675 and assisted in establishing the first Prot- estant church in North America in New York city. The father of our subject was a merchant and farmer. He was an elder of the Dutch Reformed church and for many years served as Sunday school superintendent. He took an active part in public affairs and held many county offices, often occupying a seat as delegate at gubernatorial and other conventions.
Mr. Brokaw of this review was early attracted to the ministry and received his literary education at Rutgers College, New Jersey, graduating with the degree of B. A. in 1874. He received the M. A. degree three years later. After leaving college he entered the New Brunswick Theological Seminary and was graduated in 1877 with the degree of D. B. In honor of distinguished services he was given the honorary degree of D. D. by Hamilton College in 1903. 1Ie began his life work in 1877 as pastor of the Reformed (Dutch) church at Herkimer, New York, where he remained for five years. He served as pastor at Belleville, New Jersey, from 1882 to 1888 and then accepted a call from Springfield, Massachusetts, as pastor of the Hope Congregational church where he was in charge for ten years. Since 1898 he has occupied the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church at Utica, discharging his duties to the general satisfaction of his parishioners and of many friends of the church in this city. He has been an active worker in the society of Christian Endeavor and has filled the office of trustee of that organization since 1884. IJe is also a member of the board of trustees of the French-American College at Springfield, Massachusetts, and for several years was the contributing editor of the Christian Endeavor World of Boston. He has filled many ecclesiastical offices and by his zeal and good judgment has assisted very materially in for- warding the work of the church and spreading the influence of the gospel.
On the 9th of December, 1879, at East Hampton, Long Island, Mr. Brokaw was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Mershon, a daughter of Rev. S. L. and Mary (Tahnage) Mershon. The mother was the youngest sister of Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, D. D., and the father was a prominent minister of the Pres-
160
THESTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
byterian church. Ile received the degree of B. A. at Princeton College in 1851 and was graduated at the Princeton Theological Seminary in 1854, when he also received the degree of M. A. from Princeton College. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw: Walter M., who was graduated from llamilton College with the degree of B. A. in 1906; and Ralph Leonard, who died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Brokaw is an independent republican. He accepts the principles of the party but does not feel compelled to support indiscriminately any candidate the party may propose simply because he is in the right line- up. He holds membership in the Delta Upsilon college fraternity and several theological clubs. He is a man of strong social characteristics who readily makes friends and has a legion of warm admirers in New York and other states. Thoroughly devoted to his calling, he has found inspiration and pleas- ure in his work and has been instrumental in awakening many to a sense of their duty to their Maker and to their fellowmen.
JOHN ML. MCLEAN.
John M. McLean, who has been successfully engaged in dyeing and clean- ing business in Utica for more than forty-three years, is a native of this city. Ile was born January 8, 1853, and is a son of Andrew MeLean who was one of the pioneer dyers of Utica. Mr. MeLean, Sr., began to learn the business as early as 1846 when he entered the employ of a dyer and cleaner named Morgan, at the corner of Cornelia and Columbia streets. After the death of Mr. Morgan he succeeded to the business and moved to the oldl Clarendon build- ing. at the corner of Genesee and Blandina streets. The business flourished and was later transferred to No. 35 Liberty street. but after the death of Mr. MeLean was moved to No. 26 Hotel street, and finally to the site where it has since been conducted.
John M. MeLean was educated in the public schools. He gained his first knowledge of the business work as errand boy for the firm of Butler & Hamilton. Mrs MeLean was then in charge of the dyeing establishment and owing to difficulty in obtaining reliable labor she found it necessary to make use of the assistance of her son in the business that had for a number of years been in charge of the family. Accordingly. he learned the dyer's trade and has ever since applied himself to this branch of industry. Ile understands it thor- oughly in every detail and the house has an enviable reputation for reliability and good work. His son, J. Fred Mebean, represents the third generation of the family in the business and is now gradually assuming its management.
A new building was erected by Mr. MeLean in 1910 at Nos. 92-94, Washing- ton street, which is one of the best equipped structures of the kind in this part of the state. It is made of brick four stories high and is fifty feet wide by sixty-two feet deep. It contains a large and well lighted show room fitted up with handsome oak and glass eases and oak desks and has an ornamental metal ceiling in pure white. On the side as one enters is the main office, the
161
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
upper portion of the partition being a neat ornamental grille. The cleaning and dyeing departments are maintained in a separate building in the rear and are provided with a full equipment and good accommodations. There is a separate room for cleaning and pressing men's suits, one for women's dresses, a room for kid gloves with a special dry room, and one for lace curtains which occupies the entire floor. The work that is handled ranges all the way from heavy cloth coats and suits to the lightest curtains and evening dress mate- rials. The enclosure forms a court for receiving and shipping goods. The plant throughout is a model of completeness and is a credit to the ingenuity and skill of the owner as well as a great convenience to the people of the city.
In 1878 Mr. McLean was married at Utiea to Miss Louisa C. Bensberg, who was born in this city and is a daughter of F. M. and Barbara Margaret Bens- berg. Two children came to brighten their home, J. Fred and A. Nelson. From his boyhood Mr. MeLean has been identified with the business in which he is now engaged, and by his energy and ability has developed a large patronage and accumulated a competence. His aim has been to do honest and satis- factory work and the results indicate that he has succeeded in pleasing his patrons, at the same time building up a reputation which gives large promise for the house in the years to come. He is an active member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is in hearty sympathy with its principles of helpfulness.
EDWARD M. COUGHLIN.
Competent anthorities have often called attention to the fact that posi- tions of responsibility are waiting for persons who are properly prepared to fill them, and the experience of Edward M. Coughlin, secretary and assistant treasurer of the New York Mills Company, of New York Mills, is proof of the truth of this statement. He was born at Forestport, New York, on the 24th of September, 1872, a son of Edward and Hannah (Sheridan) Coughlin, the former of whom was born in Canada in 1832 and the latter in Ireland. The father was a farmer and lumberman and was one of the substantial citizens of the community, serving for a time as road commissioner. IIe died in 1888 and his wife passed away in 1903. In their family were seven children, John S .; Edward M .; Mary A., wife of J. M. Donlon, of Utica; Margaret A .; Eliz- abeth N .; James T .; and Catherine, deceased.
Edward M. Coughlin received his preliminary education in private schools and in the schools of Utica. His first employment was with the Pomeroy Com- pany, manufacturers of oil cloth, of Utica, and he continued his connection with this concern for seven years. Having severed his connection with the company, he became identified with the First National Bank of Utica, advancing through various positions to that of note teller. In 1903 he was appointed chief clerk of the New York Mills Company and is now serving as secretary and also as assistant treasurer of that organization. In politics he is an earnest advocate of the democratic party. He was elected trustee of the village of Yorkville
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.