USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 17
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
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Asphalt Paving Company and broke the prices for street paving, being the first man in the United States to attempt such a movement. On the 19th of February, IS95, he was appointed assistant superintendent of public works by State Superintendent Aldridge, holding the position until September 15, 1907. On the 26th of January, 1911. he was appointed postmaster to succeed Mr. Roberts and took the office on the Ist of April following. Ile has always been a representative of that public-spirited class of men who see and utilize the opportunities for promoting the general welfare, withholding his coope- ration and aid from no movement which he deems of value in promoting the best interests of the city. In his own business career he has been recognized as a man of stern integrity and honesty of purpose, who has despised all unworthy or questionable means to secure advancement or success in any under- taking or for any purpose.
WILLIAM E. WETMORE, M. D.
Dr. William E. Wetmore, whose work in surgery has elicited the attention and wakened the admiration of the profession, and at the same time has proven oľ marked value as of service to his fellowmen, began practice in 1889, im- mediately following the completion of his course in the medieal college. He was then a young man of about twenty-two years, his birth having occurred in Yorkville, New York, November 4, 1867. his parents being Ezra F. and Rosanna Walker) Wetmore. The Wetmores were among the earliest settlers of Oneida county. the family being founded here in 1784 by Amos Wetmore, who became a resident of Whitesboro. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and for meritorious service was presented a sword. which is now in possession of his grandson, Major Ezra F. Wetmore. On coming to Whitestown in 1786, Amos Wetmore purchased four hundred acres of land from Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut. and the following year established his family in their new home. lle was a cooper by trade and his son Ezra, the grandfather of Dr. Wetmore, became identified with industrial interests in this county, where he conducted a sawmill and also engaged in farming. He was born in Middletown, Con- neetient, about 1782. and was therefore only two years of age when the family came to Oneida county.
Major Ezra F. Wetmore, the doctor's father, was born in Whitestown, De- cember 8, 1820, and after pursuing his education in the common schools and the Whitestown Academy, engaged in teaching during the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to farming. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when, on the 20th of April, 1861, he volunteered for service in the Twenty-sixth New York Infantry and was elected eaptain of Company F. A contemporary biographer has given his war record as fol- lows: "He went to the front, where he was promoted major, afterwards lien- tenant colonel, and colonel by brevet. The regiment arrived in Washington, June 21, 1861, and went to Alexandria, where they constructed Fort Lyon in the winter of 1861-62, and garrisoned it until May 4. when they went to
185
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Fredericksburg, Virginia. After various maneuvers covering the period May 4 to August 9, the regiment participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain, under Brigade General Tower and General John C. Ricketts, of MeDowell's Corps, After the battle the regiment remained in the vicinity of the Rapidan four days, during which time they had been flanked by the enemy and were com- pelled to fall back to the Rappahannock, where they were engaged with the Confederates for three days, when the army fell back on the field of the see- ond battle of Bull Run, and during this period they were in the battle of Thoroughfare Gap, and constituted the rear guard of MeDowell's Corps. August 30 the regiment participated in the second battle of Bull Run, and September 1, the battle of Chantilly. During this period of nine days, the Twenty-sixth Regiment was under constant fire from the enemy's guns, and lost heavily. In the second battle of Bull Run the regiment was thrown into the enemy's lines, and a hand to hand contest ensued, in which the regiment lost three captains. They fell back to Centreville, and on September 5, in a skirmish at Ilall's TIill, the enemy was driven back. September 14 they fought the battle of South Mountain, ascending an almost perpendienlar height, driving the rebels from the position, and following them up met them at the battle of Antietam, September 17. The regiment was on the march from this time until the battle of Fredericksburg, in which it participated, December 13, 1862. May 3d the regiment arrived on the battlefield of Chancellorsville, in which fight they took part, and captured detachments from the enemy about equal to their own number. At night, hearing a noise, Major Wetmore ealled for officers to reconnoiter, and none volunteering, he took three men himself and they captured a prisoner, and while returning to camp, they came across four others whom the major marehed into the Union lines. Major Wetmore was commanding officer in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Freder- ricksburg and Chancellorsville, and although he was under constant fire and participated with his regiment in the hottest scenes of the war, he was never wounded, although struck by halls, when his equipments saved him from in- jury. At the roll call of Fredericksburg, there were only forty men and offi- cers to respond. May 29, 1863, the major was mustered out of service, his term having expired in April."
Major Wetmore wedded Rosanna Walker, of Whitestown, and they became the parents of a son and daughter, the latter being Elizabeth J. Wetmore. The son, Dr. William E. Wetmore, was educated in Whitestown Seminary and in the New York University Medical College, from which he received his profes- sional degree in 1889. His first active service was in the Blackwell Island Hospital and subsequently he joined the staff of St. Elizabeth's Hospital, at Utica, remaining in that position for several years and still acting as a visit- ing physician to the institution. In later years, however, his attention has been largely devoted to private practice, which has continually grown in volume and importance. He is engaged quite extensively in surgical practice and as both physician and surgeon has won high rank. He belongs to the American Med- ical Association, the New York State Medical Society, the Oneida County Med- ical Society, the Utica Medical Library Association and was a charter member of the Utiea Medical Club.
1-6
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Dr. Wetmore was married June 20, 1894. to Miss Harriet Elizabeth MeGill, a daughter of James and Harriet MeGill. of Yorkville, New York. To them was born one child that is deceased. In politics Dr. Wetmore is a republican and in all matters of citizenship manifests a publie-spirited devotion to the general good. He is prominent in Masonry, having taken the degrees of the Royal Arch chapter, the commandery and of shriner. The doctor is also a member of the Utica Lodge, No. 33, B. P. O. E. He spends his vacations in hunting and fishing, finding therein needed rest and recreation from ardu- ous professional duties. He represents one of the old historie families of the county, of which he, his mother and sister are now the only representatives in this section of the state. He is prominent both professionally and otherwise and it is therefore meet that he be mentioned among the leading residents of Utica and Oneida county.
MISS KATE L. CANDEE.
The active and valuable part which members of the Candee family have taken in promoting the progress and welfare of Oneida county makes it im- perative that their history be recorded in these annals. Behind Miss Candee is an ancestry long and honorable. connecting the family with early colonial events. The first representative of the name in America was John Candee, who established his home in New England in 1639, settling at Boston, Massachu- setts, while in 1650 he removed to Windsor. Connectient. At Oxford. Con- neetient. lived Zaccheus Candee, of whom the Hon. Julius Candee. grand- father of Miss Candee, was a descendant in the fifth generation. He was also a descendant in the seventh generation of Richard Osborn. an English ancestor. who settled in Fairfield county. Connectient.
It was the llon. Julius C'andee who became the founder of the family in Oneida county, remaining for sixty-five years an honored resident of Water- ville. lle was born at Oxford, Connecticut, on the 19th of February. 1800, and was a youth of fifteen years when. in 1815. he established his home in the Empire state. Fourteen years later he became closely connected with mercantile interests, conducting his store along safe, conservative lines and at the same time in accordance with the progressive spirit of the age. In 1855 he admitted his son William B. Candee to a partnership under the firm style of Candee & Son and this remained one of the oldest and most honored busi- ness firms of the state until the death of JJulins Candee in 1880. His mer- cantile interests. however, did not constitute the extent of his activities, for he became a member of the first board of directors of the Bank of Waterville, was chosen its vice president in 1>38 and afterward filled the office of bank president for twenty-two years. Ilis sound judgment, keen discrimination and capable management were active factors in its successful control and the in- stitution became not only a source of profit to the stockholders, but a promi- nent feature in the financial stability of Oneida county. In political circles Julius Candee was equally well known and his personal ability and public
1
Bran B. Gander
A
189
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
spirit led to his selection in Oneida county as its representative in 1846 in the state constitutional convention of New York. Ile took active part in the diseus- sions which arose in framing the organic law of the state and fearlessly supported every measure and movement which he deemed of value and worth to the commonwealth. ITis Christian faith was manifest in his membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he served as elerk and most of the time from 1852 until his death acted as church treasurer. He passed away on the 2d of July, 1880, and in his passing the community lost one of its representative citizens-a man who was faultless in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. In 1826 he had married Miss Lucia M. Osborn, the eldest dauglı- ter of Amos Osborn, and they became the parents of four children, all of whom are now deceased, namely : Julius; Lucia Catherine, who was the wife of Edward MeCamus, of Schenectady, New York; William Benjamin; and Amos D. W.
The second son, William Benjamin Candee, the father of Miss Kate Candee, was the worthy suecessor of the Hon. Julius Candee in his commercial activity and also in public service. His birth occurred in Waterville, New York, on the 16th of May, 1831, and after attending the public schools of his home town he pursued a preparatory course in the Clinton Liberal Institute, which qualified him for entrance to Hamilton College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1852. He afterward took up the study of law and was ad- mitted to the bar but never engaged in the practice of the profession although his knowledge of the law was of inestimable value to him in the conduct of important business affairs in later years. In 1855, when twenty-four years of age, he was admitted to a partnership in the mercantile enterprise which his father had established twenty-six years before. As previously stated, this association was maintained uninterruptedly and with the utmost harmony until the father's death in 1880. William B. Candee then became the pro- prietor of the business, which he conducted until 1884, when he withdrew from commercial pursuits. For fifty-five years the name of Candee had figured prominently in connection with mercantile interests in Waterville and had been synonymous with the idea of righteousness and honor. During the greater part of his business life William B. Candee remained a chosen, safe and trusted bank officer and in other connections won a substantial measure of success so that at the time of his death he was numbered among the most substantial citizens of his district. Toward those less fortunate he was kind and generous and, as true worth could always win his regard, he had an extensive circle of friends. Ile occupied a high position in the esteem of his fellowmen and the most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorably and worthily had it been won. He passed away on the 25th of March, 1886, and later Mrs. Candee, his widow, erected a handsome building known as the Candee block and so named in his memory. This structure, built upon the site of the old store in which he and his father had so long carried on business, is the largest and finest business bloek in Waterville. One who knew Mr. Candee well said : "His character was free from all taint and his whole life pure, earnest and exemplary." In every relation of life he was true and loyal and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. lle was a prudent
190
INSTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
and faithful member of the school board and of the cemetery association and at his death the board of education of Waterville passed resolutions attest- ing his "constant and faithful service since the organization of the board." Of the Episcopal church he was long a faithful communieant and vestryman and his life in its varied relations was the expression of his Christian belief. When he passed away all the business places of Waterville were closed during the time of the funeral services "out of genuine respect to the memory of one who for many years was prominently and closely identified with the business interests of the village and, indeed, with everything that has contributed to the true and abiding welfare of the place." Thus wrote one of the local papers and the article continued: "It was fitting that his business associates, the young men whom he had counseled and assisted, and the public generally whom he had always treated with respect and consideration should pause from the activities of life while the last sad funeral rites were observed and his mortal remains were laid at rest." At different times he had suffered from ill health but, notwithstanding his pain, he remained ever patient and kindly, thinking always of the welfare and comfort of others. Ilis salient traits of character were the exemplication of a high and noble spirit which endeared him to all.
It was on the 23d of December, 1857, that William B. Candee was united in marriage to Miss Louise Newberry, the ceremony being performed at De- troit, Michigan. In that city Mrs. Candee was born February 7, 1834, a daughter of Henry Newberry, a Detroit merchant. Losing her mother in early life, she made her home with her aunt Mrs. Daniel Clark, of Greene, New York. She survived her husband for almost two decades and passed away on the 14th of June, 1905. In their family were four children. Harry New- berry Candee, the eldest, born November 9, 1858, was drowned on the 12th of May. 1894. He was a graduate of Hamilton College of the class of 1880 and had married Miss Lou Holcomb, by whom he had two children, Ruth and William Harry. Lucia Clark Candee, the second of the family, is the wife of Watson S. Hawkins, editor of the Waterville Times. Miss Kate Louise Candee is the third in order of birth and the youngest was Julius Warner Candee, who was born January 8, 1873. and on the 7th of November, 1909, passed away.
DANIEL P. BECKER.
Sheriff Daniel P. Becker, of Oneida county, comes of good Teutonie an- cestry on both sides of the house and in the course of an active and useful career has shown many of the admirable traits of that nationality. He was born at Utica. February 1, 1863, and is a son of Christian and Catharine (Ehres- mann Becker, both natives of Germany. They came to Utiea about 1848 and have ever since lived in this city.
Mr. Becker of this review was the youngest of six sons in his father's family. He received his early education in the publie schools of this eity and then, indulging in the almost irresistible desire to see the world which mani-
191
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
fests itself in young men, went west, where he remained a year. Ilaving satis- fied his curiosity and learned considerable about the extent and possibilities of the great republic, he returned home and began learning the butcher's trade. From the time he reached the age of twenty-six years he has been pro- prietor of a meat market on Bleecker street, a line of business in which he gained a goodly measure of success and with which he is still identified. From his early manhood he has taken an active interest in polities, being an advocate of the platforms and principles of the republican party. He worked hard for his friends but never asked for any office upon his own aecount until 1909, when he became a candidate for sheriff of Oneida county. An evidence of his pop. ularity is shown in the faet that, although the county normally gives a republi- ean majority, only two candidates on the ticket in 1909 were elected, Mr. Becker being one of them. He received a majority of two thousand, six hun- dred and fifty votes. He has discharged his duties faithfully and the voters find that they made no mistake in selecting him as their choice for one of the most responsible positions in the county.
Mr. Becker was married to Miss Anna Princ, of Sangerfield, Oneida county, who died in December, 1904, leaving four children, Elizabeth, Margaret, Almeda and Mary. Mr. Becker was early introduced to labor and has been through life industrious and enterprising, setting a worthy example to young men who aspire to accomplish noble objects. Ile is largely a self-made man, having depended upon his own efforts for what he has accomplished. Recognized as entirely honest and reliable, he has attempted to discharge the duties of the responsible office he now holds with the same zeal and fidelity that he dis- played in private business, and in the opinion of his friends he has most ad- mirably succeeded.
GEORGE IRELAND.
The grocery business has engaged the activities of George Ireland, who is one of the well known residents of the village of New Hartford, since 1893. Mr. Ireland is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Leicestershire on the 7th of January, 1843, and a son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Bunney) Ireland. The parents emigrated from the mother country to Ameriea in 1848, in which year they settled in New Hartford.
Being but a lad of five years, when he left his native land and settled in the United States with his parents, George Ireland has spent practically his entire life in Oneida county. His education was acquired in the public schools of this village, but owing to the size of the family and their limited income he was early compelled to become a wage-earner and laying aside his school books at the age of ten years he sought employment in the Capron cotton factory. For eighteen years thereafter he remained a member of its foree, but in 1871 he withdrew to become associated with his brother, Henry Ireland, in the ope- ration of a knitting factory. Disposing of his interest in the latter he estab- lished a market garden in the cultivation of which he continued to be engaged
192
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
until 1893 when he opened the grocery store with which he continues to be identified.
New Hartford was the scene of the marriage on the 17th of November, I>69. of Mr. Ireland and Miss Susannah Hlinch, a native of this village and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Lonsberry ) Hinch. Three sons have been born to them, namely : George IL .. Charles Il. and Frank G.
The church affiliation of the family has always been with the Methodist denomination, while his political support Mr. Ireland has accorded the candi- dates of the republican party ever since casting his first ballot. lle takes an active interest in municipal affairs, but has never filled any office in the township save that of path master, his entire time and attention being needed for the development of his personal interests. Although he has attained the age of sixty-eight years Mr. Ireland is to be found at his place of business every day, as alert and active as many a man of middle age.
DANIEL G. SNYDER.
A well known and favorably regarded citizen of Oriskany is Daniel G. Snyder. the proprietor of Snyder's Hotel. He is a native of Oneida county having been born in Utica on the 28th of January. 1846. and a son of Daniel and Sarah Snyder. The father was a native of Alsace. Germany (then France), and the mother of Prussia, from which countries they emigrated to the United States with their parents who settled on farms in Deerfield township in 1832. where they spent the remainder of their days. In I>44 Daniel and Sarah Snyder were married and about two years thereafter came to Oriskany with John Snyder, remaining here about two years. At the expiration of that period they removed to Rome where Mr Snyder engaged in the shoe business until 1563. then went to l'tica and conducted a cafe at Seneca street and Towpath for a year. Ile subsequently purchased the property at the corner of State and Colombia streets where he continued his business until 1871. when he dis- posed of his establishment and invested largely in Utica city property. Mrs. Synder passed away in Utica in 1893 and was laid to rest in Forest Hill come- tery. Daniel then came to Oriskany and lived with his son Daniel G .. until his demise in 1895.
The education of Daniel G. Snyder was acquired in the red schoolhouse on the canal in Rome and after its completion he became associated with his father in business. This connection continned until the 3d of March, 1891. when Mr. Snyder came to Oriskany and bought a small hotel which he condueted for about two years then purchased his present location. In October, 1894, he be- gan the erection of his present building, which is a large frame structure he has occupied since March 1, 1895, maintaining it as a first-class up-to-date hotel.
On the >th of September, 1566, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Kohline, and of this union was born one daughter. Mamie, who mar- ried Charles A. Harrer. of Utica. On the 16th of September, 1877. Mr. Snyder
193
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Frederica Erhardt, of Utica, and unto them were born the following: Lorreta, who passed away on the 5th of April, 1891, and was buried in Forest Hill cemetery; and Lilliam J., the wife of Frank Snyder, who died in Utica on the 23d of November, 1910, also buried in Forest Hill; Clara, who was born on the 16th of July, 1886, the wife of Fred Martin; and Freda, born on the 11th of November, 1895, at home with her parents.
Mr. Snyder is a member of the New York State Hotel Men's Association, and white residing in Rome was a member of the fire company and also be- longed to the Utica Volunteer Fire Department until it was changed to a city department. Ile now belongs to the Utica Exempt Firemen's Association, his certificate bearing the signature of Mayor J. S. Sherman. In politics he has always remained independent, giving his support to such candidates as he con- sidered best qualified for the offices regardless of party affiliation. He has ever taken an active interest in municipal affairs but has always firmly re- fused to accept either an office or nomination. A man of genial and affable nature as well as pleasing personality Mr. Snyder has many friends by whom he is highly regarded.
FRED ELTON PAYNE.
The present postmaster of Clinton, Fred Elton Payne, is a native of Oneida county, having been born in Prospect on the 21st of December, 1853. ITis parents were Fred and Adeline (Vincent) Payne, the father a native of Oneida and the mother of Herkimer county. The paternal ancestors came to America prior to the Revolution, a great-uncle of Fred Elton Payne, Daniel Payne, hav- ing participated in the war for independence.
The early years in the life of Fred Elton Payne were spent in his native village in the public schools of which he obtained his preliminary edueation. After the completion of his course he entered the Fairfield Aeademy following which he attended a private school in New Jersey and spent a year in the law department of Hamilton College. In 1870, having attained the age of sixteen years, Mr. Payne began his career as a teacher in the rural schools of Herki- mer county. From 1875 to 1887-as reporter on the Jersey City Evening Journal-during the Centennial at Philadelphia Mr. Payne was connected with his unele, S. W. Payne, in furnishing news through the bureau of correspond- enee of affairs concerning the Centennial. IIe then accepted the principalship of the Oriskany Falls high school, which position he held for nine years. He withdrew from teaching in 1887 to become school commissioner and justice of the peace, being identified with these offices for about six years. At the ex- piration of that period he went on the road as salesman for a publishing house, selling high-school and college text-books. continuing in this position until 1898, at which time he was appointed postmaster of Clinton.
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.