USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 19
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
The record of such a life is its own best commentary. Of unquestioned integrity, an excellent neighbor, a faithful friend, a useful and enterprising citizen, diligent in business, honoring all the obligations of religion, unosten- tatious and patriotic, he needs no eulogy in a community where for half a cen-
204
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
tury he lived a quiet and exemplary life. He passed away in January, ISSO, while the demise of his wife occurred in July, 1898. Mrs. Louise G. Schantz is their only surviving child.
SAMUEL E. SCHANTZ, M. D.
Dr. Samuel E. Schantz was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, and was a graduate of a medical college of Toronto and Harvard University. He began his professional career, however, in the United States. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted as a surgeon but was obliged to leave the front at the end of two years' service, having contracted eamp fever. He became as- sistant to John P. Gray in the State Hospital at Utica and in 1868 was made superintendent of the State Hospital of Minnesota, to which state he took his bride. Miss Louise G. Graham, a native of Utica, whom he had wedded on the 21st of May, Ists. He died the same year at St. Peter, Minnesota, on August 22d and Mrs. Schantz returned to Utica, where she has resided continuously since. On occasion of his untimely demise one of the local papers comments as follows: "Dr. Samuel E. Schantz was called two years since to be super- intendent of the Minnesota Hospital for the Insane. He was discharging his difficult and responsible office with great success and his death is announeed by the seenlar papers of the state in terms of profound regret. Of a cultured mind, a kind heart, and gentle manners he attraeted the regard of all he met." Mrs. Schantz has one daughter. Mrs. Cornelia Graham Mackenzie, of Eliza- beth, New Jersey.
JOHN MERIX LAW.
During the twenty years of his residence in New Hartford, John Merix Law. who is conducting a market in the village, has been identified with the meat interests here. A native of Oneida county, Mr. Law was born in Vernon on the 4th of January, 1858, and is a son of William and Mary (Coppins) Law, natives of England.
Reared in the town where he was born JJohn Merix Law aequired his educa- tion in the public schools which he continued to attend until he was seventeen years of age when he began his business career by accepting employment in one of the mills in Jamesville. He withdrew from this occupation at the ex- piration of three years to go into the meat business in Vernon Center, con- tinuing to be identified with this occupation for thirteen years. Coming to New Hartford in 1891 he took a position with Theodore Dixon with whom he remained for three years when he became associated with B. Frank Lonsdale in the retail meat business. This connection continued until 1901 when Mr. Law purchased his partner's interest and engaged in business for himself. Mr.
8. E. Schautz
1
1
207
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Law is also interested in real estate and building in New Hartford, his efforts in both directions meeting with good returns.
On the 4th of January, 1883, Mr. Law was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Vann of Clinton, a daughter of James and Emily (Toomer) Vann, natives of England. Three children, two sons and a daughter, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Law : Gertrude G., who married William Service, of New Hartford; J. Fred; and Vann Ray.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally Mr. Law is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America, having filled all of the chairs in the latter organization. Independent in politics, he gives his support to the man he feels is best adapted for the position, re- gardless of party affiliation. Mr. Law is a progressive business man, and as such recognizes the need of keeping in touch with the other retail dealers in the county and this he does through the medium of the Retail Butchers Asso- ciation of Utica of which he is a member. Thrift and energy have been the prominent characteristics of Mr. Law, who has made a success of his various undertakings while a resident of New Hartford and has become recognized as one of the substantial business men of the village.
HION. FREDERICK H. HAZARD.
Oneida has produced many men and women who have reflected high credit upon the county and have assisted nobly in advancing the permanent interests of the republic. Many natives of this county are to be found in western and southern states but others preferred to cast their lot nearer home and amidst familiar scenes to work out their destiny. Among this number is Frederick H. HIazard, now serving as county judge of Oneida county. Ile was born at the town of Marcy, May 19, 1865, and is a son of George C. and Elizabeth (Deck) Hazard. The father was born at Marey and the mother in Alsaee, France. Grandfather John P. Hazard came from Kingston, Rhode Island, and settled in Oneida county, New York, at an early day. He was a farmer and became a prominent man in the community, serving as justice of the peace. The father of our subject is also a farmer and has served as justice of the peace in the town of Marcy.
Frederick H. Hazard was reared under the genial influences of a happy home and early was made acquainted with the duties pertaining to agriculture. He received his preliminary education in the rural schools and later became a student of Whitestown Seminary. In 1886, being then twenty-one years of age, he took up the study of law in the office of Seymour & Weaver, of Utica, and three years later was admitted to the bar. He began practice in Utica and was a partner of Henry A. Doolittle until the death of the latter, after which time he practiced alone. He acquired a large and lucrative clientele and gained a prominent place at the bar as one of the highly successful lawyers of Utica. Ile proved an able advocate and counselor and was engaged in many of the most important cases tried in the courts. He never failed to secure the
208
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
closest attention of judge or jury and also commanded the deep respect of his brother practitioners, who found him a worthy opponent. In November, 1910, he was elected county judge, which position he is now acceptably filling.
On the 2d of February, 1891, JJudge Hazard was married to Miss Eliza- beth Jones, a daughter of J. E. and Sarah J. (Jones, Jones, of Utica, and to this union three children have been born, Hazel 1., Frederick G. and Howard 11. Judge Hazard has from the time of reaching his majority east his ballot in support of the democratic party, whose principles and platforms he heartily indorses. He is a valued member of the Masonic order and also of the Ma- sonic Club and the Royal Arcanum. He and his family attend the Westminster church. A good lawyer, he has proven to be an impartial judge and a clear and fair interpreter of the law. Ile has had an extensive acquaintance with human nature in its many phases and few men are better qualified to discharge the duties of the important position of county judge more acceptably than the honorable gentleman whose name introduces this review.
II. FRANK PRESTON, M. D.
In addition to the large practice he enjoys in Utiea. Dr. H. Frank Preston owns and conduets a sanitarium and winter resort in Cuba, where he has a very attractive estate. A native of Chenango county, New York, his natal day was the 7th of November, 1863; his parents were William and Electra (Burdick) Preston, the father a successful building contractor.
Ilis preliminary edneation Dr. Preston acquired in the public schools of his native county, after which he attended the Homer, Burlington and Han- over, Vermont Academies. He then matriculated at the medieal department of Dartmouth College, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1888. Returning to Burlington, Vermont, he entered a hospital there where he remained as interne for a year. At the expiration of that time he went to Lewis county, New York, locating in Turin, where he successfully engaged in general practice for six years. From there he came to Utica, where he has ever since maintained an office.
Dr. Preston married Miss Anna C. MeFarland, and to them were born three sons, two of whom are living; Kenneth, who was born in 1904; and Keith Bur- diek, whose birth occurred in 1907, while Frank, Jr., died in Cuba in February, 1911.
Dr. Preston affiliates with the Baptist and Mrs. Preston with the Presby- terian church. Fraternally he is identified with the Royal Areamim, Macea- bees and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. being the ranking member of the latter organization in Oneida county. His political support he gives to the candidates of the republican party, but does not actively participate in municipal affairs, his sanitarium and general practice absorbing the greater part of his time and attention. While a resident of Lewis county, however, he always prominently participated in all political affairs, being the successful candidate on the republican ticket in 1894 for the office of eoroner. Dr. Pres-
209
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
ton keeps in touch with the members of his profession through the medium of bis connection with the American Medical Association, New York State Medi- cal Association and the Oneida and Lewis County Medical Societies. During the period of his residence in this city Dr. Preston has met with a very grati- fying degree of success and is highly regarded both socially and professionally.
WILLIAM C. GRAY.
The papers and magazines of the present day are full of suggestions for attaining success in business. A careful analyzation of all such will indicate the fact that intelligently directed industry and perseverance are at the basis of all honorable advancement and that the self-made successful men of the present day are those who have based their rise upon diligence and determina- tion. Snel has been the record of William C. Gray, now proprietor of the Renovating and Carpet Cleaning Works of Utica. He was born at Frankfort Hill, Herkimer county, New York, May 3, 1852, a son of Louis II. and Eliza- beth (Wineur) Gray. The mother died when her son William was but four years old and when the father enlisted for service in the Federal army in 1861, the boy was bound out to a Herkimer county farmer, with whom he re- mained until twenty-one years of age, working in the fields through the sum- mer months and attending school in the winter seasons. Ile early came to realize the value of earnest, persistent effort, and laudable ambition prompted him to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way.
On attaining his majority he removed to Utica and entered the employ of John O. Jones, a grocer, who was succeeded by the present firm of John O. Jones Sons. Mr. Gray remained in that establishment for two years and then opened a meat market on John street on the little plot of ground where now stands the bust of IIoratio Seymour. The business was successfully conducted for two years, after which Mr. Gray closed out the store and purchased the small renovating shop of Thomas MeBride, then on Hotel street, taking Mr. George D. Martin into partnership. Ilere the firm continued four years, dur- ing which time the business rapidly inereased, demanding more spacious quar- ters, so they erected a three-story building on the corner of James and Nelson streets, where they continued for twenty-two years. In 1906 Mr. Gray pur- chased the old Oneida county jail and converted it into what is his present large factory on 174 Mohawk street. Mr. Gray has also a manufacturing plant at Ilion and one at Rochester, which is even of a greater capacity than the Utiea works. He has reduced carpet cleaning to an art. It is a business re- quiring modern machinery and experienced operators who have been origina- tors. Mr. Gray has closely studied the business, its needs and its possibilities and is the patentee of most of the machinery used in his model establishment. Ilis inventive genius has resulted in the production of machinery that cleans, a new process that removes every partiele of dust and yet does no injury to carpets or floors. It is a compressed air process and their establishment is the only plant in Utiea and Rochester indorsed by the New York Journal of
210
HHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Health. The plant is forty-eight by one hundred and thirty feet, equipped with the most modern machinery, and the business extends throughont the en- tire state. Three anto delivery trueks are used besides horses and wagons for local collection and distribution. Mr. Gray has the contract for cleaning the carpets and rugs at the state capitol of Albany and an extensive patronage is accorded him in various parts of New York. He is also the inventor and manufacturer of leather mattresses and during the first year in which he placed his mattress upon the market ( 1910) he sold three thousand of them. showing that he is giving to the publie something of value and worth. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has made judicious investments in prop- erty and is now an extensive owner of city real estate and several apartment buildings.
On September 10, 1878, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Benita L. Ross, of Newport, New York, and they have three children: Ross, born in May, 1892, now deceased; Evelina M., born May 28. 1895; and Alma Ruth, whose birth occurred in 1897. Mr. Gray and his family are members of the Tabernacle Baptist church. with which he has been identified for a quarter of a century, taking aetive part in various lines of church work and serving for many years as a teacher in the Sunday school. Mrs. Gray, deeply interested in church matters and active in social affairs, is first vice president of the Woman's Chris- tion Temperance Union and holds the same office in the ladies auxiliary of the Sons of Veterans. Mr. Gray organized the Baraea Society in the church and is also a member of the Sons of Veterans Camp. in which he has held all of the chairs, while for two terms he served as division chaplain of the state asso- ciation. His political views were long in accord with the principles of the republican party but for some years he has been an advocate of the prohibition party and was its candidate for mayor several times, although withont expecta- tion of being elected. His influence is always on the side of right and progress, of justice, truth, reform and improvement, and while he has builded wisely and well in a business way, in character building he has done equally efficient and admirable work.
WILLIAM BAILEY.
William Bailey, whose demise occurred on the 23d of December, 1892, spent the last thirty-five years of his life in honorable retirement at Utiea, enjoying the competenee which he had won during an active and successful busi- ness career. His birth occurred in Utica on the 12th of March, 1818, his father being John Bailey, one of the pioneer settlers of that eity. His preliminary education, obtained in the public schools of Utiea, was supplemented by a course of study in Cazenovia Academy. In 1835 William Bailey removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he was associated in business with his brother, Robert Bailey. While in Cleveland he took up the study of dentistry and praetieed that profession for a brief period. During his residence in Ohio he joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was active in organizing many lodges
213
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
in that state. In 1846 he returned to Utica and was engaged in the jewelry business in association with his brothers, Thomas and James, until 1851, when he retired from the firm. Two years later he removed to Sacramento, Cali- fornia, where James Bailey had established a jewelry store some time before. William Bailey purchased an interest in the business in 1854 and remained a factor in its successful control until 1857, when he returned to Utica, spend- ing the remainder of his life in retirement.
On the 19th of April, 1855, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Thompson, her father being Jesse Thompson, a prominent financier of Utica. Mr. Thompson eame from Connecticut with ox teams and loads of goods, purchasing and loeating on a farm on Paris Hill. Ile married Irene Babbitt, also a representative of a family that was established on Paris Hill in an early day. Their children were as follows: Milton, who is deceased; LaMott; Mortimer G. and Jesse, both of whom have passed away; and Mrs. Bailey. The Thompsons were a prominent and highly respected family. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born three children, namely: Clark S., who is a resident of Birmingham, Alabama; Mrs. Jessie French, of Utica; and Irene, who died a few years ago. The first district nurses' school in Utica was founded and endowed by Mrs. Bailey in memory of her daughter Irene Thomp- son Bailey ; direeted in homeopathie lines, it has done more good than any other institution of its kind in the state. Mr. Bailey was devotedly attached to his family, deeming no personal sacrifice too great if it would enhance the welfare and happiness of his wife and children. Mrs. Bailey has a host of warm friends in Utica, her many good traits of heart and mind having en- cleared her to all with whom she has come in contact.
ARTHUR PRESTON CLARK, M. D.
The medical fraternity of New Hartford finds an able representative in the person of Dr. Arthur Preston Clark, who for the past six years has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this village. He is a native of this state, having been born at Adams, Jefferson county, on the 31st of July, 1880, and is a son of Preston and Frances (Cory) Clark.
Preston Clark, the father, was killed when our subject was only six months old and when one year of age the family moved to Jordan, Onondaga county, where Arthur Preston Clark received his early education at the Jordan high school. After graduating he entered Union College at Schenectady, New York. Following the completion of his course in the latter institution he matriculated at the Albany Medical College, being awarded the degree of doctor of medicine with the class of 1905. He subsequently came to New Hartford where he es- tablished an office and began the practice of his profession. He has met with more than average success during the six years of his residence here, having built up a very good general practice. An excellent student and conscientious men, he is readily becoming recognized as a competent and thoroughly reliable practitioner. He is the fortunate possessor of a strong as well as sympathetic
211
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
and pleasing personality, and believing absolutely in the efficacy of the school he represents as well as his own ability, he inspires that confidence in his pa- tients which enables them to rely implicitly upon his diagnosis and method of treatment.
Watertown. New York, was the scene of the marriage, on the 31st of Au- gust, 1905, of Dr. Clark and Miss Mabel Angeline Robinson, a daughter of Orin J. and Florence J. Robinson. Three children have been born of this union, two daughters and a son: Florence Elizabeth, Preston Robinson and Mildred Frances.
The church affiliation of Dr. and Mrs. Clark is with the Methodist Episco- pal denomination of this village. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, now holding the office of Senior Warden. Amicable Lodge, No. 664, 1. F. & A. M., the Modern Woodmen of America and the Maccabees. Through the medium of the Oneida County Medical Society. St. Luke's Medical Society, New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association as well as the Medical Library Association of U'tica, Dr. Clark maintains relations with the members of his profession. Ile is also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, having joined that organization when attending Union College, and of the Firemen's Association. A republican in politics he gives his support to the candidates of that body, but his only official position has been that of health officer which he has now held for four years. Unusual success has at- tended the efforts of Dr. Clark, who in addition to his constantly increasing general practice has been appointed surgeon of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Railroad.
WINFIELD B. CAPRON. D. D. S.
Among the younger representatives of professional life in Utica is num- bered Dr. Winfield B. Capron, whose age has seemed no bar to the attainment of recognition in dental circles here. Ile is one of Oneida county's native sons. being born in the town of Lee. on the 20th of January, 1881. His parents. Jay and Cornelia A. Spencer) Capron, were also born in the town of Lee. this eounty. Hle acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of Rome and graduated from the Rome Free Academy in 1900. ITis professional training was received in the University of Buffalo Dental School. He was graduated therefrom in 1903, with the D. D. S. degree. receiving honors, and in the same year opened an office for practice in Utica, this city since remain- ing the scene of his activity. From the first he has been successful in his chosen life work and is now accorded a large patronage which is constantly increasing in volume and importance as his efficieney has become known. His offices, located in rooms 4 and 5. Clarendon Building. are well appointed in every respect and are thoroughly equipped with all of the modern appliances known to the art of dentistry.
Dr. Capron was married, April 25, 1911. to Miss Martha Maholm Reed. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gardner Reed. of Des Moines. Iowa. With
215
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
his wife he attends the Graec Episcopal church, of which the latter is a mem- ber, and he belongs to the Arcanum Club of Utiea. He is an alunmus of the Xi P'si Phi, a Greek letter fraternity which he joined during his college days, when he took an active part in its affairs. In polities he is a republican where national (mestions are at issue, but in local matters supports that independent movement which does not recognize machine rule or party dictation, but stands for the best men and most desirable measures. IIe is deeply interested in the various phases of community life and in citizenship is active, progressive and publie-spirited. Ile has never sought nor desired office for himself, however, for, being greatly devoted to his profession, he has preferred to concentrate his energies upon his practice, and his elose application thereto is one of the secrets of his present snecess. Ile has just reached the thirtieth milestone on life's journey, and the important character which his practice has already assumed augurs well for a bright future.
JACOB AGNE.
Jacob Agne, who enjoys more than local reputation as an architect, espe- cially in the field of designing and constructing residences and school build- ings, has indeed made for himself a ereditable position in the business circles of Utica, his native city. Ile was born March 13, 1859, a son of Jacob Agne, a native of Rhein-Bavaria, whose birth occurred near Zweibrücken, within a few miles of the spot where the French attempted to eross the line during the Franco-Prussian war. ITis wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Schlamp, was born in the grand-duchy of Hessen-Darmstadt, near Bingen-on- the-Rhine. Following their emigration to America they became residents of Utica and while spending his youthful days under the parental roof Jacob Agne, Jr., attended the public schools and thus laid the foundation for his success in later life. He took up the study of architecture under William II. Hamilton of this city and left his employ to enter the service of builders, with whom he was associated for two years. He next became acquainted with A. I. Simmons, an architect, and during the three years spent in Mr. Simmons' office perfected himself in the practical work of the profession. Ambitious, how- ever, to engage in business on his own account, he started out independently and within a few years had gained an enviable reputation through his ability as manifest in the attractive appearance of the buildings erected according to his plans and under his supervision, and various important contracts for not- able buildings have been awarded him.
On the 16th of January, 1894, Mr. Agne was united in marriage to Miss Katharine Roberts, a daughter of Henry Roberts, a hardware merchant of Utica, and to them has been born a son, Henry Roberts Agne. In his fraternal relations Mr. Agne is a Mason and is also connected with the Royal Arcanum and a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as chairman of the excise board of Utica, and in 1894 received from Mayor Gibson appointment to the
216
IJISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
city civil service commission. Ile manifests a public-spirited devotion to the general good and cooperates intelligently and effectively in many movements instituted to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city along lines of material, political, social and moral progress.
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.