USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 20
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THOMAS WILLIAM MARKS.
Thomas William Marks, who is manager of the Rice Coal Company of New Hartford, Oneida county, New York, is a native of this county, having been born at Oriskany on the 25th of May, 1852, being a son of John R. and Martha (Reese) Marks, natives of Wales.
The early education of Thomas William Marks was obtained in the public schools of his native village. This was later supplemented by a course in the Whitestown Seminary from which institution he was graduated in 1876. Af- ter completing his education Mr. Marks taught in distriet No. 10 of New Hart- ford for three years, withdrawing at the expiration of that time to once more identify himself with agricultural pursuits. In 1887 he engaged in the gro- cery business in this village continuing to be connected with that occupation until 1905 when he entered the employ of the George W. Rice Coal Company.
Mr. Marks was married on the 6th of October. 1575. to Miss Mary Elizabeth Osborn, their union being solemnized in New Hartford. Mrs. Marks is a daughter of Chandler and Doreas Allen Osborn, who were residents of the village. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Marks: Charles Joseph ; Howard Burton; Martha Loving, who married Ward L. Cook ; and Nellie Jane.
The family have always been earnest and active members of the Presby- terian church of which Mr. Marks has been a trustee and choir master. while he is also superintendent of the Sunday school, which position he has held for sixteen years. Through his affiliation with the prohibition party. for whose candidates he always casts his ballot, Mr. Marks manifests his views on the liquor traffic. He is a public-spirited man and always takes an active interest in local polities, having served as treasurer of the village for two years, as well as in other capacities. In addition to all of his other duties he acts as secretary of the Greenlawn Cemetery Association. Mr. Marks and his family are well regarded in the village and take an active part in the church and social circles of the community.
ALBERT II. SMITHI, M. D.
Dr. Albert H. Smith, physician and surgeon of Camden. was born January 25. 1>53. in the town which is still his home, his parents being Samuel L. and Luey A. (Munson) Smith. The father's birth occurred in Camden, March 16, 1822. and the mother was here born on the 6th of September. 1827. The former was a son of Iliram Smith, who was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, October 6,
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1793, and came to Camden on the 1st of June, 1800, with his father, Eldad Smith, so that five generations of the family have been here represented. The great-grandfather of our subject was born July 23, 1768, at Litchfield, Con- necticut, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, purehasing and culti- vating a farm in Camden township. His son, Hiram Smith, attended the district school of that township during the winter months and upon the death of his father in 1810 took up the work of the farm which he carried on for a very long period, retiring about two years before his death, which occurred July 20, 1860. He served with the Camden Company in the war of 1812 and was at Sacket Harbor. His political views accorded with the principles of the whig party and his religions faith was that of the Congregational church. In his family were five children: Sarah Ann, now deceased; Samuel L., who is living at Westdale; Arma C., deceased; Henry Eldad, who passed away in 1854; and Alfred Hiram, also deceased.
Samuel L. Smith attended the schools of Camden township during the win- ter months and always worked on the farm of the old homestead, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the property. For many years he had care- fully tilled his fields and harvested his erops, which brought to him a good financial return. On the 23d of February, 1897, his wife died, and he is now living on the old home farm which was formerly in West Camden. He, too, votes with the republican party and has filled the office of assessor. He holds membership with the Presbyterian church, of which he has served as trustee and elder, and his wife also had been active in church work. It was on the 16th of September, 1845, that he wedded Lucy A. Munson and unto them were born five children: George II., now deceased; Lucius S., living at Westdale, Camden township; Albert Il., Annis A., and Arma A., the last two residing at Westdale.
In the acquirement of his education Dr. Smith, of this review, attended sue- cessively the district schools, the high school of Watertown, New York, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876. IIe also pursued a course of lectures in Bellevue Hospital in New York and, thus well qualified for professional ser- vice, began practicing as assistant interne in the Charity Hospital of New York, where he remained a year and a half. HIe then located for practice in Parish, Oswego county, New York, where he remained two years, and in 1880 came to Camden, and opened an office. He has sinee practiced continuously in this village, covering a period of almost a third of a century, and his patrons inelude some of the best families of this part of the county. By study and research he has ever attempted to keep abreast with the best thinking men of the profession and with the discoveries which scientifie investigation has made.
On the 5th of June, 1879, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss E. Anna Laney, a daughter of Philetus W. and Euniee Bloomfield (Segur) Laney, of Camden. Mrs. Smith was born in Taberg, Oneida county, January 6, 1853. Hler paternal grandfather, William Laney, was born in Connecticut in 1777 and was married in Wethersfield, that state. In early life he learned the trade of a cobbler and tanner and in 1802 established his home in the town of Lee, where he followed those occupations until his death. His wife, who bore the
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maiden name of Rachel Seymour, was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1782 and was a worthy, Christian woman, holding membership in the Presby- terian church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. William Laney were born five children, Seymour, Philetus Wolcott, Ann Eliza, Mary and Elias. The last named is still living, being a resident of Altmar. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Smith was Joseph Segur, who at an early period in the development of this county settled at Annsville. Ile devoted his life to the occupation of farming and to the operation of a sawmill, and both he and his wife passed away at Taberg. Philetus W. Laney, the father of Mrs. Smith, was born in Lee, New York, and became a farmer of Taberg, where he also engaged in surveying. In 1866 he removed to Camden where he followed the same occupations, leading a busy and useful life until called to his final rest on the 12th of May, 1893, when he was eighty-two years of age, his birth having occurred on the 27th of April, 1811. Hlis widow died in Camden, October 31. 1894. They were both faithful members of the Presbyterian church in which he served as elder, while in the work of the church they took an active and helpful part. Mr. Laney saw military service as captain of militia and gave his political support to the republican party. Unto him and his wife were born seven children : Marion, widow of Seth Beckwith, of Lima; Edward P., of Camden; William W., deceased; Segur and Seymour, twins, both of whom have passed away; Julia, who married Alex Miller of Canastota and is also deceased; and Mrs. Smith.
Dr. Smith votes with the republican party and has filled various local of- fices, serving as village trustee, as a member of the light commission and as health officer. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church in which he is serving as elder, and his deep interest in church work has led to his active cooperation in many movements and measures for the general good. His pro- fessional duties, however, make large demand upon his time and attention and he discharges every official and professional duty with a sense of conscientious obligation.
PETER BOGERT.
In the pages of Oneida county's history in that department devoted to its agricultural interests the name of Peter Bogert is prominently seen, for during a long period he was closely associated with agricultural interests here and his enterprise, diligence and perseverance constituted the basis of well earned snc- cess and fortune. Ile was one of Oneida county's native sons, his birth having occurred in U'tica. May 5, 1823, but when only a year old he was brought to Deerfield by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bogert. His education was largely acquired in the schools of l'tica. After reaching adult age he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Sarah Elizabeth IIarter, a repre- sentative of one of the best known families of Oneida county, a daughter of Richard and Rachel (Lewis' Harter and a granddaughter of Nicholas IIarter, who was one of the soldiers of the Revolutionary war. The history of her famn-
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ily is given under the caption of Richard Harter on another page of this work. Mrs. Bogert was born in Deerfield, May 7. 1826, and after attending the public schools of her native village became a student in the Female Academy at Utica. She grew to womanhood under the inspiring influenees of a happy home and ou June 2, 1870, gave her hand in marriage to Peter Bogert. Following his mar- riage Mr. Bogert engaged in general farming. He was recognized as a man of superior business ability, manifesting keen insight in the solution of business problems, and by his well managed and capably condueted interests he amassed a fortune.
Mr. Bogert gave his political allegiance to the republican party and ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day but did not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. In religious belief he was an Episcopalian. Ile died September 14, 1884, and was laid to rest in Forest Hill cemetery at Utica, having spent his entire life in Oneida county, where his many good qualities won him the friendship and high regard of all. He was ever mindful of the duties and obligations of life and appreciative of its social amenities.
Mrs. Bogert still survives her husband and resides in the commodious old brick homestead on Schuyler road in Deerfield with her sister Matilda. She is a valued member of the Westminster Presbyterian church and has a wide eircle of friends and acquaintances in Oneida eounty. Her home is one of the pleas- ant gathering places and has long been noted for its hospitality. Although she has now reached the age of eighty-five years, she is still a remarkably well pre- served woman and keeps in touch with the trend of the times and the questions of the day. Her acquaintance in this part of the county is a very wide one and all esteem her because of her charitable spirit, her kindly deeds and her loyalty to the church in which she holds membership.
MOSES TAFT WILITE.
During the years of an active ! - iness life Moses Taft White devoted his energies to farming and appraising property, but this did not comprise the ex- tent of his activity, for in office he proved his loyalty to the best interests of the community and in other connections proved a helpful factor in promot- ing publie progress. Ile was born at vestern, New York, October 20, 1840, and his life record covered about sixty-eight years, his death occurring on the 19th of February, 1908. His parents were Moses T. and Phoebe White, whose family numbered ten children. His gran lparents came from Connectieut and were among the early settlers of Western, where his parents were born.
After attending the district schools Moses T. White had the benefit of fur- ther instructier in Whitestown Seminary and in early manhood devoted his time to farming. In his farm work he was diligent and industrious and ex- cellent results were secured. In 1864 he made preparation for having a home of his own in his marriage to Miss Mary A. Fraser, a daughter of Charles E. and Caroline Fraser, of Delta. New York.
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Soon afterward he and his wife removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the commission business for about five years. On the expiration of that period. however, they returned to Western, where Mr. White again took up the occupation of farming. There he continued to reside until about 1892, when he retired From active life and removed to Rome. While upon the farm his place had always presented a most neat and thrifty appearance, in- divating his careful supervision and practical methods. He was also an excel- lent judge of real estate and after taking up his abode in the city was many times employed by the New York Central Railroad to appraise property here and at other points. He also acted as appraiser for the Oneida County Sav- ings Bank, in determining the amount to be loaned on realty and his judgment of property values was most accurate.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. White was blessed with four children: Dr. Charles E. White, who is now a resident of Fairport, New York: Helen F., deceased; Grace L., an instructor in drawing in the public schools of Kings- ton, New York : and M. Maud, at home. The family cirele was broken by the hand of death when on the 19th of February, 1908, the husband and father was called away. In an active life his labors had counted for good in every instance. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and while living at Western he served for sixteen years as justice of the peace, in which connection his opinions were fair and impartial. His religious views were in- dicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church and while living in Rome he served on the church board of sessions. Ile was publie-spirited in all things and manifested attractive social qualities, which won him warm friend- ships and kindly regard wherever he was known.
RIGHT REV. MGR. JAMES S. M. LYNCIL.
Almost thirty years ago Father JJames S. M. Lynch received his introduc- tion to the people of Etica as pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic church, and with the exception of a few years when duties called him elsewhere has ever since been identified with this city. By his genial spirit and true Christian philanthropy he has made friends throughout his long period of service and no man in Oneida county can claim a more sincere circle of admirers. He is a native of Albany, New York, and was born September 20. 1846, a son of Bernard and Mary (Lamb) Lynch.
Ile received his education at Albany Academy, under the presidency of David Murry, St. John's College. Fordham, New York, and St. Joseph's Pro- vineial Seminary, Troy. New York. In 1889. in recognition of his distinguished ability as a theologian. Georgetown University conferred upon him the degree of D. D. and, in 1891, he received the honorary degree of LL. D. from Fordham University. In 1871-2. and again from 1875 to 1880, he was director of St. .Joseph's Seminary at Troy. He was appointed pastor of St. John's church at Utica in 1882. remaining in the city until 1887. when he became viear gen- eral of the diocese of Syracuse and rector of the Cathedral in that city. He
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continued at Syracuse until July 1. 1891, when he resumed the pastorate of St. John's church in Utica where he has since remained.
After returning to Utica he added to the parochial schools an academic department, which was ineorporated by the University of the State of New York under the name of the Utiea Catholie Academy. This institution has a full high school course of four years and ranks with similar schools that have been long established. On July 21, 1900, Father Lyneh was raised to the dig- mity of domestic prelate by Pope Leo XIII, an honor well deserved by years of efficient and self-sacrificing service.
He is regarded as one of the finest scholars of Utica. His life has been given to study and to earnest work in behalf of a cause in which his whole heart is interested. His realm of knowledge embraces not only the various branches relating to the Bible and to the church, but extends through the fields of history, science, literature, poetry and the arts. Ile is an eloquent speaker and is frequently invited to lecture upon religious or other topics in Utica and in other cities in the state, and no speaker commands a closer or more respectful hearing. A faithful follower of the church, he has been instru- mental in causing many to seek peace and happiness in religion, and his ex- ample of a simple and unaffected Christian life has been a constant incentive to higher thought on the part of all who have had the good fortune to come into contact with him personally.
CHARLES A. G. SCOTIION.
Although a young man Charles A. G. Seothon, county clerk of Oneida county, has gained a position of trust and responsibility not often accorded to one of his years, and gives promise of a career of even larger scope as opportunity presents. He is a native of Lee Center, Oneida county, and was born Mareh 16, 1877, a son of Phineas B. and Eliza M. (Markham) Scothon. The parents were both born in Lewis county, New York, and located at Lee Center, where the father is engaged in the milling business. The grandfather, Phineas Sco- thon, was also a miller and was an early settler of Lee Center. Herbert Mark- ham, an nele of our subject on the maternal side, was a valiant soldier in be- half of the stars and stripes at the time of the Civil war and gave up his life for his country in the battle of the Wilderness.
Charles A. G. Seothon, of this review, received his early education in the union schools of Lee Center, and later attended Fairfield Military Academy, graduating at the latter institution in 1896. Upon returning home he assisted his father in the gristmill and feed store at Lee Center. From the age of twenty-one he has been actively interested in polities in the republican party and gained recognition as one of the suceessful workers in the county. He was elected town clerk and served for three years, also filling the office of su- pervisor of the town for two terms, from 1904. In November, 1908, he was elected county clerk of Oneida county by a majority of more than forty-three hundred, and has held this position sinee JJanuary 1, 1909. By the faithful dis-
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charge of his duties his course has met with the hearty approval of his con- stituents as well as that of all fair-minded men of opposing political affiliation in the county.
On the 23d of November, 1898, at Cherry Valley, New York, Mr. Scothon was united in marriage to Miss Linda Powell. a daughter of Nelson Powell of Lee C'enter. Three children have been born of this union, Ernest Nelson, who was born August 20, 1899, and whose death occurred in October, 1901: Earl Waters, born November 19. 1900: and Florence Gertrude, born January 21, 1903.
Mr. Seothon and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lee Center and fraternally he is identified with Baron Steuben Lodge, No. 264. A. F. & A. M .: Utica Lodge, No. 33, B. P. O. E .: Rome Council, of the Royal Arcanum: and Lee Center Camp, No. 5758. M. W. A. He is also connected with the Republican Club, the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Forest. Fish and Game Protective Association. Of a genial social dis- position, he has made many friends who are attracted by his characteristics of sincerity and kindliness. He is a man of unimpeachable integrity and honor and thoroughly deserves the regard of his fellow citizens.
SAMUEL GARDNER WOLCOTT, M. D.
Dr. Samuel Gardner Wolcott, who passed away in Utica on the 3d of June. 1883, was for abont a third of a century engaged in the practice of medicine here, gaining eminenee as a surgeon. His birth occurred at Hanover, Massa- chusetts, on the 1st of January, 1820, his parents being Rev. Calvin and Sally (Gardner, Wolcott. The father was a native of this state and a clergyman of the Episcopal church. On the paternal side the Doctor was descended from Henry Wolcott. who came from England and first settled in Connecticut. The Doctor's mother was a native of Danvers, Massachusetts.
Dr. Wolcott attended Phillips Andover Academy and was graduated from Trinity College at Hartford, Connecticut, in 1847. Having determined upon the medieal profession as his life work, he studied with Dr. Winslow Lewis of Boston and in 1850 was graduated from the medical department of Harvard University. Locating for practice at Utica, New York, in the fall of that year, he soon gained eminenee as a surgeon and throughout the remainder of his life was numbered among the able representatives of the profession in this city. Ile was one of the corps of auxiliary surgeons appointed during the Civil war and later was an examining surgeon for the United States pension department. In line of his profession he was connected with the New York State Med- ieal Society, acting as one of its censors for the middle district. Ile was like- wise a member of the Oneida County Medical Society and the American Med- ical Association. Dr. Wolcott was also identified with financial interests as a trustee of the Utica Savings Bank. ITe was a great lover of horticulture and his conservatory contained one of the finest collections of ferns and orchids in the state.
Jan & Woerth,
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Dr. Wolcott was twice married. In 1854 he wedded Miss Caroline Hubbard, a daughter of Thomas H. Hubbard, of Utiea, and to them were born four chil- dren : Mary H., Sarah G., Alice D. and Frederick Hubbard. Mrs. Wolcott passed away in 1867 and on the 10th of December, 1871, the Doctor was again married, his second union being with Miss E. J. Pierrepont, a daughter of William Con- stable Pierrepont. The latter gentleman was a son of Hezekiah Beers Pierre pont, of Brooklyn, Long Island, from whom Pierrepont Manor takes its name. Dr. Woleott was for many years a vestryman of Grace Episcopal church. His widow, who resides at No. 308 Genesee street in Utiea, enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here.
JOIIN MCCOMBS ROSS.
Among those who have more recently become residents of Utica is John McCombs Ross, who is officially connected with the Sauquoit Toilet Paper Com- pany. Mr. Ross is a native of Ohio, having been born in Warren on the 18th of February. 1880, and a son of George K. and Charlotte MeCombs Ross, both natives of the Buckeye state. On the paternal side he is a direct descendant of John Ross, who was adjutant general of the New Jersey militia during the Revolutionary war.
The boyhood and youth of John McCombs Ross were spent amid the refining influences of a good home, his elementary education being acquired in the pub- lie sehools of his native town. Later he attended the University School of Cleveland, Ohio, and Ridge School of Washington, Connectient, which insti- tutions prepared him for admittance to Harvard University from which he was graduated with the class of 1901, being awarded the degree of bachelor of science. The following year Mr. Ross began his business career by obtain- ing employment with the Knickerbocker Sugar Refining Company of New York city, with which firm he was identified for four years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Utica to become president and treasurer of the Sanquoit Toilet Paper Company, in which connection he has met with success.
Newport, Vermont, was the scene of the marriage, on the 10th of Septem- ber, 1902, of Mr. Ross and Miss Gertrude Lawrence, a daughter of James and May (Caswell) Lawrence. One child, a daughter, Dorothy Lawrence, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ross.
The family attend Grace Episcopal church of Utica, of which denomination Mr. and Mrs. Ross are communicants. A republican in his political views, Mr. Ross accords his support to their candidates in state and national elections but in municipal affairs he remains independent, casting his ballot for the men and measures he deems best fitted to subserve the interests of the major- ity. He is affiliated with various societies and clubs and is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which he joined while attending Harvard. He is also a member of the Yahnundahsis and Sadaquada Golf Clubs, the Fort Schuyler Club, Harvard Club of New York, Oneida Historical Society and the Automobile Club of Utica, being secretary of the latter. Although still quite
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young, during the period of his identification with Oneida county industries Mr. Ross has given evidence of possessing qualities which cause him to be re- garded as one of the promising young business men of Utica.
ROSWELL LEE FAIRBANK.
Roswell Lee Fairbank, who is general superintendent of the C. (. Kellogg & Sons Company, was born in Oneida county on the 31st of July, 1848, and is a son of Francis Lewis and Ann Eliza ( Hnsted) Fairbank, natives of Massa- chusetts. The American branch of the Fairbank family is descended from Jonathan Fairbank who emigrated from England to the colonies in 1633. Ilis son, who was the great-grandfather of Roswell Lee Fairbank, was one of the minutemen who sounded the alarm for Lexington. Ile served all through the Revolution and afterwards had conferred upon him by his friends and admirers the honorary title of "Captain" His son, Ebenezer Fairbank, was the father of Franeis Lewis Fairbank.
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