USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 24
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Ilis son, Eugene Henry Conant, pursued his education in the public schools and in the Utica Business College, where he pursued a course that qualified him in a measure for the business world. His practical training, however. came in connection with his father's chair factory at Detroit, which he entered in the capacity of bookkeeper. He was also given charge of the shipping depart- ment and thus became familiar with different phases of the business whereby he was qualified for the active work that devolved upon him. Upon his return to Camden he joined his brother, W. N. Conant, in carrying on the business of the Camden Chair Company and in 1869 he became interested in the Rochester Furniture & Chair Company, of which he was the secretary for about three years. He then again returned to Camden and became a partner with his father in the conduet of the chair business, which was carried on under the firm name of F. II. Conant & Son until 1876, when a most disastrous fire oe- curred, destroying nearly the entire plant. The father then withdrew and was succeeded in the ownership of the business by Eugene and George Conant. They rebuilt the factory and formed a partnership which was terminated only by the death of George F. Conant in 1898. Since that time Engene H. Conant has been sole proprietor of the business which has constantly grown in volume and importance and is today one of the most prominent productive interests of this section of the state.
On the 4th of November, 1874, Mr. Conant was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Phelps, of Camden, and unto them have been born three children : Tlarold T., who is associated with his father in the manufacture of chairs; Alice B .. now the wife of Charles F. Sisson. Jr., a resident of Binghamton. New York; and Mary E., who died March 19, 1904.
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A man of wide experience, Mr. Conant has traveled extensively in his own country as well as in many of the countries of Europe, visiting the land of the midnight sun, Egypt, the Nile, the Holy Land and some parts of the Tur- kish empire. He has always been deeply interested in the welfare of his town, serving as president of the village, and it was largely through his energy and personal attention that the citizens of Camden are now enjoying a fine modern opera house and the benefits to be derived therefrom. He was also among those who were instrumental in influencing the railroad company to extend the E. C. & N. line, now the Lehigh Valley system, through Camden. Governor Morton appointed him one of the trustees of the State Custodial Asylum at Rome for a term of four years, and on the expiration of that period he was again offered the position by Governor Roosevelt, but business cares had at that time become so pressing that he was obliged to decline. His coopera- tion, however, is given at all possible times to those measures and movements which are for the public good and his efforts are effective, far-reaching and beneficial.
JOSEPH PORTER.
The Civil war was a hard school for the training of youth and yet there were thousands of brave and noble-hearted American boys who gained in that great conflict lessons of endurance and perseverance which enabled them later to attain positions of responsibility and honor. Of this number was Joseph Porter who for twelve years was county clerk of Oneida county and one of its most respected citizens. He was born at Springfield, Massachusetts. Septem- ber 4, 1846, and died in Oneida county May 19, 1902, at the age of fifty-six years. Ile was of French descent and the family name was Dupont. The fa- ther moved to Utica, New York, when the subject of this review was in his childhood. At ten years of age he lost both of his parents by death, but soon afterwards was given a home with a kind-hearted man, Daniel Porter, of Oris- kany, by whom he was adopted.
The subject of this review gained his early education in the public schools and at the Bielby schoolhouse. Daniel Porter was an earnest abolitionist and Joseph early became imbued with his ideas. As early as 1856 he and Isaac Bielby assisted in the distribution of anti-slavery literature among the farmers of Oneida county and even as a boy he argued earnestly in behalf of freedom for the slaves. He made his first public speech in support of Lincoln and Hamlin, candidates for president and vice president of the United States, in 1860, when he was only fourteen years of age. In September, 1861, at the age of fifteen, he and Daniel Porter, the only son of his benefactor, enlisted in the Union army in Company E .. Second New York Heavy Artillery. a command with which he continued for three years. Daniel Porter was killed at the bat- tle of Pittsburg Landing. Private Joseph Porter participated in many of the most important engagements and movements of the war and was always to be found at the post of duty. He received several wounds in the first attack on
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Petersburg, Virginia, June 16, 1864. but none proved serious. At the expira- tion of his time of enlistment he was honorably discharged and returned to Oneida county.
Feeling the need of a more complete educational training than he had yet received, he entered Whitestown Seminary where he remained two years. From 1867-68 he was connected with the general store of Luther Williams at Whites- boro. In the meantime, however, he had decided to enter the profession of law and in 1869 came to Rome and began studying under the preceptorship of Messrs. Fargo & Barnett. Ile was admitted to the bar of Oneida county in 1871, showing an ability from the start that indicated special talents as a speaker and as an expounder of law. Ile soon attracted a lucrative clientage. In 1872 he was chosen as elerk of the board of county supervisors and was reelected in 1882 and 1883. In 1893 he was elected as a member of the general assembly of the state from the old second district and proved one of the most active and useful workers in that body. Ilis record in the legislature is one of which his friends were justly proud. In November, 1900, he was elected county clerk. a position in which he continued during the remainder of his life.
On January 30, 1879, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Ida Knox of this city and three children were born to their union. Winifred, Bessie and Bayard Dupont. In politics Mr. Porter never faltered in the support of the republican party-a party with which he was identified from the time he cast his first ballot and whose principles received his hearty assent. The old sol- diers never possessed a better friend than Joseph Porter and no man in Oneida county was ever more snecessful than he in securing pensions for the veterans of the Civil war. lle was a valned member of Skillin Post, No. 47, G. A. R., and served as commander of the post. He was also a member of Rome Council No. 150, Royal Arcanum. Of a friendly, accommodating disposition. he al- ways looked upon the bright side of life and had a cheerful word and an en- couraging smile for everyone he met. He saw good in everything and his whole life was controlled by his hopeful temperament. He was a true soldier, a patri- otie and useful citizen, a genuine friend to his fellow beings in need and ever ready to make any sacrifice to promote the happiness of those he loved. Mrs. Porter is still living and resides in the family home at No. 601 North James street. Rome.
ALONZO B. WALLING.
Alonzo B. Walling. who for many years was prominent as a carriage and wagon manufacturer of Utiea and also as a public-spirited citizen, was a native of Glenville. Schenectady county, New York.
Ile was born April 11, 1845, a son of William B. and Lydia A. (Peak) Walling. The father was born at Charlotte, Vermont, August 14, 1814, and the mother at Glenville. Mr. Walling, Sr., was the son of Thomas Walling who was a native of the United States and a farrier by ocenpation. The mother of William B. Walling died when he was a babe of ten months. When
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he was five years old his father moved with the children to Independence, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where the father died three years later. The children re- turned to Vermont and William B. Walling took up his residence with an uncle, William Burt, after whom he had been named. The uncle lived at Canaan, Litchfield county, Connecticut, and was a manufacturer of anchors and mill supplies. William B. Walling attended school at Canaan until thirteen years of age and then went to Watervliet, Albany county, New York, and lived with a grandmother, later being apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until after reaching his majority. He lived for a short time at Schenectady and subsequently in Saratoga county, but returned to Schenectady county and for nine years conducted a blacksmith shop at Glen- ville.
In 1855 he arrived at Utica with his family and purchased property on Hotel street, where he maintained a shop for three years. Hle then acquired possession of a building at the corner of John and Catharine streets and be- gan the manufacture of wagons and carriages, also engaging in the repairing business. He was engaged in the business for forty years, becoming the head of the leading wagon factory in central New York. Mr. Walling was a man of deep religious convictions and for a number of years was deacon and chair- man of the board of trustees of the Park Baptist church. After the organi- zation of the Immanuel Baptist church he caused his name to be transferred to its rolls and was chosen as deacon. Politically he gave his support to the republican party. He died February 7, 1902, his wife having been called away September 8, 1883. There were two children in their family: Alonzo B., of this review, and one who died in infancy.
Alonzo B. Walling was educated under a private tutor and in a select school. He also attended the Utica publie schools, the Whitestone Seminary, and was graduated from the Utica Academy. He learned the carriage-making trade from his father and became an expert in everything pertaining to the manufacture of carriages and wagons. For many years he was associated as a partner with his father, the title of the firm being the Walling Carriage Works. He was a prominent worker in politics and served for three years as supervisor of the tenth ward, having been elected upon the republican ticket. In 1878 he was a member of the committee on state loans, uncollected taxes and equalization. In 1879 he served on the committee on footing as- sessment rolls, erroneous assessments, State Lunatic Asylum, and ratio and apportionment. In 1880 he was chairman of the committee on settlement with the county treasurer, also serving on the committee on sheriffs' accounts and accounts for the support of the poor. He was a faithful and conscientious public officer and was instrumental in taking action which resulted in the erec- tion of a new and modern jail at Utica.
On the 12th of September, 1886, Mr. Walling was married to Miss Bessie Cowley, of Utica, and two children were born of this union. Jessie May, who married Dr. D. C. Dye; and Lelia Irene, at home.
Mr. Walling loved his home and his family and was always willing to make any sacrifice if it added to the happiness of his wife or children. He took a great interest in the Volunteer Fire Department, of which he was a Vol II-13
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member for many years, first belonging to Washington Engine Company, No. 7. and later to Active Company, No. 3, of which he was foreman. Ile was a member of the Masonic order and was made a Mason April 9, 1883, at Utica Lodge, No. 47. Hle filled the office of trustee of the lodge for a number of years. Mr. Walling was an attendant of the Park Baptist church and later became a member of the board of trustees of Immanuel Baptist church, being also a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce from the time of its organi- zation. Remarkably efficient in anything he undertook, he was a sincere advo- cate of improvement and a most valued assistant in many reforms. He died May 27. 1902. Upon the death of Mr. Walling the son-in-law took up the management of the business and has built it up to a very flourishing degree. Mrs. Walling is still living and makes her home in the comfortable family residence at Eagle street and Brinckerhoff avenue.
DAVID SLADE EYNON, M. D.
Dr. David Slade Eynon, whose distinguished ability as an oculist and aurist won him large practice and gained him a well merited reputation, was born in Utica, March 27, 1863. Ile was of English lineage, his father, John Eynon, having been born in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, South Wales, in October, 1816. He was thirty years of age when he made permanent settlement in Utica, which continued his place of residence for forty years, when, in August, 1886, death claimed him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther E. Williams, was born in South Wales in 1835 and passed away in Utica in 1900. They became the parents of three sons, of whom Dr. David S. Eynon is the eldest, the others being : Dr. William G. Eynon, of New York city; and John S. Eynon. of Boston, Massachusetts.
At the usual age Dr. Eynon entered the public schools of Utiea and later attended the Utica Academy, thus laying the foundation for professional knowl- edge in a broad understanding of the general and scientific branches of learn- ing. Ilis first preceptor in the study of medicine was Dr. James Garrettson, of Philadelphia, while later his reading was directed by Dr. Wallace Clark, of Itica. Ile was later associated in practice with Dr. S. C. Maxson of Utica as a specialist. He then attended lectures in the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated M. D. in 1886, and to his col- lege training he added the benefit of practical experience in the Orthopedic Hospital of the same city.
Dr. Eynon then removed to the middle west, settling in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he continued in practice from 1887 until 1890, when he returned to I'tica. During portions of the three sneeeeding years he pursned post-graduate courses in the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, the New York Ophthalmie and Anral Institute, under Dr. Knapp, and the Will's Eye Hospital of Phila- delphia. Gradually, therefore, he withdrew from the general practice of medi- cine and during the last five years of his life devoted his attention exclusively to the treatment of diseases of the eye and ear, in which branch of the profession
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he was very successful. Fellow practitioners of Utica regarded him as one of the ablest members of the profession in this city and honored him with elec- tion to the office of secretary of the Oneida County Medical Society. IIe was also at one time treasurer of the Utica Medical Association and he served on the medical staff of St. Elizabeth's and the Faxton Hospitals and the Masonie Ilome. He held membership with Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., and with the Masonie Club, and was always loyal to the interests and principles of the craft.
On the 20th of August, 1887, Dr. Eynon was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia Parshall, of Cooperstown, New York, a daughter of Dr. J. G. Parshall. She died on the 8th of December, 1892, leaving a son Stuart, and on the 6th of May, 1896, Dr. Eynon wedded Miss Anna J. Seymour, a daughter of Dr. George Seymour, of Utica, who at one time was a leading citizen here and who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Dr. Eynon was a young man when called to his final rest, having not quite reached the age of thirty-four on March 22, 1897, and his untimely demise was the source of deep regret on the part of many who had been associated with him in professional and social relations. He was always pleasant, courteous and genial, and those who knew him were glad to call him friend.
GEORGE F. HENDRICK.
George F. Hendrick, principal of the Utica Business Institute, was born in Sheldon, Vermont, on the 1st of February, 1857, his parents being Lyman and Lydia (Robie) Ilendrick. The father, who engaged in agricultural pursuits during the entire period of his active career, is still living at the age of ninety and makes his home in Enosburg Falls, Vermont.
The education of George F. Ilendrick was obtained in private schools and the Vermont State Normal, from which institution he was graduated in 1879. Before entering the normal he had taught for a time and continued to follow this profession in his native state, after awarded his degree, later locating at Dover, Olmstead county, Minnesota. He subsequently pursued a commercial course in the Troy Business College, after which he obtained a position as teaeher in the Utica Business College. This school was organized by Bryant & Stratton in 1863, being one of the many business colleges under their man- agement. Four years later it was disposed of to II. B. Creary and Thomas II. Shields; the name, however, was not changed for some time thereafter. The school developed in a most gratifying manner under their direction and became one of the leading institutions of its class in the country. It was then located in the Gardner Block, at the corner of Genesee and Columbia streets, where it remained until the building was destroyed by fire in 1875. It was immediately removed to the Parker block, now known as the Stewart building, where it remained until May, 1900. Mr. Hendrick became identified with the school in 1884 and three years later, owing to the death of Mr. McCreary, he was made prineipal. In 1889 a partnership was formed between Mr. Shields and MIr.
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Hendrick, which continued until February. 1903, when Mr. Hendrick became sole owner. Since 1897 it has been known as the Ftica Business Institute and the year after it was placed under state supervision. The course of study has undergone frequent improvements until at the present time it ranks with the best institutions of the kind in the land. It was the first business school in the world to teach typewriting. and it has had a flourishing shorthand depart- ment since 1885. Since the Ist of May, 1900, the school has been located in a new and modern brick building at No. 111 Columbia street. just off Genesee. where it occupies two floors. The quarters are very pleasant here, the class rooms being conveniently arranged and equipped with every facility for the convenience and comfort of both Faculty and pupils. The school opens the first of September and closes the last of June, with an enrollment of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred pupils. From the first of October to the first of April a night school is also conducted, thus making it possible for self- supporting young people of limited education to fit themesIves for better posi- tions at a very small expense.
U'tica was the scene of the marriage in 1895 of Mr. Hendrick and Miss Mary Bice, a daughter of Harvey IT. Bice, a former boot and shoe manufacturer now living retired. Mr. Hendrick is not only a most excellent instructor but excels as a principal and director, having effected many changes in the Institute dur- ing the period of his identification with it. all of which have been for the better. His entire time and attention are concentrated upon his work. it being his aim to keep his school one of the best to be found in this country.
CORY DAVID HAYES.
For a period of thirty-three years Cory David Hayes has been identified with the banking interests of Clinton, during which time he has become recog- nized as one of the able financiers of central New York. He was born in Latham Corners. Chenango county. this state, on the 20th of December. 1840. and is a son of David and Hannah (Cory, Hayes, the father a native of New York and the mother of Rhode Island.
Reared on the family homestead at Latham Corners, Cory David Hayes ac- quired his preliminary education in the district schools. supplementing the same by a course in both the Gilbertsville and Norwich academies. Returning home in 1860 he discarded his text-books and once more engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing to assist in the cultivation of the farm until 1863 when he beeame clerk in a store at Norwich. At the expiration of five years he went to Oxford, New York, where he accepted a clerical position in the First Na- tional Bank. The work being congenial and well adapted to his qualifications he determined to make banking his life vocation. He remained in the First National of Oxford for ten years, in which he was several times promoted. In 1878 he came to Clinton, acquiring the business of Hill & Elliott, private bank- ers, which has ever since been conducted under the name of Hayes & Co. Mr. Hayes has made a success of his undertakings and is officially connected with
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various railway and financial interests in this section of the state. In 1884 he became a director of the Bank of Oxford of which he has now been vice president since 1906. He was made a director of the Rome & Clinton Railroad in 1880 and seven years thereafter treasurer, which position he continues to fill. He has been a director of the Utica, Clinton & Binghamton Railroad since 1890, and of the Central New York Abstract & Title Company since 1904, and three years ago he was chosen a director of the Utica Trust & Deposit Com- pany. The year he located in Clinton Mr. Ilayes was elected treasurer of the village, which office he has ever since retained, and since 1880 he has served the Clinton Cemetery Association in the same capacity. A very public-spirited man he takes an active and helpful interest in all matters appertaining to the welfare of the community generally and was therefore a member of the board which instituted the present sewerage system of Clinton.
On the 18th of August, 1870, Mr. Hayes was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Elizabeth MeNeill of Oxford, a daughter of Mrs. Hannah Clark Me- Neill. The Clark family are old and well known residents of Chenango county, having been among the pioneer settlers. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, Grace, who married George A. Watrous.
The family are affiliated with St. James Episcopal church, of which Mr. Ilayes was formerly a vestryman. Ile is also a member of the Fort Schuyler Club of Utica, with which he became identified in 1891, and of the Utica Fish & Game Protective Association and a life member of The Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks. ITis political support is given to the repub- lican party. A man possessed of more than average mental attainments and business aenmen as well as persistence, Mr. Hayes has been able to dominate the conditions by which he was confronted and as a result has achieved suc- cess, having attained a position which commands the respect of his fellow eiti- zens and those with whom he comes in contact.
EDMUND G. MUNSON.
Edmund G. Munson, vice president of Munson Brothers Company of Utica and one of the highly energetic and successful business men of the city, was born at Utica, August 12, 1876. He is a son of Countil and Florence A. Mun- son, both of whom are deceased, and a grandson of Edmund and Sarah (Gard- ner) Munson. The family has been well known in central New York for more than half a century and among its members have been some of the most capable business men of Oneida county. The original American ancestor was Thomas Munson, who settled in this country about 1637 and was a pioneer of Hartford and New Haven. Ile served as deputy in the general assembly and also held other offices, being one of the leading men in the colony. His only son. Samuel Munson, was one of the founders of Wallingford, Connecticut. Ephriam Mun- son served in the Revolutionary war. Edmund Munson, the grandfather of our subject, was a son of Samnel Munson, seventh in descent from Thomas Munson. Edmund Munson, his son, was born at Barkhamsted, Conneetient,
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May 2. 1805 and in 1835 came to Utica, New York. Ile engaged in the milling business with A. C. Hart, but the firm was later dissolved and in 1869 he as- sociated with his three sons, Edmund, Jr., Alfred II. and Countil, in the mill furnishing business under the style of Munson Brothers. Mr. Munson posses- sed rare inventive genius and secured several important patents on milling ap- pliances. Ile was a good business man and acquired a fortune. Religiously he was an earnest believer in the Universalist faith and was a liberal supporter of that denomination.
Edmund G. Munson grew up under the favoring conditions of a peaceful home and acquired his preliminary education in the public schools. From boyhood he was familiar with the mill-machinery business and as a young man became secretary of the firm of which his father was a member, now known as Munson Brothers Company. In 1911 he was elected vice president of the com- pany, a position for which he is eminently qualified by experience and natural ability. The company has gained a wide reputation in the manufacture of mill machinery and supplies, the plant being one of the most complete of the kind in New York state.
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