USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 25
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
A representative of the third generation of the family in Oneida county, Mr. Munson has proven thoroughly efficient and progressive in a business which has grown to large proportions and gives promise of still further expansion in the immediate future. His life has been governed by principles of honesty and integrity which he early learned, and he can claim a host of friends who have been attracted by his genial qualities. Socially he is identified with the Fort Schuyler, Arcanum and Yahnundahsis Golf Clubs; he is also a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers of New York.
COLONEL JOSEPH STUART LOWERY.
Joseph Stuart Lowery, who died in Utica on the 19th of October, 1891. was for many years successfully engaged in the cotton commission business here. Moreover, as a soldier of the Union army during the Civil war he dis- played the utmost bravery and loyalty, being gradually promoted until he won the rank of lieutenant colonel. His birth oceurred on the 25th of December, 1841, near the village of Oriskany, Oneida county, New York, he being the youngest in a family of six. He was the only member of the family who was born in this country and it was in after life one of his characteristic remarks that he was the only one of them eligible to the office of president of the I'mited States. In the acquirement of an education he attended the public schools and Whitestown Seminary, which was then a famous institution of learning. In 1861 he put aside his text-books and went to work for a brother who conducted a store at Boonville, New York. It was while thus employed that he became fired with patriotism and enlisted in Company D. One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment of New York State Volunteers, being mustered in at Rome on the 10th of October, 1862. Not yet twenty-one years of age, he was indeed a young soldier but soon proved to be a good one. Almost im-
275
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
mediately he was made second sergeant of his company, on the 7th of June, 1863. was commissioned second lieutenant of Company E and on the 13th of September, 1863, won the rank of first lieutenant. In the campaign which followed Lieutenant Lowery's soldierly qualities were severely tested but he never faltered in performing the tasks assigned him. Although younger than most of the men of his eommand, his bearing was such as to inspire them with confidence and respect. While yet a sergeant he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and as a lieutenant took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and other engagements. At Spottsyl- vania he was placed in command of a skirmish line and directed to ascertain the strength of the enemy's position. In the face of a terrible fire he advaneed, finally taking shelter under the enemy's breastworks, where he was obliged to remain until night fell and covered his retreat. For this notable action he was publicly complimented in general orders. On the 17th of May, 1864, he was promoted to the captainey of Company A and on the 3d of the following month was severely wounded at Cold Harbor. Borne several miles to the hospital by his devoted men, his wound was found to be very dangerous, the surgeon telling him that his chance of recovery was as one in a thousand. Without the slightest show of feeling the young soldier pluckily replied that he would take that one chance. After lingering between life and death for three months his strong constitution prevailed and he was pronounced well enough to return home, though he never entirely recovered from the wound. On the 13th of March, 1865, he was brevetted major by the general government "for gallant and meritorions services in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Bethesda Church, Virginia." On the 18th of May, 1866, the state of New York brevetted him a lieutenant colonel of New York State Volunteers. The nature of Colonel Lowery's wound was so peculiar that it was reported to the Royal College of Surgeons at London and is recorded in works on surgery. But few like wounds, from which there was a recovery, have been reported.
Returning home, Colonel Lowery became associated with his brothers in establishing a knitting mill on Pine street. This was destroyed by fire and was not rebuilt. Subsequently he joined James L. Lowery in the conduct of a cotton commission business, being thus actively and successfully identified with the commercial interests of Utica throughout the remainder of his life.
Colonel Lowery was a stanch democrat in politics, but never an aspirant for office. IIe was often urged, however, to accept some public position but never served in any eapacity until 1885, when he was appointed a member of the school board to fill a vacaney and in 1888 was nominated and elected chairman of the board. He was a member of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Post Me- Quade, G. A. R., the Veteran Association of the Utica Citizens Corps, the Carleton Island Club and the Fort Sehnyler Club He was a director of the Utica City National Bank and a trustee of the Soldiers Monument Association. He died at Utica. New York, on the 19th of October, 1891, his death being hastened by attending, contrary to his physician's advice, the yearly reunion of his regi- ment. From these reunions he was never absent and his interest in the sur- vivors of his regiment was always strong, as indeed it was in all ex-soldiers. many a needy one having reason to bless the generosity of "Colonel Joe," as
276
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
they affectionately called him. In fact he was not only beloved by the veterans but by all who knew him, his universal good nature, native wit and delightful sociability making him desired at every gathering and greeted at every street corner.
In 1870 Colonel Lowery was united in marriage to Miss Julia Celeste Wood, by whom he had two children, a son and daughter. The son is Carlton G. Lowery, of the firm of C. G. Lowery & Company, dealers in cotton and cotton waists; the daughter is Mrs. Walter J. Green, Jr. Mrs. Lowery resides at No. 44] Genesee street, and has an extensive circle of friends in Utica.
WALTER CHESTER STONE.
Unless one pauses for reflection he does not realize how potent a force for good or for ill a newspaper can be in a community. The thoughts therein ex- pressed drop as silently into the soil of the mind as the seed into the furrow. and as surely in time spring up and bear fruit. In all of its existence the Advance-Journal has been an element for progress and improvement in Oneida county. For many years it showed forth the personal touch and high purpose of Walter Chester Stone, who as proprietor and editor left the impress of his individuality for good in this manner upon his city and county. Handicapped by physical disability in infancy. the things of the mind took strong hold upon him and all through life he continuously advanced, keeping abreast with the best thinking men of the age.
A native of Mexico, New York. Mr. Stone was born December 27. 1847, and in infancy his lower limbs were paralyzed, so that he never walked a natural step. While attending Mexico Academy, thus supplementing his early educa- tional advantages, he went about in a tricycle, the propulsion of which gave him powerful development of chest and arms. When a young man his right leg was straightened and fitted with a steel brace, so that he conld walk with crutches, and for forty years he thus went in and out among his fellow towns- men-a welcome guest wherever he visited and a forceful factor in shaping public opinion and action. ITis entire life following the completion of his education was devoted to newspaper work. He completed his academicał course with high honors in 1867 and then entered the office of the Mexico Independent, its editor, Mr. Humphries, being a warm personal friend. Under his direction Mr. Stone learned the newspaper business and in 1871 by purchase became the proprietor of the Canastota Ilerald, which he conducted for two years. While a resident of that place he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Hosley, in September. 1872. In June of the following year they removed to Camden taking possession of the building recently known as the Kittriek store. They afterward resided at No. 143 Main street and in 1879 removed to 141 Main street, which was Mr. Stone's place of abode until he was called to his final rest.
Throughout the period of his residence in Camden Mr. Stone was engaged in newspaper work. In July. 1873. he began the publication of the Camden
277
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Advance, a small weekly paper printed on a Washington hand press. Eleven years later he purchased the Journal and consolidated the two papers under the name of the Camden Advance-Journal. He ever held his paper up to a high standard and no better indication of his courteous and helpful relations relations with his employes can be given than the fact that one of the number had been associated for thirty-four years with the paper, another for twenty- one years and a third for twenty-four years. A job printing office was made a special feature of the business and its able conduct proved one of the features of his success. On the 1st of January, 1909, his son, Benjamin H. Stone, was admitted to a partnership after fifteen years connection with the business as an employe, having in the meantime largely relieved his father of care and responsibility. In addition to his printing business Mr. Stone was a director and secretary of the Camden Opera House Company from its organization and was for twenty years manager of the local exchange for the Central New York Telephone Company. He was also for many years proprietor of a book and stationery store in Camden which set the standard for other establishments of that character. He was always himself deeply interested in literary, scientific and historical knowledge and his leisure hours were largely devoted to reading and research.
Mr. Stone belonged to Camden Lodge, No. 370, K. P., which he joined on its organization, and he also held membership in Mount Parnassus Council, No. 1180, of the Royal Arcanum. In both of these lodges he held high office. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served two years as a member of the village board and two terms as secretary of the board of education, but was never a politician in the sense of office-seeking. However, he advocated through his paper those principles which he deemed essential to the best interests of good government, both municipal and federal. For many years he was a trustee and elder of the Presbyterian church and for a long period served as one of the teachers and also as superintendent of the Sunday school. He was particularly faithful to his religious duties and for fifteen years was a member of the church choir. At the time of his demise it was said of him : "His place as an officer of the church will not easily be filled. His wise counsel and encouragement were a strength to those who sought it because it came backed by an unimpeachable character. Instead of consulting a lawyer or minister, many went to him for advice or information on the greatest variety of subjects, and always received the best answer that a clear perception and a ready fund of information could give. He was simple and unconventional in his tastes. Even the garb of deep mourning seemed to him unessential and he wished no sermon and no blaek clothes in his memory." Mr. Stone found great pleasure in yachting and in his later years spent a few weeks each sum- mer at Bay City, Michigan, in eruising the Great Lakes with his friend, Rev. C. T. Patchell. They were the owners of a yawl-rigged yacht, the largest boat of the Bay City Yacht Club.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stone were born four children: Benjamin II. of Cam- den, New York; Robert C. of Norwich, New York; Ralph W., who is living in Washington, D. C .; and Mrs. Paul R. Abbott, of Chefoo, China. Mrs. Stone's sister, Miss Delia A. Hosley, was also for a number of years a member of his
27-
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
household. The family circle was broken by the hand of death on the 22d of February. 1909, when Mr. Stone passed away. Of him it has been written: "Life does not mean for most men what it meant to Mr. Stone. Nor does the average life demand or develop the qualities which were so marked in him. It was a continual struggle against ill health. He had a nerve equal to that of the strongest boy and entered into the preparation for life with a courage and ambition that shames many a more favored mortal. He would wrest from the world all that it could give him. This was the way he got his preliminary edn- eation. This was the way he met life everywhere. He won his way. Never asking favor or handicap because of his infirmity, he took his place in the busi- ness world and gained not only a modest and substantial success but also hon- orable place among his fellows. Few can realize the pain and suffering he daily endured. Hardship which would have made a man of less courage give up in despair but tempered him to greater fortitude. It was a noticeable trait that he never made others bear his burdens. He was satisfied to bear his own. He was no complainer. This attitude toward life is no common thing and when it is manifested so signally as in him it is an inspiration to every man. He fought a good fight. As courage was the warp of his life generosity was its woof. Mr. Stone's generosity was not of the showy kind. Ile never let his right hand know what his left hand did. He was not able nor would he have cared to be known as a lavish giver. but many a family at Thanksgiving and Christmas had opportunity for gratitude oftenest to the unknown benefactor. No good cause failed to make successful demand upon his purse. No applicant for help was ever turned away without assistance and many who were ill or in distress received from an unknown source bountiful and timely aid. He gave more than the Biblical tenth. To all good things in village life he unos- tentatiously gave and to the work of the church he gave punctiliously as the Lord prospered him. 'Careful in business' he was yet 'fervent in spirit, serv- ing the Lord.' "
EDWARD HUNTINGTON.
Fortunate is the man who has back of him an aneestry honorable and dis- tingnished, and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. The record of the Huntington family has for generations been a most eredit- able one, and the history of Edward Huntington reflects further luster upon an untarnished name. Ilis life reached out in helpful spirit and cooperation to many. publie and private movements, business advancement. moral progress and humanitarian activity being all stimulated and assisted by his efforts. He traced his ancestry back to Simon Huntington. one of the early residents of New England, who spent his youth at Windsor. Connectieut, but removed to Norwich in 1660, his death there occurring. One of his descendants was Benj- amin Huntington, the grandfather of Edward Huntington. He was born in Norwich. Connectient. on the 19th of April. 1736. and completed his education by graduation from Yale as a member of the class of 1761. IIe became a dis-
EDWARD HUNTINGTON
281
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
tinguished lawyer of his native town and also left his impress upon the polit- ical history of his community, serving as a member of the continental congress from 1780 until 1784, again from 1787 until 1788, while in 1789 he was chosen from Connecticut to the first congress of the United States. From 1781 until 1790 and again from 1791 until 1793 he was a member of the upper house of the Connecticut legislature. In 1784 he was elected the first mayor of Norwich and continued as the chief executive of that city for twelve years, or until 1796, when he resigned. Whenever his official duties permitted he engaged in the practice of law, of which he was a most worthy exponent, and in 1793 he was appointed judge of the supreme court, serving on the bench until 1798. During the Revolutionary war he furnished valuable service to the state and was a member of the convention held at New Haven for the regulation of the army.
In successive generations others of the family have been prominent in affairs which have shaped the welfare of community, state or nation. His son, George Iluntington, was born July 5, 1770, and was married May 21, 1794, to Hannah Thomas, of Norwich, Connecticut. In 1792 he located at Whitesboro, Oneida county, New York, and in the following year removed to Rome, then Fort Stanwix, where in partnership with his brother Henry he established the first store in the town. Their goods were placed on sale in the tavern of John Barnard, and success attended the little venture so that in the following year George Huntington felt justified in erecting a frame store and dwelling. These were located on Dominick street and business was conducted successfully until about 1816. In the affairs of his community George Huntington took an active and helpful part. Ile was the first supervisor of the town of Rome, which office he filled in 1797, and was again elected in 1804, serving until 1814. Three years later, in 1817, he was again chosen for the position. In 1798 he was ap- pointed one of the first city judges of the common pleas for the new county of Oneida, and was again reappointed in 1801 and in 1804. The value of his service in publie office was demonstrated by the frequency in which his fellow- men sought his aid in official connection. In 1810 he was elected a member of the general assembly and in 1813 was nominated on the federalist ticket for the office of lieutenant governor, but in that year was defeated. IIe again represented his district in the state legislature from 1818 until 1821 inclusive, and from 1796 until 1819 he was collector for the Western Inland canal. He likewise served as a trustee of the village of Rome in 1820, 1821, 1822, 1826 and 1827, so that the period of his connection with publie office was an extended one and the record indicates absolute faithfulness and capability on his part through all these years. His name was placed high on the roll of those whom Rome honors when, on the 23d of September, 1841, he passed away.
Edward Huntington, whose name introduces this review, was the youngest of the family of George, numbering eight chidren. He was born in Rome, June 23, 1817, and died here April 17, 1881. He pursued a college preparatory course but failing health cancelled his plans of entering college, as he could not stand the close confinement of the schoolroom. Accordingly he sought an- other outlet for his industry and activity, taking up civil engineering, which would enable him to live out in the open. He found here a field that gave him
252
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
an excellent chance to develop his latent powers and he became very profi- cient in that field. Afterward he spent some time in Cuba with B. H. Wright, and was engaged in railroad service. Following his return to Rome he secured a position as civil engineer with the Utica & Schenectady Railroad and in 1839 was appointed chief of the corps of engineers employed in the enlarge- ment of the Erie canal, with headquarters at Fort Plain. He continued in that connection until his father's death, when he resigned and returned home to look after the large landed interests and other properties comprising the estate which with his own interests commanded his attention thereafter. ITis judgment in business affairs was acknowledged and his discrimination keen, and what he undertook he accomplished.
Like his father and other ancestors, Edward Huntington was prominently connected with the public life of the community. He served as a member of the constitutional convention in 1846 and his work in that connection was of valu- able character. For several terms he was president of the village of Rome and wherever public-spirited aid was needed in furthering the welfare of the com- munity he was on hand to do his part. His name became an honored one in financial eireles for he was long associated with the banking interests of his native city. In 1855 he was elected president of the Rome Savings Bank and resigned in 1878, having for twenty-three years been at the head of that insti- tution. In 1863, following the death of R. D. Boxtater, he was elected to the presidency of the Rome Exchange Bank, now the First National Bank, and held the position until his death. He was also one of the promoters and organ- izers of the Rome Iron Works Company in 1866, and continued as its president until his demise. His labors were an important element in the establishment and conduct of the Merchants Iron Mill, of which he served as a trustee, and he was a director of the Rome & Clinton Railroad Company, and for many years a director and vice president of the First National Bank of Utiea.
On the 4th of September. 1884. Mr. Huntington was united in marriage to Miss Antoinette Randall, a daughter of William Randall, of Courtland, and to them were born two sons, one of which died in early youth, and four daugh- fers. The younger son, William, followed in his father's footsteps and became commercially very prominent. lle was president of the First National Bank and later of the Rome Savings Bank, president of the Rome Brass & Copper Company and a trustee of many organizations and enterprises. He enjoyed great confidence and trust by his fellow citizens and was public spirited and interested in anything that might have been for the advancement of the city's interests. Ile passed away September 9, 1908, and his mother's death oceurred in 1909, having reached the venerable age of ninety-two years. The death of Edward Huntington, our subject, occurred in 1881.
ITis life history would be incomplete would it fail to make reference of his many acts in behalf of humanity. He possessed a most charitable nature that. reached out in sympathy and kindly spirit to all who needed aid or encourage- ment. He was largely instrumental in founding the Central New York Insti- tute for Deaf Mutes in Rome in 1875, and served on its board of trustees from that date until his demise. IIe was also a trustee of the Rome Cemetery Asso- ciation and of the Rome Academy, which he aided largely in establishing. He
283
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
likewise helped to organize the Rome free school system and was a member of its first board of education. His political allegiance was originally given to the whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new re- publiean party. The Young Men's Christian Association found in him a faith- ful member and an active worker of its board of directors who put forth earnest labor in its behalf. A devoted Christian, he assisted in the building of many churches. His life was founded upon a broad humanitarianism that recognized the obligations of man to his fellowmen and he sought earnestly and effectively to make the worldl better and to promote its progress through the civilizing influences which are uplifting the individual.
JAMES ROBERTS.
Though more than two decades have passed since James Roberts was called to his final rest. he is still remembered by many of Utica's older residents as one of the city's most prominent and respected men.
llis birth occurred in the town of Steuben, Oneida county, New York, on the 26th of August, 1837, his parents being Jolin O. and Janet (Owen) Roberts. Ile spent his early life on a farm but felt that commercial pursuits would be more congenial and, becoming identified therewith, soon proved that his choice was a wise one. In association with a friend, he carried on business at Remsen under the firm style of Jones & Roberts until 1869, when he dis- posed of his interest and went to New York city on a visit. During his ab- sence and without his knowledge, his friends and neighbors nominated him as a candidate for member of the assembly for what was then the fourth dis- triet. He accepted the nomination, was elected and ably served his constituents at Albany. With the exception of a short period of service as town elerk, this was the only public office he ever held.
In the fall of 1870 he took up his abode in Utica and became a member of the firm of Griffith, Roberts & Butler, successors of the firm of Charles II. Yates & Company, engaged in the manufacture and sale of clothing. This firm carried on the business very successfully for about ten years at No. 54 Genesee street. In 1881 its personnel was changed by the introduction of Russell II. Wieks and John Peattie as partners. The following year Mr. Griffith, the senior member, withdrew and the firm of Roberts, Butler & Com- pany was formed. Mr. Roberts applied himself with unusual assiduity and in the face of sharp competition built up the largest business in clothing in the city.
Ile was systematie, methodical and attentive to detail. His judgment in matters of business as well as of men and their actions was accurate and trustworthy, was freely sought and as freely given. Sharp in trade and quick to see where an advantage was to be gained, he was nevertheless open and gen- erons, not easily offended and averse to giving offense. Ilis social qualities were as marked as his business traits, and in this respect he was one of the most companionable of men. Loyalty to the friendships of his early days
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.