USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 33
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On the 9th of July, 1878, Mr. Dunmore was married to Miss Minnie Goodier, who passed away on the 11th of December, 1904. leaving six children, James Sterling, Watson Thomas, Jr., Clara Treadway, now Mrs. George J. Hover, Rus- sell G., Earl W. and Della. On the 27th of June, 1908, Mr. Dunmore was again married, his second union being with Cora M. Wheeler, of Itica. His social interests extend to several of the leading clubs. He is now president of the Pine Lake Club and a member of Fort Schuyler Club and the Yahnundahsis Golf Club. Ile also belongs to the Alpha Delta Psi, is a member of the Oneida Ilistorical Society and is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His interests are wide and his sympathies broad, and his charitable spirit has found tangible manifestation in his ready assistance wherever it is needed. He is usually found where the in- telligent men of the city are gathered in the discussion of important questions and the soundness of his views makes his opinions an influencing factor for the publie good.
JAMES WARWICK RAYHILL.
For thirty-one years James Warwick Rayhill has occupied the law office in which he still receives his clients and prepares his eases for presentation be- fore the courts. He is today widely known as a successful general practitioner being equally at home in the departments of civil and criminal law, his ability being manifest in the trial of cases of both classes. His boyhood was passed upon a farm in his native town of Litchfield. Herkimer county, New York, where he attended the district schools between the ages of six and sixteen and afterward spent three years in the West Winfield Academy and a portion of a year as a student in the Utica Free Academy. Through three winter seasons he engaged in teaching in the country schools but was attracted to other pro- fessional service and regarded school teaching merely as an initial step in that direction. He was fortunate in having as his preceptors in the study of law the Hon. Lewis IT. Babcock and Hon. D. C. Pomeroy, both of Utica. Day- time was devoted to his studies, while in the evening he taught in the night sessions of the Utica public schools for three winters. He pursued the full law course in Hamilton College and after reading for thirty-nine months was ad- mitted to the bar in June. 1874. being the youngest member of his class.
In the following September Mr. Rayhill opened an office in Utiea, where he has since practiced his profession. He has not specialized to any particular degree but has practiced in all of the courts and as referee. Criminal business
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canie to him unsought, including many important cases of all kinds. He has defended nine men for murder, only one of whom was executed. He marshals the points in evidence with the precision of a military leader commanding his troops on the field of battle. Ile never seems to lose sight of any point that bears favorably upon his case and yet gives due prominence to that important point upon which the decision of every case finally turns.
Mr. Rayhill's parents came from Cavan, Ireland, and he often says: "1 am proud of all the Irish blood that's in me." In spirit he is a thorough, ardent American, loving liberty with the fervency of his Irish aneestry and holding strongly to the support of the republican principles upon which the nation rests. Ile has never held any political office, although he was a candidate for district attorney on the democratie ticket in 1898, when his defeat was almost equivalent to a victory, for he came within two hundred and twenty-three votes of being elected, although the republican county majority at that election was about twenty-five hundred. The fact that he ran thus far ahead of his ticket was proof of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in his pro- fessional skill and ability by his fellow townsmen.
WILLIAM EBENEZER LEWIS.
William Ebenezer Lewis, a prominent Utica attorney connected with va- rious corporate interests, was born on the 26th of November, 1852, in the city of New York, a son of Ebenezer and Anna M. Lewis. After attending the Whitestown Seminary he completed his more specifically literary education in Hamilton College from which he received the M. A. degree in 1878. Hlis pro- fessional course was pursued in Hamilton College Law School and in 1879 he was appointed assistant district attorney of Oneida county, which position he acceptably filled for six years. In 1886 he entered upon the practice of law as a member of the firm of Dennison, Lewis & Dennison, and after several changes the present firm of Lewis, Watkins & Titus was organized in 1900. This is recognized not only as one of the strong law firms of the city but also of the county and state and the clientage accorded it is of an important char- acter. Mr. Lewis has ever been a vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures and from the experiences and lessons of life he draws logical deduc- tions which supplement his knowledge of the law and attribute to his success.
IIis history as regards publie service covers four years' connection with the police and fire commission of the eity, during which period he served as its president and for several years he has taken an active part in politics. His cooperation wa: sought in the management and control of important business affairs and he has made wise investments in various profitable pro- jeets. He is now the president of the Quigley Furniture Company of Whites- boro. New York, the president of the Central New York Power Company, vice president of the Utica Gas & Electric Light Company and a director of the First National Bank, the Citizens Trust Company of Utica, the Farmers & Me-
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chanics Bank of Cobleskill, New York, and the Bank of Richmondville, New York.
On the 26th of September, 1888, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Minnie A. Foster. of Richmondville, Schoharie county, New York, who died on the 7th of August, 1892, leaving a daughter, Laura Foster Lewis. Mr. Lewis belongs to the Areanum and the Fort Schuyler Clubs of Utica and also to the Transpor- tation and Republiean Clubs, of New York city. He has a wide acquaintance in professional and business circles throughout the state and wherever he has gone he has won the friendship and esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contaet.
EMERSON M. WILLES.
Emerson M. Willis, who served with high credit as district attorney and is now in the active practice of law at Utica, was born at Columbia, Herkimer county, New York, February 27, 1874, a son of Marcus D. and Mary J. (Me- Cormack ) Willis. The Willis family eame to America from England and .Jane Lewis, the maternal grandmother, was a native of Wales. The grandparents on the paternal side were born in New York state. Grandfather John McCor- mack was in Virginia at the opening of the Civil war and was given thirty minutes in which to join the Confederacy or leave the community in which he was living. also leaving his property behind him. He came north and enlisted in the Union army in which he continued until the close of the war. He was captured and was for a time confined in a Confederate prison. After the ex- piration of his service he located at Waterville, New York. never returning to the south to reclaim his property. The father of our subject engaged in farm- ing and for about thirty years past has made his home at Bridgewater.
Emerson M. Willis was reared on a farm and received his preliminary edu- cation in the country schools. Having decided upon a professional career, he matriculated in the law department of Union University at Albany and was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1894. Hle then entered the office of Josiah Perry of Utiea and in 1897 was admitted to the bar. Ile remained with Mr. Perry until 1898 when he was appointed attorney for the sheriff's office, which position he held for nearly a year, but resigned to accept an appointment as assistant district attorney. He served in this capacity through two adminis- trations and attracted such favorable attention that he was elected district at- torney and assumed office January 1, 1905, being reeleeted in 1907. During his period of office he disposed of a number of important cases among which were the graft cases which ended in the imprisonment of several persons. An- other case of unusual interest was that known as the Gulf Murder Mystery. Mr. Willis succeeded in ferreting out the guilty man and sending him to the elec- trie chair. While in office Mr. Willis was especially noted for economy in ad- ministration and expeditious trial of cases, two factors of great importance to taxpayers and to all who are interested in the effective administration of publie affairs. On the 1st of January. 1905, Mr. Willis associated with J. De Peyster
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Lynch in the practice of law under the title of Lynch & Willis, now one of the leading law firms of Utica. Mr. Willis has had two recent calls from the peo- ple of Oneida county to serve in public office. The first request was that he should become a candidate for justice of the supreme court in 1909, while the other urged him to allow his name to be used as a candidate for congress in 1910. The petition in the latter instance was signed by more than three thou- sand voters. He was a candidate in 1901 before the convention in the Fifth Judicial district for justice of the supreme court and had the unanimous sup- port of Oneida and Herkimer counties, but owing to the fact that Oswego county was not represented on the bench the nomination was given to that county. Since he has respectfully resisted all efforts urging him to reenter public life. He is interested in a number of important cases now pending in the courts and possessing marked natural ability and a wide knowledge of law, is one of the leaders of the Oneida county bar.
On the 28th of June, 1899, Mr. Willis was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. Penney, a daughter of Giles A. Penney, of Unadilla Forks. Two chil- dren have blessed this union : John D., who was born April 20, 1901; and Mar- jorie E., born March 28, 1906. Mr. Willis is a stanch adherent of the republi- can party and is regarded as one of the most effective campaign speakers ap- pearing upon the platform in this part of the state. He is clear and forcible in his utterance and has few superiors in carrying an argument to a logical conclusion. He is a safe counselor and as a lawyer ranks with the best at the Oneida county bar. He has a host of friends who place implicit confidence in his judgment and integrity and prophesy for him a brilliant and highly suc- cessful future whether in public life or as a practitioner of law.
JOHN D. McMAHON.
John D. MeMahon, attorney of Rome, was born at Toronto, Canada, on the 28th of January, 1859, a son of Daniel and Alice McMahon. He obtained his education in the public schools of Rome and is a graduate of the Rome Free Academy. Hle read law in the office of Johnson & Prescott at Rome and was admitted to the bar in October, 1882. He was corporation counsel of the city of Rome from March, 1883 to 1885, was elected city judge of the city of Rome in March, 1886, and reelected in 1890 and resigned the office in January, 1892. At that time he was appointed deputy attorney general of the state of New York and held the position for two years. He was the democratic candidate for congress in the Oneida-Lewis district in 1888 and was defeated by James S. Sherman. He has been a delegate to every democratie state convention since 1888 except two, and was a delegate to the democratie national convention of 1900. 1Ie has recently been appointed by Governor Dix a commissioner to examine the state department of the state of New York. He is vice presi- dent of the First National Bank of Rome; trustee of the Rome Savings Bank; vice president of the Rome Gas. Electric Light & Power Company; director of National Gas. Electric Light & Power Company of Detroit, Michigan; vice
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president of Central New York Abstraet & Title Company; director of The James A. Spargo Wire Company; director of the Spargo Wire Cloth Com- pany; director of The Rome lloslow Wire & Tube Company; and director of Williams Brothers Manufacturing Company.
On the 26th of April, 1886, Mr. MeMahon was united in marriage to Miss Julia F. JJohnson, a daughter of D. M. K. and Julia W. Johnson. of Rome, New York. They have one son, Johnson D. MeMahon, a graduate of Harvard Uni- versity in 1910. Mr. McMahon is a member of the Rome Club, the Rome Country Club. Te-Uge-Ga Country Club, Manhattan Club of New York city. Fort Schuyler Club of Utica, Little Falls Country Club, Salmon River Fishing Club. the Fish Creek Club. Oneida County Bar Association, State Bar Associa- tion and American Bar Association.
MAJOR WILLIAM H. BRIGHT.
Major William HI. Bright whose death occurred in Rome June 4, 1894, is remembered by many as one of the valiant soldiers of the Civil war and in times of peace as one of the most capable and worthy public officials Oneida county has known. He was born at Richland, Oswego county. New York, in 1842. In 1852 he removed with his father to Wisconsin and there gained his early education attending publie school in winter and working on the farm in summer. In August, 1862, in response to his country's call, he enlisted as a private in the Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers to serve for the Union. He soon afterward proceeded with his regiment to the front and participated in many of the leading movements and battles of the Army of the West. He was captured in one of the engagements and was taken to Richmond. Virginia, where he was confined for a time in Libby prison before being ex- changed. After returning to his regiment he took part in the Atlanta campaign and on the 20th of July. 1864, was severely wounded in front of Atlanta at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. His arm was shattered by a ball which it is believed also passed through his body. He found his way alone to the rear where he fell. Thought to be dead, he was carried away and laid with the fallen, but one of the officers of his company came back at night and found him alive, though almost at the point of death: his conditon was so serious that the surgeons believed him to be beyond hope of recovery and they refused to dress his wounds .. The officer insisted. however, that the surgeons should give him the proper attention and although it was necessary to amputate his right arm he survived the operation. An idea may be gained as to the ex- tent of his injuries when it is stated that he was obliged to remain in the hospital until August 27. 1865. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned home and later became a student of Madison. now Colgate U'niver- sity, at Hamilton, New York. He pursued the full classical course and was graduated in 1870. delivering the classical oration on Commencement day. Ile entered the office of Judge Charles Mason of Utica where he pursued the study of law and in due course of time was admitted to practice in this
WILLIAM IL. BRIGHT
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state, showing from the beginning of his professional career an ability which gave brilliant promise as to his future. In 1878 he was elected special county judge to succeed Judge R. O. Jones, but resigned before the close of his term in order to resume legal practice. After the death of Judge Mason, clerk of the United States circuit court, Major Bright was appointed to that position, the duties of which he faithfully discharged for about four years. Hle also served as United States commissioner and was filling this office when he was elected surrogate in 1889, assuming his new responsibilities January 1, 1890. Ile performed his work so faithfully that he was generally recognized as one of the best surrogates the county had ever known.
On the 8th of June, 1882, at Rome, Major Bright was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth R. Huntington and to them two sons were born, Edward Huntington and Thomas Cruttenden Bright. Major Bright was a man of great public spirit and unquestioned integrity and uprightness of character. He willingly offered his life in defense of the republic and the sacrifices he made in the cause of the Union served only to increase his love for his native land. It was mainly through his exertions that the Soldiers' Monument was erected at Utica. He was a valued member of Bacon Post, G. A. R., of Utica, and of the Alumni Association of ('olgate University, serving as president of the latter organization. Ile was also a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity with which he became identified in his college days. On account of his many genial characteristics and his personal worth he was greatly esteemed by the people of Oneida county and his memory is cherished as a precious heritage which time cannot obliterate.
THOMAS HENRY FARRELL, M. D.
Dr. Thomas Henry Farrell, a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear and throat, his success arising from broad scientific knowledge and wide experience, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on the 1st of September, 1868, and since 1897 has resided continuously in Utica. His parents were James W. and Marion (Macalister) Farrell. The father was a native of Belfast, Ireland, who. after coming to America, gave his attention to merchandising, attaining prominence and prosperity in business circles in Detroit. His death occurred in 1869, when his son Thomas was but an infant. The mother afterward re- moved to Kingston, Ontario, where Dr. Farrell acquired his early education in private and public schools. Subsequently, he was matriculated in Queen's Uni- versity, where, in 1889, he won the B. A. degree; and in the following year the M. A. degree was conferred upon him. For a period of two years, he engaged in high school teaching in Ontario, and, then, turned his attention to the pro- fession of medicine, becoming a student in Queen's University, from which he received the degrees of M. D. and C. M., in 1895. He afterward went to New York city where he pursued a special course on the eye, ear and nose at the Post Graduate Medical School. He put his theoretical training to a practical test by a year and a half's service in the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hos-
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pital. llere, Dr. Farrell obtained that wide and varied experience along his special fine which particularly qualities him for the professional duties in which he is now engaged. Coming to Utica in 1897, he has since resided in this city where he has practiced as a specialist, becoming recognized as one of the most prominent oculists, aurists and laryngologists of the state. Ile is now a mem- ber of the staff of the Faxton Hospital and of the General Hospital, and has served as president of the latter. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought and work of the profession through his membership in the Oneida County Medi- cal Society, the New York State Medical Society, the American Medical Asso- eiation and the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society.
On the 15th of June, 1898, Dr. Farrell was married to Miss Janie Gage, a daughter of Robert and Mary Gage, of Riverside, California, and they have three children, Robert Macalister, Catherine Honora and James Irving. The family residence is at No. 161 Park avenue, and the Farrell home is justly cele- brated for its warm-hearted hospitality. The family attend the Westminster Presbyterian church, and Dr. Farrell is a member of the Session. lle also be- longs to Fort Schuyler Club, and has appreciation for the social amenities of life; but the duties of his profession make constant demand upon his time and attention, leaving him comparatively little opportunity for social or public interests.
MARSHALL BARTON PECK.
The student of history eannot carry his investigations far into the records of Oneida county without learning of the close and prominent connection of the Peek family with the leading events which have shaped the records of this part of the state: but long before the family was established in Oneida county, representatives of the name were residents of New England. The ancestry of this family can be traced back for twenty generations in England, prior to 1620. and their coat of arms may be found in the British museum in London. Deacon Paul Peck and his wife Martha, leaving their home in Essex county, England, became passengers on board the Defiance, which sailed from London on the 11th of July, 1634, and established their home in Connecticut, Mr Peck becon- ing a deacon in the first church organized in Hartford, the first pastor being the Rev. Thomas Hooker.
Zebulon Peck, a representative of the descendants of Paul Peck in the fifth generation, was a captain with the American forces in the Revolutionary war; and was, also, prominent in civie affairs, representing his district in the Con- nectient legislature for fourteen sessions. He was, also, a delegate to the con- vention which met to act upon the adoption of the United States constitution, on which occasion he voted yea. Ile likewise beeame well known as the author of a volume entitled the Rise, the Power and Utter Destruction of the Bonapartian Empire. In 1801, he came from Connecticut to Marshall. New York, to join his son Isaac, who arrived in this county in 1797. Ile is said to have been a re- markable man in many ways, especially noted as a deep thinker and concise
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writer. The father of Marshall B. Peek was Seth Whitney Peck, who, after arriving at years of maturity, wedded Mary Maria Barton, who was a represen- tative of a family of distinction in England. David Barton, Sr., of Granby, Massachusetts, was an officer of the Revolutionary war and his son, David Bar- ton, was one of the first settlers in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, estab- lishing his home at Hanover, in 1793.
Marshall Barton Peck, whose name introduces this record, pursued his edu- cation in the schools of Whitestown, New York, from which he was graduated in 1878, and at Poughkeepsie, where he was graduated in the class of 1880. His entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits, save that he found time and opportunity for cooperation in public affairs wherein the interests and wel- fare of the community were involved. For three years, he represented the town of Deansboro on the board of supervisors, and, later, he became a repre- sentative of the town of Marshall on the board of supervisors, serving from 1890 until 1894. His record in this connection was most creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents, as he advocated various measures and pro- jects which wrought for publie good.
On the 11th of October, 1882, in Deanshoro, New York, Mr. Peck was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Ruhamah Miller, a daughter of Curtis and Lucy Ann (Jenks) Miller, and a descendent of Benjamin Miller, who on leaving Scotland, in 1650, settled in Massachusetts. The family was founded in America in 1794, when his son, Isaac Miller, became a resident of Hanover. It will thus be seen that both Mr. and Mrs. Peek were representatives of two of the oldest families of the county, and, in both instances, the families have borne important parts in the substantial development and progress of this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Peek became the parents of three children: Mollie Lucy, the wife of Walter Barnes Bishopp, of Waterville, New York; Anna Alice, the wife of Richard Gardner Root, of Chicago, Illinois; and Mildred Agnes Peck. The family circle remained unbroken by the hand of death until the 22d of January, 1897, when the husband and father passed away. He was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, and found his greatest com- fort in their happiness. His politieal allegiance was given to the republican party, and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church, to which he closely adhered. All who knew him entertained for him genuine regard, be- cause of his loyalty to duty and his devotion to all those principles which are most commendable in the life of man.
JAMES WILLIAM WATTS.
James William Watts, a representative of the Utiea bar for twenty-two years, who is aeeorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, is a native of Scotland, but during his infancy was brought to the new world by his parents, the family home being established in Whitestown, New York. Within the borders of Oneida county he has since remained, and to its publie- school system is indebted for the educational privileges which were accorded
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him in his early youth. Later, he attended the Whitestown Seminary. from which he was graduated in the class of 1884. A review of the different avenues of business that seemed open to him brought him to the conclusion that he preferred the practice of law as a life work, and, with this end in view, he began study in the office and under the direction of the firm of Goodwin & Swan, of U'tica, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in ISS9. He then opened an office, and has since continued in general practice, making steady progress in his profession. Our subject has been connected with many im- portant cases tried in the courts of this district, and is regarded as a strong advocate and wise counselor. His devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, and, while thoroughly familiar with the law and precedent, he has also dis- played varions original methods in the preparation and presentation of his cases.
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