USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 36
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Dr. T. Z. Jones pursued his preliminary training in the common and high schools of Waterville, and, in the fall of 1880, began his professional study as a student in the Bellevue Medical College, of New York city. He was grad- uated therefrom on March 14, 1883, at which time he received his M. D. degree ; after which he spent thirteen months as interne in the insane asylum on Black- well's island. For eight months, he was also interne in the Kansas State Insane Asyhim at Ossawatomie, Kansas; but, on account of failing health, he was compelled to resign that position, and, returning to Waterville, New York, took up private practice here on the 1st of January, 1885. In 1892 he went to Lon- don, England. There he pursued a postgraduate course in medicine, and thus greatly augmented his already extensive knowledge. He is now accorded a large and distinctively representative elientage, his financial returns therefrom mak- ing him one of the well-to-do residents of this community.
Dr. Jones was married, on the 28th of September, 1893, to Miss Clara Allen, who was born in Syracuse, New York, on the 13th of May, 1870. She was brought to Madison county when but three days old. Losing both parents in early childhood, she went to live with her grandparents. She was a daughter of Freeman and Clarissa (Allen) Blanding, but upon her adoption by her
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grandparents assumed their name. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Jones has been born one daughter, Gwendolyn, whose birth occurred on the 6th of September, 1902.
The political support of Dr. Jones is given to the republican party. Al- though not active in political circles, he has filled the office of president of the board of health for seventeen years; he has also acted as president of the board of education for five years. He has been a member of the Pickwick Club for twenty years; and, fraternally, he is identified with Sanger Lodge, No. 129, A. F. & A. M., and with Warren Chapter, No. 22, R. A. M., of Waterville. He has kept abreast of the progress which has constantly been carried forward in medical circles through his membership in the Oneida County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the National Medical Association; so that few are better equipped for the practice of their profession than Dr. Jones. Possessing a genial manner and social disposition, and that spirit of deep human sympathy so essential in the true physician, he is greatly beloved by all classes and is ranked among the most popular and honored residents of this locality.
ELIHU R. GIFFORD.
Elihu R. Gifford, engaged in dairy farming at Westdale, was born in Flor- ence township, Oneida county, New York, March 20, 1868, his parents being ITamilton W. and Mary (Northrup) Gifford. The paternal grandfather, Elihu R. Gifford, Sr., was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and on coming to the Empire state settled in Madison county, whence he removed to Florence, Oneida county, on the 4th of March, 1824. He settled upon a farm and devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his days, pass- ing away on the 2d of March, 1883. Less than a year he survived his wife, who died on the 10th of July, 1882.
Hamilton W. Gifford was born in Madison county, New York, near Peter- boro, August 3, 1820, and was therefore but four years of age when brought by his parents to Oneida county. His education was acquired in the schools of Florence township and early in life he was inured to the arduous tasks of the farm as he assisted his father in cultivating the fields of the home place. IIe elected to make farming his life work and year after year devoted his time and energies to tilling the soil, following that pursuit until his life's labors were ended in death on the 29th of November, 1902. His political support was given to the republican party which he aided in organizing in Florence township. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was one of the early trustees. His father had been a class leader in the church and the family were identified with the welfare and upbuilding of this section. Ilamil- ton W. Gifford was also a member of the Masonic lodge at Camden and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. He first married Rosanna Plumb, who was born in Williamstown, New York, August 31, 1825, and died July 21, 1856. By that union he had four children, namely : Electa D., deceased ; Royal, also deceased : Sarah, the wife of John Taylor, of Westdale ; and Eugenia, who married John Salladin, of Camden. In 1857 the father was united in mar-
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riage to Miss Mary Northrup, who was born in Camden, June 5, 1831, and passed away on the 5th of September, 1893. Five children were born to them, namely : William II., deceased ; Ilenry N .; Rose, the wife of John Veiteh, of Johnstown, New York; Elihn R., of this review; and Thomas, of Utica, New York.
Elihu R. Gifford, whose name introduces this review, was edueated in the public schools of Camden and afterward worked upon his father's farm. Upon the death of his father he and his brother Henry inherited the old home plaee anl together engaged in dairy farming and shipping butter and cream each day to New York city. They keep a head of forty JJersey cows and have a splendidly equipped dairy, every consideration being paid to sanitary conditions, and the excellence of their product insures a ready sale on the market. The business is ally managed and the eare and energy displayed by Mr. Gifford and his brother have gained them a place among the prosperous representatives of agricultural life in Oneida county.
On the 12th of October, 1893, Mr. Gifford was united in marriage to Miss Lena W. Leigh, a daughter of Dempster and Susan (Streeter) Leigh, of Sandy Creek, New York. Mrs. Gifford was born in the town of Camden, Oneida county, November 25, 1873. Her father was a carpenter in early life but afterward tock up the oeeupation of farming. Ile voted with the republican party and his religious belief was indieated by his membership with the Methodist Epis- copal church. Mr. and Mrs. Gifford are the parents of three children : Herman L., born May 7, 1895: Gordon E., born February 9, 1901; and William H., born November 21, 1902.
The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Gifford is serving on the board of stewards. He is also a worthy exemplar of Masonie principles and his political views are in aceord with the principles of the republican party. Diligence and determination constitute the keynote to his character and long experience in the line of business which he has chosen as his life work forms the basis of his growing and well merited sueeess.
ADAM JAMES ECKERT.
Adam James Eckert has for the past four years conducted a bond brokerage business in Utica, his offices being in the Utiea City National Bank building. His birth occurred in Albany, New York, January 10, 1882, his parents being Adolph and Catherine (Frank) Eckert. who were also born in that eity, where they still reside. The father, who comes of German ancestry. is engaged in business as a painting contractor.
A. James Eckert, who was the third in order of birth in a family of seven children. obtained his education in St. Francis Academy at Albany. After putting aside his text-books he entered the Mechanies & Farmers Bank at Al- bany, in which he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to New York city and there became identified with the bond brokerage business in the service of the firm of Merriam. Smith & Company, with whom
A. JAMES ECKERT
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he remained for one year, subsequently becoming connected with the firm of E. H. Gay & Company of Boston and New York. In 1907 he came to Utica and embarked in the brokerage business on his own account, in which line of activity he has sinee met with a gratifying measure of suecess.
In polities Mr. Eckert is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is iden- tified with the Knights of Columbus. He is likewise a devoted communicant of St. John's church, and is a member of the Yahnundahsis Golf Club and the Rome City Club. A young man of enterprise, determination and energy, he well merits the prosperity which has come to him.
JAMES WEAVER.
The Weaver family is an old one in Oneida county and representatives of the name have been closely and prominently connected with publie affairs for a long period. George Michael Weaver was the first to establish his home in this seetion, coming here when the district was wild and unimproved. It is said that his son, George M. Weaver, was the first white child born in Oneida county. Having arrived at years of maturity George Michael Weaver, Jr., was united in marriage to Miss Delia Bellinger October 17, 1813, at Utica. They became the parents of eight children, one of whom, Hamilton, was born May 9. 1816. For many years he was a resident of Deerfield and devoted his attention to farming and the buying and shipping of horses. A few years prior to his death he removed to New York city, where he continued to engage in dealing in horses up to the time of his demise, which occurred on the 14th of June, 1857. George T. Weaver, second son of the family, was born March 5, 1818, and for many years devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits at Deerfield. He died in Canastota, New York. The youngest in order of birth were: Amelia, born September 9, 1819; Delia, born May 13, 1821; Lydia M., born March 26, 1824; James, of this review; and Catherine, born in May, 1829. Abraham B. Weaver, born December 18, 1830, died on the 8th of June, 1908, and was a graduate of Hamilton College. He became a lawyer and practiced for many years in New York city. He was a prominent demoerat politically of Oneida county during the period of the Civil war, and after its close he was elected upon that ticket to the office of assemblyman from Oneida county.
James Weaver, another son of this family, was born in Deerfield, New York, October 4, 1826, and at the usual age he began his education, attending the pub- lic schools of Deerfield and Utica. When he put aside his text-books he re- turned to his father's farm, where he resided until his marriage, and then took up his abode in Marey township, where he carried on farming on his own ac- eount. IIe was associated with his brother, George T. Weaver, in buying and selling horses and they built up a splendid business. They furnished many horses to the government for the army between 1861 and 1865, and as the years passed they prospered in their undertaking winning success by well directed efforts and honorable business methods.
Vol. II-19
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James Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Arvilla Smith, a daughter of Gilbert and Hannah (Damoth) Smith, of Deerfield, and they became the par- ents of five children, namely : James B., who was born in Deerfield, January 5, 1854, and died August 13, 1897; William W .. born November 7, 1856: Frank F .; Catherine 1., a resident of New York city ; and Merrit M., who was born in 1865 and died May 15, 1879. The family has long been known in this county and while representatives of the name have never sought to figure prominently in public affairs, they have always been regarded as reliable and progressive bus- iness men who have contributed in substantial measure to the welfare and progress of the community.
MORRIS J. DAVIES, M. D.
Morris JJ. Davies has attained his majority in the practice of medicine, having for twenty-one years been a well known representative of the profession in I'tica. In the so-called "learned professions" advancement depends entirely upon individual effort as the expression of intellectual attainment and correct utilization of knowledge, and Mr. Davies has long sinee demonstrated his right to take his place with the foremost representatives of those professions in Oneida county. His birth occurred in Plainfield. Otsego county, New York, January 18. 1865, his parents being David and Margaret ( Richards) Davies, who were natives of Wales and became residents of Oneida county in 1879, settling in Paris. In 1887 they removed to Waterville.
Dr. Davies began his education in the public schools of Plainfield and sub- sequently entered the West Winfield Academy prior to becoming a student of the Utica Business College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. In the meantime he had taken up the profession of teaching at the age of seven- teen years, following that occupation altogether for five years in order to meet the expenses of his college course. Inclination turned him toward the study of medicine, which he pursued in the fall of 1886 under the direction of Dr. 1. A. Moors, of West Winfield. New York, while subsequently he was under the pre- ceptorship of Dr. T. Z. Jones, of Waterville. Ilis more advanced training was received in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medieal department of Columbia College of New York city, from which he was graduated on the 11th of June, 1890, entering upon the practice of medieine in Utiea on the 1st of August of the same year. In the intervening period covering more than two decades he has made substantial progress, long since passing beyond the point of mediocrity and winning a place among the most successful few. His gradua- tion did not indicate the terminaton of his studies. He has continuously pursued his investigation, reading and research, and has kept in touch with the advanced thought of the medical fraternity through his membership in the New York State Medical Society, the Oneida County Medical Society and the Utica Med- ical ('Inb, of which he is a charter member, while from 1893 until 1895 he served as its secretary and treasurer and in March of the latter year was elected to the presidency for a year's term. He has served on the staff of physicians of
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Faxton Hospital since 1891 and also on the staff of the General Hospital and is enjoying an extensive private practice, which constitutes the foundation of a well deserved prosperity.
On the 27th of October, 1891, Dr. Davies was married to Miss Mina M. Park- hurst, a daughter of William HI. Parkhurst, of West Winfield, and to them were born six children, namely, Margaret L., Louise Moore, Stewart Johnson, Horace P., Jane Catharine and Stanley Parkhurst, who is deceased.
Dr. Davies is connected with several fraternal organizations, ineluding Sam- nel Reed Lodge, No. 378, K. P., of which he is past chancellor, and belongs to the Uniform Rank of that order. He was on the colonel's staff of the Second Regiment, serving as surgeon with the rank of major. He is a member of Fax- ton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M .; Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M .; Utiea Com- mandery, No 3, K. T. ; and Ziyara Temple of the Mystic Shrine, all of Utica ; and Mokanna Grotto, No. 1, of Ilamilton, New York. He is a member and court physician of Court Fort Schuyler, No. 1510, I. O. O. F., and has been high physician and past high chief ranger of that order for the state. He also be- longs to the Arcanum Club, is first vice president of the Republican Club and served as United States pension examiner since the fall of 1901.
It has been said that the demands made upon a physician are perhaps greater than upon any other representative of the professions: he must possess compre- hensive scientific knowledge, combined with the qualities that enable him to make practical use of his learnings; he must possess also the courtesy and cordiality of the cultured man in social circles, combined with ready sympathy and hope- fulness that is contagious. That Dr. Davies is lacking in none of these es- sential requirements is manifest by the extensive practice accorded him and the honors and high regard expressed for him on every hand.
JAMES W. JOHNSTON.
A well known business man of Utica, who has also attained high rank in Masonic circles, is James W. Johnston, who was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1840. Ilis parents, William and Elizabeth (Fulton) Johnston, the mother a cousin of Robert Fulton, emigrated to the United States in 1844. They located on a farm in the vicinity of Frankfort, Herkimer county, New York, where the father became a prominent and successful agriculturist.
The public schools of Frankfort and Utica provided James W. Johnston with his education, after the completion of which he assisted his father with the work of the farm until the breaking out of the war. When the call came for troops in 1861 he enlisted and served seven months in Company D, of the Fifty-third New York Volunteers. At the expiration of this period of service he reenlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-first New York Volunteers, as first sergeant, being mustered out three years later with the rank of major. Return- ing to his father's home at the close of hostilities, he remained there for a brief period, then engaged in farming for himself. Ile continued in this for four years, at the expiration of which period he came to Utica and opened a grocery
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at the corner of John and Bleecker streets, which he conducted for ten years. Withdrawing from commercial pursuits, abont 1881 he engaged in the business with which he continues to be identified, making a specialty of street-paving and state-road contraets.
Mr. Johnston married Miss Amoretta L. Merry, a daughter of Orson and Mary ( Kimball Merry, old residents of Frankfort Hill, near Utica. She is the youngest in a family of three children, the others being Malvin D. and Mrs. Della Calkins, who live together on the old homestead at Frankfort Hill. By this union there have been born four children : Arthur Merry, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume: Ella M., now Mrs. Crocker; Frank M., who is a graduate of the Utica Academy and attended Troy Technical Institute; and Anna R., a graduate of the Utica Academy.
The family all affiliate with the Holy Cross Episcopal church, of which they are communicants, while fraternally Mr. Johnston is identified with the Masonic order. He holds membership in Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M .; Oneida Chap- ter. No. 57, R. A. M .; Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T .; and Ziyara Temple of the Shrine. Ile is also a member of Bacon Post, No. 53, G. A. R., of which he has ever been a loyal and active worker. while he is a member of the Masonic Craftsman Club. He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion and has served as a commissione ! officer. To him belongs the distinetion of being the oldest man in the U'tira Curling Club and he is a director of the Home- stead Aid Association, one of the biggest concerns of the state. In matters political, he affiliates with the republican party and has for many years been a member of the Republican Club.
Mrs. Johnston is a very prominent charity worker, devoting a great deal of her time and energy to assisting various benevolent organizations. She is a member of the Women's Christian Association; Circle No. 17, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic; Temple Chapter, No. 300, Order of the Eastern Star : and the New Century Club.
FREDERICK TOWNE PROCTOR.
Among the highly esteemed citizens of Utica is Frederick Towne Proctor who for a number of years past has been well known in financial circles. He is a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, born June 7, 1856, a son of Moody S. and Maria (Towne) Proctor. He received his edueation in Boston, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and as a poor boy began his battle with the world. By courage. industry. perseverance and an undaunted determination to win for himself an honorable position, he overeame all obstacles and is now en- joving the results of many years of well directed application. In addition to other interests he is a member of the board of directors of the Second National Bank of Utica.
On December 1, 1894, Mr. Proctor was united in marriage at Utica to Miss Rachel M. Williams, a daughter of James W. and Helen E. (Munson) Williams, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor are valued members of Grace Episcopal
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church and socially he is identified with the Fort Schuyler Club, the Sadaquada and Yahnundahsis Golf Clubs of Utica and the Metropolitan Club of New York city. In politics he adheres to the republican party, believing that its principles are in accord with the best interests of the entire country. Having early been obliged to face many difficulties, he is in hearty sympathy with young men who are struggling against adversity and is ever willing to extend a helping hand to one less fortunate than himself. A man of clear discrimination and sound judg. ment in business, his advice is often sought by investors and when followed it is seldom indeed found to have been amiss. As a wide-awake citizen he keeps thoroughly informed upon all the important questions and issues of the day, but he is of a retiring disposition and has never sought publicity, preferring to con- centrate his energies upon his private business affairs.
EDWARD SALISBURY BRAYTON.
Of the men who have lived in Utica and gained prominence as leaders few have deserved greater honor than Edward Salisbury Brayton. Although he passed away June 2, 1887-nearly a quarter of a century ago-it may truly be said that his good works live after him and many there be that call him blessed. Ile was a seion of a well known family of Oneida county and was born at Westernville, March 30, 1817, his parents being George and Sarah (Swan) Brayton. The father was an early merchant of Westernville and a man of fine business ability and acknowledged personal worth.
Mr. Brayton of this review received his preliminary educational training in the public schools. He studied at Hamilton College and later entered Union College, graduating in 1836. Having decided upon the practice of law as his profession, he entered the office of Messrs. Kirkland & Bacon, of Utica, and after completing the regular course of study was admitted to the bar in 1840. His marriage a few years later determined in a large degree the principal ocen- pation of his life, which consisted in managing the properties of the Bleecker, Miller and Dudley families at Utiea and elsewhere. He showed remarkable tact and judgment in handling important financial responsibilities. In addition to controlling large property interests of private individuals he was one of the orig- inators of the Second National Bank of Utica and served as its president from 1881 until his death. IIe was also a member of the board of directors of the Globe Woolen Mills and of the board of trustees of the Utica Cemetery Asso. ciation and the Utica Female Seminary.
On the 28th of September, 1847, Mr. Brayton was married at Utica, to Miss Sarah Miller, a daughter of Judge Morris Smith and Maria (Bleeeker ' Miller. Ilis wife having died, Mr. Brayton was married, at Buffalo, New York. January 19, 1859, to Miss Catharine M. Curtenius, a daughter of John L. and Mary F. (Young) Curtenius. The children of Mr. Brayton were: Edward ; Miller : Sarah, who married E. Howard Stiles, of Mississippi ; Catharine C .; Mary (. and Susan, who married Charles B. Rogers, and died shortly after her mar- riage. In religious belief Mr. Brayton gave his earnest assent to the doctrines
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of the Reformed church, of which he was for many years a constant and faithful attendant. Ile was a generous contributor to religions and educational causes and was one of the best friends the Female Academy could claim in Utica. He was prompt to respond to every worthy call upon his assistance and his upright- ness of character and purity of life were never questioned. Such men confer dignity and honor upon the race and their names deserve to be held in grateful and lasting remembrance.
HARRISON GILMORE.
Ilarrison Gilmore, a veteran coal merchant of Utica, belongs to one of the well known families of Oneida county. He was born at East Franklin, now Treadwell. Delaware county, New York, June 21, 1840, being a son of James Harvey and Maria (Trowbridge) Gilmore. The father was born at Cambridge, Vermont, and the mother at Eastford, Connecticut. They moved to Delhi, Delaware county, New York, where Mr. Gilmore started a woolen mill, which he carried forward successfully until the financial panie of 1837, when the failure of a commission house in New York city foreed him to close up the mill. With the aid of a brother he paid all obligations and then moved to East Franklin. Ile there started another woolen mill and earded rolls of wool such as the women of those days spun into yarn at home. In 1845 he came with his brother William to Clayville, New York, to assist Frederick Hol- lister in starting the Clayville Woolen Mills. A year later Mr. Gilmore came to Utica with his three brothers, William, Sylvester and Iliram, to assist in starting the U'tica Steam Woolen Mill. the first mill in western New York to operate hy steam. In April, 1847, he moved his family to this city. He died in Utica in 1849.
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