USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 4
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On the 6th of January. 1576. Mr. Leahy was united in marriage to Miss Mary MeEvoy of this city, who passed away in December. 1905. Mr. Leahy
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was again married on the 12th of October, 1908, his choice being Miss Mary J. Murphy, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Murphy, of Utica.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Leahy are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Arcanum Club. Politically Mr. Leahy for a number of years has been an independent, standing for men and measures rather than party-prescribed candidates and principles. He has always concentrated his energies upon the development of his personal interests in which he has met with such enviable success, and is highly regarded as a business man and citizen by those who know him.
EARLE APPLETON GAYDE, M. D.
There is little doubt that if a consensus of opinion of the people of Utica eould be secured it would declare Dr. Earle Appleton Gayde to be one of the popular physicians of the city. This opinion he has earned by years of con- scientious and wisely applied effort. He is a native of Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, born March 21, 1869, a son of George Laey and Sarah (Brooke) Gayde, the latter of whom was born in Philadelphia. The father was a well known artist who maintained a studio at Cheltenham, a suburb of the Quaker City. Ile died in 1876, his wife being called away five years later.
Left an orphan in his boyhood, Earle Appleton Gayde received his prelimi- nary education at Girard College, graduating in 1885. He then took a gen- eral course of instruction after which he entered the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Flower Hospital, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1898. Ile spent one year as interne in the Hahnemann Hospital, New York, and after leaving that institution engaged in general practice for seven years in Utiea. In 1905 he went to New York eity and took a special course in chil- dren's diseases in the hospitals, since which time he has devoted his attention to that branch. He is a member of the staff of the Homeopathie Hospital and visiting physician to the House of the Good Shepherd Orphan Asylum. He has also served for two years as medical inspector. Professionally he holds membership in the New York Homeopathie Society, the Central New York Medico-Chirurgical Society and the Utica Homeopathie Medieal Club. A man of remarkable energy, he has spared no pains in taking advantage of every pos- sible opportunity in promoting his efficiency and as a result has a large and luerative clientage.
In 1900 Dr. Gayde was married at Utiea to Miss Harriet Clowminzer, a daughter of Jolin and Harriet Clowminzer. Her father was foreman of a shoe factory in this eity and later was connected with the Kellogg Lumber Company. He and his wife are both deceased. Two children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Gayde, Esther T. and Ruth B.
Politically Dr. Gayde supports the republican party in national elections but in local affairs he is independent, being a firm believer in the application of up-to-date business principles in municipal government. Ile is ex-president
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of the Law and Order Union of the state of New York. Religiously he is identified with the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church and is chairman of its finance committee and also president of the Centenary Men's Club. He is very active as a Masonic worker and has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, being secretary of U'tica Lodge, No. 17, F. & A. M., and of the U'tica Masonic Craftsmen's Club. He Has been called upon to bear his full share of sorrows incident to human existence. In December, 1905, he lost his left leg by an accident and on March 3, 1911, his beloved wife was called away by death. Bravely has he met the reverses of fortune, sustained by an unfaltering trust in "A Divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them though we may." 1 man of unusual energy, taet and ability, he is recognized as one of the most useful members of the community, and finds his happiness in deeds of helpful- ness and unselfish labors in behalf of others.
ABRAM GRIFFITHI SENIOR.
Abram Griffith Senior, who has been engaged in the practice of law in Utica for the past nine years in addition to which he is now serving as United States commissioner, was born in Titusville, Dutchess county, New York, on the 2d of September, 1876, his parents being Jeremiah and Mary E. Grey) Senior.
In the early childhood of Abram Griffith Senior the interests of the father, who was engaged in the wool business, necessitated the family removing south. so that the elementary education of Mr. Senior was acquired in the public schools of Mannington and Sisterville, West Virginia. They later returned to New York, residing in Utica, where Mrs. Senior was born, and Oriskany Falls, and thereafter located in Medway, Massachusetts. The son, Abram Griffith. was entered in Cayuga Lake Military Academy at Aurora, New York, in 1897. He had attended this institution for about two years when it became consoli- dated with the New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-Hudson from which he was graduated in 1899. In the fall of 1899 he matriculated in the New York Law School at New York city, where he remained for one year. During his summer vacation he entered the office of Smith M. Lindsey of this city, as a student and later the office of Dunmore, Sholes & Ferris, remaining and studying in these offices one year. In the spring of 1901 he enrolled in the law department of the University of Michigan, being permitted on taking an examination as to subjects studied at the New York Law School to take ad- vance standing and was awarded the degree of bachelor of law with the class of 1902. After his admission to the bar he took a position as managing clerk with Lewis, Watkins & Titus, but severed this connection in 1903 and became associated with E. D. Lee, under the firm name of Lee & Senior, with offices in the Arcade building. In 1904 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Senior again became identified with Lewis, Watkins & Titus being admitted as junior partner in April, 1909.
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Mr. Senior was married on the 25th of June, 1906, to Miss Nelly Lucine Latimer, a daughter of William E. and Ella L. Latimer of this eity, and they beeame the parents of one son, Latimer Bayard Senior. Mrs. Senior passed away on the 16th of April, 1907.
Mr. Senior is a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, with which he affiliated during his university days. There has been nothing meteorie about the progress of Mr. Senior in his professional career, but it has been the steady permanent advancement of the determined and persevering as well as ambitious man.
JOIIN ARTIIUR BREEN.
John Arthur Breen, president and treasurer of the Utica Real Estate Com- pany, was born in Trenton, New York, in 1868, and is a son of Charles and Bridget Breen, natives of Ireland. The father, who has now attained the ven- erable age of seventy-four years, emigrated with his wife and family to the United States in 1860, landing in New York in the month of August. They located on a farm near Holland Patent, this state, and there the father en- gaged in agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1904. He met with excel- lent success in his undertakings and is now living retired in Utica. In re- ligion he is a Catholic, being a communicant of St. Agnes' church, and po- litically he is a republican in national elections, but always casts an independ- ent ballot at township and municipal elections. To Mr. and Mrs. Breen were born seven children, the son John Arthur being the sixth in order of birth.
Reared on the homestead at Trenton, now Barneveld, in the acquirement of his elementary education John Arthur Breen attended the district school lo- eated at Joy's Hotel Four Corners, after the completion of which he entered the high school at Holland Patent, from which he was graduated. He re- mained on the farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted his father, until he was twenty-one years of age. His first position was in Baggs' cheese factory at Ilolland Patent, whenee he came to Utica in 1893, obtaining a position as salesman with the Kernan Furnace Company. Ile continued in their service for five years, at the expiration of which time he became a member of Breen Brothers' plumbing concern. This company was composed of Jerry C., Charles J., Thomas and John A., now known as the Thomas Breen Company. IIe severed his connection with them in 1905, since which time he has given his entire attention to his real-estate business. Four years before withdrawing from the plumbing company, in 1901, he organized the Utica Real Estate Company. This venture has proven to be a most successful enterprise and Mr. Breen is doing a very satisfactory business.
On the Sth of February, 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Breen and Miss Ethel C. Clark of Clayton, New York. Of this union there have been born three children: J. Clark, Arthur W. and Clayton C.
The family attend the Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Breen is a member. Mr. Breen is affiliated with the Masonie fraternity and he is also a member of the Masonie Club. His political support Mr. Breen gives to the republican
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party, and he has always taken a keen interest in municipal affairs. but has never aspired for any politieal office, preferring to devote his attention mostly to his personal interests.
HENRY LAMBERT BOWES.
The wholesale paper business has been an important factor in the commer- cial growth of l'tica and the name of Bowes Brothers is inseparably identified with this branch of activity. The firm has been in existence for more than twenty years and on account of its prompt and reliable methods it has gained a high standing throughout the state and enjoys a liberal patronage. Henry Lambert Bowes, the elder of the brothers, was born at Oriskany, New York, March 1, 1861, and is a son of John R. and Eliza (Churchill) Bowes, both of whom came to America from England and early in life settled at Oriskany.
Henry Lambert Bowes, of this review, received his preliminary education in the public schools of Utica. After completing his studies he entered the paper business in the employ of B. Wilson. After serving faithfully for twelve years he was admitted as a member of the firm, with which he continued until 1889, when he became associated with his brothers, John Allison and Charles Sidney Bowes, and they organized the firm of Bowes Brothers, wholesale paper dealers, now one of the large and flourishing business establishments of Utica.
On September 20, 1693, Mr. Bowes was married to Miss Nettie M. Barber, a daughter of William Wallace Barber of Taberg. New York, and two children have been born of this union: Raymond Churchill and Hazel Miller.
Mr. Bowes is prominent in social and business circles and fraternally is a valued member of the Masonie order and the Royal Arcanum. Entirely with- ont ostentation or any desire to attract attention personally, he has devoted his time mainly to his business and his family. His associates find in him a genial and pleasing companion and he has never been lacking in the spirit which seeks to promote the material and moral welfare of the city. Beginning at the bot- tom of the ladder in his business he has overcome numberless difficulties and gained a position of comparative independence. This he has accomplished through a worthy ambition. backed by tireless industry and a will that never acknowledged defeat.
WILBUR S. CLARK.
It has often been pointed out that a thorough training in the railroad business is one of the best preparations a man can make for an active and suc- cessful life along many other lines of activity. This has been elearly demon- strated in every state of the Union and receives a new illustration in the sue- cess that has attended the efforts of Wilbur S. Clark, of Utiea, in the trucking
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and storage business with which he has been prominently connected for more than twelve years. Born in Broome county, New York, February 17, 1867, he is a son of Seth and Electa Clark. He passed his boyhood under favorable conditions and secured his early education in the public schools of Albany. After leaving school he entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company with which he continued for nineteen years. He advanced through various grades and served as passenger conductor and in other positions of re- sponsibility. In 1894 he came to Utica and in 1899 formed a copartnership with John Henry Jones in the trucking business to which a storage warehouse was later added. The firm is now one of the flourishing establishments of Utica.
On the 9th of November, 1892, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Jean T. Cochrane, of Albany, and to this union one daughter, Marion Elizabeth, has been born. Experience has shown that although Mr. Clark succeeded admirably in the railroad business, he made no mistake in seeking a change in his occu- pation, for he has become practically independent in a financial sense and has shown an ability in business management which reflects great credit upon his judgment. He is thoroughly awake as to the growing wants of the city and by years of conscientious effort has gained an unquestioned reputation for reliability and fidelity to every trust. Ile is a member of the First Presbyterian church and a valued member of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M., and also of the Arcanum Club and Chamber of Commerce.
GEORGE G. CLARABUT.
George G. Clarabut, cashier of the Farmers National Bank of Rome, is a native of this city and has spent his entire life here, being recognized as one of the most active and useful citizens of Oneida county. He was born January 1, 1868, a son of Gaius and Agnes ( Woodard) Clarabut. The father was born in England but came to America as a young man and settled at Rome, New York, about 1840, where he engaged upon a modest scale as a merchant. There were two sons in the family, George G. and Edwin D., the latter now living at Oakland, California. The father died at an advanced age in 1910, and the mother in February, 1911.
Mr. Clarabut of this sketch secured his education in the public schools and the Rome Free Academy. At the age of fourteen he entered the Farmers National Bank as messenger boy. He applied himself closely to his duties and has ever since his boyhood been identified with this institution, advancing through all the various positions until he became cashier, which position he has held since 1904. Ile is also a member of the board of trustees of the Rome Savings Bank and the Citizens Trust Company of Utica.
On the 14th of September, 1895. Mr. Clarabut was united in marriage to Miss Anna A. Myrick, a daughter of Meade O. and Mary Esther (Wood) Myrick, of Clinton, New York. Two children have been born to this union, Meade Myrick and Doris Wood. Mr. Clarabut now occupies a position of trust and responsibility, which he attained through his own efforts, and, as he pos-
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sesses farge experience and is well acquainted with the people of Rome and Oneida county, he has discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the officers and stockholders of the bank. Fraternally he is connected with Hatha- way Lodge, No. 569. F. & A. M., and the Royal Arcanum, and socially he is identified with the Rome Club and the Te-l'ge-Ga Country Club. He and his family reside in Fort Stanwix Park, North.
WILLEY J. P. KINGSLEY, M. D.
Over fifty years of conscientious and able service to humanity as a physician and surgeon have endeared Dr. Willey J. P. Kingsley to almost a countless number of people of central New York state and other parts of the country and today no man in Rome stands higher in the estimation of the community than he. This position he has attained by unselfish labors, which have re- dounded very greatly to the credit of the city and have materially assisted in promoting the comfort and happiness of his fellowmen. IIe is a native of Frankfort, New York, born July 9. 1824. a son of Obediah and Lydia Jane (Tucker) Kingsley. The family has long been known iu this country, the emigrant ancestor, John Kingsley, having arrived at Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1634.
Dr. Kingsley received his preparatory training at Whitestown Seminary and studied medicine at the Geneva Medical College and New York Medieal College, receiving the degree of M. D. from the latter institution in 1855. After hospital service in New York and practice in Utiea for one year he be- gan practice at Rome, where he has since continued. In 1859 he founded a hospital for the treatment of malignant growths, of which he is still the head, this institution having proven one of the most successful of the kind in the country. Ile was one of the organizers of the Farmers National Bank of Rome and has been its president ever since the bank was called into existence. He was also one of the organizers and president of the Central New York Institute for Deaf Mutes and is president of the Jarvis Library Association and the Rome Cemetery Association. IIe was an organizer of the Rome Locomotive Works, the Rome Manufacturing Company, the Rome Metal Company, the Rome Tube Company and various other manufacturing concerns, including the Rome Iron Works, which afterward became the Rome Brass & Copper Company, he being the only one of the original stockholders of the latter organization now living. Hle has served as director, officer or president of a number of the leading manu- facturing concerns of Rome and showed an ability which reflected the highest credit upon him as a man of unusually clear judgment in business affairs. He has also taken an active interest in the city of his adoption and served as mayor of Rome from 1895 to 1899. During this time very extensive work was carried on in the development of the sewerage system and in paving. He also originated the idea of the improved gravity water system of Rome.
In 1860 Dr. Kingsley was married to Miss Georgeanna Manolt Vogell, a daughter of Rev. Henry C. Vogell. A. M., D. D., who was located in Utica at
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the time of the marriage. Three sons were born to this union, the eldest of whom died in childhood. The second son, George Lyle, received the degree of A. B. from Yale in 1886 and M. D. from Harvard in 1890. IIe died while surgical house officer of the Massachusetts General Hospital, September 25, 1890. Willey Lyon, the third of the children of Dr. and Mrs. Kingsley in order of birth, was graduated from Yale in 1886 with the degree of A. B. and received the degree of M. D. from Harvard University in 1890. IIe has since made his home at Rome and for twenty-one years past has been in part- nership with his father in conducting the hospital. He is also interested finan- cially in local manufactories.
Dr. Kingsley, whose name introduces this review, is one of the remarkable men of New York state, as is shown by the brief statement herewith presented. He has never sought publicity, preferring to carry forward his work quietly and entirely without ostentation. A leader in his profession, he is also largely en- dowed with business talent and could easily have gained a national reputation as a manufacturer had he concentrated his energies in that direction. His main interest has been given to his profession and his success in a difficult specialty has drawn patients from many states, the institution over which he presides being one of the most favorably known of the kind in the United States. He is justly regarded with profound respeet and his suecess both pro- fessionally and financially has been most gratifying.
JOHN J. COAKLEY.
John J. Coakley, who for the past ten years has been head of the police department of Utica, of which place he is a native son, his birth having here oc- curred in 1852. His parents were Patrick and Margaret Coakley, the father a native of Ireland from which country he emigrated in 1838. He worked on the railroad and was at one time employed on the New York Central. IIe is now deceased, having been accidentally drowned in the Mohawk river.
Utica has always been the home of John J. Coakley, who obtained his edu- cation in the public and parochial schools of this city. After laying aside his studies he learned the moulder's trade, and entered the foundry of the J. S. Peckham Furnace Company at Utica, New York. Later he entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company., withdrawing only to engage in business for himself, and for several years thereafter he successfully conducted a grocery on Mohawk street. On the 1st of February, 1887, he was appointed a patrolman on the city police force, in which capacity he served until the 1st of March, 1898, doing a great deal of special work at the same time. Ile was promoted to the position of deputy chief from that of patrolman and on the 5th of April, 1901, he was appointed chief of police, in which capacity he has most efficiently served ever since.
Mr. Coakley, who is unmarried, is a member of the parish of St. John, be- ing a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, while fraternally he is af- filiated with the Elks and the Eagles. He has a brother, Patrick J. and a sister. Mary, who are also residents of this city. In matters political Mr. Vol. II-3
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
Coakley has always voted with the democratic party, taking an active part in all municipal affairs, The period of his incumbeney of his present office at- tests the efficiency with which he has discharged his responsibilities. He is well fitted for the position he now holds and is very popular not only among his constituency but the general public of Etica.
LOUIS JULIE'S SCHARFF.
Louis Julins Scharff is a member of the plumbing, heating and metal work firm known as the Hesse-Scharff Company which was organized in 190s. Prae- tical experience qualified him for the conduet of this business for in his youth he had learned the plumber's and steam fitter's trades. He is a son of William and Amelia "Steinbecker: Scharff, the former of whom was a native of Cana- joharie. New York and the latter of Germany. He was born in Cana joharie, Montgomery county, New York, on the 2d of August. 1867. and is indebted to the public school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He came to litica in 1887 when a young man of twenty years, and here learned the plumber's and steam fitter's trades with the firm of Charles Millar & Sons. In 1907 he became one of the organizers of the Snyder & Scharff Company which later combined with the Hesse. Steinhorst Company. under the present style of the llesse & Scharff Company. They conduet a general plumbing, steam fit- ting and metal work business and in the three years of its existence the firm has gained a goodly patronage, bringing it a substantial profit.
On the 14th of November. ISO1. Mr. Scharff was married to Miss Emelie Toomer, a daughter of Thomas Toomer. of Ftica, and they now have one son, William JJohn, who is a student of the U'tica Academy. Mr. Scharff is a mem- ber of the English Lutheran church and votes the republican tieket. He is a member of Utica Lodge. No. 47. A. F. & A. M., and Oneida Chapter. No. 57, R. A. M. He also holds membership in the U'tica Maennerchor and is much in- terested in music which is to him a pleasant source of recreation. His atten- tion. however. is largely devoted to business affairs and the reliable methods pursued by the firm constitute a potent element in its growing success.
ALBERT OTTO HESSE.
The spirit of business enterprise which Albert Otto Hesse has displayed siner entering commercial circles has brought him to a prominent position in relation to the trade interests of Utica. He is now senior partner in the Hesse & Scharff Company, and in the conduct of the business shows an initiative that constantly seeks ont new methods for the expansion of the trade and the en- largement of business connections. He was born in Utiea, June 4, 1871, a son of Adolph and Lena Hesse, both of whom were natives of Germany. whence
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they came to the new world about 1853. The father was a molder and for a long period followed his trade in Utica.
Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Albert Otto IIesse attended the public schools and afterward learned the tin and sheet metal worker's trade, gaining thus a practical knowledge of the business which has enabled him to earefully and successfully direet the labors of those who now serve under him. Laudable ambition prompted him to put forth active effort until his industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1906 he organized the IIesse, Steinhorst Company, engaging in heating and sheet metal work. The following year the Snyder & Scharff Company became occupants of half of the store and the fol- lowing year the two interests were consolidated in the organization of the pres- ent firm known as the Hesse & Scharff Company. The business has been ex- tended in its scope to include plumbing as well as heating and sheet metal work, and the house now enjoys what is already a satisfactory patronage. The trade, however, is steadily increasing and is reaching very gratifying proportions.
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