USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 43
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EVAN WILLARD JONES.
Evan Willard Jones was born in the town of Trenton. Oneida county, on the 18th day of May 1864. His parents were Griffith O. and Ann Jones. His father has now passed away. but his mother still survives.
Ile was educated at Holland Patent Union school and the State Normal school at Albany. New York, graduating from the latter school with the class of 1886. He subsequently engaged in teaching in New York eity. During a part of the time that he was residing in New York he was a student in the law department of the New York University and graduated with the class of 1890. Four years later he resumed the study of law in Utica and was admitted to the bar in 1896. In 1904 he became associated in the practice
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of law with Milton E. Robinson and Richard R. Martin under the firm name of Robinson, Martin & Jones, which continued until the death of Mr. Robin- son in 1909 when Mr. Martin and Mr. Jones continued the practice under the firm name of Martin & Jones.
In August 1896 Mr. Jones was married to Miss Fanny S. White, daugh- ter of George and Millicent (Ilamlin) White. Fraternally Mr. Jones, is iden- tified with the Trenton Lodge No. 577, and is a charter member of Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows at Stittville, New York.
SALVATORE MANCA.
Salvatore Manca, prominent in business and social circles of Utica, is well known as a dealer in hardware, stoves and ranges, his establishment being located at No. 611 Bleecker street. His birth occurred in Syracuse, Italy, on the 13th of August, 1882, his father being James Manca, a building contrae- tor. He acquired his education in the schools of Genoa and Syracuse and re- mained a resident of his native land until twenty-three years of age, crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 1905. Coming to Utica, New York, he spent four years in the employ of the International Heating Company of this city and in 1909 resigned to embark in business on his own aecount as a dealer in hardware, stoves and ranges. The establishment is the only one of its kind on the east side of Utica. Mr. Manca carries everything in the line of kitehen utensils, does repairing of all kinds of stoves and hardware and is also a dealer in coal and wood. IIe carries the Floyd-Wells Company's line of goods which have the highest reputation for quality. A young man of excellent executive ability, sound judgment and keen discrimination, he has prospered in his un- dertakings and has won an enviable reputation as a business man and citizen.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life, Mr. Manca chose Miss Lucy Cassia, of Syracuse. Italy, by whom he has three children, James, Mariana, and Maria Concitta. In polities he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his member- ship in the Mount Carmel Roman Catholic church and he is likewise a valued member of the Sons of Columbus Club.
NICHOLAS D. PETERS.
One of the foremost contractors for conerete work in Utica is Nicholas D. Peters, whose office and yards are located at 23 Kossuth avenue. He was born in Italy, on the 1st of November, 1877, and is a son of S. D. and Sarah (Bar- rella) Peters, who came to Utica in 1883 and have ever since continued to re- side here. Mrs. Peters was a daughter of Andreas Barrella, who for some years was a resident of Utica. The other children born unto Senatro D. and
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Sarah Peters are as follows: Frank, Andrew and Peter, all of whom are mem- bers of the firm of N. D. Peters & Company ; and Mary, who is still at home.
The education of Nicholas D. Peters was acquired in Utica. where he has resided during the greater part of his life. After finishing his schooling he be- came identified with his present line of work in which he has met with such notable success. He has been awarded some of the best contracts for concrete work in the city and is recognized as one of the best as well as most reliable men in his line. At his yards he carries a large line of building material, Boon- ville sand, Portland cement. etc. He has constructed many concrete buildings and foundations for factories in addition to which he has laid over fifty miles of sidewalk in Utica.
Mr. Peters married Miss Isabel Condon and to them have been born the fol- lowing children: Francis, whose birth occurred in 1900; Marguerite, who was born in 1902; Charles, born in 1904; and Donald, whose birth occurred in 190S.
The family attend Mount Carmel Roman Catholic church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Peters are communicants and they reside at 37 Kossuth avenue. Mr. Peters is a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce and the Loyal Order of Moose, while his political support he accords to the candidates of the democratic party. Endowed with unusual business acumen and progressive ideas Mr. Peters is making rapid progress in the development of his enterprises which are now well established portending a most promising future.
ALBERT REMINGTON KESSINGER.
Whether as a business man or as a public official Albert Remington Kes- singer has discharged his duties with rare discrimination and judgment, and today he ranks as one of the most prominent of Rome's citizens, being mayor of the city and managing editor of the Rome Sentinel. He was born in this rity October 15, 1866, a son of Augustus C. and Louise (Remington ) Kessinger, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
In the public schools Mr. Kessinger secured his introduction to a mental training which was carried forward under favorable auspices at Rome Acad- emy. Later he attended Trinity Military School at Tivoli, from which he was graduated in 1583. Ile next matriculated at Ilamilton College, receiving the degree of A. B. from that institution in 1888 and A. M. in 1903. Immediately upon returning home he became allied with the Rome Sentinel, with which his father had long been identified, and since has been connected with the news- paper. Ile has taken an active part in city affairs, beginning in 1893 when he was appointed a member of the board of water commissioners, which after- ward became the board of water and sewer commissioners. IIe continued as a member of this board until he became mayor of Rome in January, 1906. In the fall of 1907 he was reelected to that office and in the fall of 1909 was re- nominated by both political parties and again reelected. He is a wide-awake and capable officer and has shown an interest in the welfare of the city which meets the warm approval of taxpayers. He is also an efficient member of the
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ALBERT R. KESSINGER
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Utiea Courthouse Commission, has been president of the Firemen's Benevolent Association of Rome, ever since its organization in 1906, having formerly been a member of Hose Company, No. 2, and is president of the Oneida County Volunteer Firemen's Association.
On the 29th of April, 1896, Mr. Kessinger was married to Miss Margaret Everiss, a daughter of Joseph E. Everiss, of Adrian, Michigan. Two children have been born to them, Margaret Alberta and Frederick Everiss. The fam- ily resides in a beautiful home at No. 720 North Washington street.
Politically Mr. Kessinger is a stanch supporter of the democratie party. He has for many years been a member of the New York Democratie Editorial Association, and is now serving as its treasurer. Ile is also a member of the state commerce committee, which carried on the campaign for the barge canal and later for canal terminals. He is a director of the Rome Fish and Game Protective Association and fraternally is connected with Hathaway Lodge, No. 869, F. & A. M., Utica Lodge of the Elks, the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Woodmen of the World and the Royal Arcanum. Ile is a man of strong social proclivities and holds membership in many clubs, among which may be named the Masonie Club, the Rome Saengerbund, the Rome German American Bund, the Brown's Tract Guides Association, the Salmon River Fishing Club, Fish Creek Club, the Mendota and Rome Clubs, the Rome County and Te-Uge-Ga Country Clubs, the Romohawks and the Mys- tique Krewe of Syracuse. A man of broad education, wide reading, unusual energy and many activities, the influence of Mr. Kessinger is felt wherever he is known and it is always exerted in the promotion of the general good. As an editor and writer his ability is recognized throughout the state, there being few men outside of the larger cities who command a more friendly class of readers. He is, therefore, well entitled to a place in a comprehensive history of Rome and Oneida eounty.
DE WITT C. HURD.
De Witt C. Hurd, a prominent business man and respected citizen of Utica, is at the head of the wholesale shoe house of The IInrd & Fitzgerald Shoe Company, which was incorporated in 1906. Mr. Hurd first became identified with the shoe business in 1867 as a salesman for the firm of Case & Tallman and later became a partner of Mr. E. A. Tallman. The firm of Tallman & Hurd was dissolved on the 16th of January, 1892, and in that year our subject formed a partnership with M. J. Fitzgerald, who for many years represented the old firm as a traveling salesman. The present officers of the concern are as follows: DeWitt C. IIurd, president and treasurer; M. J. Fitzgerald, vice president; Hugh R. Jones, secretary and assistant treasurer; and Harry D. Hurd, sales manager. They are jobbers in shoes and rubber goods in New York and Pennsylvania and have from ten to twelve salesmen on the road. The business has continually increased in volume and for its conduct the com- pany recently erected a modern briek structure, at the corner of Main and
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First streets, five stories in height, the dimensions of which are one hundred by sixty-seven feet. Mr. Hurd gives his personal attention to the business, the success of which is attributable in large measure to his excellent manage- ment and keen discernment.
The gentleman whose name introduces this review also has a creditable military record. On the 8th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the I'nion army, as a member of Company E. Tenth New York Artillery, remaining with the regiment until the close of hostilities. During his service he was promoted to sergeant major of the regiment. He was likewise commissioned as second lieutenant but the close of the war prevented his muster. The his- tory of his regiment is the history of DeWitt C. Hurd. He is a member of Bacon Post, No. 53, G. A. R., has attended state and national encampments, has been a member of the staff of different commanders, was junior vice depart- ment commander in 1907-8 and was the untiring president of the Oneida County Veteran Association, G. A. R., from 1902 to 1910. In 1910 Bacon Post pre- sented his name for the position of department commander of the state of New York and he was elected to that office at the state encampment held at Syracuse in June of that year.
In the eivie life of Utica, Mr. Hurd has been prominent and useful. For many years he has been a director in the Utiea Chamber of Commerce and in the Young Men's Christian Association.
GRIFFITHE GRIFFITHIS.
For twenty-one years Griffith Griffiths, the senior partner of Griffiths & Pierce, has been identified with the building activities of Utica. Mr. Griffiths was born in Wales, on the 23d of December, 1859, and is a son of John and Mary Roberts Griffiths, also of Wales.
I'p to the age of fourteen years Griffith Griffiths attended the common schools of his native land in pursuit of an education. He laid aside his text- books in 1873, however, and began his apprenticeship as a brick and stone mason under his father, who was a contractor and builder. Three years there- after he left the parental roof to go to other cities to complete his apprentice- ship and follow his trade. In 1883, having reached the age of twenty-four years he decided to become a citizen of the United States and so taking passage for America in due season he landed in New York. Upon his arrival he eame to Utica where he obtained employment with JJones and Shippy, as he desired to see more of the country, however, he traveled from city to city, continuing to follow his trade wherever he went. Returning to Utica, in 1890 he went into partnership with Pierce Jones in contracting and building which busi- ness has ever since been conducted under the name of Griffiths & Pierce. They have met with most gratifying success in their venture, and have been awarded not only some of the best contracts in the city but many in outlying towns. Among the buildings which they have constructed may be mentioned : Hotel Utica, St. Luke's Hospital, Utica Free Academy, Wetmore Street school,
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Hudson River power plant, Moravian church, Reconciliation church, Utiea & Mohawk Valley car barns and Oneida County Hospital, at Rome.
Mr. Griffiths was married on the 13th of May, 1889, to Miss Mary Davis, who passed away in 1894. Mrs. Griffiths was a daughter of John and Hannah (Roberts) Davis, the father a native of Wales and the mother of Oneida county. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths, a son, Waldo, em- ployed in business with his father. In 1902 Mr. Griffiths was married to Miss Jennie Cromie, a daughter of Robert Cromie of Utica.
Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths attend Plymouth church of which he is one of the trustees. He is also affiliated with several Welsh societies, while he main- tains relations with his competitors through the medium of his membership in the Master Mason Builders Association. Although his political views co- incide with those of the republican party, Mr. Griffiths never casts a straight ballot except at state and national elections, at other times he gives his sup- port to the men and measures he deems best adapted to meet the exigencies of the situation. Mr. Griffiths is not only a competent workman but a thor- oughly reliable and capable business man, which fortunate combination has been the means of his acquiring the success which has rewarded his efforts, and in addition to his business he is also interested in the cutlery works.
THOMAS DAVID WATKINS.
Thomas David Watkins, who has been engaged in the practice of law in T'tica sinee September, 1893, was born at Plainfield, Otsego county, New York, September 4, 1870. Hle is a son of John Watkins, a native of Wales, who was brought to America by his parents, John and Ellen Watkins, when he was but two years of age. The family came to Oneida county. New York, and settled in the timber, in Deerfield township, where grandfather Watkins made a clearing for a home. The son John was reared upon his father's farm and became a sue- cessful agriculturist. He moved to Plainfield, Otsego county, in 1860, and he died .June 17, 1901, at the age of seventy-four years, at that city. He was a man of sturdy convictions and high principles, being also a consistent mem- ber of the Congregational church. Politically he gave his support to the republican party, and held town office for many years. The mother, Ellen James before her marriage, was also a native of Wales and came to the United States at two years of age with her parents, John and Ellen James. The family located at Marcy, Oneida county, New York, and later moved to Frankfort, on Frankfort Hill, in Herkimer county. Mr. James engaged in farming with a marked degree of success.
Thomas David Watkins was the youngest in a family of eight children. Ile was reared on his father's farm and attended the country schools, later becom- ing a student at the West Warfield Union Academy. He was graduated at the academy in 1889 and then took a post-graduate course at the same institution, winning a free scholarship to Cornell University. IIe entered the law depart- ment of the university in the fall of 1890 and was graduated with the degree
IHISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
of LL. B. in 1892. Desiring to prosecute his studies still further, he took a post-graduate course at the university and received the degree of LL. M. in 1-93. Ile was admitted to the bar in April. 1893, and soon afterward began practice at U'tica, entering into partnership with Josiah Perry. This associa- tion continued less than a year. his next partnership being with A. T. Wilkin- son. After a year with Mr. Wilkinson he practiced alone, but on January 1. Is9s. associated with William E. Lewis. Later Charles T. Titus was admitted to the firm and the title became Lewis, Watkins & Titus. In the spring of 1909 another member was added-Abram G. Senior-who is the junior member of the firm. Mr. Watkins has devoted his attention closely to general practice but served as corporation counsel for Utica from January, 1896, to January, 198. His name was on the democratie ticket in 1894 for assemblyman, but he was defeated by a small majority. He ran for senator in the Oneida district in 1898 and although the district is largely republican he lacked only sixty-seven votes of being elected.
On the 14th of September, 1898, Mr. Watkins was married to Miss Corinne 1. Wheeler, a daughter of Eber O. Wheeler, for a number of years a prominent attorney of Auburn. New York, but now deceased. Four children have blessed the union: John W .; Winifred, who died in infancy; Thomas D., JJr .; and Wheeler.
Mr. and Mrs. Watkins are both members of the First Presbyterian church of U'tica and he has for many years been an active worker in behalf of higher citi- zenship and applied Christian living. He is a member of the Oneida County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. He was one of the founders of the Delta Chi fraternity and has ever since maintained member- ship in that organization, being also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fort Schuyler Club, the Royal Arcanum ('Inb, the Yahnundahsis Golf Club, the Rome Club of Rome, New York, and the Cornell Club of New York city. Politically he supports the republican party. He was formerly a demo- erat but in 1904 he transferred his allegiance to the republican party and voted for Theodore Roosevelt for president. He has seen no reason to regret his change of political faith. He is a man of. unusual strength and decision of character and, as he possesses thorough knowledge of the principles of law and has demonstrated his ability in the courts, his position at the bar is well assured.
CAPTAIN JAMES S. ABEEL.
For more than a half century the name of Captain James S. Abeel was on the list of the United States soldiers and army officers, and at the time of his death he was the oldest commissioned army officer in the country. He held to the highest ideals in his relation to the service and he displayed, too, those social qualities which made him popular with officers and men and those who met him in social relations. Family records indicate that the first representative of the name in America was Christopher James Abeel, who was born in Amster- dam, Ilolland, in 1621, and sailed from his native land to the new world in 1657. Ile settled first at Fort Orange, now Albany, New York, where he engaged in
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JAMES S. ABEEL
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trade for the Dutch & West Indies Company. He was the father of Johannes Abeel who served as the second mayor of the city of Albany and for several years was city reporter. He was the father of David Abeel, who was a merchant and for some time was assessor of New York city. James Abeel, the son of David, espoused the cause of the colonies during the Revolutionary war and did active duty with the American army throughout the struggle for inde- pendence, becoming deputy quartermaster on the staff of General Washington under General Greene.
John N. Abeel, son of James Abeel and the father of Captain J. S. Abeel, of this review, was born in New York city in 1769, and was graduated from Princeton College in 1787. In early manhood he read law and subsequently studied theology. He became a tutor at Princeton College and devoted his attention to teaching until licensed to preach in 1793, when he allied himself with the Reformed Dutch church of New York city, continuing his ministry there until his death, which occurred in 1812. He was widely recognized as an eminent divine aud in 1804 Harvard College conferred upon him the D. D. degree. In the same year he was associated with eleven others in founding the New York Historical Society. He was married, January 29, 1794, to Miss Mary Stille, who died January 13, 1826.
Captain James Abeel, son of the Rev. John N. and Mary Abeel, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1795, and pursued his education in the grammar and select schools of New York city under Arthur Stansbury and John Borland. Upon the death of his father in 1812 he entered the count- ing house of Robert Lenox and soon afterward joined the United States army and was assigned to duty on the Niagara frontier, being thus engaged dur- ing the war of 1812. On the 3d of May, 1813, he was commissioned as third lieutenant and on the 20th of February, 1815, received from President James Madison a commission which made him first lieutenant of the Twenty-third Regiment of Infantry, to rank from October 1, 1814, at which time he and General J. A. Dix were the youngest officers of the army. Lieutenant Abeel was present at the battle of Fort Erie and the capture of Fort George, and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane. Following cessation of hostilities in 1815 he was retained as second lieutenant with brevet of first lieutenant, and was transferred to the Fourth Artillery April 20, 1818. Subsequently he was made first lieutenant of artillery, his commission signed by President Monroe bearing date, July 10, 1820. On the 1st of September, 1829, he was brevetted captain for ten years' faithful service in one grade by President Jackson. During that period he was stationed at Newport, Rhode Island, Port- land, Maine, New York city and Old Point Comfort. In April, 1828, he was placed in command of the arsenal at Rome, where he remained until December 31, 1834, when he resigned. At that time he had been ordered to report to his regiment and proceed to Florida, but his health and the care of his family forced him to quit the army.
On severing his military relations Captain Abeel turned his attention to agricultural pursuits near Trentou Falls, until the 6th of January, 1838, when upon the recommendation of Generals Seott, Wood, and Worth, he was appointed military storekeeper to suceeed Captain Samuel Perkins, deceased, in charge
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
of the Rome arsenal, his commission of May 30, 1841, being signed by President Tyler. He occupied the office until May 17, 1853, when he turned over the arsenal to D. B. Sackett for a recruiting station. Captain Abeel was after- ward in command of the Detroit United States Arsenal at Dearborn. Michi- gan, until April 8, 1863, when he returned to Rome and had charge of the arsenal here as military storekeeper until February 16. 1870, when he was placed on the retired list. Save for the brief period devoted to farming he spent fifty-seven years in the military service of his country and at the time of his death, in December, 1871, was the oldest commissioned officer in the United States army.
Captain Abeel was of the highest type of soldier and official, never neglect- ful of any duty and always most loyal to the cause which he espoused. He was likewise an accomplished musician, his talent in that direction enabling him to add to the pleasure of friends in home and social circles. His military bear- ing and fine physique made him a man of imposing appearance and he was at all times a typical gentleman of the old school. He was very particular con- cerning the dress and habits of himself and those around him and punctuality was one of his marked characteristics. Wherever he went and by all who knew him he was held in the highest esteem, commanding the respect and con- fidence of his fellowmen by reason of sterling traits of character.
On the 16th of November, 1826. Captain Abeel was married in New York city to Miss Mary Powell Seymour. a daughter of William and Elizabeth . Pow- ell Seymour, of Newburgh, New York. Her death occurred December 28. 1898. There were seven children in the family: John Neilson and William Seymour, now deceased : Isabelle: Thomas Powell and Alfred, who have also passed away; Angusta, the wife of Colonel F. II. Parker. U. S. A., of Rome ; and James M., deceased.
Of this family Thomas P. Abeel was born August 21, 1833, at the old arsenal building, his father, Captain Abeel, being then storekeeper. His death occurred September 9, 1903. so that he was seventy years of age at the time of his demise. His education was acquired in the public schools and when twenty-one years of age he went to Albany, where he studied and became fa- miliar with railroad business in connection with the house of E. Corning & Company. Subsequently he removed to Jacksonville, Florida, and at the time of the Civil war was located at New Orleans. Because of the fact that he was a northerner his property was confiscated by the southerners and he was oh- liged to take an oath not to fight with the Federal troops. To appease the citizens he joined the Crescent City Regiment, made up of New Orleans men. but when the regiment was ordered to Corinth he withdrew. He remained in that city until it was captured by General Butler, when he was set free. After the war he made his way northward to the Pennsylvania oil fields and in 1872 removed to Texas, where he became interested in banking. railroads and ice plants. He also for a number of years conducted a large hardware business in the south. Ile was prominently connected with the principal commercial and industrial interests of Waeo and prospered in his investments there, win- ning a handsome fortune. For about twenty years his brother Alfred was as- soeiated in business with him, and though living in Texas for thirty years
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