USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 50
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in business; Frederick Martin, now a practicing physician of Utica; Raymond A., who is also a physician and is engaged in practice at Bellevue Hospital, New York city ; Mabel F .; and Emily T., who is the wife of J. Philip Bannigan of Utica. Mr. Kempf takes just pride in the business with which he has been connected since its inception, the house over which he presides being an orna- ment to the city. It has been the ambition of his life to build up the business to its present high standard and in the accomplishment of this worthy object he has been ably assisted by his associates. The establishment has evidently met a real want in central New York and its remarkable success may be re- garded as the measure of its deserts.
REV. NICHOLAS JAMES QUINN.
Rev. Nicholas James Quinn, pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic church of Utica, came from the Emerald isle, his birth having occurred at Nenagh, Tipperary county, in 1840. The first seven years of his life were there passed, after which occurred a most important event that made deep impress on the youthful mind -the long voyage across the Atlantic to the new world in company with his mother, his father having died some years before. The family home was estab- lished at Binghamton, New York, and he began his education as one of the first pupils in the school of Our Lady of Angels, now known as Niagara University. His more advanced course was pursued in the College of St. Charles Borromeo, Baltimore, Maryland, and later he pursued a theological course in St. Joseph's Seminary, at Troy, New York, for in the meantime he had determined to de- vote his life to the priesthood. ITis ordination occurred in the Cathedral of Albany, New York, on the 22d of November, 1868, the service being conducted by the Rt. Rev. John J. Conroy, and he became assistant to Bishop Conroy at St. Joseph's church in Albany. Subsequently he was ordained to pastoral duties at Binghamton, and there became the associate of his uncle, the Very Rev. James F. Hourigan, a pioneer priest of southern New York, in erecting St. Patrick's church, the finest religious edifice in the diocese. For a quarter of a century he was connected with that church and won the love and respect of his congregation in a remarkable degree. In April, 1893, he was transferred by Bishop Ludden of Syracuse to St. Patrick's church at Utica, where he found the parish without a house of worship and the work of the church but poorly organized. He brought to his task here great energy and zeal and within two years had thoroughly reorganized the scattered interests into a flourishing con- gregation and erected a beautiful church building which was dedicated Decem- ber 8, 1895. The interior is purely Gothic in design, unique and original in detail, and contains fine furnishings, mostly imported from Munich. The church is most complete and harmonious in every way and the beauty of the editice, both as to the interior and the exterior, is commented npon by all be- holders. The array of pillars emphasizes the length and shows the imposing grandenr of the arches. There is grace and beauty in every line, together with a sense of stability, which is one of the most important features in archi- tecture.
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Father Quinn displays the same spirit of loyalty for which the family has long been noted. Ile has two uneles and two nephews in the priesthood, as well as four sisters, two nieces and two cousins who are members of religious orders. Father Quinn is an eloquent speaker, his oratory being effective and convincing. Added to his broad knowledge concerning ecclesiastical doctrines he possesses the zeal which inspires others and a sympathy which wins confidence. His dis- position is naturally most genial and his parishioners know that they will re- ceive from him words of kindly advice and sympathy when they speak to him of temporal as well as spiritual affairs.
MATTHEW E. HASTINGS.
Among those who represent the commercial interests of New York Mills must be mentioned Matthew E. Hastings, a well known business man and hardware dealer. Ile was born in Wigan-Lancashire, England, on the 24th of July, 1850, and is a son of the late James and Deborah (Finn) Hastings. The father, who was a native of Bristol his natal day being the 10th of March, 1810, was edu- eated in the publie schools of his native eity, following which he learned the weaver's trade. He emigrated to the United States with his wife and children, locating in Buffalo in 1867. The following year they removed to New York Mills where the parents spent their latter days, the father passing away on the 22d of January, 1883, and the mother on the 27th of August, 1899, both being laid to rest in the village cemetery. They were the parents of six children.
The education of Matthew E. Hastings was acquired in the common sehools of Wigan. Upon his arrival in Buffalo he was apprentieed to a printer, his service papers being made out by the late Grover Cleveland. In 1869 he came to New York Mills where he learned the plumber's and tinner's trades, which he followed until September, 1875, when he engaged in business for himself at his present loeation, where he does eopper and tin smithing, plumbing and gas- fitting in addition to which he carries a large line of shelf hardware. He does all of the repair work in his line in the village and he also takes contracts for roofing and installing heating plants.
In 1873 Mr. Hastings was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Beard, a daughter of Ishmael Beard a native of England but for many years a resident of New York Mills, where he located in 1854. Mrs. Hastings was born in Tint- wistle, Cheshire, England, on the 3d of July, 1848, and passed away on the 27th of April, 1907. She was a member of the Presbyterian church of this village for forty years, and always took an active and helpful interest in all of the work of the ehnrch and Sunday school, having for many years been a teacher in the latter. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ilastings were born the following children : Mary E., who is at home with her father; Agnes I., who is keeping house for her father; John E., a graduate of the Utica Free Academy and the medieal de- partment of the George Washington University, now praetieing in Washington. D. C., ; Walter F., who is traveling for the Standard Oil Company ; Matthew S .. who is associated with his father in business, having entire charge of the plumb-
M. E. HASTINGS
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ing and repair departments; and David B., who is with the Mott Wheel Works, Flint, Michigan. All of the children were given the advantages of a good edu- cation, as after completing the schools of New York Mills they attended the advanced schools of Utica, and the Utica Free Academy.
Fraternally Mr. Hastings is identified with the Masonic order. He is a mem- ber of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, A. F. & A. M .; Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T .; Oneida Chapter, No. 57; and the shrine, while he was also formerly a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has always been an ardent republican, and has several times represented his party at county and state as well as district conventions, while for six years he was justice of peace in New York Mills and is now assessor and chairman of the board. IIe also served for many years as school trustee in district No. 11. Mr. Hastings has met with success in his business and in addition to his interest in New York Mills has a summer lodge in the Adirondaeks. He is one of the capable and progressive citizens of the village, and both he and his family are well regarded and es- teemed. Mr. Hastings has served for fifteen years on the Board of Trustees of the Wolcott Memorial church and is now chairman of the board.
PIERCE JONES.
A well known mason and contractor of Utica is Pierce Jones, who is a member of the firm of Griffiths & Pierce. He was born in Wales, on the 10th of June, 1859, and is a son of Jolin and Mary Jones, also natives of Wales.
Reared in the land of his birth, Pierce Jones acquired his education in the common schools of the village where he lived, remaining a member of the par- ental home until he was twelve years of age. Ile subsequently went to Liverpool. where he was apprenticed as a plasterer. After learning his trade he followed it in England until 1883, at which time he decided to become a citizen of the United States. Upon his arrival he immediately made his way westward locat- ing in Utica, where he entered the employ of IInghes & Jones with whom he continued to be identified until 1890 when he formed a partnership with one of his fellow countrymen, Griffith Griffiths, under the firm name of Griffiths & Pierce. Thoroughly trustworthy and reliable business men as well as excellent workmen, they have met with success in their business, and in addition to his interest in that Mr. Jones owns stock in the Utiea Gas Company, the Mohawk Valley Railroad and the Water Works. Together with his partner he has been awarded some of the best contracts in the city. Among the well known buildings they have erected, mention should be made of the Hotel Utica, St. Luke's Hospital, Utiea Free Academy, Wetmore street school, Hudson River power plant, Moravian church, Reconciliation church, Utica & Mohawk Valley car barns and Oneida County Hospital, which is located at Rome.
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Jones chose Miss Margaret Roberts, a daugh- ter of Robert and Elizabeth Roberts, their union being solemnized in this city in 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born two daughters: Mary Frances and Margaret Vivian.
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Mr. Jones is a member of the Masonic fraternity, his local identification be- ing with Faxton Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Master Mason Builders' Association, of which organization he was at one time the treas- urer. In politics he always casts an independent ballot except for state and national officers, his support then being given to the candidates of the repub- lican party. Never having been an aspirant to publie honors or the emoluments of office, however, he does not actively participate in municipal affairs, pre- ferring to devote his entire time and attention to the development of his pri- vate interests in which he is meeting with more than an average degree of success.
FREDERICK WILLIAM LUKER.
Frederick William Unker, now deceased, who was for many years in active business in Utica and gained in an uncommon degree the confidence and re- speet of his associates and a large circle of friends, was a native of this city. Ile was born November 5, 1866, a son of Peter and Catharine Luker. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Inker three are now living: John M., of Waterville, New York ; Owen F., of Utica ; and Mrs. John E. Keating, also of this city.
Mr. Luker, whose name introduces this sketch, received his early education at Assumption Academy, Utica. At the age of twelve years he entered the em- ploy of Bristol & Smith, dealers in wall paper. He began at the foot of the ladder as errand boy but as years passed he steadily climbed to positions of responsibility and at the age of twenty-five was made a partner in the firm, the title of which was changed to William T. Smith & Company, Mr. Bristol having retired. For a number of years Mr. Unker traveled through northern New York in the interest of this firm and as he made friends wherever he appeared he built up a large and Inerative patronage and was known as one of the most popular traveling salesmen in the state. Possessing a cheerful disposition, a kindly nature and a gentlemanly address, he was eminently adapted to meet the public and he often succeeded easily in placing an order where others gained recognition only through much labor. In August, 1905, the firm of William T. Smith & Company was dissolved and John L. Grant succeeded to the business.
On June 20, 1894, Mr. baker was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude E. Donohue, of Utica. Four children were born to this union, Thelma, now de- ceased, Frederick E., Joseph F., and Marjorie. Mr. Luker was reared in the Catholic church and was a member of St. John's church; the League of the Sacred Heart and the Holy Name Society, both of which are connected with the church ; Imperial Council, No. 70, Royal Arcanum; the relief association con- nected with Imperial Council; and the Commercial Travelers. In polities he was an adherent of the democratic party, but never songht nor held political office. During the last eighteen months of his life he lived retired, his health having become impaired. After being confined to his bed for a month he died January 27, 1907, having arrived at the age of forty-one years. A man of the highest honor. he was a lover of his home and family and a citizen who will
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long be missed in a community where he was recognized as one of its most worthy and respected members. He was greatly blessed in an intelligent and devoted wife, who proved to him a true helpmeet and companion. She still makes her home in the family residence at No. 131 Steuben street.
FREDERICK MARTIN KEMPF, M. D.
Although he has engaged comparatively a short time in the practice of medicine at. Utica, Dr. Frederick Martin Kempf is well established and gives promise of a brilliant future in a profession to which he is eminently adapted both by talents and education. He was born in Utica November 7, 1879. Here he attended the public schools and later was graduated at Free Academy. Hav- ing decided upon the study of medicine, he became a student of the University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city and after pursuing the regular course at that celebrated institution was graduated with the de- gree of M. D. in 1905. He served as interne in the Utica General Hospital for one year and then returned to Bellevue Hospital where he continued as interne for two years, later possessing similar advantages at the Manhat- tan Maternity Hospital and the General Memorial Ilospital of New York city. In November, 1910, he opened an office at 250 Genesee street, in this city and now enjoys a lucrative and growing general practice. He is a member of the Utica Medical Library Association, the Oneida County Medical Society and the New York State Medieal Society. He takes an active interest in the work of the various organizations named, especially in the application of advanced methods in the treatment of diseases and as a bright-minded and intelligent student he is always willing to learn. He possessed rare advantages of educa- tion, few indeed having such large opportunities of observation and practice in several of the leading hospitals of the state, and the success attending his efforts is evidence that the time was not spent in vain. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus and he has many warm personal friends in that order as well as outside of its limits. He resides at No. 444 Genesee street.
EDWARD K. BAXTER.
Edward K. Baxter, private secretary to Mayor Gilmore of Utica, was born in this city, August 10, 1879, a son of Francis K. and Susan (Kenney) Bax- ter. The father was also born in Utica, his natal day being October 10, 1855, and the mother, likewise a native of this city, passed away when her son Edward was but four years of age. The boy entered the public schools at the usnal age and afterward attended Dr. Holbrook's Military School at Sing Sing, New York, the Utica Free Academy and the Hobart College at Geneva, New York. At- tracted to the profession of the law he began studying in preparation for prae- tice in 1903, and after three years' thorough preliminary reading was admitted
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to the bar in 1906. For seven years he was managing clerk in the law office of Jones, Townsend & Rudd, and on the Ist of January. 1910, he entered upon the duties of secretary to Mayor Gilmore, which position he has since accepta- bly filled, his knowledge of the law proving of marked value to him in this connection.
Mr. Baxter has an interesting military chapter in his life record covering three years' service-from 1903 until 1906-as a member of the Forty-fourth Separate Company of the New York National Guard. In 1906 he joined the Utica Citizens Corps Veterans Association. In politics he has been a demoerat and is active as a worker in party ranks, doing all in his power to promote the growth and snecess of the democratic organization in this district. He is a member of St. John's Catholic church and belongs also to the Sigma Chi, a college fraternity, being affiliated with Alpha Alpha chapter. He is also a member of the Arcanum Club and of the Democratic Association of Utica.
On the 21st of November, 1908. at Haddock. Georgia, Mr. Baxter was united in marriage to Miss Annie E. Williams, a native of that state and a daughter of John T. and Anna E. (Barron) Williams and a descendant of the old and prominent Barron family of Georgia, her ancestry being traced back to Samuel . Barron, who was her maternal great-grandfather and a loyal soldier of the Revolutionary war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baxter has been born a little daughter. Alice W., whose birth occurred February 3, 1911. The parents are well known socially in Utica and Mr. Baxter is numbered among the enterprising young men whose natural ability and laudable ambition promise well for advance- ment and success in the future.
MYRON W. VAN AUKEN.
Myron W. Van Auken was born in the town of Ira, Cayuga county, New York, on June 6, 1852. Hle attended the distriet schools, the Union Academy at. Red Creek, New York, and afterward the Fairfield Seminary at Fairfield, New York, from which he graduated in June, 1869, when he won by com- petition a free scholarship in Cornell University, where he pursued a four year's elassieal course and from which he graduated in June, 1873, and obtained the degree of bachelor of arts. He then entered the Albany Law School, where- upon his graduation in 1875 he received the degree of LL. B.
lle came to U'tica in June, 1875, where he has ever since resided and prac- ticed his profession. He has twice held the office of corporation counsel of Utica and was once the republican nominee for the office of district attorney of Oneida county. He has specialized in corporation law and none is better posted concerning the statutes and law relating to the formation. regulation and eon- duet of corporations. He is a director and an officer in numerous corpora- tions. In 1886 he was retained as general counsel of the Commercial Travelers Mutual Accident Asociation of America, which is now the largest personal aceident assessment insurance company in the world, having at the present time over seventy-five policies outstanding and nearly four hundred million dollars
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of outstanding insurance. Mr. Van Auken has held this position continuously for over twenty-five years and has become one of the leading insurance at- torneys of the United States and is vice president of the International Asso- ciation of Aeeident and Surety Underwriters.
In 1888 he was appointed a member of a committee of nine by the grand master of Masons of the state of New York to select a site for a home for indigent Masons, their wives, widows and orphans. Through his efforts and influence, after an exciting competition with other cities and after a prolonged contest, Utica was chosen and upon the site selected the Masonie Home, with its separate buildings for children, has been erected and is today the largest charity of its kind in the world.
FRANCESCO ROBERTACCIO, M. D.
A native of Italy, where he spent the first thirty years of his life. Dr. Francesco Robertaccio has practiced for the past six years at Utica and the liberal patronage lie received is evidence that he made no mistake in selecting this city as his home. He was born at Laurenzana, April 19, 1868, a son of John Robertaecio.
After pursuing the regular school course in his native city Francesco Robertaccio entered the gymnasium, in which he spent five years. He then at- tended the lyceum for three years and for six years was a student at the Royal University of Naples, graduating in 1895, in medieine and surgery with diplomas and the degree of M. D. After completing the course at the university he re- mained for three years at Naples and practiced in the hospitals and also in the city, gaining experiences that have been of great value to him in his work. In 1898 he came to America and took up his residence in Chicago, where he passed the Illinois state medical examination. It is said that he is the first Italian to receive a certificate from the state board of medical examiners in the state of Illinois. He engaged in general practice in Chicago and also as examining physician for numerous fraternal and benevolent societies un- til 1905 and then came to Utica, which has since been his home. Since arriv- ing in this city he has been appointed examining physician for several societies and life insurance companies. He is now serving as visiting physician to Faxton Hospital and is an active member of the Utica Medical Library Association, the Oneida County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. At the request of his patients he established at 411 Bleecker street in 1908 the first Italian drug store in Utica whose employes are familiar with the Italian language.
Being gifted with fine social qualities, Dr. Robertaccio is highly popular not only among his fellow countrymen but among citizens of all nationalities. He is a member of the Sons of Columbus and is now occupying the chair as president of that body. He still enjoys the freedom of bachelorhood and is the owner of a large and well selected library of medical, literary and scientifie works and is a constant student and investigator, whose greatest delight it is
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to make new excursions into the realm of knowledge. As an intelligent and pro- gressive citizen he is highly respected and no man in the medical profession is more prompt in devoting his talents to the relief of others, even when there is no expectation of financial reward. His office and residence are at 750 Bleecker street.
DANIEL MILLS HALL.
Daniel Mills Hall, now deceased, was for thirty years actively connected with business interests in Rome and was known as a representative and highly successful citizen. The announcement of his death on the 30th of April, 1908, was received with general regret, as he was one of the most useful members of the community-a man whose life had largely been devoted to the welfare of those with whom he associated and to the upbuilding of his adopted city. He was born at Verona, Oneida county, October 22, 1849, a son of Elias and Betsy (Mills) Hall. The father was a prominent farmer of this county. The sur- viving children of Mr. and Mrs. Hall are, beside our subject: Ilarvey S., of Verona; Jason W., who is living at Racine, Wisconsin; and Mrs. Emma May- coek, also of Verona.
Daniel M. Hall received his education in the district schools and Oneida Seminary. After arriving at his majority he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was employed for several years as messenger by the American Express Company. He became an expert bookkeeper and in 1878 returned to his native state and was employed by James S. Dyett, who conducted a large grocery store on West Dominick street. Later Mr. IFall was connected with Fred J. Brigge, William J. Cramond and also with the wholesale grocery firm of A. Ethridge & Company, continuing for seven years with the latter organization. In 1901 he was appointed manager of the Rome Home Telephone Company's plant and was very successful in extending the business of this company. He resigned his position in 1903 and became identified with the metal sign business as a mem- ber of the firm of Putnam & Hall. They soon afterward bought the two-story brick factory at 420 West Court street, into which they moved their business. In 1905 Mr. Hall acquired Mr. Putnam's interest in the firm and Mr. Hall be- came a member of the J. H. Matthews Company, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He took charge of the plant in this city, which he conducted most sueeessfully during the remainder of his life.
On the 12th of May, 1875, Mr. ITall was married to Miss Kathryn Kneaskern, of Verona, and by this union one son was born, William K., who is now the head of the Rome Bronze Company. The parents of Mrs. Hall were William N. and Jemima (Flanders) Kneaskern, the latter of whom was born at St. Johns- ville, New York. The father was a native of Herkimer county, New York. He was proprietor of the Union Hotel of Verona for fifteen years. He moved to Rome in 1875 and there continued living a retired life until his death August 31, 1885.
Mr. Hall of this review was a prominent worker in behalf of the republican party. He served as alderman of the third ward for four years and was president
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