USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 57
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Following his admission to the bar at Svraense in 1861 Mr. Bentley opened a law office at Boonville in August of that year and entered into partnership with Leander W. Fiske, this association being maintained until Mr. Fiske en-
HENRY W. BENTLEY
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listed in the Union army. During three years Mr. Bentley was a partner of Al- bert L. Hayes and in 1875 he was joined by Thomas S. Jones in organizing the law firm of Bentley & Jones, which enjoyed an extensive practice in Oneida and Lewis counties until the junior partner was elected district attorney and removed to Utiea. The firm was then joined by a third partner under the style of Bentley, Jones & Townsend and so continued until July, 1888, after which Mr. Bentley practiced independently in Boonville. Ilis name figures conspicuously on the eonrt records and he was accounted one of the most capable, eminent and sue- cessful practitioners connected with the courts of Oneida county and this see- tion of the state. He often served as referee in many important eases and while they were frequently appealed his decisions were generally sustained by the higher courts. Ile was concerned in the ease which grew up over the will of James P. Taylor of New York, in which the Oneida Bank was an interested party. It was eontinned in the courts for many years and Mr. Bentley first as referee and later as receiver gave bonds to the amount of eight hundred thous- and dollars. Ilis duties were discharged to the utmost satisfaction of all and the court having received his final report commended him highly for his work. When in 1882 the New York, West Shore & Buffalo Railway Company con- structed its line through Oneida county there were many condemnation snits for right of way and with a large number of these Mr. Bentley was associated. With the IIon. Watson M. Rogers of Watertown and the Ilon. Thomas Richard- son of Ilion he served on the second commission called to try the Syraense and Skaneateles Water Works case. He was also commissioner in condemnation eases on the Richfield, Cooperstown & Oneonta Railroad and the Utiea & Mo- hawk Valley Railroad cases as to right of way in Frankfort and Little Falls. Governor Flower appointed him commissioner in the trial of a charge against August Beck, sheriff of Erie county, which resulted in the removal of the sheriff by the governor.
In regard to Mr. Bentley's ability as a lawyer the HIon. Thomas S. Jones said at the time of his death : "1 regarded him as an exceptionally good lawyer. He had the ability to analyze and aseertain the legal principle that was involved in a given ease in distinetion to that which was unnecessary to its decision. In that regard he had exceptional ability. He had extraordinary ability in another re- spect : that was his ability to untangle and ascertain the truth from a great mass of contradictory evidenee. No matter how involved and intricate the facts might be, he would get at the truth. After all the testimony had been taken he would sit down to make his report and he did it in painstaking fashion and yet with eelerity. Ile would work over the case with great diligence, submitting to no interruption, but it did not take him as long as most lawyers would need. He would write his entire findings of faet before he started to even look up the law applicable to the case. His findings of fact were models of clearness and coneiseness. I never knew him to make an erasure or interlineation or change. His mind and hand worked together in perfeet harmony and when he had writ- ten a thing it was written and needed no change or embellishment. IIe did his work conscientiously as well as accurately. After he had completed his report on the facts he would start on the law and would deeide clearly all the questions there were in the ease. Sometimes he surprised the parties in a ease, especially
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the older attorneys, with the celerity with which he disposed of a case. I remem- ber one in particular, where it was said the work conld not be done in less than a month, where he decided it in four days. It was taken to the court of appeals and his decision was sustained by that conrt. Very few lawyers possess the ability he had of making clear and coneise statements of fact. He was very often a referee and in most important cases. I never knew him to prepare a pleading as attorney or a report as a referee, that he did not start at the right place and take up subjects in their proper order and fully dispose of one before taking up another. Ile had his work well systematized and always worked to good advantage; but he was most diligent and conscientious. He was a liberal man, very public spirited and a good entertainer. Ile was a man naturally well fitted for judicial position, his temperament and mental make-up being en- tirely in that direction. There was no man in the profession who was more widely trusted than he, especially by his fellow members of the bar. I do not know of any lawyer outside of judges on the beneh who have tried as many im- portant cases as Mr. Bentley. These cases were outside of the county perhaps more frequently than in it. His death is a very great loss to the county."
Smith M. Lindsley bore testimony to the worth of his friend in these words: "Mr. Bentley was of judicial temperament and always a favorite referee with lawyers. Ile had done a large amount of work in that capacity. His decisions have been so fair and so in accord with law and precedent that they have very seldom been reversed by the courts. Ilis strong traits were first his warm hearted friendship with people whom he came to know; and second, his judicial temperament and good judgment. He was a man of strong ability, thorough- ness and rare discrimination as a lawyer. Ile had a high sense of honor, indeed. I never knew a man with higher. He was the soul of integrity, right and honor. In legal proceedings he would never permit any act of his to mislead an adversary. Ile was most public spirited and came to Utica times innum- erable to attend meetings of the commission. Ile never asked a penny for ex- penses, although they were probably as large. if not larger. than those of any other member of the commission. Some one will be chosen to be chairman of the commission but no man can fill his place. Ile had kept a record of the work of every sub committee and he knew all the financial transactions of the board. Hle knew how much was on hand and there was no member of the commission who knew its business better than he."
Mr. Bentley figured prominently in political circles and was a stanch advo- cate of democratic principles, yet did not always indorse the policy of his party. Hle never hesitated to express his opposition or his approval and at all times he held to the highest standards of citizenship and of public service. Ile was chosen to represent the twenty-fifth congressional district, then comprising Oneida and Lewis counties, in the fifty-second congress in 1890. He served on the committee of the eleventh eensus. taking a prominent part in the investiga- tion of alleged irregularities and abuses in the census bureau. He was made a member of the railroads and canals committee and returned a valuable report advocating a ship eanal from the Great Lakes to the Hudson river. In 1894 he received from Governor Flower appointment as surrogate of Oneida county and filled out an nnexpired term with marked ability. One of the important acts of
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his life was performed as chairman of the county building commission, having charge of the erection of the new courthouse of Oneida. He was unanimously elected chairman of the commission by his fellow members, who were evenly di- vided politically. Ilis ability was strongly manifest in his efforts to uphold the projeet in face of strong opposition and his address at Albany in behalf of the appropriation bill is remembered as a most masterly effort. It is said that no member of the board has in any way equalled the amount of work which Mr. Bentley did to seeure the sueeessful completion of the task assigned them. One of the local papers said: "He was an ideal presiding offieer and as the position of chairman made him a member of all committees he was given a vast amount of work to perform. He shirked no responsibility. Ile was a frequent visitor to the building and he could not have been more interested had the project been a personal enterprise of his own." He was five times unanimously elected presi- dent of the village of Boonville, serving in 1874, 1889, 1890, 1891 and again in 1899. He instituted many valuable local improvements, including the ereetion of a new engine house and many street improvements. Erwin park was pur- chased and laid out and his influenee was a forceful factor in the establishment of the municipal systems of water and electric light in the village. IIe was president and trustee of the Erwin Library and Institute and president and trustee of the Boonville Cemetery Association. In addition to his professional interests and his important publie serviee he was in other ways connected with the life of the community, having been one of the founders of the First National Bank of Boonville and its vice president from its incorporation as well as a trustee and director of the Utica Trust & Deposit Company.
On the 24th of June, 1862, at Trumansburg, New York, occurred the mar- riage of IIenry Wilber Bentley and Miss Mary M. Diekerman, a daughter of Aaron Bradley and Catherine (Allen) Dickerman, of that place. Mrs. Bentley is of the eighth generation of the descendants of Franeis Brown, who was one of a prospeeting party who came with Governor Eaton to Quinnipiac, Connee- tieut, in advance of the colony, and with six others spent the winter of 1637-8 in a temporary hut erected at what is now the corner of Church and George streets, New IIaven, Connecticut. Mrs. Bentley's father was born in IJamden, Connecticut, January 20, 1807, and on the 1st of April, 1830, wedded Catherine Allen, a native of Wallingford, Conneetient. Ile lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years, passing away September 9, 1889. Ilis daughter Mary beeame the wife of Henry W. Bentley and the mother of one child, Eleanor M., who in August, 1907, married J. M. Hobart. They have one child, IIenry Bentley Hobart. Mr. Hobart, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1884, became a resident of Boonville in 1886 and is now connected with the First National Bank.
The death of Mr. Bentley occurred January 27, 1907, and ties of friendship, pleasant companionship and of business and publie associations were thereby sundered. Ile had attained high rank in Masonry, holding membership in Boon- ville Lodge, F. & A. M .; Lowville Chapter, R. A. M .; Rome Commandery, K. T .; the Yahnundahsis Lodge of Perfection in Utiea; Central City Consistory, S. P. R. S., of Syracuse ; and Ziyara Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Utiea. The esteem in which he was held by his fellow attorneys was evidenced in the fact that on its organization he was chosen a director and one of the vice
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presidents of the Oneida County Bar Association. IIe was also a life member of the New York State Bar Association. On the 5th of April, 1874, he became a member of the Presbyterian church of Boonville and in 1888 was chosen one of its elders. In the church work he took an active and helpful part, was a thorough Bible student and was teacher of the Bible class in the Sunday school. One who knew him well said: "In character, attainments and public spirit and independence of judgment he exerted very strong influence for the best interests of this community." No more fitting tribute could be paid to his worth and to his memory than the words of appreciation written editorially in the Utica Ilerall Despatch of January 28, 1907. It read :
"Henry W. Bentley, whose sudden death at his home in Boonville yesterday shocked the community, was a man to whom the people of Oneida county often turned when there were important places to fill and important work to be done. In a rare degree he commanded publie confidence and there was always a gen- eral feeling that publie interests were in good hands when he had them to deal with. This feeling, inspired by the nature of the man, grew strong as he was called to one task after another and acquitted himself with honor and efficiency.
"It may not have come even to his friends that the activities of Mr. Bentley's life were far more extensive than fall to the lot of most men. He did his work quietly with no purpose of attracting attention to himself and was contented with the results he sought. His capacity for aeting with good judgment under pressure of responsibility and his sense of duty were such, however, that he naturally became prominent and was frequently called upon to administer public affairs. Ilis traits, with his professional ability, caused a large demand for his service, especially as referee in important legal cases. His record in congress and as surrogate was wholly honorable and led to his being mentioned often for nomination to public office.
"Probably there were few matters in Mr. Bentley's life that yielded more interest than his connection with the Oneida county building commission. He served as chairman from the organization of the commission and his efforts had much to do with bringing about the splendid results achieved by it for the honor of the county. That he will not be present at the dedication of the beautiful building now nearing completion in this eity, which in a sense may be regarded as a memorial of his loyalty and appreciation in public affairs, is a matter of general regret.
"Mr. Bentley was of the old school, punetilious in his observance of the rights of others, benevolent of nature, kindly in hearing and in all things one who won admiration and respect."
JOIIN FRANCIS DAY.
The financial chapter in the history of Utica would be incomplete and un- satisfactory did it fail to make prominent reference to John Francis Day, whose connection with the banking interests of the city is of an important character, he being the vice president and secretary of the Utiea Trust &
I. FRANCIS DAY
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Deposit Company. He was born in this city on the 14th of October, 1853, his parents being Dr. Horace Burch and Harriet Amelia (Russ) Day. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and the school of ex- perience furnished him his training for the business world. He has shown an aptitude for successful management, combined with keen insight into an un- derstanding of the business situations and their possibilities. Moreover, he has been resourceful in coordinating forces into a harmonious whole and so directing interests that the maximum success has been achieved. Throughout the greater part of his connection with the business interests of Utica he has figured in financial circles and as a banker is well known beyond the borders of this city, for he is not only the vice president and secretary of the Utica Trust & Deposit Company but also a director of the Broome County Trust Company, of Binghamton, New York, and a director of the Northern New York Trust Company of Watertown, New York. He is likewise a trustee of the Utica Cemetery Association and a member of the advisory committee of the Utica Orphan Asylum, the sagacity and soundness of his opinions causing his counsel to be sought concerning many important interests.
On the 30th of October, 1878, in Calvary church, in Utica, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Day and Miss Fanny J. Williams, a daughter of Irvin A. Williams. Their children are: Laura M., now the wife of Frederick HI. Cook- inham; Irvin W .; and Charlotte Louise. The family attend Grace church of Utica, of which Mr. Day is vestryman and treasurer. Ile has been liberal in support of this and other institutions which tend to promote the moral progress and intellectual advancement of the community. Ile is also popular in social circles and is now filling the office of treasurer of the Fort Schuyler Club for the ninth consecutive year; he is also treasurer of Fort Schuyler Chapter, Sons of the Revolution. That many of the associates of his youth remain the friends of his manhood is an indication of a well spent and honorable life that assures him the warm regard of those with whom he has come in contact.
OSWALD P. BACKUS, SR.
Oswald P. Backus, Sr., who has been engaged in the practice of the law at Rome for the past third of a century, well merits recognition among the able and successful attorneys of Oneida county. His birth occurred in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on the 10th day of October, 1855, his parents being Oswald and Mary Parker (Prentiss) Backus. IIis education was obtained under the tuition of his father who for a long time conducted a private school at Bridgeport. In 1875 he came to Rome, New York, and began the study of law under the precep- torship of Hon. W. E. Scripture and later under J. S. Baker. In 1878 he was admitted to the bar at Rochester, New York. He has maintained his offiees at Rome throughout his entire professional career with the exception of a short period when practicing at the Connecticut bar, and his praetiee has been exten- sive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care, with which he prepares his cases. At no
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time has his reading been confined to the limitations of the question at issue. It has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and provided, not alone for the expected, but for the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
On the 22d day of December 1880, Mr. Backus was united in marriage to Miss Frances Dudley Kinney, of Rome, a daughter of Sidney R. and Julia II. (Draper) Kinney. Unto them have been born three children, namely: Oswald P., Jr., Sidney K. and Waldemine D.
Mr. Backus is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Roman Lodge No. 223, F. & A. M .; Fort Stanwix Chapter No. 153, R. A. M. ; and Rome Commandery, No. 45, K. T. Ile has been, also, one of the state board of managers of the Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution, a founder of Gansevoort-Willett Chapter, S. A. R., of Rome, and a member of the Oneida county and state bar associations.
JOHN J. DONNAFIELD.
One of the highly snecessful and public-spirited citizens of Deerfield town- ship is John J. Donnafield, who during the entire period of his aetive business career has been identified with the creamery interests of Oneida eonnty. He was born in Trenton township, this county, on the 7th of April, 1858, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Louis) Donnafield. The father was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1828 in which country he was also educated, emigrat- ing from there to the United States. He came to Oneida county in 1860 and engaged in farming in Trenton township, continuing to be identified with that voeation until his demise which ocenrred on the 27th of April, 1901. He was laid to rest in the Sonth Trenton cemetery.
The boyhood and youth of John J. Donnafield was spent on the homestead in Trenton, his education being aequired in the public schools and the Fair- field Academy. At the age of nineteen years he began his business career by embarking in the ereamery industry in the "Old Plank Road" cream and cheese factory in Deerfield township, which he rented from Lonis Johnson. He had operated this for one year when it was destroyed by fire, following which he leased the "OK" factory which he conducted for six years. At the expiration of that time he purchased the Deerfield factory, which had been built three years previously by a stoek company, and has been eon- tinuously operated ever since. In 1902 he brought the Newport Hill Creamery. which was established fifty-two years ago by Brighton & Martin, and three years later he acquired the title to the Crooked Brook Creamery in Deerfield township. The latter factory was established in 1887, by Hugh Jones and John MeAndrews. Mr. Donnafield is now operating all three of these factories, the output of which for 1910 was as follows: Newport Hill Factory, two hundred thousand pounds of butter and cheese; Deerfield, seventeen thousand pounds of butter and cheese; and Crooked Brook, ninety thousand pounds. Having met with most gratifying suecess in his business Mr. Donnafield has
J. J. DONNAFIELD
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acquired quite extensive property interests and now owns the Oster farm, in Deerfield township, which contains two hundred and eighty acres. He also has a tract of two hundred and fifty acres of wild forest on the Black river, where he has built a beautiful summer residence.
Mr. Donnafield was united in marriage in 1887 to Miss Kate E. Williams, who was born in the village of Deerfield and educated in the schools of Utica. Mrs. Donnafield is the only child of Edward R. and Caroline E. (Parmerton) Williams. Edward R. Williams was born in South Wales in 1819, and was the son of Robert and Jane Williams, who settled in Deerfield township, in 1840, where they engaged in farming until their demise. Edward R. Williams was also engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1879. He was laid to rest in the South Trenton cemetery. Mrs. Williams by a former mar- riage to Daniel Kent, of Floyd, had two daughters, namely: Millie, the wife of Charles Johnson, of Deerfield; and Mary E., who married Judge Robinson, of Canton, Ohio. Mrs. Williams passed away on the 1st of August, 1910, and was interred in the cemetery at South Trenton.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Donnafield are members of the Christian church, but they attend the services of the Union church in Trenton. Ilis politieal ideas coincide with the principles of the republican party for whose candidates he casts his ballot. He always takes an active interest in all township and county governmental matters and has been sent as a delegate to many of the con- ventions of his party, while for nine years he served as supervisor of Deer- field township. The returns from Mr. Donnafield's various business ventures have proven very lucrative and he owns stock in several banks and industrial enterprises in Utica and Deerfield townships. Despite his extensive personal interests he has always recognized the demands of citizenship by contributing both of his time and money in the furtherance of the public welfare.
HON. A. GRANT BLUE.
Extensive farm lands in Deerfield and vicinity, together with his holdings elsewhere in this state, make Ilon. A. Grant Blue one of the leading agricul- turists of Oneida county, and to commercial and industrial interests his aetivi- ties have also been extended. He gives his personal attention to the management of the homestead, known as the Maple Grove Stock Farm, which is devoted to dairying and to the raising and breeding of good stoek. He was born in Deer- field township, Oneida county, May 15, 1864, a son of a prominent citizen, Mal- colm A. Blue. He, too, has occupied a leading position in the community ever since attaining his majority. His education was acquired in the public schools and in the Utica Business College, from which he was graduated. He then re- turned home at the age of twenty years and has continuously been a resident of Deerfield since that time. IIe is now extensively engaged in general farming, dairying and in the purchase of cattle which he ships principally to the Boston market. He is an extensive holder of farm land, his possessions in Deerfield township approximating nine hundred acres, part of which are leased and under
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cultivation. He also owns about seven hundred acres in Herkimer county, which he also leases. Upon the Maple Grove Stock Farm, to which he personally gives his attention, he carries on dairying with success, having model equipment for the conduct of the business. He also raises good grades of stock and has a flock of sheep upon the place. In financial and industrial circles he has also become known, being a director of the Citizens National Bank of Poland for the past ten years, while of the Telephone Company and the Graysville Butter & Cheese factory he is a director.
From his youthful days Mr. Blue has taken an active interest in the publie welfare and has given of his time and means to promoting the upbuilding and development of his native town and county. Ile has been ealled to a number of local offices and has long been active and influential in republican polities, fre- quently serving as a delegate of the party to various county and state conven- tions. He served Deerfield township for six years as highway commissioner and for two terms represented Oneida county in the general assembly, covering the session of. 1897-98. He never falters in his allegiance to a eanse or principle which he believes to be right, but fearlessly supports his honest eonvietions and is always ready to prove the correctness of his position by intelligent argument.
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