USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 6
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FRED J. DOUGLAS, M. D.
Dr. Fred J. Douglas, of Utica, whose office is at 285 Genesee street, is widely known as a competent physician and also as a skilled surgeon. ITis success may in a large measure be attributed to natural talents for a difficult and re- sponsible vocation and conscientious preparation under competent instructors. IIe was born at Clinton, Massachusetts, September 14, 1869, a son of Andrew Douglas, who was a manufacturer of knit goods.
At the age of three years Fred J. Douglas was brought by his parents to New York state. The family settled at Little Falls and in the public schools of that eity he received his early education. Having made the necessary prep- aration, he matriculated in the medical department of Dartmouth College, New IIampshire, in 1892 and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1895. Im- mediately after leaving college he came to Utica and for two years practiced at Faxton Hospital. He then opened an office in this eity and has since en- gaged actively in general practice here, specializing in surgery. He was sur- geon in charge of the City Hospital from 1898 to 1899 and served as health officer of Utica in 1900 to 1901. Ile also very acceptably filled the position of member of the school board for two terms and is a constant student, a close
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and accurate observer and has met with more than the ordinary measure of success in his profession. He belongs to the Queida County Medical Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and takes an active part in the discussion of problems which are brought for- ward in those organizations.
In 1897 Dr. Douglas was married, at Utica, New York, to Miss Kathleen MeGraw, and three children have blessed this union: Jane Glen, Katharine Jean and Frederick John. Ever since voting age Dr. Douglas gave his support to the republican party and he has seen no reason to change his political views. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order and is also connected with the Elks and Independent Order of Foresters. Socially he is very popu- lar. As a result of well applied effort he finds himself established in an intel- ligent community, surrounded by many friends and in the enjoyment of an excellent and profitable practice.
FRANCIS A. WATTERS.
The legal fraternity of Oneida county has an able and successful representa- tive in Francis A. Watters, who maintains his offices at No. 117 W. Dominick street in Rome. llis birth occurred in the town of Lewis, New York, on the 11th of July, 1858, his parents being William and Eunice Watters, who resided on a farm there. The father. a native of Ireland, emigrated to this country early in life.
Francis A. Watters attended the district schools of his native town in the acquirement of an education and taught in district schools four years. When still quite young he went to Emporia, Kansas, there pursuing a course of study in the State Normal School. Subsequently he followed the profession of teach- ing in distriet village schools and also four years at Pittsburg, Kansas, for about fifteen years in all, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He then returned to New York for a visit, as he thought. but remained here and took up the study of law at Rome, reading in the offices of A. Delos Kneeland. E. A. Rowland, J. S. Baker and Bliss & Briggs. In 1902 he was admitted to the bar and opened an office at Rome, where he has since built up a remunerative and enviable clientage. In no profession is there a career more open to talent than in that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough ap- preciation of the absolute ethies of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application, intuitive wisdom and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand. are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great pro- fession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice; and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be overcome and the battles to be won. for success does not perch on the falchion of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the diametrical result of capacity and unmistakable ability. Possessing all the requisite qual-
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ities of the able lawyer, Mr. Watters is now enjoying a merited measure of prosperity.
On the 18th of January, 1906, Mr. Watters was united in marriage to Miss Ada A. Armstrong, a daughter of Alexander and Emma Armstrong, of White- law, Madison county. They have three children, namely: Frances Eunice, Charles Lyndon and Franklin Lyle.
Mr. Watters belongs to the bar association and is also a member of Rome Tent, No. 380, Knights of Maccabees. IIe is by reason of his genuine personal worth held in highest esteem by those with whom he has come in contact, pos- sessing the kindly spirit, geniality and deference for the opinions of others that everywhere win friendship and high regard.
MILES WENDELL JOIINS, M. D.
Among the younger members of the medical fraternity in Utica who have met with unusual success in the practice of their profession must be mentioned Dr. Miles Wendell Johns, who was born in Remsen, Oneida county, on the 1st of May, 1878. He is a son of Samuel E. and Julia (Jones) Johns, the father a well known dry-goods merchant of this county.
Reared at home after the completion of his elementary education which was acquired in the public schools of his native town, Miles Wendell Johns entered the high school at Norwich. New York, from which institution he later gradu- ated. Having decided to follow the profession of medicine for his life vocation he subsequently matriculated at the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Flower Hospital, being awarded the degree of doctor of medicine with the class of 1903. After being graduated he pursued a special course in obstetries in the New York Lying-in Hospital, following which he became an interne in the Metropolitan Hospital, where he remained for two years, during the latter half of which period he was chief of the staff. The last six months he took a course in pathology and autopsy under the direction of Dr. Bond Stow of New York. At the expiration of that period Dr. Johns felt that he was fully and adequately qualified both in theory and practice to begin a private practice so he came to Utica and established an office at 188 Court street, where for two years he engaged in general practice, when he removed to No. 191 of the same street. Desiring to specialize, later he went to Chicago to the school of Electro- Therapeutics, and for some time devoted his undivided attention to the study of electricity as an agent in the treatment of disease. He has since very largely directed his attention along this particular method of treatment with gratify- ing success, and now has one of the most thoroughly equipped electrical rooms of any physician in the state. On the Ist of May, of this year, he removed into a magnificent suite of seven rooms, located in the Evans building on Genesee street, in which he has placed every appliance known to modern surgery for the treatment of human ills by means of either electricity or the X rays.
Dr. Johns was united in marriage in 1905 to Miss Grace Treible of Nor- wich, New York, a daughter of Rev. Wilson and Eva (Belcher) Treible. The
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union of Dr. and Mrs. JJohns has been blessed with the birth of one son, Keith Wendell.
Fraternally Dr. Johns is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while he maintains relations with his fellow practitioners through the medium of his membership in the County, State and C'entral New York Chi- rurgieal Society. In addition to his large and constantly increasing private practice Dr. Johns is a member of the staff of the U'tica Homeopathie Hospital. Ile is most ably qualified both by nature and preparation for the vocation he has elected to follow, possessing the sympathetic nature, strong personality and vitality, as well as skill in diagnosis which enable him to inspire in others the confidence so essential to success in the sick room.
ADDISON HARVEY WESTCOTT.
Addison Harvey Westcott, who is operating in Utica one of the finest au- tomobile garages in the state, was born in this city on the 21st of July. 1823, and is a son of William B. and Mary ( Hopkins) Westcott, also natives of Utica. llis paternal grandfather, George Westcott. was one of the pioneer settlers of this city, where for over thirty years he was engaged in the fur business. To Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Westcott were born two other sons. William Benedict, on the 14th of September. 1887, and Reginald Ainsworth, whose birth occurred on the 25th of June, 1881. They are both associated with their brother in the automobile business, the former being secretary and treasurer of the company.
The elementary education of Addison Harvey Westcott was obtained in private schools of this city, after the completion of which he attended the Free Academy for a year; then he went to St. John's Military School at Manlius, New York, at which place he began having trouble with his eyes to such an extent that the physicians recommended a change of climate. He trav- eled from Chicago to New Mexico on horse back, thence to Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, by rail where he was employed by the Title Insurance & Trust Com- pany. Ilis eyes improving he returned to Utica and after being connected with various enterprises entered the automobile department of C. Il. Childs & Com- pany. In 1908 he organized the Westcott Garage Company, having acquired the automobile business of C. Il. Childs & Company. He improved and re- modeled the entire building and now has one of the best equipped and most thoroughly modern garages not only in U'tica but the entire state. His storage facilities are excellent, while his salesrooms most attractively display a full and complete line of Lozier and Chalmers models, of which he is the exclusive agent. Nor has he in any way neglected the equipment of his repair depart- ment. here being found every known device and tool required in the setting aright the most intricate mechanism. while he engages the services of the most skillful workmen he can secure. The venture has proven to be most success- ful in every sense of the word. and the fine judgment, sagacity and executive
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ability exhibited by Mr. Westcott thus far in the conduct of his business gives assurance of a most promising future.
On the 1st of February, 1909, in Utica Mr. Westcott was united in marriage to Miss Theodora Huntley Childs, a daughter of Charles H. and Leila Childs, whose history appears at greater length under the sketch of C. II. Childs else- where in this work.
Mr. Westcott is very popular not only in the business, but social circles of the city and is affiliated with the Fort Schuyler Club, Utiea Curling Club, Chamber of Commerce, Automobile Club of Utica and the Oneida County His- torieal Society. He is becoming recognized as one of the progressive and en- terprising young business men of the city, whose future as gauged by his past would seem to be most promising.
JAMES EDWARD BREWER.
James Edward Brewer, who is actively engaged in the practice of law at Utiea and is well known throughout Oneida county, was born at Verona Octo- ber 7, 1864. He is a son of E. Everett and Amelia (Eigabroadt) Brewer, the mother being a daughter of Peter G. Eigabroadt, who was born at Palatine Bridge, Montgomery county, New York, April 28, 1792. 1Ie married Lena Garlock and they arrived in Oneida county in 1840. The daughter Amelia was the youngest of thirteen children. E. Everett Brewer, the father of our subject, was born on the homestead at Verona in 1840 and was a farmer and a dealer in hay. Ile was the father of two sons, James Edward and Charles E. Morris P. Brewer, the grandfather, was born on the same farm July 13, 1812. He married Caroline E. Sage and they had five children. Artemus Brewer, the great-grandfather on the paternal side, was a native of Connecticut. Hle married Electa Hall and they were among the early settlers of Oneida county, their family consisting of six children. He lived to be eighty-seven years of age and died in 1863, his wife having been called away five years pre- viously. The family for generations past has been principally engaged in l'arming.
James E. Brewer grew to manhood on his father's farm and seeured his early education in the Vernon union school, later becoming a student of Caze- novia Seminary. He studied law in the office of S. S. Judson of Vernon and was admitted to the bar in April, 1889, beginning practice at Oneida, New York. Through faithful attention to his duties and an energy and persever- anee which overcame many obstacles, he gained a reputation as one of the thoroughly capable lawyers of Madison county. He removed to Utiea in 1911 and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.
On the 22d of May, 1889, Mr. Brewer was married to Miss Clarissa Swift, a daughter of Orlando and Helen (Tallmadge) Swift, of Litehfield county, Connecticut. Three children came to brighten their home, Helen Swift, Grace Tallmadge and Orlando. Mr. Brewer has taken an active interest in publie affairs and at Oneida filled a number of offiees including those of village clerk, member of the board of trustees and police justice. In 1901, when Oneida was
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made a city. he served as city judge. Always prompt and efficient in the dis- charge of responsibilities, he gained the confidence of the entire community, and today his clients are to be found among the leading citizens and business firms of the county. Naturally endowed with an attractive appearance and address, he possesses an intimate knowledge of the principles of law and car- ries forward his work with a zeal which is of great importance in the attain- ment of success in any calling. His offices are at Nos. 17 and 18, Mann building.
JAMES KRAUS BAKER.
James Kraus Baker, who died in Utica on the 24th of October, 1899, was interested in the fire department and military companies to an extent almost unequalled by any other resident of the city. lle was born on Washington street in Utica, his natal day being January 17, 1831. His parents were John and Frances (Conger ) Baker, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Connecticut. John Baker, a tinsmith by trade, emigrated to the United States in early life and took up his abode at Sacketts Harbor, New York, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. His widow after- ward married again and came to U'tica.
James K. Baker first attended school on Columbia avenue and later eon- tinned his studies in a school at the corner of Bleecker street and Park avenue. After putting aside his text-books he learned the shoemaker's trade under the direction of his stepfather, Aaron Thompson. Subsequently he entered the employ of Lewis Brothers, who were at that time the leading shoe manufac- turers and dealers of the city, acting for fourteen years as foreman of the fitting department. After the close of the Civil war shoe factories began to be established in Utica and Mr. Baker worked as a laster for many years, be- ing employed by many of the largest and best concerus of the city. In 1880 his health had become so impaired that he abandoned his trade and opened a saloon at No. 16 Bleecker street, while later he conducted a grocery store at the corner of Bleecker and John streets for two years. At the end of that time his health was so poor that he was obliged to put aside aetive business cares.
In the fire department and also in local military companies Mr. Baker was a recognized and influential factor. If he belonged to an organization it meant that he was doing all in his power to stimulate its growth and progress and was furthering its interests to the best of his ability. In 1845 he beeame iden- tified with the fire department as torch boy in Hardenbrook Fire Company. No. 2. Later he joined Company No. 8 on Liberty street, from which he transferred his membership to Washington Engine Company, No. 7. In 1851 the company was disbanded and a paid department was organized. its members to receive twenty dollars per year. Mr. Baker, however, scorned to belong to a paid department. In 1857. when the volunteer department was reorganized, he manifested his allegiance by joining Excelsior Company, No. 2, and was made assistant foreman at its first meeting. In 1862 he joined Company No.
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5 on Union street, having been previously chosen foreman thereof. Ile served in that capacity until appointed assistant chief, which position he held for one year and then returned to Company No. 5, remaining therewith until a paid department was organized in 1874. Mr. Baker was one of the oldest members of the Exempt Firemen's Association and was long one of the trustees of the Firemen's Benevolent Association, serving as president of the trustees in 1898 and 1899. Ile was likewise one of the founders of the Veteran Fire- men's Association and served as its chief for many years after its organization. After 1874 he was frequently sent as a delegate to state firemen's conventions, ete. In 1848 he joined the City Guards, which was the first company organized in the Forty-fifth Regiment and of which Joy H. Ladd was eaptain, while Mr. Baker held the rank of first corporal. Subsequently he joined the Flying Artillery, which, however, existed for only a brief period. He next formed the Johnson Guards, a company of continentals, serving as first lieutenant for about four years. Subsequently he formed the Regimental Corps, acting as captain thereof for about a year and a half and resigning about six months prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. He took part, either as a soldier or fire- man, in nearly all the public parades of Utica. During Ephraim Chamberlin's administration as mayor Mr. Baker served as grand marshal of the 4th of July procession, being eleeted for that honor by the workingmen of the eity.
On the 29th of October, 1863, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Nichols, of Utica, her parents being Patrick and Margaret (Jordan) Nichols. Her father, a native of Ireland, came to Utica at an early day and embarked in the grocery business. Both he and his wife died in Utiea, passing away in the faith of the Catholic church. They reared four children to man- hood and womanhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baker were born three children, namely : Theodore A. and James II. both residents of Utica; and Eva K., now Mrs. Keif of Utica.
Politically Mr. Baker was a demoerat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. Fraternally he was identified with the Knights of Honor, being a charter member of the lodge at Utica. He spent his entire life in Utiea and lad a host of warm friends, winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
ELLSWORTH ELMER PADDOCK.
Ellsworth Elmer Paddock is the owner of two hundred and thirty-eight acres of land in the township of Florence, constituting a good property which lie has brought under a high state of cultivation. He was born in the town of Boonville, Oneida county, April 30, 1862, and is a son of James H. and Susan Ann (Yerdon) Paddock. The father was born in Steuben, Oneida county, on the 18th of March, 1831, and the mother's birth occurred in Boon- ville. In early manhood James H. Paddock followed farming at Boonville and subsequently removed to Florenee where he is now residing. He has always carried on agricultural pursuits yet has found time for interest in public af- Vol 11-4
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fairs and votes with the republican party and supports the Methodist Epis- copal church, of which he has long been a member. His wife is now deceased. In their family were four children: Rose, deceased; Menzo, the wife of Hol- land Patten, of Oneida county; Ehner E., of this review ; and Arthur, of West- ternville.
In the public schools of Florence Elmer E. Paddock pursued his education and afterward worked with his father for a short time, but soon began farm- ing on his own account, purchasing the Littler farm upon which he now re- sides. lle is the owner of two hundred and thirty aeres of valuable land, largely devoted to farming, and also owns a half interest with Elihu Roberts in a cheese factory. In addition to this property he has seventy-three acres in Florence. His holdings are now large and his labors are crowned with sub- stantial results for he works energetically and uses sound judgment in the management of all his business affairs.
On the 21st of March, 1888, Mr. Paddock was united in marriage to Miss Eva Jones, a daughter of Daniel and Theresa (Balcom) Jones, of Redfield, Oneida county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Paddock are: Ross, living in Camden ; Myrtle, Daisie and Edith, all at home. The parents hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Paddock is a republican in pol- itics. He is filling the offices of assessor and trustee and discharges every pub- lic duty with a sense of conscientious obligation. He has long been regarded as a worthy representative of agricultural interests in the community and his snecess is the sequence of his own labors.
HENRY DRAPER WHITE, M. D.
From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the cardinal virtues as from the physician. If a clergyman is austere. we imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things beyond our ken. If the lawyer is brusque and erabbed. it is the mark of genius; but in the physician we expect not only a superior mentality and comprehensive knowledge but sym- pathy as wide as the universe. Dr. White in large measure meets all of these requirements and is regarded by many as an ideal physician. Certainly if patronage is any criterion of ability he ranks high among the leading medical practitioners of Rome, where he is now enjoying a large practice. His offices are at No. 121 East Dominick street.
Dr. White is numbered among the native sons of Oneida county, his birth having occurred in Rome on the 2d of October, 1865. His father. Henry Kirke White, who is a direct descendant of the Whites of Mayflower fame, was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, New York. and came to Rome in 1846. Here he engaged in the dry-goods business under the firm name of Cady & White, which later became Cady, Howland & White and subsequently was changed to Spen- cer & White. After the death of Mr. Spencer he put aside active business cares and has since enjoyed honorable retirement. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Draper, is a daughter of Virgil Draper, one of the most prom-
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inent citizens of Rome in his day and a descendant of the Draper family of Revolutionary war fame.
Henry D. White acquired his education in the public schools of his native town and was graduated from the Rome Free Academy in 1886. Later in life he determined to take up a professional career and began the study of medicine in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New York city, from which in- stitution he was graduated in 1896. After spending about a year in the va- rious hospitals of the eastern metropolis he began the practice of medicine in Rome, which town has since remained the scene of his professional labors. He has been president of the staff of Rome Hospital and keeps in touch with the onward march of the profession through his membership in the American Medi- cal Association, the New York State Medical Society and the Oneida County Medical Society.
On the 16th of November, 1903, Dr. White was married to Miss Adelaide Thompson Williams, a daughter of Dr. Julien and Julia (Thompson) Wil- liams, of Dunkirk, N. Y. Their union has been blessed with one child, Julia Kirke White. Dr. White is a worthy exemplar of the Masonie fraternity, be- longing to Roman Lodge, No. 223, A. F. & A. M. He was likewise the first president of the Rome Country Club. He has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of Rome and by his labors, his high profes- sional attainments and his sterling characteristics has justified the respect and confidence in which he is held by the medical fraternity and the local public.
WILLIAM F. DOWLING.
Prominent among the younger members of the Oneida county bar is William F. Dowling who for four years has successfully engaged in practice at Utica. Ile is a native of Oneida county, and was born at Marshall, December 18, 1877, a son of William and Ellen Dowling, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to America in 1860 and settled at Marshall, where the father en- gaged in farming.
William F. Dowling attended the common schools in his boyhood, also West Winfield Academy and Hamilton College, graduating from the latter institu- tion with credit in 1904. He began the study of law in the office of Theodore L. Cross, of Utica, and continued his studies under Dunmore, Sholes, Ferris & Foley, being also for a time a student in the offices of F. B. Adams and Curtin & Lee. In 1907 he was admitted to the bar. IIe had charge of all the agricul- tural cases in the county for two years under Attorney General O'Malley, ac- quitting himself to the entire satisfaction of that official. In general practice he has shown an intimate knowledge of law and court procedure, which indicates thorough training and a laudable ambition to excel in whatever he may un- dertake.
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