USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 7
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On the 10th day of June, 1907, Mr. Dowling was married to Miss Margaret Ober, of Brooklyn, New York, and of this union two children have been born : Mildred and Gretchen B. Mr. Dowling is well considered in social circles in
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l'tica and fraternally is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Red Jen.
Endowed with clear perceptive powers, strong mentality and a graceful and attractive manner. and having made every necessary preparation for his chosen calling there can be no doubt as to his continued success. Ile is an inter- esting and forcible speaker, a good reasoner and a student and investigator who is never satisfied until he has discovered the facts in any subject under consideration. The has many friends who take great pride in his advancement and who will view each step in his progress with increasing gratification.
ALEXANDER FINDLAY, V. S.
Dr. Alexander Findlay, a prominent representative of the veterinary pro- fession at Camden, where he is conducting a hospital as well as engaging in general practice, was born about four miles north of Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 25th of April, 1862. a son of James and Margaret (Melvin) Findlay, who were also natives of the same place. The father, who was born January 6, 1-26. followed the occupation of farming and remained a resident of his na- tive land until 1883, when he crossed the Atlantic to Canada, settling at Mel- bourne, in the province of Quebec. In 1884 he removed to Lancaster, in the province of Ontario, where he resided until abont 1885, when he became a resi- dent of Williamstown, Ontario. In the latter place he made his home until June. 1895, when he took up his abode in Camden, Oneida county. New York. Two years later he purchased a farm in the township of Camden and devoted his time and energies to its cultivation until after the death of his wife, which occurred on the 17th of February. 1905. While visiting in Duluth, Minnesota, he passed away on the 17th of March, 1909. Ilis political allegianee was given to the republican party and both he and his wife were devoted Christian peo- ple. their church membership being with the Presbyterian denomination. Their family numbered four children: Jessie, deceased : James J., of Duluth, Minne- sota : Alexander. of this review; and John, a resident of Glendale, California.
In the common schools of his native country Dr. Findlay pursued his early education and when twenty-one years of age crossed the Atlantic to Canada with his father. There he engaged in farming and also working in a flour mill in Toronto for a time. Subsequently he entered the Toronto Business College but in 1889 became a student in the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto. now a department of the Toronto University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1891. Ile then went to Duluth, Minnesota, where he practiced for two years in connection with his brother, and in 1893 came to Cainden, Oneida county. New York, where he has since followed his profession. In 196 he built a hospital, a two-story brick structure, well equipped. His pat- ronage is extensive and brings him substantial financial returns.
On the 14th of November, 1896. Dr. Findlay was married to Miss Lillian Macaulay, a daughter of John and Jane ( Stuart ] Macaulay. of Priceville, On- tario. Canada. Her father was born on Island Islay, Scotland. March 4, 1826,
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and was a cobbler by trade. As a young man he went to Canada and for many years carried on business there but retired prior to his death, which occurred in October, 1897. His widow, who was also a native of Island Islay, is now living in Priceville, Canada. They were the parents of eight children: Janet, the wife of John Melia, of Flesherton, Ontario, Canada; Walter, residing in Thessalon, Ontario; Margaret, who married John Burnet, of Prieeville, On- tario; Mary, of Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Findlay; Alexander, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Catherine, the wife of Charles Lavigne, of Detroit, Michigan; and Duncan, residing in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mrs. Findlay was born in Priceville, Ontario, on the 14th of March, 1862, and by her marriage to Dr. Findlay be- came the mother of three children, all yet at home, Alexander Macaulay, Islay Lillian and Gordon Stuart. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, Dr. Findlay serving as an elder in the church and as a teacher in the Sunday school. IIe is also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges and in the latter has filled all of the chairs. He exereises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served on the health board of the village and also on the village board of trustees, acting as its president in 1910, while his ineumbeney in the office of trustee will continue until 1912. His public service has always been of a valuable character and as a man and eitizen his work is widely acknowledged. IIis advancement in a business or professional way is entirely attributable to his own labors for he started out in life empty-handed, working his way upward by persistent effort and the utilization of the talents with which nature endowed him.
GEORGE WALKER.
Although twenty years have come and gone sinee George Walker was sum moned from scenes of earth, the memory of his many kindly acts is vividly re- tained in the minds of those with whom he was associated. Ile was born at Utiea, in 1809, and died in this eity, November 22, 1890, having passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Eaton) Walker, who came to central New York from Woreester, Massaehn- setts, about 1800 with several other families in search of a home on what was then the frontier. They lived for a short time at Rome and then Mr. Walker was selected as editor of the Gazette at Utiea and they located in this place, which was then a straggling village. IIe had learned the printer's trade at Worcester and applied himself with marked ability in an editorial capacity, at the same time being in charge of a book store, which proved a lucrative in- vestment. Ile became president of the First National Bank and was elosely identified for many years with the business interests of Utiea. He and his wife were sincere members of the First Presbyterian church.
George Walker was educated in the public schools and as he grew to ma- turity learned the printer's trade under his father and also worked in his father's book store. After attaining his majority he associated with Charles
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llardy, a brother-in-law, in the hardware business at Utica and later continued in the same line at Penn Yan and Ithaca. He gave up this business, however, to engage in farming but after spending a few years as an agrienlturist aban- doned the farm on account of ill health and resumed his residence at Utica. He was employed as clerk by Captain Carpenter, of the United States navy, and went upon the Pacific ocean with him, later, after the captain had been promoted to the office of commodore, serving as his secretary. He was absent three years and then returned to Utica. Here he entered the dry-goods busi- ness with Robert Stacy at 180 Genesee street and later associated with Mr. Golden in the same line of business. After severing his business connection with Mr. Golden he bought the store of Mr. Bristol and during the Civil war he and Mr. Webb engaged in the drug business. After the close of the war he retired. having gained a competency.
In 1849, at Utica, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gird, a native of New York state. She is a daughter of Henry Hadden Gird, who was connected with the military service of the United States government and stationed at West Point, where her childhood was passed. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Walker, four of whom are now living: Thomas Eaton, of California; Mary Emily ; Frances; and Charles H., who is now serving as pastor of the First Presbyterian church of Troy, New York. In politics Mr. Walker was originally a whig but after the organization of the republican party he gave to it his earnest support. Having passed the age for army service at the time of the Civil war, he did not enlist in the cause of the Union although he was in hearty sympathy with President Lincoln and his policy. He was a patriotie and publie-spirited man, always outspoken as to what he considered to be right and governed by a desire to promote the permanent welfare of those with whom he associated. In religious belief he affiliated with the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Walker has made her home in Utica ever since it was a small village and is now among the most honored and respected of its older residents. She is the only person living who attended the first meeting of Grace Episcopal church, which was opened for services in August, 1839.
FRANK 1. BOSWORTH.
Frank A. Bosworth, a prominent factor in financial circles of Utica, has since 1907 served as vice president of the First National Bank. His birth oe- curred on a farm near Clockville, Madison county, New York, on the 20th of February, 1854. Ile is a son of William V. and Maria ( Wilcox) Bosworth. The mother was born in this country but the father was a native of England and was brought to Utiea by his father, Obadiah Bosworth, when a lad of eight years. Obadiah Bosworth, the grandfather of our subject, resided on Genesce street, opposite the old Butterfield estate, and for a few years had charge of the Butterfield farm, etc. Subsequently he removed to a farm near Paris Hill, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years. Later. however, he took up his abode on a small place near that of his son at
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Clockville, Madison county, there continuing to reside until called to his final rest.
William V. Bosworth. the father of Frank A. Bosworth, followed farming near Clockville, Madison county. for a few years and then turned his atten- tion to general mercantile pursuits, also dealing extensively in produce. He was a prominent and leading citizen of the community and an active worker in the local ranks of the republican party. At one time he served as sheriff to fill out an unexpired term. His religious faith was indicated by his member- ship in the Baptist church and for some thirty years he served as a deacon. As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life he chose Miss Maria Wilcox, a native of Clockville, by whom he had three children, namely: Frank A .; Cora O .; and William V., living on the old homestead.
Frank A. Bosworth obtained his early education in the village school and afterward attended Cazenovia Seminary. In the spring of 1872 he pursued a course in bookkeeping and commercial law and then had to decide whether he would take up the study of law in the office of his uncle, Judge B. F. Chapman, or enter a bank. Choosing the latter alternative. he secured a position as clerk in the Canastota National Bank under the pioneer banker, David H. Rasbach. In the spring of 1873 he became junior clerk in the Oneida County Bank of Utica, under J. Milton Butler, and won steady promotion as he demonstrated his ability and trustworthiness, serving successively as discount clerk, book- keeper and teller and holding the last named position for several years. In 1886 he was elected a director of the bank and the following year was made acting cashier. On the death of Mr. Butler, in 1899, he was given full charge of the institution. In February, 1900, the Oneida County Bank consolidated with the First National Bank of Utica, of which Mr. Bosworth became one of the cashiers. In 1907 he was elected vice president and later became a director of the institution. He has contributed in large measure to the con- tinned success and growth of the First National Bank and occupies an enviable position in financial circles. Ile is also vice president and a director of the Sauquoit Spinning Company.
Mr. Bosworth has been married twice. In June, 1884, at Utica, he wedded Miss Nellie Sherwood, a daughter of Benjamin F. Sherwood, by whom he had two children : Frances M., living in Brooklyn; and Sherwood B., who is a resident of New York city. The wife and mother passed away in 1894 and in 1910 Mr. Bosworth was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Hattie J. Chamberlin, of Utica.
Mr. Bosworth is a stanch supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He was at one time a director and treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce at Utica but was com- pelled to resign on account of his extensive business interests. He is a director of the Young Men's Christian Association of Utica and president of its board, while for sixteen years he has been an elder in Westminster church. In 1910 he was appointed a trustee of the New York State Hospital at Ray Brook, New York, by Governor Hughes. ITis business record is one which any man might be proud to possess. Starting at the bottom round of the ladder, he has ad- vanced steadily step by step until he is now occupying a position of prominence
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and trust. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor, never making an engagement that he has not filled nor incurring obligations that he has not met. Ile stands today an ex- ample of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity, can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character.
GEORGE SILLIMAN DANA.
George Silliman Dana. of Utica, comes of good fighting stock as was shown at the early age of sixteen years, when he entered the United States navy and manfully assisted in the cause of the Union during the Civil war. He has for a number of years been secretary and treasurer of the Commercial Travelers Mutual Accident Association of America, and the marked success of that or- ganization, which is the largest of the kind in the world, is an indication of his business ability.
Ile is a native of Utiea and was born March 7, 1844, a son of George Strong and Huldah Beech ( Wright Dana. The father was born in Utica about 1817 and died in 1859. He was the son of James Dana, who settled at Utica in 1796 and, in 1801, started the Dana-Wright Company, the oldest hardware store in Utica. George Strong Dana succeeded his father in the business and also became manager of a factory for making locks, and had an interest in other concerns. Ile was a man of fine capacity and died in the midst of a highly useful career.
George Silliman Dana, of this review, received his preliminary education in the public schools and in September. 1861, responding to a sense of duty which impelled thousands of young men to offer their services to their country, en- tered the United States navy, in which he continued until December, 1865, being most of the time on blockade duty. After receiving his honorable dis- charge he returned home and, in 1867, went to New York city, where he en- gaged in the hardware business mmtil 1883. He then returned to Utica and this city has since been his place of residence.
Ile was one of the first members of the Commercial Travelers Mutual Acci- dent Association of America, which was organized in 1883, his muunber being 109, and he was chairman of the finance committee when the first report of the association was made, three months after the charter was granted. In 1889 he was elected a director of the association and since 1903 has been its secretary and treasurer. The organization has a reserve fund, including build- ing, of five hundred and thirty-five thousand. one hundred and twenty-one dol- lars, and has paid to members and their families four million, thirty-one thou- sand. five hundred and seven dollars. Mr. Dana is also identified with many other important enterprises. He is a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Utica, the Sherman National Bank of New York city, the Commercial and Financial Chronicle of New York city and the Savage Arms Company, and is also interested in a number of other enterprises.
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On the 27th of September, 1883, Mr. Dana was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Morse Wadhams, of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. He was one of the organizers of the Fort Schuyler Club and served as president of the Utica Chamber of Commerce for two years. By virtue of his services at the time of the Civil war he is a member of Bacon Post, G. A. R., and of the Society of the Army of the Potomae. From his carly manhood he has been remarkably en- ergetic and efficient in business and is well known in financial circles of the state. He is a man of good judgment, a faithful and conscientious adviser, and kind and courteous to all. As the architect of his own fortune he has builded wisely and has assisted many to a realization of their responsibilities and set a worthy example of fidelity to principle. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and has for many years served as an elder and trustee of West- minster church.
THOMAS J. MCNAMARAA.
Thomas J. MeNamara, a well known attorney of Rome, is recognized as the possessor of a fine judicial mind, which has been thoroughly trained by close study, experience and observation. IIe comes of good Irish parentage and is a native of Annsville, born April 30, 1867, a son of Patrick and Hannah (Hen- essy) MeNamara. The father came to America with his parents from Ireland and settled with them at Annsville, Oneida county, New York, about 1850, when he was quite young. After growing to manhood he engaged in farming. He was married at Annsville to Hannah Henessy and they became the parents of twelve children. The father died in 1896 but the mother is still living and resides on the old homestead.
Mr. McNamara of this review possessed advantages of education in the dis- triet schools and, having showed himself to be an apt pupil, attended the Wa- terville Union school. After making thorough preparation he began teaching and continued uninterruptedly for fifteen years in small towns throughout the northern part of Oneida county, gaining recognition as one of the most com- petent teachers of the county. In 1899 he was appointed clerk in the office of the barge canal collector at Syraense and as his work required him to be on duty in the nighttime he determined to study law. This subject he pursued in the law department of the Syracuse University and also in the office of Newell, Chapman & Newell, of Syraense. Having been appointed collector, he was transferred to Oswego and continued the study of law in the offices of Coon & Bentley, of that city. He was admitted to the bar in 1902 and in 1903 was transferred to Rome as collector, a position he still holds in connection with his practice. Upon arriving at Rome he first associated in practice with T. E. Curtin, now of Utica. In 1904 he entered into partnership with Hon. J. E. Mason, which still eontimes.
In March, 1892, Mr. MeNamara was married to Miss Carrie Forgeon, a daughter of Peter and Josephine Forgeon, of Lee. Mr. MeNamara has never engaged actively in polities except in helping others and has never been a can-
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didate for political office. He takes a deep interest in church work and is now serving as clerk of the First Baptist church. Socially he is identified with Hathaway Lodge, No. 869, F. & A. M., and of Rome Tent, No. 380, K. O. T. M., of Rome. He has from his boyhood been a student of books and men and, as he possesses an observing eye, a retentive memory and a sound judgment, his opinion on any subject he has investigated commands respect. In addition to being an able lawyer he is a stanch friend of education and of progress. He holds the respect and esteem of his associates at the bar and also of his neigh- bors, being a representative of true progressive American citizenship.
VAN RENSSELAER WEAVER.
A member of one of the oldest families of Oneida county, Van Rensselaer Weaver is among its best known citizens. He was born in Deerfield January 21, 1855, a son of George F. and Margaret Weaver and a grandson of Ifenry Van Rensselaer Weaver. George J. Weaver, the founder of the family at Deerfield, came to this region in 1773 with Captain Mark Damoth and Chris- tian Reall and settled at the Corners. These hardy pioneers were driven out by the Indians in 1776 and their homes were burned. Later Mr. Weaver was taken prisoner and carried to Quebec and thence to England but after two years was exchanged. In 1784 the three meu again settled at Deerfield Corners and Mr. Weaver's grandson, George M. Weaver, Jr., was the first white male child born in the town, his natal day being January 15, 1787. He died at the age of ninety years, in 1877.
Van Rensselaer Weaver received his preliminary education in the public schools of Deerfield and later attended Utica Academy and the Utiea Busi- ness College, graduating from the latter institution in 1874. In 1876 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Oneida county under his brother, Frederick G. Weaver, who was then serving as sheriff of the county, and three years later he was elected to represent the town of Deerfield on the board of supervisors, serving until 1884. He was also a member of the board for two years, from 1892 to 1894. In 1894 he was elected sheriff of the county for a term of three years, receiving a majority of about forty-three hundred votes, the second largest majority on the ticket. After leaving the office of sheriff he engaged in the knit goods manufacturing business at Utica under the title of the Elbonf Knitting Company. The company has been successful, having de- veloped under excellent management a large and prosperous business, and he is still actively connected with its affairs.
On the 20th of February, 1882, Mr. Weaver was married at Clinton, New York, to Miss Laura A. Owens, a daughter of Owen D. Owens, and four children have come to brighten their home, Van Rensselaer, Jr., Ralph O., Harrison and Clarence W.
Mr. Weaver has from the time of casting his first ballot been a supporter of the republican party. Ile takes a lively interest in public affairs and is now serving as a member of the Utica courthouse commission. On January 17,
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1910, he was appointed United States Marshal, which office he still holds. He has for a number of years been active in the work of the Baptist denomination and is a member of the board of trustees of the church at Deerfield. He is also connected with the Mannerchor Club of Utica and is a generous sup- porter of causes which seek to promote the permanent interests of the com- munity. Although his office is at Utica he lives at his old home in Deerfield, which is sacred to him on account of its many associations extending back to the times when the Indians and wild animals roamed at will along the beautiful valley of the Mohawk. In the course of nearly a century and a half great changes have taken place. The appearance of the country has been transformed and peaceful, happy homes now are to be seen throughout Oneida county, the work of men who, like Mr. Weaver and his ancestors, bravely assumed responsibility and ably accomplished their mission.
HAROLD LUCIEN PALMER, M. D.
No single feature in modern times more clearly marks the progress of man toward a realization of universal brotherhood than the erection of hospitals and homes for the relief and support of the unfortunate. Cities, connties and states have vied with each other in building model institutions, over which many of the most competent men and women have been placed in charge. Among this number should be named Dr. Harold Lucien Palmer, superintendent of the State Hospital at Utica. Ile is a native of Rhode Island, and was born April 5, 1865.
Dr. Palmer received his preliminary education in the public schools of Providence, Rhode Island, and later matriculated in the medical department of the University of Vermont and transferred his allegiance to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1890, being then twenty- five years of age. He served on the staff of Mount Sinai Hospital, of New York city, for one and one-half years and in the course of this time gained a practical experience that has proved of great value to him in years that have since elapsed.
In 1892 he was appointed fourth assistant physician to the Utica State Hos- pital and displayed such ability that he was promoted through various grades, being made superintendent of the hospital in 1899. When he was first appointed to the position the capacity of the hospital was about eight hundred patients. Its capacity is now over fifteen hundred. He has been remarkably efficient and is known as one of the most competent and trustworthy officials in the special line of activity to which he has devoted his attention that can be found in the entire country. Many improvements have been instituted under his manage- ment, so that today the hospital at Utica is scarcely secondary to any other in the United States and is proving an object lesson of inestimable value to vis- itors from other states. Since Dr. Palmer took charge the following new build- ings have been erected, all of which are strictly modern in construction and
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