USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 8
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are provided with the best known accommodations: houses for the superintend- ent and staff; the nurses' home; the acute hospital building; the contagious eot- age ; and the laundry building.
lle is a valued member of the New York State and Oneida County Medi- cal Societies and also of the American Medico-Psychological Association. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Masonic order. His life record is a striking exemplification of the effect of energy and perseverance applied to a noble ob- jeet-that of ameliorating the ills of mankind-and the wide reputation he has gained is a prophecy of even larger successes in years to come.
WIFEELER ARMSTRONG.
Many years of business activity erowned with deserved success have eon- stituted the life record of Wheeler Armstrong who is one of the honored citi- zens of Rome. Ile has long been known in connection with the real-estate business and is also vice president of the Rome Savings Bank. A native of this city, he was born July 29, 1840, a son of General Jesse and Abigail Jane (Cole) Armstrong. The father was born at Lee, July 4, 1799. In Rome he successfully engaged in the general mercantile business, and died there in 1852. The ancestors of the family in New England lived in Rhode Island, the grand- parents of the subject of this review emigrating from Rhode Island to Oneida county, New York, about 1800. The family has ever since been well known in this county.
After receiving his preliminary education in the publie schools Wheeler Armstrong entered the Rome Free Academy, where he applied himself with a diligence that gave evidence of a worthy ambition to excel in whatever he should undertake. Upon leaving school he entered the real-estate business at Rome with which he has ever since been connected, being now one of the oldest and most experienced real-estate men in the city. Through capable management his affairs have prospered and he ean claim in his clientage many of the most extensive buyers in Oneida county. Ile possesses rare discrimination and judg- ment as to real-estate values and his opinion is much sought by persons desir- ing to make safe investments. Since 1891 he has been vice president of the Rome Savings Bank and has been able to apply his intimate knowledge of real-estate valnes in such a way as to prove of marked benefit to that institu- tion.
On February 9, 1870, Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Emma O. Brown. of Chicago, Illinois, and they have three children living: Ray, who is now superintendent of the Rome city waterworks; Arthur S., who is practicing medi- cine in New York city; and Janie B., who is living at home. Mr. Armstrong also has one brother, George, who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. Always governed by a high sense of personal responsibility, Mr. Armstrong has gained deserved eredit as a conservative and reliable business man. He has a very wide acquaintance in eentral New York state and is greatly respected for his personal character and his honorable methods. He has never engaged in poli-
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ties or held any publie office, but has always found time to assist in the pro- motion of measures for the development of Rome and has been actively inter- ested in the city's welfare.
WILLIAM SEYMOUR MORRIS, M. D.
Dr. William Seymour Morris has been a member of the medical fraternity of Utica for a little more than two years, but the period has been of sufficient length for him to demonstrate his ability both as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Morris was born in West Frankfort, Herkimer county, New York, on the 5th of September, 1872, being a son of Seymour C. and Maria Jane (Morgan) Morris.
The early years of Dr. William Seymour Morris were spent amid the en- vironment of a country home, his elementary education being acquired in the schools of his native town, following which he entered the Utica Free Academy from which institution he was graduated in 1893. He subsequently matrieu- lated in the medical department of the University of the City of New York, being awarded the degree of doctor of medicine with the class of 1896. Imme- diately after receiving his diploma he returned to Utica and entered St. Eliza- beth's Hospital where he served as interne for three years. At the expiration of that period he opened an office in Deerfield where he engaged in general prae- tice for nine years. In April, 1909, Dr. Morris came to Utica and established an office and during the brief period of his residence here has succeeded in building up a very fair practice.
On the 26th of September, 1900, Dr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Roemer, a daughter of Frederick and Christina Roemer, their union being solemnized in this eity, where Mr. and Mrs. Roemer reside. To Dr. and Mrs. Morris has been born one child, Seymour Frederick; the family residence is located at No. 35 Hobart street.
Dr. Morris is a member of the Masonie fraternity and the Benevolent Pro- teetive Order of Elks, being identified with Utiea Lodge, No. 33, B. P. O. E. Ile keeps in touch with the members of his profession through the medium of his membership in the Oneida County Medical Society, New York, State Med- ical Association and Utiea Medical Library Association; he was president of the latter organization for one year. Dr. Morris is well adapted to the profes- sion he has elected to follow and is highly thought of among those who have employed his services.
DEAN SAMUEL HARRISON, M. D.
The practice of medicine presents an inviting field to ambitious and capable young men and each year witnesses new aecessions to a profession which is one of the most useful and honorable of employments. Oneida eounty ean claim many eapable practitioners who stand very high in the estimation of the people
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and among this class belongs Dr. Dean Samuel Harrison, of Whitesboro. Ile was born in Mount Vision, Otsego county, New York, December 30, 1874. a son of Harland and Martha Jane (Shove) Harrison. The immigrant ances- tors of these two families arrived in America from West Kirby, England, in 1637 and settled in Massachusetts and Connecticut, where their descendants for generations engaged in farming.
Dr. Harrison enjoyed good opportunities of education and was graduated at Wyoming Seminary, a noted institution of Kingston. Pennsylvania, in 1894. Ile taught school for several years but, having decided to devote his attention to the practice of the healing art, he entered the Albany (N. Y.) Medical Col- lege, pursuing the regular course, and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1-99. He began practice at Frankfort, New York, and continued there for two years. Ile then located at New York Mills, where he has since successfully engaged in general practice as a physician and surgeon for a period of ten years. On July 1, 1911 Dr. Harrison removed to Whitesboro. He is interested in all activities working for the advancement of the medical profession and is a valued member of the Utiea Medical Library Association, the Oneida County Medical Society and the New York State Medical Society.
On June 19, 1900. Dr. Harrison was married to Miss Jennie Ostrander, a daughter of John Ostrander, of Onondaga county, New York, and they are the parents of three children: Irmagarde, who was born October 8. 1902. and died in 1903: Harlon, who was born February 22. 1906: and Doris, born May 1. 190%. Dr. Harrison is an indefatigable medical student and aside from his professional reading and researches he has devoted several years to the prep- aration of a genealogy of the Harrison family. The work is nearly completed and is a monument to his industry and perseverance. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, A. I. & A. M., and the Royal Areanum. He is a stanch be- liever in the authority of Holy Writ and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church of New York Mills, being a member of the board of trustees of that organization. A man of fine education, pleasing address and unim- peachable character. he ranks among the leaders in his profession in Oneida county. With the progress of years the circle of his influence has steadily widened and he can look forward to still larger opportunities for usefulness in years to come. That he has met with well deserved success is the opinion of all who know him.
RICII A. GEORGE.
A successful architect of Utica, who is also a prominent member of the Masonie fraternity in which he has attained high rank is Rich A. George. Ilis birth occurred in Leipzig. Germany, his natal day being the 2d of October, 1859.
Rich A. George was most forunate in his preparation for his profession, having been given the advantages of such a training as falls to the lot of but few men. He has degrees from five well known and reputable institutions of Europe, as follows: Polytechnic School at Dresden and at Munich : High
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School for Building at St. Petersburg, and the same at Hoexter, Germany; and the School of Fine Arts, Paris. In 1884 he decided to come to the United States to follow his profession and soon after his arrival located in Utica where he has ever since continuously resided. He has designed and superintended the construction of many residences and apartment buildings since locating here, among them being the Kanetenah, Olbiston and Chancellor Square Apartments, and he also designed the Ilerkimer monument. He has met with most excellent success in his work, which is very original, yet withal thoroughly artistic and practical. Mr. George possesses the gift of being able to design a structure to meet the requirements of utility and limited means without sacrificing either harmony or proportion.
On the 15th of November, 1887, Mr. George was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Wilke of Utiea.
He is identified with a number of fraternal organizations, and takes great pride in his Masonic affiliations, being a member of Faxon Lodge, No. 697, A. F. & A. M .; Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., of which he is past high priest ; Utica Commandery, No. 3. K. T., in which he holds the office of generalissimo ; Yahnundahsis Lodge of Perfection; A. & A. of the Scottish Rite, the present thrice potent master; and the Ziyara Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Order of Red Men, having been one of the organ- izers of the local tribe and has been chief of records for twenty years. His agreeable personality and genial nature have made Mr. George very popular in both fraternal and social circles, and during the period of his residence in Utica he has won and retained the friendship of many.
FRANK X. MATT.
Frank X. Matt, a leading and respected citizen of Utica. is the president and treasurer of the West End Brewing Company, of which concern he was one of the organizers. His birth occurred in Germany on the 25th of March, 1859, his parents being Theodore and Johanna Matt, whom he accompanied on their emigration to the United States in 1878. The father, who was en- gaged in the lumber business in Germany, also conducted a hotel, a brewery and a large farm. After coming to this country he became the proprietor of a butcher's establishment. His wife was called to her final rest in 1910.
Frank X. Matt obtained his education in the schools of the fatherland and was graduated with honors from both the public and high school. After taking up his abode in Utiea he became identified with the brewing industry and for a time was associated with Charles Bierbaner. Subsequently he went to Cana- joharie, New York, remaining there for about seven years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Utica and assisted in the organization of the West End Brewing Company, which under his able management has been developed into the largest and best concern of its kind in central New York. IIe is like- wise a director of the First National Bank and the Utica Cutlery Company. His connection with any undertaking seems to insure a prosperous outcome of
HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY
the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion what- ever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confi- dence of his fellowmen.
Mr. Matt's companion and helpmate on the jurney of life was Miss Eliza- beth Selbach, of U'tica, by whom he has three children. Francis Milton, Ella MI. and Walter Joseph. He has membership relations with the Catholie Mutual Benevolent Association, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcam, the I'tica Maennerchor and the Baden Society, as well as the Dent- scher Bund, the U'tica Turn Verein, the Utiea Lese Verein, the I. D. K. Social Club. I'tien Lodge, No. 242, IFarugari, the Knights of Honor and Red Men. Mr. Matt is further an honorary member of the Young Men of the Knights of St. George and trustee of St. Joseph's Cemetery Association. In all social relations he is popular because of a genial and attractive manner, while in Inisiness circles he has made substantial progress through his wise utilization of the opportunities offered.
VICTOR BELL STEWART.
Vietor Bell Stewart, a U'tiea capitalist, whose investments are largely in real estate and whose splendid business and executive ability have won him his present enviable position, was born in Boonville, Oneida county, February 26, 1×32, his parents being William and Mary (Haney) Stewart. The father set- tled in Boonville a few years prior to 1832, upon his removal from Brooklyn, New York, and in this county devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
While spending his youthful days under the parental roof Victor Bell Stewart pursued his preliminary education in the district schools of Oriskany, to which place the family had previously removed. Later the parents estab- lished their home at New York Mills, where the father died. In 1859 Mr. Stewart, of this review, made permanent location in Utiea and entered busi- ness circles as a dry-goods merchant on Franklin Square. Snecess attended the new enterprise from the beginning and about 1865 he sought enlarged quar- ters, removing into a new building at Nos. 166-168 Genesee street, which he had erected for the purpose. After some years he withdrew from commercial pursuits to engage in industrial interests, turning his attention to the manu- facture of furnaces as a member of the Carton Furnace Company, of which he was the president. In this field as in his previous venture he met with sub- stantial success until the company was taken into the combination which is now known as the International Heater Company, when Mr. Stewart disposed of his interests and invested in the property now known as the Stewart build- ing. Hle has since lived practically retired save for the attention which he has given to the management of his realty interests and other investments.
Victor B. Stewart 1
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On the 12th of February, 1857, occurred the marriage of Victor B. Stewart to Miss Martha, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Stewart, of Oneida, Madison county, and they have two children: Hattie, the wife of J. L. Aldridge, of Little Falls, New York; and Agnes, the wife of Professor W. P. Shepard, of Hamilton College, Clinton, New York. Mrs. Stewart passed away about two years ago, her death being the occasion of deep regret to many friends who had long entertained for her a warm regard. Mr. Stewart resides at No. 139 Park avenue, in a residence which he erected about thirty years ago. For a a half century he has been a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church and has served as its treasurer and as one of the trustees for about two decades. His interest in public affairs is the expression of loyal and patriotic citizenship. A life-long resident of Oneida county, he rejoices in its advancement along the lines of material, intellectual and moral progress, and his cooperation has ofttimes been a potent element for development and improvement.
EDWARD COMSTOCK.
A life characterized by fidelity to high principles has gained for Edward Comstock the respect of all with whom business or social relations have brought him into contact. A native of Rome, he was born April 30, 1842, a son of Hon. Calvert and Eliza Mann (Sill) Comstock. The father was born in western Oneida county July 2, 1812, and died at Rome, October 10, 1876. Ile was a prominent attorney and newspaper man and was editor of the Rome Sentinel in the early '40s. After practicing successfully at his profession for twenty years he went to Albany at the solieitation of friends, as editor of the Albany Argus, which was then the state organ of the Hunker wing of the democratic party. He was the first mayor of Rome and for a number of years served as president of the board of edneation.
Edward Comstock received the advantages in his earlier years afforded by his peaceful home and a public school education. He later entered Amherst College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1861. Ile was attracted to the law as his life pursuit and was diligently engaged in study with that object in view when the Civil war made demands upon the patriotie young men of the country which he could not resist. He abandoned the law and offered his services as a soldier, becoming lieutenant and adjutant in the one hundred and forty-sixth New York Volunteers. IIe engaged with his regiment at the battles of Fredericksburg and Gettysburg and later was a member of the staff of General Garrard, who commanded a division of cavalry attached to General Sherman's army in the advance from Chattanooga to Atlanta. After receiving his honorable discharge from the army Mr. Comstock returned to Rome and engaged in the lumber manufacturing business with his father. In 1876 he established himself in the wholesale and retail lumber business on his own ac- count and has ever sinee successfully continued in that line, displaying an ability and energy which have produced gratifying financial returns.
Vol. II-5
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In 1871 Mr. Comstock was married to Miss Frances Hulett, a daughter of Ilon. Charles Hulett of Elmira, New York, and the following children were born to them: Edward II., Frances E., Margery, John M. and Elizabeth S. Mr. Comstock has been for many years a prominent worker in the demo- cratic party and an active factor in its success in Rome and Oneida county. He has been greatly interested in the welfare of the city and has served to the general satisfaction of the people as a member of the board of education and as mayor of the city, being twice elected to that office. As a soldier in his early manhood he shirked no responsibility, and in private life he has displayed the same spirit of fidelity to duty that has for many years been recognized as a prominent trait of the Comstock family.
CHIARLES W. NICHOLS, M. D.
To Dr. Charles W. Nichols, of Whitesboro, belongs the distinction of having been one of the youngest soldiers in the Civil war, and the spirit of fearless- ness and devotion to duty that inspired him as a boy to offer his life for his country, has been one of the prominent characteristics of his entire career. Ile ranks today as a leading physician of Oneida county and also as one of its most respected citizens. lle was born in Herkimer county, New York, August 15, 1849, a son of Caleb and Abigail M. ( Harris) Nichols. The grand- father of our subject came to Norway, Herkimer county, from Providence, Rhode Island, with his parents when nine years old. After growing to ma- turity he engaged in farming and became one of the large landowners of the county. Caleb Nichols was also a farmer and conducted a large dairy. The mother of our subject died August 8, 1855, when he was six years of age, and the father married Lucy Ann Rice, who died October 12. 1880. Caleb Nichols died in Troy, New York, November 11. 1896.
Charles W. Nichols received his early education in the public schools and Fairfield Academy. On May 3, 1864, although under fifteen years of age, he enlisted at Little Falls. New York, in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty- second New York Volunteers, and served in the Second Brigade, Seeond Di- vision, Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac under General Haneock. Ile was present at the battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and partici- pated in a number of other engagements. On September 13, 1864, he was honorably mustered out of service by special order of President Lincoln on ac- count of his extreme youth. He was at the time confined in Island Hospital at Blackwells Island where he was under treatment for chronie diarrhea. In March, 1889. Dr. Nichols was graduated from the Albany (New York) Medi- cal College with the degree of M. D. and began practice at Amsterdam, New York. After a short time he removed to Fairfield, New York, where he en- gaged successfully in his profession until 1890. He practiced at New York Mills from 1590 to 1900 and since that time has made his home at Whitesboro where he has a lucrative clientage. He has for many years been a member of
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the Oneida County Medical Society and also holds memership in the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
In 1876 Dr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Stephens, of Norway, New York, and they became the parents of four children: Charles A., who is now proprietor of a laundry in Arizona; Fred W., engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Vancouver, British Columbia ; Horace E., who was graduated from the department of electrical engineering of Syracuse University and is now connected with the Schenectady General Electric Com- pany; and A. Agnes, who was graduated from the Fairfield Seminary and Military Academy. She is also a graduate nurse of St. Luke's Hospital at Utica. The home of Dr. and Mrs. Nichols is a beautiful residence on Main street in Whitesboro and he has his office there. He is a member of Ross Post, No. 31, G. A. R., of New York Mills, and is greatly interested in the affairs of the organization, having been surgeon of the post since 1890. He was one of the organizers of Burrill Post, No. 503, of Salisbury, Herkimer county, and served as its quartermaster. Earnest and efficient in whatever he undertakes, he has through life been in thorough sympathy with progressive ideals and has aimed to advance the general good.
BYRON A. CURTISS.
Byron A. Curtiss has probably been engaged longer in business in Camden than any other merchant, and throughout the entire period of his ownership and proprietorship has maintained a reputation for progressiveness, inde- fatigable energy and unassailable integrity. The old Curtiss homestead farm north of Camden was his birthplace and his natal day was June 26, 1844. His father, Ambrose Curtiss, was born on a farm north of Camden on the 26th of March, 1803, and in early life learned the trades of a carpenter and cabinet and furniture maker. He was married on the 29th of December, 1825, to Miss Polly L. Sanford, who died December 16, 1863. Mr. Curtiss long survived her, pass- ing away on the 4th of November, 1880, when in the seventy-eighth year of his age. In their family were four daughters and a son but the daughters are all now deceased. After losing his first wife Ambrose Curtiss was married, on the 20th of November, 1865, his second union being with Betsey Ann Brown, who is dead.
In 1858 when a youth of fourteen years Byron A. Curtiss, the only son, en- tered the employ of his father who in that year formed a partnership with G. S. Wetmore, establishing business in the store in which W. H. Dorrance & Sons are now located. With the exception of a short period spent in school at Ful- ton, Byron A. Curtiss has continued in trade since he made his initial step in the business world. His training under his father was thorough and practical and in 1865 he succeeded to his father's interest in the business, which he car- ried on in connection with his brother-in-law, Mr. Wetmore, until 1870, under the firm name of Wetmore & Curtiss. The senior partner then withdrew but Mr. Curtiss still remains in business at the old location and has a well ap-
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pointed store, securing a large and carefully selected line of goods, while rea- sonable prices and courteous treatment of his patrons are factors in his grow- ing and substantial snecess.
On the 4th of November, 1867, Mr. Curtiss was united in marriage to Miss Philoma S. Wilson, of Camden, and unto them were born two children: Mrs. Lillian O. Van de Walker of Camden, who was born February 16, 1873; and larry W .. who was born February 16, 1876. Mrs. Curtiss passed away April 3, 1897, and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family.
Mr. Curtiss is interested in public matters to a considerable extent and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called him to the office of supervisor for two terms, while at different times he has served on the village board of trustees and on the board of education. Ile also served on the county court house commission. His efforts for the benefit of the com- munity have been practical and effective and Camden values his citizenship and publie spirit. He is also well known as a loyal member of the Masonie fra- ternity and as a past master of his lodge.
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