USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume II > Part 9
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HIERBERT GORDON JONES. M. D.
One of the well known and successful surgeons of Utica is Dr. Herbert Gordon Jones, whose birth occurred in this city on the 26th of July. 1857. IIe is a son of John Franklin and Jane ( Williams) Jones, the father a native of Wales but the mother, who was a daughter of Herbert Williams. was born in Steuben. Oneida county. New York. Mr. Jones was born and reared in the town of Dolgelly, emigrating to the United States in 1844, in which year he settled in l'tica. When he first located here he became identified with the building interests of the city but later withdrawing from this line he estab- lished a retail meat market, which he was conducting at the time of his demise in 1875.
The public schools of this city provided Dr. Ilerbert Gordon Jones with his early education, after the completion of which he matriculated in the med- ical department of the New York University from which institution he was awarded the degree of doctor of medicine with the class of 1881. Ile subse- quently became house surgeon in St. Elizabeth's hospital where he remained for eighteen months. For two years thereafter he served in the capacity of visiting surgeon, withdrawing at the expiration of that period to accept a sim- ilar position in St. Luke's Hospital which he has ever since retained. Dr. Jones has met with gratifying success in his profession. both as a surgeon and gen- eral practitioner, but of recent years he has been devoting his entire time and attention to surgery, which branch of the work he prefers. That he is skill- ful. competent and thoroughly dependable is evidenced not only by his large practice but by the class of his patients. many of whom represent the best families in the city. In addition to his large hospital and private practice he
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is also surgeon for the New York Central Railroad in Utica, in which capacity he has been retained for a number of years.
Dr. Jones was married on the 23d of June, 1882, to Miss Katherine Elinor Perry, a daughter of Henry D. and Mary Perry, well known residents of this city. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Jones have been born two sons and one daughter, as follows: Haroll S., Mildred K. and Stuart G.
Fraternally Dr. Jones is a member of the Masonic order; and he keeps in touch with his fellow practitioners through the medium of his affiliation with the Oneida County Medical Society, and the State and National Medical Asso- ciations. He was president of the local society from 1905 to 1907, and he also filled the chair of county coroner for six years, being elected to that office in 1884. Much of the success which has been accorded Dr. Jones in the praetiee of his profession must be attributed to his strong mental power, poise and pleasing personality, which always win him the confidence of those entrusted to his charge, as well as his skill and dexterity at the operating table.
WILLIS WINFIELD BYAM.
A representative of a family that more than a hundred years ago located in Oneida county, Willis Winfield Byam, of Rome, possessed the advantages of a sturdy ancestry and also of a good constitution, and he has been governed by an ambition which can be satisfied only with the accomplishment of worthy aims. As a lawyer he early won high standing and as a judge upon the bench his decisions have shown a fairness and a clear knowledge of the law that re- fleet upon him the highest honor. He was born in Rome, July 2, 1873, a son of Jay F. and Sarah (Olcott) Byam. The father was born at Lee, being a son of Alonzo Byam. The early progenitors of the family in this eounty arrived at Lee about 1800 and for five generations the Byams have been masons and briek makers.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools Willis W. Byam entered the Rome Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1893. Ile then began the study of law under II. C. Wiggins and later became a student of the law school of Cornell University. Ile was admitted to the bar in 1898 and at once engaged in practice at Rome. In 1899 he was elected special surrogate of Oneida county and was reelected to this office in 1902. In 1901 he received appointment as corporation counsel for the city of Rome and performed the duties of this office for two years. Having attracted atten- tion by his adaptability to his profession and his interest in promoting the causes of his clients, he was elected special county judge of Oneida county in 1904 and discharged the responsibilities of this position so acceptably that he was reelected to the office in 1907. On account of his intimate acquaintance with law he stands very high in the estimation of his associates and those who are interested in litigation in Oneida county and as a public-spirited and patri- otie citizen is ever ready to perform his part in the promotion of the general good.
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On the 21th of November. 1897, Judge Byam was married to Miss Carolyn L. Trumpbour, of F'Ister county, New York, and to this union two children have been born. Willis Winfield, Jr., and Frances Louise. Fraternally Mr. Byam is prominently identified with the Royal Areanum, being a member of Grand council and chairman of the committee on laws for the state. lle is an earnest believer in the beneficent principles of the order and is one of its ablest cham- pions. He is an interesting and convincing publie speaker and never fails to impress his auditors with his sincerity and his ability to grasp the salient points in any subject which he attempts to present. Possessing the courage to venture as opportunity is presented. he has by faithful performance of duties qualified himself for larger responsibilities that have come to him in the course of an active and useful life.
J. B. RICE.
Jeremiah B. Rice, who died in Ctica on the 22d of August, 1900, at the age of eighty-eight years, was one of the oldest living residents of the eity and also one of its most prominent men. His birth occurred in Rhode Island and his father was the proprietor of the Catharine Street House. For some time prior to 1856 our subjeet was associated with his father in the conduct of that hostelry. In 1856 the clothing firm of Kellogg & Rockwell acquired a bank- rupt stock of clothing on a judgment and Mr. Rice was engaged to dispose of it. He purchased the business and located at No. 56 Genesee street, conduct- ing the enterprise in association with his brother under the firm name of J. M. & J. B. Rice. Later removing to No. 68 Genesee street, they there con- ducted a successful business for a number of years. When JJ. B. Rice retired the firm name was changed to J. M. Rice & Company. In 1865 the concern sold out to Nettleton, Heath & Company, who in 1873 disposed of their busi- ness to lleath Brothers. Later Fred II. Heath became the sole proprietor of the enterprise. In addition to developing and successfully conducting a pri- vate business Mr. Rice of this review became president of the Central City Savings Bank. one of the original directors of the Utica & Black River Rail. road and a stockholder in the Oneida National Bank and the Globe Woolen Mills. Tle was likewise a director in the Steam Woolen Mills and the Ontario Branch Bank. After retiring from the elothing business he took charge of the estates of Thomas L. Kingsley and Edward F. Manning. A man of force- ful purpose and unfaltering determination. he carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.
On the Sth of June, 1859. Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Mrs. Fanny A. Randall, the widow of Robert M. Randall and a daughter of the late Colonel Alvin White, who served as colonel of the One Ilundred and Seventeenth Regiment until wounded. Hle likewise acted as superintendent of Faxon Hos- pital. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Naney Greenman, was a daugh- fer of Captain Greenman, who came to New York from Brookfield, Massa- chusetts, and had a line of packet boats on the Erie canal in the early days.
Jeg 13. Rico,
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Robert M. Randall, the first husband of Mrs. Rice, was born in Greene, New York, and was a grandson of Judge John Randall. Mr. Randall was first engaged in the express business for a number of years and subsequently be- came teller in the Oneida National Bank, holding that position for many years. His son, Robert M. Randall, Jr., is now engaged in the coal business at Saginaw, Michigan. Mrs. Riee is a native of Utica, New York.
In politics Mr. Rice was a staneh republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. His fraternal relations were with the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows. He was one of the organizers of St. George's church and acted as warden for a number of years. A man of domestic tastes, he greatly enjoyed his home and home relations. His entire life was spent in Utiea, where he had an extensive circle of friends who accorded him their unqualified confidence and esteem. His widow, living at No. 5 Court street, is also well and favorably known throughout the eity.
THE CAMDEN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
The Camden Library Association, now one of the well organized and pros- perous public institutions of the village, was organized on the 6th of December, 1890, at the residence of Mrs. W. T. Stevens, on which occasion Mrs. Elizabeth T. Pike was elected president; Mrs. W. T. Stevens, vice president ; Mrs. Jane F. Williams, second vice president; Miss Tessie M. Durr, secretary; and Mrs. M. B. Osborn, treasurer. On the 1st of August, 1891. the library was opened in the Curtiss block with two hundred and eighteen volumes. On the 6th of December following the number of books had reached five hundred and forty- mine. In October, 1894, a removal was made to the Opera Ilouse block and in January, 1896, to the present quarters in the new town hall. On the 1st of July, 1911, there were fifty-three hundred and twenty-four volumes. The present officers of the organization are: Mrs. E. II. Conant, president ; Mrs. E. T. Pike, first vice president ; Mrs. T. A. Farnsworth, second vice president ; Mrs. D. G. Dorrance, secretary; Mrs. Susan B. Cromwell, treasurer; and Miss Annie More, librarian. The Camden Library Association numbered among its charter members the following: Mrs. Martha S. Adams, Mrs. Ida B. Becker, Mrs. Ella M. Conant, Mrs. Caroline P. Conant, Mrs. Grace S. Cook. Mrs. Susan B. Cromwell, Mrs. Philmona W. Curtiss, Mrs. Grace S. Case, Mrs. Elma D. Davies, Mrs. Emma F. Dorrance, Mrs. Ellen L. Dorrance, Mrs. Nancy E. Edic, Mrs. Nellie D. Ewart, Mrs. Emma P. Frisbie, Mrs. Charlotte J. Gamble, Mrs. Caroline P. Harvey, Mrs. S. II. Harding, Mrs. Phoebe J. Miller, Mrs. Maria B. Osborn, Mrs. Irene N. Stevens, Mrs. Lida T. Stoddard, Mrs. Jane S. Strong, Mrs. Jane F. Williams, Mrs. Mary A. Stansfield, Mrs. Harriett M. Phelps, Mrs. Fon- tella II. Farnsworth, Miss Tessie M. Durr, Miss Lelah Miller, Miss Annie Shan- ley, Mrs. Lois S. Kendall, Mrs. Jennie H. Morss, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Pike, Mrs. Clara 11. Stoddard, Mrs. Louise W. Stone, Mrs. Helen H. Wolcott, Mrs. Julia C. Epson, Mrs. Helen A. Mann, Mrs. Etta S. Gunther and Mrs. Ellen B. Dorrance.
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The Library is under the state board of regents and since 1906 the town has contributed five hundred dollars each year to the institution. It is open every day from three to nine p. m., except holidays and Sundays, and is lib- erally patronized, indicating the interest of the townspeople in literary mat- ters.
EDWARD L. O'DONNELL.
Although he has engaged in the practice of law only a few years. Edward L. ()'Donnell, of Rome, has made a highly favorable impression on his legal brethren and the general public and is now well established in his profession. lle is a native of Springfield, Missouri, born January 25, 1883. a son of Patrick HI. and Alice (Cornish) O'Donnell. He arrived with his parents in Rome very early in his boyhood and has practically spent his entire life in this city.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools Mr. O'Don- nell entered the Rome Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1901, at the age of eighteen years. Being attracted to the law, he entered the office of Charles Carmichael, where he spent two years, completing his studies at the law school of the Syracuse University. He immediately began practice at Rome, where from the start he was favorably received. He is now serving as special surrogate. Ilis success is the direct result of special ability for a diffi- cult vocation and untiring industry. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He is welcome in social circles and is rapidly gaining in popularity and reputation as a man and as an able and conscientious repre- sentative of the bar.
WARD J. CAGWIN.
Fifteen years ago Ward J. Cagwin began in the practice of law at Rome, Ile was then a young man abounding in ambition and energy and the deter- mination to make an honorable name for himself among his fellows. His am- bition has been in an important measure realized and today he is well estab- lished in his profession, has gained recognized standing throughout a wide region in central New York, and can number among his clients many of the leading citizens of Oneida county. Ile has no reason to regret having chosen the law as his profession. Born at Verona. November 3, 1873, he is a son of Theodore and Ellen II. (Beach) Cagwin. On the paternal side he is descended from New England and German ancestry. The Cagwins were in America pre- vious to the Revolutionary war and the name is now well known in many states of the Union.
Mr. Cagwin of this sketch received his preliminary education in the public schools of Verona and continued his studies in the Oneida high school. After leaving high school he came to Rome and for three years read law in the office of II. S. Bedell. After gaining a good general knowledge of the subject he
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presented himself for examination and was admitted to the bar in 1896. His work as a counselor and in the courts proved him to be a clear reasoner, pos- sessing also the power of logical deduction in an unusual degree. As the years advaneed his clientage inereased and he has been identified as counsel with many of the most important cases that have been tried in the courts of Oneida county in recent years.
On the 6th of June, 1897, Mr. Cagwin was married to Miss H. Estelle Kings- bury. He has taken no active part in politics, as his tastes incline to the regular channels of his profession rather than to the excitement of publie assemblies or political elections. He is a member of the Oneida County Bar Association, of which he is now serving as treasurer, and socially is identified with the Rome Country Club. He has made many friends by his pleasing manners and his kindly interest in the welfare of others, hence he ranks in Rome as one of its most popular citizens.
ELIHU FRANK ROBERTS.
Elihu Frank Roberts, who is engaged in dairy farming at Westdale and has a well appointed establishment for the conduct of this business, was born in the town of Florence, Oneida county, January 8, 1865. His parents were Elisha and Henrietta (Edwards) Roberts, the former a native of Oneida county and the mother of Oswego county, New York. Elisha Roberts was born in the town of Floyd, September 14, 1835, and was reared to the occupation of farm- ing. In early life he engaged in the lumber business in Florence and in Cam- den but later took up the active work of developing and cultivating a farm, his place being in Florence, on Florence Ilill. For a long period he carefully tilled his fields and the practical methods which he followed brought him suc- cess. From his annual income he saved a goodly sum and this in time enabled him to retire from active business life so that in his later years he was en- abled to enjoy a well earned rest. On the organization of the republican party, he became one of its champions and continued to support it until his demise, He attended the Methodist Episcopal church of Westdale, in Camden town- ship, and in that faith passed away August 14, 1908. His widow survives him and is now sixty-six years of age, her birth having occurred in June, 1845. They became the parents of five children: Elihu Frank, of this review ; Minnie J., the wife of James Jeffers, of Camden; Hattie, deceased; Maude L., who married Charles Gibbs, of New Britain, Connecticut ; and Alto M., who has also passed away.
Elihu Frank Roberts pursued his education at Florence Hill and when not busy with his text-books worked with his father upon the home farm. He found this occupation congenial and at length purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property. He now has the old homestead of thirty acres in Florence township and is engaged in dairy farming. In all he has 250 aeres of land. Ile regards the Holstein as the best cattle for his purpose and keeps a herd of forty head upon his place. ITis stock is in good condition, his farm
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well equipped in every particular and the neat and attractive appearance of his place indicates the careful supervision of the owner.
On the 24th of December, 1897, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Estella Viola Brewer, a daughter of Lewis and Marietta (Bushnell) Brewer, of Camden. Their children are: Walter E., who was born December 30, 1898, and died on the 30th of January, 1899; Ruth M., born August 22, 1900; Doris Il., Gladys L., and Bessie A. Mrs. Roberts was born May 4, 1877, at Point Rock, New York. The household is a hospitable one and a cordial welcome is extended to their many friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts attend the Meth- odist Episcopal church and his political support is given to the republican party, the principles of which he has indorsed since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His is the creditable record of a man who has always led a busy and useful life and he is meeting with honorable success as the re- ward of his labors.
CHIARLES ABRAM BYINGTON.
Charles Abram Byington, a well known capitalist of Utica, is connected with some of the most important knitting concerns in the state of New York. His birth occurred at Tioga, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of January, 1851, his parents being Lester and Cynthia (Shurger) Byington. In 1872, when a young man of twenty-one years, he took up his abode in Syracuse, New York, where he be came connected with the dry-goods house of D. MeCarthy Sons & Company. In 1880 he became a member of the firm of Thompson & Byington, a wholesale hat and cap concern of Syracuse, disposing of his interest therein in 1886. In that year he established a knit-goods jobbing business, which four years later became the Clinton Knitting Company of Syracuse, with which he was asso- ciated until 1896, which year witnessed his arrival in Utica and here he has re- sided continuously since. He is now active in the management and control of various important concerns. A consolidation was effected between the Richelieu Knitting Company, the Kendall Knitting Company, the Camden Knitting Com- pany and the Standard Spinning Company of Oswego and the business is now carried on under the name of the Frisbie & Stanisfield Knitting Company, of which Mr. Byington is secretary. Ile is also secretary of the Oneida Regal Textile Company, which is a consolidation of the Regal Textile Company, the Stittville Knitting Company and the Oneida Hosiery Company ; is president of the Sauquoit Spinning Company; and is a member of the firm doing business under the name of Utica Paper Box Company, composed of George A. Frisbie, Willard J. Frisbie and W. H. Stanisfield. Ile is also president of the Caprou Knitting Company ; president of the Hamilton Hosiery Mills; secretary of the Ontario Knitting Company; seeretary and manager of the Kendall Knitting Company : and president of the Ontario Button Company of Utiea. Mr. Bying- ton is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the concerns with which he is connected a large degree of success.
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On the 4th of February, 1880, Mr. Byington was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Martin, a daughter of Samuel A. and Emily (Tremaine) Martin, by whom he has two children, namely : Florence M., the wife of Dr. Harland F. Guillaumo, of Utica ; and Emily Cynthia Byington.
Mr. Byington belongs to Central City Commandery, No. 25, K. T., of Syra- cuse, and is likewise a member of the Fort Schuyler Club and the Yahnundahsis Golf Club of Utica. . With a nature that could not be content with mediocrity, his laudable ambition has prompted him to put forth untiring and practical ef- fort until he has long since left the ranks of the many and stands among the successful few.
EDWIN CARLOS BAKER.
Edwin Carlos Baker, who since 1897 has been identified with the legal fra- ternity of Utica, was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, on the 25th of September, 1873, being a son of Alonzo E. and Cordelia (Richardson) Baker.
After the completion of his elementary studies, which he pursued in the public schools of his native village, Edwin Carlos Baker entered the Utica Academy. After finishing the course in the latter institution he matriculated at Hamilton College, being awarded his degree with the class of 1894. Having selected the legal profession for his life vocation he entered the office of Jones & Townsend, where he studied law until 1897, in which year he was admitted to the bar. In December, 1910, he and Mr. Colegrove established an office in the Arcade building, where they are now practicing under the firm name of Colegrove & Baker.
On the 14th of June, 1906, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Carver, a daughter of David H. Carver, of Binghamton, New York.
Mr. Baker is a member of the Yahnundahsis Golf Club, while he maintains relations with the fellow members of his profession through the medium of the Oneida Bar Association.
JOHN WAYLAND RAYHILL, M. D.
During the four years he has been identified with the medical profession of Utiea, Dr. John Wayland Rayhill has succeeded in building up a very fair practice. He is a native of this city, his natal day having been the 5th of August, 1877, and his parents were James W. and Martha Adelaide (Patten- gill) Rayhill, the father a well known resident and member of the bar of Utica.
Dr. John Wayland Rayhill acquired his education in the public schools of this city, being graduated from the Utica Free Academy in 1898, following which he pursued a two years post-graduate course in the same institution. At the expiration of that period he went to New York city, matriculating in
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the University and Bellevue Medical College. Later he spent two years in the Long Island Medical College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, being awarded his professional degree in 1906. Returning to Utica he received an appoint- ment as an interne in the Faxon Hospital, where he remained for fifteen months. On the Ist of December, 1907, he established an office and has ever since engaged in general practice, but still continues to be identified with the hospital in the capacity of anasthetist. He is also physician in the llome for Aged Men and Couples.
Fraternally Dr. Rayhill holds membership in Imperial Council, No. 70, Royal Arcanum, while he maintains relations with the members of his profes- sion through the medium of the Oneida County Medical Society, New York State Medical Association and American Medical Association, and he is also a member of the Utica Medical Library, of which organization he is at present treasurer. Dr. Rayhill is naturally well endowed for the profession he has elected to follow and his future would seem to be most promising.
DANIEL G. DORRANCE, JR.
Daniel (. Dorrance, Jr., is now living retired in Camden, where the warm regard of his fellow townsmen is indicative of his standing as a man and citizen. He was born in Florence, Oneida county, New York, February 28, 1850, his parents being Daniel G. and Anne (Sparrow) Dorrance. The fa- ther's birth occurred in Peterboro, New York, March 13. 1811, and the mother was born in England in 1814. Daniel Dorrance, Sr., pursued his education in his native village and in Cazenovia Seminary, after which he engaged in clerk- ing for a Mr. Raymond in Peterboro, while subsequently he became agent for Garrett Smith at Florence, Oneida county, New York, whom he represented as a sales agent for land. He also clerked in the store of J. S. T. Stranahan and in 1837, with the capital which he had acquired by careful expenditure and in- domitable industry he engaged in business for himself, continuing therein for about twenty years. In 1859 he removed to Oneida Castle and there lived re- tired from active business connections, although he was financially interested in various banks, being president of the Oneida Savings Bank from its incor- poration until his death, which occurred on the 26th of March, 1896. He also was president of the Oneida Valley Bank for several years, one of the or- ganizers of the Camden National Bank and a director of the Fort Stanwix Bank of Rome. His progress in business circles had been the result of his own efforts and his ability to formulate and execute well defined plans. He had for about five years survived his wife, who passed away on the 17th of De- cember, 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years. His political allegiance was given to the republican party following its formation. He had been prominent in polities in early life and in 1846 represented his distriet in the state legisla- ture as assemblyman and later was sent from Oneida county to the state sen- ate. of which he was a member in 1854 and 1855. His religious faith was strongly manifest and he proved a loyal member of the Presbyterian church
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