History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 90

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920

USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 90

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UTICA CITY BANK.

The articles of association of the Utica City Bank were made and entered into uoder an act of the Legislature of the State of New York, dated April 8, 1838. The association commenced business September 1, 1848, the original capital stock being $125,000. Prominent among its early sub- scribers are the names of John Thorn, Charles S. Wilson, C. H. Doolittle, Cyrus Clark, Ward Hunt, Charles P. Kirkland, Hiram Denio, C. A. Mann, Horatio Seymour, Alfred Churchill, William and Charles Tracy, Ebenezer Thomson, Wm. Bristol, J. E. Warner, J. Tiffany, Nicholas Devereux, Thomas Foster, and Owen O'Neil. The first board of directors were Hiram Denio, C. H. Doolittle, Wm. Bristol, J. Tiffany, Cyrus Clark, J. E. Warner, Edward Curran, S. W. Oley, Samuel A. Munson, George Y. Dana, C. S. Wilson, James M. Kimball, and James A. Mott. The meeting for this election was held at Bagg's Hotel. Under the National Currency Act this bank entered into the national system, under the name of " The Utica City National Bank." Its present board of directors are Isaac

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Photo. hy Mundy.

ABarnard

The records of the town of Hartford, Conn., show that on the 15th of March, 1732, John Barnard purchased lands of John Day. He settled in Hartford some time previous to this date, but there is no antecedent record in connection with him, although the name of Barnard appears among the landowners as early as the year 1639. In Hinman's "Gene- alogy of the Early Puritan Settlers of the Colony of Connec- ticut," it is stated that when that book was published, in 1852, all the Barnards then left in Hartford were descend- ants of John, who was surnamed the blacksmith, to distin- guish him, probably, from some other person of the same name.

The Barnards were very numerous in Hartford ; they oc- cupy an important place in the early history of the town, and appear conspicuously in the annals of the Colony of Connecticut.

Harvey Barnard, a great-grandson of John, the blacksmith, was born at Hartford, Jan. 28, 1800. While yet a boy he went to Albany, N. Y., in the employ of his brother-in-law, Lemuel Steele, an extensive manufacturer of paper-hangings. He married Phebe, daughter of Ara Broadwell, of Utica, N. Y., on the 12th of January, 1824; and immediately thereafter removed to Utica, where he established himself in the paper-hanging business, occupying the premises now known as 119 Genesee Street. The next year he procured the store No. 85 Genesee Street, with the contiguous property on Catharine Street for a manufactory, and conducted there a successful business for nearly forty years, being succeeded by his sons, who still maintain the house founded over half a century ago.

At the first election held after the village of Utica re- ceived a city charter, in 1832, Mr. Barnard was chosen one of the aldermen from the First Ward. Among his colleagues were the late Charles A. Mann, Ezra S. Barnum, Ephraim Hart, John A. Russ, John H. Ostrom, Rutger B. Miller, and John Williams. He was elected several times subse- quently, his last term being in 1847. Of all the aldermen who were associated with Mr. Barnard in the Common Coun- cil during his several terms of service, thereare now living but the following: Michael McQuade, B. F. Brooks, George

Curtiss, John Dagwell, Henry T. Miller, John Reed, Charles S. Wilson, and Henry Newland.

He held no other public office except commissioner of deeds, although he took a deep interest in political affairs, and was a stanch Democrat of the old school from the organ- ization of the party.

In business matters, Mr. Barnard was sagacions and con- servative, investing the profits of his store and manufactory in enterprises which ordinarily proved remunerative. He was an original subscriber to the stock of the Schenectady and Utica Railroad Company (now a link in the great New York Central), and in the American Express Company. He was also one of the first shareholders of and director in the Oneida Bank. Some of the stock in all these companies, purchased at the time of their foundation, is still held in the family.

Mr. Barnard died at Utica, Oct. 30, 1862, and left sur- viving six children,-Hon. Charles E. (mayor of Utica), Harvey, Horace (since deceased), Henry, Mary E. (wife of General James McQuade), and Harriet B. (wife of Major L. E. Hunt).

Mr. Barnard was greatly esteemed by his fellow-citizens. With a handsome person and commanding presence, he was singularly suave and courteous in his manners. Indeed, in this regard he closely resembled his intimate friend, the late Augustine G. Dauby, who was a model of dignified and courtly bearing. Withal he was of a kindly and genial disposition, tolerant, charitable, and without bigotry. He enjoyed with zest the pleasures of social intercourse, and his cheerful home was noted for its graceful and abundant hospitality. His keen appreciation of humor was evinced in a characteristic merry twinkle of the eye, but he never encouraged the venomous jest and rancorous satire that wound. The quiet, mellow laugh, so familiar to his friends and associates, never responded to the assaults of malice and uncharitablencss.

Mr. Barnard was a kind and indulgent husband and father, a merchant of unblemished integrity, and a citizen who discharged every obligation with scrupulous fidelity. His name will be held in high respect so long as it retains a place in the memory of the people of Utica.

339

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Maynard, Thomas Foster, Russel Wheeler, James McQuade, Theo. F. Butterfield, John Thorn, Chas. S. Symonds, Wm. S. Bartlett, J. W. McLean, J. S. Lowery, Henry Hopson, R. V. Yates, and E. A. Tallman. Its cashier is Charles S. Symonds.

THE SAVINGS BANK OF UTICA.

This institution was chartered in the year 1839. Its first officers were John C. Devereux, President; Thomas Walker, Vice-President; Stalham Williams, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors : Samuel Stocking, Joseph Kirkland, Silas D. Childs, John Savage, Thomas H. Hubbard, John H. Ostrom, Hiram Denio, Charles P. Kirkland, James McGregor, Joshua M. Church, William Francis, and Nich- olas Devereux.

Its present officers are as follows : President, William J. Bacon ; First Vice-President, Truman K. Butler ; Second Vice-President, Ephraim Chamberlain ; Secretary and Assist- ant Treasurer, John C. Spafard. Trustees: William J. Bacon, Samuel G. Walcott, Truman K. Butler, William D. Wal- cott, William Kernan, John C. Devereux, Ephraim Cham- berlain, Addison C. Miller, Francis G. Wood, G. Clarence Churchill, John Carton, Alex. T. Goodwin, Win. Blakie.

SECOND NATIONAL BANK OF UTICA.

This bank was organized Dec. 10, 1863, and obtained a certificate from the Comptroller, authorizing it to do business, January, 1864. The following month it opened its doors for business. The first officers were Hon. William J. Bacon, President ; William D. Hamlin, Vice-President; George R. Thomas, Cashier. The following gentlemen composed the first board of directors : William J. Bacon, William D. Walcott, Robert Middleton, Daniel Crouse, William D. Hamlin, G. Clarence Churchill, Edward S. Brayton, Zenas C. Priest, and John Butterfield. Hon. Theodore S. Faxton succeeded Judge Bacon to the presi- dency, which office he still holds ; and Edward S. Brayton now fills the office of vice-president. George R. Thomas is still cashier. The present board of directors having been increased from nine to thirteen, are as follows : Theo- dore S. Faxton, Henry Roberts, Edward S. Brayton, Ben- jamin Allen, William J. Bacon, Robert Middleton, Lewis Lawrence, G. Clarence Churchill, Zenas C. Priest, Thomas R. Proctor, Geo. Westcott, Wmn. B. Jackson, John M.Crouse.

T. O. ORANNIS & CO.'S BANK.

This bank was organized under the United States bank- ing laws, Aug. 1, 1862, with a capital of $50,000. It subsequently gave up its charter and began business as a private banking-house, under the name of T. O. Grannis & Co., Bankers, the firm being composed of George Curtiss and T. O. Grannis. The officers are T. O. Grannis, Banker; C. K. Grannis, Cashier.

BANKING-HOUSE OF A. D. MATHER & CO.

This bank was organized in 1866, and for two years occupied a building on the corner of Genesee and Bleecker Streets. In 1868 a new and elegant structure was erected on the same site, which it now occupies. The partners

are A. D. and Joshua Mather. The former is the Presi- dent ; Joshua M. Mather, Cashier; C. W. Mather, Teller ; and Henry J. Benson, Book-keeper.

UTICA CITIZENS' CORPS.

Forty-one years ago a few gentlemen of military taste conceived the idea of forming a military company in the then young city of Utica. The project was favorably re- ceived by the young burghers, and in a short time the com- pany was formed. Even in its infancy the organization possessed unusual elements of strength, and its ranks were drawn from the most active, the most intelligent, and the most substantial portion of the population. With this material the Utica Citizens' Corps was organized Dec. 17, 1837, forty-one years ago. The gentleman who was chicfly instrumental in bringing about this result was Major E. K. Barnum, of the United States Army, who was sta- tioned here in command of a detachment of Government troops. He was eminently successful, and in a brief space of time had as neat and trim a company as the State of New York contained. A glance at the original roster will speak for the composition of Captain Barnum's company :

ORIGINAL ROSTER.

Captain .- E. K. Barnum, U. S. A. First Lientenant .- William K. Baekus .* Second Lieutenant .- Alvio White. Third Lieutenant .- Heory R. Hart.

Ensign .- Elisha K. Rodgers.

Privates .- James Halstead, George Harrison, Daniel J. Francis, Richard Sanger, Morgan W. Brown,# Daniel B. Johnson," Thec. Car- man, Stephen Ahhey, Joy Ladd, Stephen' Comstock, Alex. C. Hart, Gec. W. Hart, William Gray, F. W. Guitenu, William B. Diekinson, James L. Beardsley, Stephen M. Perine, Francis Vedder, Stephen O. Byington, IIngh Roberts, Edward Broadwell, Stephen O. Barnum,* E. S. Rodgers, Henry Ladil, George Westcott,# Thos. J. Newland, Henry W. Rockwell, William N. Weaver," Albert Spencer,# Grove Penny," Richard U. Owens," William C. Johnson.

The above list embraces names that are closely identified with the history of the city, who have honored it and who greatly contributed to its present prosperity and growth.

The first meeting preparatory to organizing the corps was attended by nine men. When everything was perfected the company occupied the rooms in the old Millar building, corner Gencsce and Whitesboro' Streets, for an armory. A uniform of dark blue and buff, made in the prevailing style, with conical-shaped hats, was adopted and worn. After a little over two years' service as commander, Captain Bar- num was compelled to resign, being ordered to another post by his superior officers. Deep regret was felt at his re- moval, as the company became greatly attached to their faithful commander. He was succeeded by William W. Backus, who held the post of chief officer for two years. Under his captaincy the corps flourished and increased in numbers and efficiency. Light-blue pants were added to the stock of regimentals, and the Utica Band, Joseph Arnott, leader, attached to the company. Captain Backus resigned in 1841, and Henry R. Hart was chosen in his stead. Captain Hart proved to be a popular and capable official, and still further increased the military proficiency of the company. It was while under his care that the fatigue

# Living.

340

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

uniform of sheep's gray came into use. This consisted of gray pants and roundabouts, appropriately set off with black shoulder-knots. They also introduced a military hat never worn by any other company in this eity.

After serving the corps faithfully and well several years, Captain Hart relinquished his position, and the company chose the late Colonel Alvin White to fill the vaeaney. Captain White was one of the most active and useful of its members, and took the deepest interest in the welfare of the company. He held the position until 1852, and it was then bestowed on Edward Broadwell, who commanded nearly two years. When Captain Broadwell resigned, James McQuade was unanimously chosen to fill the place.

The handsome uniform now worn by the corps, with the exception of the hats, was first donned under Captain MeQuade, and was nieely completed by the neat white eross and body-belts, which added much to the appearance of the men. In 1858, Charles A. Johnson was chosen, and discharged its funetions acceptably for one year. He was compelled to deeline a re-election on account of his removal to Massachusetts.

There being no eleetion for captain, the command then devolved upon Lientenant Horace Barnard, who held the post till the breaking out of the war, at which time the corps volunteered their services, and turned their armory into a recruiting station. The company being ready, on the 22d of April, 1861, they were mustered into service, and ehose James McQuade Captain, Thomas M. Davies First Lieuten- ant, R. D. Crocker Second Lieutenant. On the 24th of April the eorps left the city hall, and marehed down Genesee Street to take their departure for the front. Many of the gallant band never returned. The corps constituted A Company, 14th Regiment, and the balance of the latter was filled out by Oneida County companies, who elected Captain McQuade colonel. He took the field_at their head, and raised the standard of discipline so high that he was pro- moted to brigadier-general, and finally to a major-general- ship. Since that time Colonel Thomas M. Davies and James Miller have been respectively in command, the for- mer having been re-elected. In September, 1878, the corps made a military visit to Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion of Canada, where they were most enthusiastically received by the military and eivie authorities, and sump- tuously treated by the hospitable people. It was a grand ovation. On the 8th and 9th of October, 1878, the eorps entertained the famous Albany " Burgesses Corps," in mag- nifieent style. The eity was decorated with miles of bunting, and the whole population turned out to honor the visitors.

Its present organization is as follows : Captain, John H. Douglas ; First Lieutenant, P. J. MeQuade; Second Lieu- tenant, Egbert Bagg, Jr .; Third Lieutenant, A. T. Wil- liams ; Staff-Adjutant, James Miller ; Quartermaster, T. M. Davies ; Commissary, Wm. M. Storrs ; Engineer, J. C. P. Kineaid ; Judge-Advocate, Benjamin A. Clark ; Paymaster, Joseph S. Lowery; Inspector, D. H. Gaffin ; Surgeon, Joseph E. West, M.D. ; Assistant Surgeon, James G. Hunt, M.D .; Armorer, W. Dimbleby.

Civil Organization .- President, D. H. Gaffin; Viee- President, Engene Stearns ; Secretary, Egbert Bagg, Jr. ; Treasurer, George W. Booth.

ADJUTANT BACON CADETS.

The Adjutant Bacon Cadets were organized in the sum- mer of 1872, and ineluded among their charter members Jos. W. O'Donnell, first captain, B. Batchelor, A. Sprague, George Spieer, J. Brady, and others, numbering in all 18, who originally formed the company. They first came into publie notice at an exhibition drill at the Opera-House, when their fine appearance and knowledge of military tae- ties surprised the citizens and at onee established them in public favor. At this time none of the members were yet eighteen years of age. By the liberality of their friends they were soon enabled to don new uniforms, and their first parade was made on Washington's birthday, the Utiea Citi- zens' Corps aeting as sponsors. They appeared again in publie on Decoration Day, and established the reputation they had won as a well-drilled company. In the autumn of that year a prize of $100, gold, and a diploma, was offered for a competitive company drill, open to Central and Northern New York. Among those who competed for the prize were several companies of established reputation, one of which had won a distinguished prize at Pittsburgh the year before, practically barring out all others. The Adju- tant Bacon Cadets entered the contest and won the honors. At a subsequent encounter a very elegant flag was also added to their laurels. Their new uniforms, which were adopted in 1876, are similar to those worn by the West Point Cadets. The armory, which is located in Carton Hall, Genesee Street, is spacious and tastefully furnished, and provided with everything necessary to the convenience and comfort of the command.

Its present organization is Joseph W. O'Donnell, Captain ; Wm. F. Ford, First Lieutenant; Wm. M. Philleo, Second Lieutenant,-the first two of whom have held their offices since the formation of the company, with an interval of one year. . The roll now embraces 80 members.

POST BACON, NO. 53, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

Post Bacon, No. 53, was organized as one of the Posts of the Grand Army of the Republie, Oct. 24, 1867, its members being composed entirely of veterans of the late war. Its first commander was Peter Claesgens. He was followed by D. C. Stoddard, and his successor was N. W. Palmer. D. C. Stoddard was re-elected the following year, and after him John Peattie. Warren E. Day succeeded Commander Peattie, and was followed by Elijah Woodward. Wm. H. Bright next held the command, and the present Commander is Harvey D. Talcott.

The walls of Post Bacon Hall are hung with battle-flags that have done service, and all of them bear the marks of battle. The Post has established a reputation for charity as well as valor. It has contributed a considerable sum to the Soldiers' Home, and has been liberal in its gifts to the yellow-fever sufferers.

POST H. H. CURRAN, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.

Post H. H. Curran, No. 146, was organized April 26, 1875, and is composed of members who were formerly eon- neeted with Post Bacon. Having been in existence but three years, it has had but three Commanders, the first having been William Wright, the second Peter Claesgens,

Photo, by Mundy.

EZNA SMITH BARNUM was bero jo Danbary, Conn., June 21, 1792, and there resided until 1809. He was son of Ezra and Jerusha Barnum, of Danbury, Conn. His education from books while young was obtained at odd spells at a woman's school in Daobury, "nad completed in Utica, in 1809, by attending for one quarter the evening school kept by old Master William Hayes." Witlı his brother-in-law, Levi Comstock, to whom he had been indentured as ao apprentice at the shoemaking, tanning, and currier business, he left his native place, June 8, 1809, in a lumber wagon for Utica, resching his destination June 16, and finding a village of some fifteen hundred inhabitants. During this term of service, which expired io 1812, he received only an allowance of thirty-five dollars a year for clothes and spending-money, leaving the balance against him financially when he began life as a master workman. The year previous to the expiration of his apprenticeship Mr. Barnum paid n visit to his parents at Danbury, and on his return went to Buffalo, where he worked nt his trade only a short time before the breaking out of the war with Great Britain, when, in response to a call for minute-men, he volunteered, and was at the first taking of Fort Erie. Subsequently he kept a boot and shee store at Fort George for a short time, but on account of ill health returned to Utica. About this time Buffalo, then only a small village, was burned and he did not go back.

From this time until he retired from active Unsiness Mr. Barnum was in business relations, at different times, with David P. Hoyt, Wm. Genr, Zebulon Everson, Robert Jones, and with bis sens io Barnum's Bazar. In the year 1832, thinking to improve his health, he bought some sixty-seven acres of land in the vicinity of East Street, and turned his attention to farming, but after a few years engaged in the grocery and confectionery business, succeeding Evereon & Bryant, on the corner of Genesee and Catharine Streets.

In the year 1849 he first visited Europe for his health and for business pur- poses, and while there instituted an Importing business, which is still carried on by his sons, S. O. Barnum, of Buffalo, and Somnel Barnum, of Chicago. A second visit to Europe was mnde io 1852, in company with Mr. Theodore S. Faxtoo and friends. In all his business transactions he retained the confidence of those with whom he came in contact, and was highly esteemed for his manly and unostentatious ways, his strict Integrity in all his dealings, and for his great kindness of heart to those in need.

Mr. Baraum bore un important part in public offaire during his sixty-eight years' residence in Utica. He was first elected as constable, collector, and coroner in 1817, and while holding these offices was appointed sheriff, and, with- out his knowledge, justice of the peace. Concerning this appointment, he was wont to say " he had never been able to find out who was so kind ns to recom- mend him to Governor Yates for the office; that he had little claim to educa- tien and none to law, but he had some idea of justice." Ha was re-elected from term to term until he had served seventeen years, and declined further to be a caodidnte; and it is a fact worthy of note In the summation of his career as justice, that only two cases were appealed from his decision, one of which wus affirmed by the higher conrts. On retiring from the justiceship, in 1835, Mr. Barnum was appoloted deputy United States marshal and commissioner of deeds. In one or the other of these various offices he served over thirty years. He was several years alderman, first in 1832. Was chosen one of the directors of the Oneida Bank upon Its organization io 1836, And was at the time of his denth, February, 1878, the only member of the original board still in service. He attended during his connection with that hank about four thonanod meetings of the directors, and was one year president and two years

vice-president of the board. He was for forty-two years a member of the Me- chanics' Association, and one of the subscribers to the Old Hall Foad; was ona of the eriginnl subscribers to the Clinton Liberal Institute Fund, and a mem- ber of the first board of trustees, and every year for forty-five years until his death. He was one of the original subscribers to the Utica Academy Fond. His name appears on the roll of one of the first fire companies formed in Utica, and when Utica was set off from Whitestown, Mr. Barnum assisted in running ont and establishing the boundaries of the village. The line, on what is now Kimball Street, was run through a forest so dense that a path had to be cleared with an nxe to enable the signal fiag to be seen at the distance of half a chaia.

Jo politics Mr. Barnum always adhered to the Democratic party, and during General Lafayette's triumphnl tour through this country, in 1824-25, he was a member of the Utica committee sent to Whitesboro' to meet the com- mittee from the West having the general and his son (George Washington Lafayette) in charge. Mr. Barnum says, ie speaking of this incident, "we brought the party to Utica through a new street just opened, which in honor of the general was called Fayette Street."

Twenty-five years afterwards he met George Washington Lafayette in Paris, preseoted him with the plans of the Washington Monument, and visited General Lafayette's Monument in tha cemetery of Pippus.

Besides a life of stirring business activity and success, and honorable public service, there remains to add long and eminent service and high honors in the order of Free and Accepted Masuns. He was first elected a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. and A. M., io Jnnunry, 1817; was one of the first to take the four chapter degrees of Oneida Chapter, No. 57, of Royal Arch Masons, in March, 1817. He joined Utica Council, No. 28, of Royal and Select Masters soon after its organization. In February, 1823, Utica Encampment, No. 7 (now Utica Commandery, No. 3), of Knights Templar was chartered, with Sir Richard Sanger Illustrious Grand Master, aad among those electedl to mem- bership was Ezra S. Barnum. In the bodies named he was early inducted Into official position, having held almost all of the offices connected with tbem, nad also nearly all the offices uf the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of New York, and twice to the office of Grand High Priest. He held also nearly every office of the Grand Commandery, K. T., of the State, of which Undy he was Grand Master, 1835-41 inclusive, together with several offices in the old Grand Council of High Priests. In 1838, Mr. Barnum's Masonic merits were further recognized by his election to the office of Very Eminent Grand Sword- Bearer in the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States, at the Encampment held at Boston ; which office he filled for six years, and was advanced to Junior Worden, in 1847 Senior Warden, and in 1853 Very Eminent Grand Captain-General. In all these positions it is recorded that Mr. Barnum served with distinguished ability and fidelity. Medals, certificaten, and complimentary resolutions testify to the appreciation of his services by the various hedies. At the age of eighty-five his was no attendant at the meetings of the Masooic bodies of the city. His church connections were always with the Universalist denomination.

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 90

Author: Durant, Samuel W Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 920

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920