History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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 95

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In early life Dr. Russell evinced an ardent love for study, leaving the pursuit of pleasure always secondary to that of knowledge. His tastes naturally led him to study medi- cine, and in the year 1845 he began to study in the office of Dr. Whiting Smith, of Whitesboro'. Subsequently pursuing his studies in Berkshire Medical College, at Pitts- field, Mass, he took the degree of Doctor of Medicine at that institution in the fall of 1848, and the following winter took a post-graduate course in the College of Phy- sicians and Surgeons in New York, and also attended the lectures of the eminent Valentine Mott.

In the year 1849, Dr. Russell settled in the practice of his profession in the city of Utica, where he has practiced continuously until the present time.

Soon after his settlement here he became identified with the Oneida County Medical Society, and took rank as an active and influential member. He has been connected with that society as its secretary for ten consecutive years ; subsequently as its vice-president, and in 1871 was elected its president. In the following year he delivered an able address on the question : "Is woman adapted by nature and social position for the arduous duties of the medical profession ?" and read several papers before the society on " diseases peculiar to women."

Dr. Russell was elected to permanent membership of the State Medical Society in 1860, and also a member of the American Medical Association.

He was appointed consulting surgeon for the Provost- Marshal's Board during the examination of drafted and enlisted meo.

He has been identified as a member of the Board of Health of Utica City, and in 1875 was elected by the trustees a member of the medical staff of Faxton Hospi- tal, which position he now holds. Without making any special efforts in this direction, his practice has become large in the field of obstetrics and diseases of children, and his large experience and unusual success in this department of practice have given his opinions weight on points of treatment, and brought his services into requisition as a consulting physician in these special branches.

In December, 1851, he married Agnes, daughter of Alexander Patterson, of New Hartford, Oneida Co., N. Y. Their children are (one daughter died in infancy) Charles P., born May 11, 1853, is now a physician, associated with his father in practice, having received his preliminary edu- cation at the common school and academy, from which he graduated in 1871. He was a student of medicine in his father's office, attending lectures in the University of Michi- gan and in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York,

and receiving the degree of M.D. from the latter institu- tion in 1874. In the year 1875 he went to Europe, spent nearly a year in clinical study in the University at Edin- burgh, Scotland, and was for some time previous to his re- turn home house-surgeon in the Royal Maternity Hospital of Edinburgh, where he enjoyed to a large degree the opportunity of becoming practically acquainted with obstet- rics, and the instruction of such eminent men as J. Mat- thews, Duncan, Simpson, and Ziegler. He is a member of the American Medical Association, and at present holds the office of Secretary of the Oneida County Medical So- ciety. The second son, William G., born Dec. 23, 1854, after receiving his preliminary education in Utica, en- tered the office of Conkling, Lord & Coxe, in 1874, as a student of the law; was admitted to the bar in February, 1878, and is now engaged in the practice of his profession in the city of Utica. The third son is R. W. Russell, born April 6, 1863.

Dr. Russell, when only seventeen years of age, united with the Presbyterian Church, and has remained a member until the present time, being always interested in church and all kindred interests, and all enterprises tending to ele- vate and educate the rising generation.

Politically, Dr. Russell has never taken a very active part, but has firmly adhered to the principles of first the Whig and subsequently the Republican party.

DR. GILBERT A. FOSTER.

His father, James Sears Foster, came from Connecticut to Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., where the subject of this sketch was born June 3, 1803. Gaining a better education than was common to farmers' boys in those days, at the Paris Hill Academy, then a prominent high school, he learned the trade of a machinist at Willowvale, and ac- quired marked skill. For some years he was employed at Auburn in superintending the construction of the machin- ery at the State prison. He came back to a farm in New Hartford, Oneida Co., and, in 1827, married Miss Orpha Eliza, daughter of Rev. Publius Virgilius Bogue, then of Sanquoit, a pioneer clergyman, born March, 1764. Her father was a graduate of Yale College, in the class of 1787, and her grandfather, Ebenezer Bogue, was a graduate of the same institution of learning in the class of 1748, and the first clergyman that ever settled in Farmington, Conn. The family is descended from the emigrant John Bogue, a native of Scotland, born and brought up in the city of Glas- gow ; came to this country about the year 1680, settling at East Haddam, Conn.

Mr. Foster hecame a resident of Utica in 1832, and entered here upon the practice of dentistry, to which he had already successfully devoted himself, and in which he became recognized as one of the most scientific and adroit operators. He studied his profession zealously, and labored long and earnestly to elevate it. His associates in it recog- nized him not only as a father in it, but as a leader in the improvements which have been introduced. His remark- able skill in mechanism, and his inventive faculty, enabled him greatly to improve the rude methods which he found in dentistry; and he was one of the first to devise and manufacture teeth.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

He was one of the first members of the American Soci- ety of Dental Surgeons, and one of the earliest permanent members of the State Dental Society, and when the Fifth District Dental Society sought for its first president, Dr. Foster was the natural and obvious choice.

In 1853 he was one of the commissioners at the World's Fair, in New York, on dentistry.

Dr. Foster was a man of natural taste and refinement. He loved nature and the sports of the woods and waters, and his annual pilgrimage to the north woods had the zest of poetry and religious feeling. He was passionately fond of music, was well versed in it, and did much to promote it here. In painting and engraving he would not style himself a connoisseur, but he had a quick eye for good work, and when such things were more rare in our commu- nity than now, he aided not a little in cultivating and dis- seminating a taste for art. For archæology, and all that relates to the beginnings of our local history, he had an intelligent and suggestive interest.

In social intercourse he was genial and attractive, unsel- fish, anxious for the enjoyment of others, and with a cheery word for everybody.

He was in practice and profession a Christian, without cant and without self-assertion, and at the time of his death was a member of the Reformed Church. He was connected with the Masonic fraternity from his twenty-first year, and was one of the first members of " Amicable Lodge and Horeb Chapter, of New Hartford." For thir- teen years he has been a member of Utica Commandery, Knights Templar. He was a life-long member of the Utica Mechanics' Association, and one of the originators of the Oneida County Historical Society. In none of these organizations did he aspire to anything but active member- ahip, preferring faithful service in the ranks to the honors of office.

In politics, he was a Whig, and subsequently a Repub- lican, and was earnest in his convictions and faithful to them. He was an alderman of the city in 1846, but politi- cal office was not to his taste. All his life a resident of Utica and ita immediate vicinity, he had during the period of nearly three-quarters of a century observed the growth of the city and county, and had a warm affection for them and their people. He knew how to discriminate and he loved his friends, but his heart had no room for hate.

He never sought notoriety, but he delighted in kindliness, and in what is sweet and bright in life. That is the memory which he left to family and friends. He died Dec. 7, 1877.

Dr. Foster's wife of his youth survives him with three children,-Dr. Charles B. Foster, of Utica, N. Y., Mrs. Sophia Ingalls, of Chicago, and Miss Kittie E. Foster, of Utica, N. Y.

CHARLES H. HOPKINS

was born at Cassville, Oneida Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1819. He was the eldest son of Ira D. Hopkins and Polly War- ren, the former a native of Connecticut, born July 28, 1795 ; removed to this county previous to his marriage and about the year 1815; waa a mechanic and miller by occu- pation ; was a member of the Baptist Church for nearly a half-century ; was a quiet, unostentatious man, possessed of great integrity of character. He died at the age of sixty-

nine years, in the city of Utica. The latter, a native of Oneida County, town of New Hartford, was a daughter of Ephraim Warren, and born April 26, 1797 ; was a consist- ent member of the same church as her husband for some fifty years, and died at the age of seventy-three years.

Mr. Hopkins until he was some eighteen years of age spent his time at home attending school and learning the milling business. At that age he left home, and after one

Photo, by Williams.

year in Rochester and several years in Peterboro', N. Y., and at home about one year, he went to Oswego, where he remained during the summer of 1841 in the mill of Mr. Burkel. From 1842 to 1844 inclusive he was in Fayetteville, and then went to Chittenango, where he re- mained until April, 1846, when he removed to Utica, and engaged in partnership in the milling business with Mr. John C. Merritt, of New York. Upon the decease of Mr. Merritt, about 1848, Mr. Hopkins engaged also subse- quently in business with George Curtiss and Samuel Y. Lane, remaining in business with the latter until May, 1869. May 12, 1861, Mr. Hopkins was appointed post- master of the city of Utica, under the administration of Abraham Lincoln, and, with the exception of six months, has held that position until the present time, 1878. And during these years of public office he has performed the duties of the responsible position of postmaster with that evenness of bearing to all, and unwavering courtesy and business ability that commands the respect not only of his friends, but the confidence of those opposed to him politi- cally.

Politically Mr. Hopkins is identified with the Republican party, and was originally a member of the old Whig party, and during his middle life, from 1856 until his health failed him in 1869, waa very active in the councils of his party. He has been largely interested in the various enterprises

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

in the city since his residence there, and a member of its council for two years as alderman from 1858 to 1860.

Mr. Hopkins has been married twice,-first to Miss Al- mena M., daughter of John Downer, of Peterboro', N. Y., March 26, 1839. She was born May 4, 1819. By this union there were born three children,-William A., Pul- cheria M., and Almena D. His wife died June 7, 1849. For his second wife he married Miss Eliza, daughter of Elijah Budd, of Schodack, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., March 1, 1854. She was born Nov. 9, 1826. By this second union he has living two children,-Jennie F. and George E.

Mr. Hopkins and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and interested in all kindred institutions tending to educate and elevate the rising generation.

JOHN B. WELLS

is a native of Colchester, New London County, Conn., born August 24, 1816; the youngest of five children of Henry Wells and Sophia Breed.

In the year 1825 the family removed from Colchester to a large farm in Berkshire County, Mass. Here he re- ceived his early education at the district school, two miles from his home. This school was only open about four months in the year, from November to March. And here, after cheerfully bearing his part in the farm labor, he sought to obtain the knowledge which should fit him for useful life. At the age of fourteen an opportunity was given him to enter the country store of Owen & Hurlbut, merchants and paper manufacturers, of South Lee, Mass. He remained with this firm seven years, attending with such fidelity to its interests, that on attaining his majority he was admitted as a partner, the senior members furnish= ing for the store a capital of $3000. At the expiration of one year Mr. Wells' share of the profits was $500. This. was considered a neat sum for those days ; but as the field for extending business was limited, the partnership was dissolved. Leaving Massachusetts, Mr. Wells: visited; his parents, who were then living in Portage County, Obio; but not finding a desirable opening there, he came to Utica, and entered the dry-goods house of A. L. & R. H. Wells: Two years later, in the spring of 1841, he formed a copart- nership with Lewis Bailey, of Utica, for five years, under the firm-name of Bailey & Wells. The business was com- menced and conducted in Auburn, N. Y., for two years, and the remaining three years in Utica. In 1846 the partnership expired, and Mr. Wells commenced business alone at 88 Genesee Street, remaining there ten years. In 1856 he removed to the Marble Block, then newly built, and in 1864 to his present location, 79 Genesee Street. A year later the firm-name was changed to J. B. Wells & Co., and in 1874 to J. B. Wells, Son & Co.

As a business man, Mr. Wells has been noted for his energy, perseverance, strict integrity, and close application to business. He never failed, never allowed a note to go to protest ; and whether on the farm or in the store, faith- fully performed the work before him. Thus, from small beginnings, the house of which he is the licad has gained an extensive influence and an honorable name. In politics Mr. Wells was formerly a Whig, and in later life a Repub- lican. Though decided in his political views, he was never

radical; and after depositing his vote on each election day, his next duty was to attend to his business. In religion he has long been a Presbyterian, and that church has received from him a liberal support.

He was united in marriage with Roxanna Hill Lee, in the year 1841. By this union were born five children, four of whom are still living.

STEPHEN THORN

was born in the parish of Brenchley, county of Kent, England, May 2, 1802. He was the fifth child of James Thorn and Elizabeth Springate. His father was by occu- pation a timber-surveyor and farmer, and died in the year 1816. In the year 1818, the mother, with six of the

Photo, by Williams.

Stephen Thors

children (leaving only the eldest son, James, in England), emigrated to America, landed in New York, where they stopped only a short time, and came to Albany, where, after one year, the mother and two of the danghters died. Thus thrown upon the world as orphans, Stephen came to Utica, and learned the saddle-, harness- and carriage-making business ; and about the year 1822 set up business of the same kind for himself here, which he continued successfully for ten years, when he engaged quite extensively in the real estate business, not only here but in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This has been the main business of his life since and until 1867, at which time he gave up active business operations. In the year 1838 he became interested in the forwarding business in Utica, and also in brewing and malting, which he continued, more or less, until 1865. Throughout his life he has been generally successful in busi- ness, and has carried forward all enterprises with that resu-

John Partly

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

lution and zeal which know no failure, and has been known for his integrity in all transactions with other men.

Mr. Thorn, in middle life, was active in the political circle, and known in politics as an old-line Whig, but during his later years an unswerving member of the Demo- cratic party, and during his career in Utica has held the office of alderman of his ward for several terms.

His first connection with the church was in 1825, since which time he has been a supporter of church interests, and identified himself with all enterprises tending to ele- vate society. He is a member of the Episcopal Church of Utica in 1878. In the year 1825 (November), he married Miss Mary Ann Bennett, of Albany, born Aug. 21, 1807. By this union he had eight children,-Stephen S., James Edward, Samuel S., William B., Anna E. (deceased, wife of George H. Wiley, of Utica), Joseph C. (deceased) Francis S., Sarah E. (deceased). Mrs. Thorn was a mem- ber of Grace Church, but became a member of St. Joseph's congregation upon its organization. She was a devoted wife and mother, and left at her death, Jan. 11, 1875, a large circle of friends, who have the happiest memory of her exemplary life and deeds.

Mr. Thorn still survives, and is able to look back through the history of Utica, and review the various changes and improvements from a small village to one of the finest and most beautiful cities of the State.

JUDGE PHILO GRIDLEY

was born at Paris, in this county, Sept. 16, 1796. He was youngest son of Asahel Gridley, a respectable farmer of that town, in comfortable but not opulent circumstances. In the ordinary course of events he would have been brought up on the farm and have followed rural pursuits ; but a strong relish for books induced his parents to yield to his desire of obtaining a liberal education. Having completed his preparatory studies he entered Hamilton College, then presided over by the venerable Dr. Backus, at the opening of that institution in 1812, and he grad- uated Bachelor of Arts at the Commencement in 1816.

His was the first full class that graduated there, some of whom have gained considerable prominence in the world. Judge Gridley retained throughout his life a warm interest in his alma mater, which was reciprocated by the latter. The college conferred on him the degree of LL.D., in 1848, and he was for several years, and at the time of his death, August 16, 1864, a trustee. A few years prior to his death he delivered an eloquent and highly-interesting address before the association of the alumni, and contributed to- wards its funds at one time the sum of $1000.

After leaving college he commenced the study of the law, for a time with Thaddeus M. Wood, of Onondaga, and with Othniel Williams, of Waterville, father of Judge Williams, of Clinton, and was admitted to the bar as an attorney at the October term of the former Supreme Court, held in this city, in 1820, and at the expiration of the time required by the rule was advanced to the grade of coun- selor. He commenced the practice of the law at Water- ville, in this county, and after a few years removed to the flourishing village of Hamilton, Madison Co., where he remained until raised to the bench. It was here that he

developed those traits of mind and character which gave him such deserved eminence in his profession. The char- acteristics which led to his success were strength, vigor, industry, and indefatigable perseverance. He possessed great acuteness and discrimination, but those traits did not, as is frequently the case, degenerate into mere ingenuity, for in him they were regulated by a broad base of common sense. His temperament was ardent, intense, and vehement in an eminent degree, and he was capable of sustaining labor in the preparation of causes beyond that of most men by reason of robust health. No case of importance came into his hands which he did not investigate, both as to the law and the facts, to its utmost depths ; consequently, he came to trial and argument fully prepared, and was seldom if ever taken by surprise. His persistence was not less marked ; for where irresolute or even common minds would consider themselves vanquished, he had that marked recu- perative power that enabled him by his elocution, his ardent, impetuous, and passionate manner, to take the judge and jurors by storm.

His client's case was his case, and such was his prestige in the palmiest days of his career that it became a proverb " that the litigant who secured Mr. Gridley had more than half won his cause."

Having by his practice in Madison County laid the foundation for the ample fortune which he eventually acquired, and having held for several years the office of district attorney, in July, 1838, he accepted the appoint- ment of circuit judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, made vacant by the resignation of Judge Denio, and the next year he removed with his family to this city, where he afterwards resided. Under the constitution of 1846, Judge Gridley was elected one of thirty-two judges comprising the Supreme Court of the State. The terms of those first elected were fixed by lot, and he was then assigned to serve six years, at the expiration of which he ceased to hold any public office. It was during the last mentioned term of service that he was attacked by the disease which saddened all the remainder of his life, and finally brought it to a close.

By the laws of the State he was obliged to serve the last year but one as one of the judges of the Court of Appeals, and he entered upon that duty at the commencement of the year 1852. At the close of his career as judge he entered upon the practice of his profession, which finally, on account of continued ill health, he was obliged to leave. His quick- ness of perception, his thorough knowledge of the law, and great experience, rendered it a pleasure to address him upon legal questions. Judge Gridley was entirely independent of all popular or extraneous influences in the decision of questions and cases.

An instance exemplifying this occurred during the Pat- riot war. He found, upon opening the court of Oyer and Terminer at Watertown, a large number of persons in jail awaiting trial on indictments for violation of our neutrality law. The district attorney was not prepared with his wit- nesses, and showed good cause for retaining the prisoners until the ensuing term. But the community had become greatly excited against the prosecution and in favor of the alleged offenders, and the most inflammatory appeals were

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

made to the judge on the injustice of retaining them in prison. An attempt at rescue by force was apprehended.

Judge Gridley was not to be moved. In a calm and dignified address he explained the law, the duties of the officers of justice, and declared the determination of the court at all hazards to hold the prisoners until a fair and proper trial could be had. This resolute conduct had the effect to allay the storm.

But Judge Gridley's name ultimately became honorably associated with the Patriot war in a much more conspicuous manner, and so as to fix upon him for a time the eyes of both Europe and America.

presiding judge addressed himself solely to the discharge of the duty which the law devolved upon the court,-the ascertainment of the legal guilt or innocence of the pris- oner. His firm and impartial demeanor, and his able discharge of his arduous and delicate duties on this occa- sion, merited and received the highest encomiums in this country and abroad.

It will strikingly illustrate how completely he had ab- stracted his mind on this occasion from all extraneous con- siderations to state that as soon as the jury had retired the judge calmly took up the calender, and called a civil cause for trial.

Pboto. by Williams.

hindley).

He was the judge who presided at the trial of Alexander McLeod, upon the issue of which was supposed to depend the question of a war with England, which apparently would be averted should it result in a conviction only by a collision between the State and National governments. On account of public feeling on the frontier, in Niagara County, where McLeod was indicted for murder, the Supreme Court sent the cause to Oneida County for trial. The progress of the trial was watched with the utmost attention at home and abroad. Ignoring entirely on the one hand the excite- ment of a certain class of the people who were clamoring for the blood of McLeod, and on the other the grave polit- ical questions to which a conviction would give rise, the

Judge Gridley's acquaintance with books was extensive, especially for one so exclusively devoted to a single pursuit, and his relish for literary criticism and historical and scien- tific researches was marked.

In the year 1826 he married Miss Susan, eldest daugh- ter of Colonel John Williams, of Waterville, Oneida Co., an estimable lady, who has been the ornament and solace of his domestic life. She was born June 3, 1804, and survives in 1878.

Their children are, Catherine, died at the age of sixteen ; Charlotte, wife of Montgomery H. Throop ; Cornelia, wife of Enos T. Throop, of New York ; Caroline; and Mary, wife of Stephen Sicard, of Utica, New York.

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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