History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 50

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840

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On the ist of May, 1874, they removed to their present location, No. 53 West Fayette street, into the new building, (not then completely finished,) erected by Joseph Newell. The building is of brick, four stories and basement, 22} by So feet, and is wholly occupied by the business of this house. They handle a large variety of popular brands, several of which are exclusively their own.

Formerly they employed two traveling sales- men, but have recently added a third for the West- ern trade. They employ in their business upwards of fifty persons, and manufacture about a million and a half cigars annually.

Photo. by W. V.(Ranger, Syracuse.

Horace Bronson

The subject of this sketch was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., July 14, 1808. He was the only son in a family of three chil- dren of Giles Bronson and Mary Robinson, carly settlers of this county. His grandfather, Elijalı, was the first of the name to settle in this county, about 1800, and was born March 10, 1778. His father came from the old and honorable family of that name among the pioneers of the New England States, his immediate birthplace being in Connecticut, town of Middlebury. His mother's ancestry were also of the New England States, she being a native of Massachusetts. His father, on coming to this county, settled on what is now called Howlett's Hill, and there carried on farming, afterwards removing to the town of Geddes. Died May 21, 1841 ; his mother died May 15, 1842.

The education of the children was very limited, and confined to the district schools of that day. Horace remained on the farm with his parents until he was about eighteen years of age, and then struck out in business for himself. First going to New York, he stocked up in goods belonging to his uncle, then doing business there, and started out as a peddler, traveling through Ohio, Kentucky, and many of the other southern and western States. He continued in this business for many years, and about 1837 came to the village of Syracuse, and opened a dry-goods store on East Genesee street.

By this time, by economy, he had secured a small capital to commence business with, but what was of far greater importance, had a capital stock of sound judgment, good business ability, and a far-seeing sagacity. In this business, which began on a small scale, and rapidly increased with the growth of the county and consequent demands of the people, he became one of the first merchants in the county, and continued his trade for some thirty years, the latter half of the time devoting his attention almost exclusively to the boot, shoe, and leather trade, which he carried on in Auburn and Watkins as well as Syracuse.

In politics Mr. Bronson was an unswerving member of the Democratic party, was well read in the current news of the country, satisfied to follow the direction of business interests, not seeking political preferment, bnt held the office of coroner for several terms. In religious persuasion he was a Unitarian, but latterly a Universalist.

In the year 1854 he married Miss Sarah A., daughter of Eliphalet Case and Rebecca Robinson. Her parents were also early settlers of Howlett's Hill, Onondaga town. She was born June 17, 1827. Mr. Bronson, always feeling the want of the advantages of an education, has placed his children within the reach of the best educational facilities of the city.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bronson were born three children,-Mary C., Horace C., and Silas (died in infancy).

Thomas Hall

The subject of this sketch was born at Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Jan. 6, 1791. He was fourth child and third son, in a family of ten children, of Isaac Hall and Vashti Johnson, the former a native of New Marlborough, Mass., the latter a native of the New England States. Johnson Hall traces his descent through his grandfather Ebenezer, who was eldest son of Ichabod Hall, a resident of Enfield. Conn., and who was married to Lois Kibbie, of that town, in May, 1730. He came to this county with his father, Gen. Isaac Hall, in February, 1797, when but three years of age, and settled in the old town of l'om- pey (now Lafayette ), where he resided for about forty-one years. His father was a well-to-do farmer, and not only taught his chil- dren the value of industry and labor, but gave them as liberal an education as the schools of the county at that time afforded. After coming of age he spent some time as a clerk in Asahel Smith's store at Lafayette, and after a few years established business for himself, making general merchandise his principal trade. He was a man of strict integrity, honest and upright in all his business transactions, and during his life held various offices of trust and responsibility. He was postmaster at Lafayette from the organization of the town until his removal to Syracuse ( 1838), and for many years was a member of the board of supervisors. He represented this county in the State legislature in the years 1829-30, and was instrumental in obtain- ing the charter of the old Onondaga County Bank, in which institution he was a stockholder from its organization until the expiration of its charter, a period of twenty-five years. Also a director for many years of the late Bank of Salina, and Syracuse Savings Bank. He was elected to the office of sheriff in 1831. The late Kingsley S. Bingham (afterwards governor of Michi- gan), Major William A. Cook, and Dorastus Lawrence (now deceased ) were his associate officers.

He was on the bench (associate judge) with the late llon. Grove Lawrence and Oliver R. Strong. Until within a few

years of his death he took a great interest in politics, was a stanch Democrat, and had invariably voted and acted with that party. He was a resident of the county for nearly seventy- three years ; very few residents of the county have spent su many years in it, and been able to look back to its earliest days and count its various changes to its present wealth and business interests, its schools and churches.

Upon coming to Syracuse he formed a partnership with Messis, Rhoades & Sherman in the hardware trade, which was carried on successfully for some ten years, when he retired from the firm, and never after engaged in active business. His father, tion. Isane Hall, died in Lafayette, Sept. 22, 1530, his mother having died in Pompey, Nov. 19, 1813. In the year 1806, Dee. G, he married Miss Polly, daughter of Job Andrews and Comfort Green, formerly of Easton, Washington Co., N. Y., but settlers at Lafayette township abont the year 1800. She was born in 1799.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hall were born eight children,-Mary, wife of Harlow De Wolf, deputy postmaster, Syracuse ; Cor- delia, wife of Hon. George Raynor, Syracuse ; Johnson I., a resident of Oswego; Charles Carroll (deceased ) ; Edward 1., a resident of New York city ; Thomas Jefferson (died at New Orleans ) ; Helen M., wife of Ron. Addison H. Laffin, a naval officer of the port of New York city ; and Olivia B. Hall.

While living at Lafayette he and his wife both united with the Congregational church, and, upon coming to the city, united with the First Presbyterian church, and remained consistent members of the same until their death.

Mrs. Hall was devoted to her family, and instructed them in all that makes true manhood and womanhood. She died in the year 1854. aged fifty-six years.

For his second wife he married Mrs. Maria Severance, of Buffalo, who survived him only three months, dying January, 1871. He died Oct. 27, 1870.

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Messrs. Carr & Cushing are both natives of this county, the former born in the town of Clay and the latter in Cicero. Both are well known as gentlemen of high character in business circles. Mr. Carr has been connected with the manufacture of cigars twenty-five years. The success of this firm is the result of prudent management and strict attention to business.

R. H. PARKER, Cigar Manufacturer and Wholesale Tobacconist, Nos. 43 and 45 West Fayette street. Mr. Parker began the tobacco and cigar business in the Syracuse House Block, No. 11 South Salina street, on the 11th of May, 1861. On the 4th of May, 1868, he took in Mr. W. B. Herrick as part- ner, the firm being Parker & Herrick, and on the Ist of May, 1871, removed to No. 18 James street. January 31, 1874, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Parker continuing the business at the old stand till May 1, 1876, when he removed to the spacious store, Nos. 43 and 45 West Fayette street, built expressly for his business.

Mr. Parker employs from thirty to fifty hands ; has three traveling salesmen, two with teams, and one by railroad.

Mr. Parker is a native of this county, born at Onondaga Hill. He came to Syracuse in 1833, and has been in the cigar business since 1861.

JOSEPH BARTON, JR., & Co., Wholesale Dealers in Leaf Tobacco and Manufacturers of Cigars, Barton Opera House Block, East Genesee street. Mr. Joseph Barton, Sen., started in the manufac- ture of cigars in this city in 1848, on East Fayette street, No. 105. In 1851, he moved into the Fur- man Block, and there commenced wholesaling. In 1852, he removed to the location now occupied by the Barton Opera House, and where the business of the present firm is still continued. Mr. Barton had built on these premises a fine store extending through from East Genesee to East Fayette streets, which was destroyed by fire, without insurance, in 1867. He then built the Barton Opera House Block, at a cost, including the fitting up of his theatre, of over $ 100,000. In January, 1876, Joseph Barton, Jr., came into possession of the business, under the present firm name, and gives to it his personal supervision. From 40 to 50 hands are employed in the manufacture of Cigars, and two traveling salesmen are kept upon the road, the sales being chiefly in this State.

Mr. Joseph Barton, Sen., was born in New York city and came here in 1844. His early life, from thirteen to twenty, was spent on board a man. of-war and in a whaling voyage around Cape Horn. He vol- unteered in the Mexican War, and spent his time

during its continuance on board the United States frigate Columbia, Commodore Rosseau, command- ing; was, at the taking of California, with Commo- dore Apcatesby Jones, United States frigate United States, in 1842, and assisted in burying Commodore Dallas at Callao, port of Lima, Peru, in 1843. Dallas had come out in the Savannah to relieve the frigate United States, and was taken sick and died at the above place.

Joseph Barton, Jr., was born in Syracuse and has lived here all his life.

R. G. WYNKOOP & Co .- The extensive trade of this house, both at wholesale and retail, places it in the front rank of the book and stationery business in Central New York, and in point of age it out- ranks almost every other establishment of the kind. The business of this house was started in 1846 by Myers and J. G. Wynkoop. In 1848, Mr. R. G. Wynkoop became a partner, under the firm name of Wynkoop & Bro., which continued till 1867, when the firm became Wynkoops & Leonard. Mr. James A. Leonard was the incoming partner, and he remained connected with the house till 1875, when he retired on account of ill health, and is now, we believe, engaged in the book and stationery trade at Decorah, Iowa. In 1870, Mr. J. G. Wyn- koop retired from the firm, and Mr. James S. Wyn- koop entered it. The last named gentleman had been connected with the house some years, and his experience admirably fitted him for the duties de- volving upon an active partner. The firm as it now is consists of R. G. Wynkoop and two sons, Jas. S. and R. G., Jr., all of whom are gentlemen well known in business circles.

The premises occupied by the house are at No. 19 South Salina street, in the Syracuse House Block. The stock is large, embracing every variety of mis- cellaneous books, stationery, wall paper, &c., to supply the retail trade and jobbing business carried on by the house. Their wholesale trade extends throughout Northern, Central and Western New York, goods being chiefly sold by traveling agents. All of the partners give the business their personal attention. The senior member of the firm is an old resident of this city and for many years has been intimately identified with its various in- terests.

MOSER & LYON, Nos. 37 and 39 South Clinton street, represent another and a special branch of the wholesale book and stationery trade, job printing, &c., and have a retail store, No. 62 South Salina street. This firm was established in 1873.

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

J. & F. B. GARRETT, Nos. 6 and 8 West Fay- ette street, are the managers and proprietors of an- other special department of the stationery, blank book and paper jobbing business. They occupy two stores and employ three traveling salesmen. They are also extensive manufacturers of blank books. Their house was established in 1866.

L. J. ORMSBEE is one of the oldest stationery dealers in the city, having begun business in this line in 1846, and conducted it for a long time on East Genesee street. He has been in this business in the city thirty-one years. He now conducts a wholesale and retail establishment at No. 22 West Fayette street, dealing exclusively in stationery and goods in that line. Mr. Ormsbee gives his per- sonal attention to his business and also employs traveling salesmen, his trade including both city and country.

CULVER BROS. & Co., Paper Manufacturers and Dealers in Paper and Paper Stock, No. 73 West Fayette street .- This house, although not included under the head of books and stationery, neverthe- less represents a business sufficiently analogous to be mentioned in this connection. The house was founded in 1854 by Mr. E. B. Culver, who con- ducted the business alone till 1869, when Benjamin H. Culver and James L. Collin became partners. The business of the house is heavy, and is chiefly wholesale, the partners giving their personal atten- tion to the business and also employing traveling salesmen.

Mr. E. B. Culver came to this county from Norwich, Conn., in 1853, remaining one year at Fayetteville, whence he came to Syracuse and established business, as above stated.

MORRIS & Co .- In 1832, Mr. D. J. Morris, the head of the present firm, then living in Utica, established a branch of his merchant tailoring busi- ness in Syracuse, under the firm name of Morris & Sanford. Mr. Morris came here to reside in 1840, and the firm was afterwards changed to D. J. Morris & Son. In 1861, without any change in the copartnership, the firm style was changed to Morris & Co., as at present.

Mr. Morris first came through Syracuse at four- teen years of age when they were digging for the canal in 1819. In 1825, he came again with a view of locating here, but decided not to do so on ac- count of the bad water. He says nothing could exceed the change that had taken place in Syracuse between the time of his first visit and his second, in 1825. From the mere " four corners " the place had become an active, bustling village, where every-

thing seemed going ahead with feverish excitement -streets being laid out, houses going up, and specu- lation rife.

W. S. PECK & BRO. are manufacturers and wholesale and retail dealers in clothing, Nos. 24 and 26 North Salina street; established in 1867, under the firm name of Gates & Peck. In 1869 Mr. Gates retired, and W. S. Peck continued the business until January 1, 1874, receiving at the latter date Frank A. Peck as partner, the firm be- coming, as now, W. S Peck & Bro. May 1, 1877, they moved to their present location. They have two commodious stores, each 22 by 130 feet, and well adapted to their large and increasing business.

The Peck Brothers manufacture all their own goods, employing in this department an average of about 200 hands. Their present average is 1,000 garments per week, and their sales amount to $150,- 000 a year. The members of the firm are young and enterprising gentlemen and have built up their extensive trade by strict integrity and unremitting attention to business. They came here from Cort- land county-the former in 1864, and the latter in 1 869.

A. W. PALMER & Co., successors to M. C. Palmer & Co., established at Nos. 17 and 19 North Salina street in 1854. The members of the present firm are Alva W. Palmer and his brother George W. Palmer, and their house is one of the old and reliable establishments of the city. In the spring of 1877 they removed to their present location, Nos. 15 and 17 South Salina street. Here their facilities for manufacturing and displaying their goods have been enlarged, and a more complete stock of Men's, Boys' and Children's clothing can rarely be found in any city. The firm manufacture all of their clothing, employing experienced cutters. This branch of the business gives employment to from 150 to 200 hands. The extensive business of this house has been built up gradually from a com- paratively small beginning made in the infancy of the clothing trade in this city twenty-three years ago, and to the energy and enterprise of the young men who have managed its affairs this result is mainly due.

The Messrs. Palmer have lived in this city and vicinity nearly all their lives, being sons of the late Joseph Palmer, Esq., of Centerville, an old citizen of that place and a Justice of the Peace there for some seventeen years. M. C. Palmer, formerly of this firm, and George W. Palmer, a member of the firm of A. W. Palmer & Co., are engaged in the manufacture of salt at Saltville, Va.

FARMERS

ONONDAGA COUNTY MILK ASSOCIATION

BAKERY

ONONDAGA CO

No.

ONONDAGA CU

Y. LK

...

ASSOCIATIONS

ASSOCIATION

ONONDAGA COUNTY MILK ASSOCIATION DEPOT. NO 44 EAST FAYETTE STREET, SYRACUSE, N Y

........

.......

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OFFICE

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

SWARTHOUT, ACKERMAN & Co .- This firm is another large manufacturing, wholesale and retail clothing house of this city. They have also branch stores in Chicago and St. Louis. The firm as first organized in 1867, was Swarthout, Kent & Co. January 27, 1872, L. A. Swarthout, J. Daniel Ackerman, John A. Cole and T. A. Bartlett, entered into copartnership under the present firm style, and have so remained since, with the exception of Mr. Bartlett, who withdrew in February, 1877.

KENT & MILLER .- The partners in this house are George B. Kent and R. V. Miller. The pres- ent firm was established in 1871, and the progress of the business, both in the wholesale and retail departments, has been such as to exceed the most sanguine expectations of its founders.

M. JACOBS, No. 21 North Salina street, is one of the oldest clothing houses in Syracuse. Mr. Jacobs commenced business in 1844, and erected his pres- ent building in 1852. The business of the house, like most of the others, embraces wholesale, retail and manufacturing-most of the goods handled

being made at home. This house gives employ- ment in the manufacture of garments to about 200. persons, while its annual sales are about $200,000. The building erected expressly by Mr. Jacobs for the accommodation of his business is commodious and conveniently arranged.

DANZIGER BROS .- The firm of Danziger Bros. was formed in Homer, Cortland county, in 1850. In 1865 they removed to Syracuse in order to take advantage of a more central location and enlarge their facilities for business. In 1866, they re- moved to No. 23 North Salina street, where they are engaged exclusively in the wholesale clothing business.

WILLIAM A. ARNOLD, at Nos. 16 and 18 North Salina street. Mr. Arnold started the clothing business in December, 1869, having come from Sacramento, California. His business includes manufacturing, wholesale and retail.

I. H. LEYDEN & BRO. are at No. 22 North Salina street. Their clothing business was estab- lished July 18, 1873, by the senior partner.

ONONDAGA COUNTY MILK ASSOCIATION.

This is an organization formed of certain dairy- ing interests in the county to supply the city of Syracuse with good and pure milk. It was organ- ized under a special charter of the Legislature on the 9th of March, 1872, and commenced business on the 20th of March, of the same year. The an- nual reports of the Association show the progress that has been made. It was chartered with a capi- tal of $25,000, and its capital stock paid in January II, 1877, was $29,900. The total receipts of milk in 1876 were 2,921,9943 quarts. The amount con- sumed was 2,694,806 quarts. The amount of cream sold was 3,476 quarts. The surplus milk and cream are manufactured into butter and cheese. Of butter there was made in 1876, 14,186 pounds, and of cheese, 46,365 pounds. The Asso- ciation is made up of stockholders who are dairy- men in different towns adjacent to Syracuse, and owning from ten to sixty cows each. The number of stockholders at present is 46, and the whole number of cows whose milk is furnished to the As- sociation is 1,116.

The principle which governs this Association is that of furnishing the city with the best and purest milk that can be produced. Hence every precau-

tion is taken and the producers of milk are bound under the most stringent rules. A few of these will suffice to illustrate the care and pains taken by the Association.

" Producers must exercise particular care that their cans be opened and aired on a board, bottom up, during the day, thoroughly rinsed with cold water before use, and immediately after milking the can should be set in a tank of cold water, cover raised on one side for the air to enter, and the milk quietly stirred several times while cooling, to expel the animal odor. * ** *

"Weekly tests are made by the receiving clerk of all milk delivered to the Association, and when found below 90 degrees a proportionate discount will be made from the amount credited at the end of the month. When the test stands much below 90 it is conclusive evidence of adulteration, and the producer is liable to a heavy fine, or the penalties named in the By-Laws.

" Care should be taken with the stables that they be well ventilated and drained, and kept as cleanly as possible ; the cows bedded with clean straw or other materials, and have pure water to drink. No unwholesome food or stagnant water should be allowed them. The milk should be passed through a wire strainer, then through two thicknesses of strainer cloth. Especial care should be taken in milking to keep out of the pail all dust or dirt from

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HISTORY OF ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

the cow's bag, which should be wiped or washed clean before milking. * The cans should not be taken into the stables, as milk very readily absorbs their odor. Producers are especially cautioned against sending the milk of any cow out of health, or just calved, as they render themselves liable for any damage arising from the sale of such impure milk.'

The consumer of milk in the city will breathe more freely after reading these stringent rules, and will certainly sip his glass of milk, or pour his cream into his morning cup of coffee, with much more complacency and satisfaction. The provision thus made for cleanliness and purity in the article of milk is certainly a step farther in civilization than that indicated by railroads and telegraphs. The milk now in use in the city is pretty good proof that these rules are carried into effect, and the purity, richness and excellence of Syracuse milk are being noted by strangers and travelers from other cities.

Statistics show how rapidly the milk of this Association is growing into favor. In 1875, cigh- teen routes were peddled. Up to January 1, 1876, thirty-seven private routes had been absorbed in the Association, and the whole number of private routes now associated is thirty-nine. The Associ- ation now peddles twenty routes, employing twenty- four horses, twenty-seven wagons, twenty sleighs,

and a force, including peddlers, clerks, house- keeper, cheese maker, engineer, superintendent, &c., of thirty persons.

The headquarters of the Association are at 44 East Fayette street, in a new building expressly adapted to the business of the Association, erected in 1875 at a cost of $17,000. Since beginning in an old hotel in 1872, they have grown to the dimen- sions and requirements of these new premises, which include milk depot, cheese and butter factory, office, boarding house, &c., with barns and black- smith shop in the rear. The upper rooms are rented to nine families and a spare front room on the first floor occupied for a barber shop.

The following are the officers for 1878 :- B. Austin Avery, President ; James L. Hill, Vice- President ; C. D. Avery, Secretary and Treasurer ; George O. Gannett, Superintendent ; I. C. Reed, Cashier and Book-Keeper. Directors :- B. A. Avery, John Wells, John Raynor, W. C. Brayton, J. L. Hill, C. D. Avery, Henry Jerome, Sidney Lewis, George O. Gannett. Executive Committee : J. Wells, Sidney Lewis, John Raynor, Henry Jerome, W. C. Brayton. Examining Committee : George C. Gere, Charles Bailey, W. H. H. Gerc. Committee on Manufacturing of Butter and Cheese : Charles Bailey.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

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History of Onondaga County, New York, Part 50

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 840

Author: Clayton, W.W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 840