Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II, Part 13

Author: Reynolds, Cuyler, 1866- ed
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 716

USA > New York > Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II > Part 13

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

545

HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS

broadened his mind. On January 1, 1870, he became city editor of The Argus, succeeding Hon. Daniel Shaw. About this time he con- sidered forming the Sunday Press in conjunc- tion with the publication of The Knicker- bocker. On May 1, 1870, the first issue of the Sunday Press appeared, published by Myron H. Rooker, James Macfarlane, E. H. Gregory,

John T. Maguire and James H. Mulligan, who were severally city editors of local dailies ;

but in September the last three sold their in- terests to Mr. Farrell. On June 1, 1871, he retired from The Argus to devote himself to the Sunday Press, and to secure the freedom to publish a daily in connection therewith. When Messrs. Farrell, Rooker and Macfar- lane failed to secure The Knickerbocker, they organized the Daily Press, and its first issue appeared February 26, 1877. Mr. Farrell, however, was able on August II, 1877, to purchase The Knickerbocker and consolidated it with the Daily Press. In March, 1891, after twenty-one years of partnership, Mr. Farrell sold his half interest in the papers to his partners for $50,000, and he forthwith pur- chased the Evening Union, as also, that same summer, The Evening Times, and the Albany Daily Sun, combining all three under the title The Times-Union, perceiving a great oppor- tunity and field for a penny evening newspa- per which could present the best news in more attractive style than before, dealing with in- terests of all classes impartially, and conduct- ed on independent lines in politics. His plant at the starting was on the south side of Beaver street, about midway between Broadway and Green street; but the quarters were exceed- ingly cramped even for a paper beginning its career, and leaving no room for expansion. His paper commenced growing in popularity from the very first, for unquestionably he pub- lished the most satisfactory newspaper in the city and section, and shortly he acquired the property at the southwest corner of Green and Beaver streets, formerly used by the Al- bany Morning Express, at that time secured by the Albany Evening Journal and once oc- cupied as lodge rooms.

Mr. Farrell's ability as an editor who per- ceived what the public wanted and understood just how to present it in most modern, attrac- tive dress without lowering the standard, was only surpassed as a proprietor who could so plan his campaign in all its details so as to bring as well as merit success, was indicated more and more as each year passed, by its rapidly increasing circulation. His success was all acquired, not given to him by inheritance, by dint of close, persistent application to prac- tical principles which he was capable of evolv-

ing. He was known to give as much attention to all the details, whether a matter concerning the press or engine room, with the composi- tors, or affecting the editing of news, taking a hand in the work of almost every depart- ment daily. Thus he knew his tools, which were his men, most thoroughly, which was ac- complishing its full intent. For twenty years his name appeared in the legislative red book as the senate reporter for the New York As- sociated Press, back in the days of the Old Capitol (removed in 1883), and during all that period he never missed doing his duty, except when sickness prevented attendance.

He was one of the founders of the United Press, and for many years its vice-president. During its first year of existence he and Mr. Jenkins, of Syracuse Herald, managed its af- fairs. He was elected president of the New York State Press Association at its annual convention held at Lake George in 1895, by the unanimous vote of over three hundred editors. He was a Democrat, ever anxious to see his party win, and both his support and counsel were matters much to be desired. Mayor Swinburne appointed him a park com- missioner, at the time when its affairs were controlled by a board of citizens instead of by a city department. In financial circles he was an active associate on a number of boards, as director of the Albany City National Bank, vice-president of the Home Savings Bank and director of the Commerce Insurance Company. He was a trustee of St. Agnes' Cemetery As- sociation, and invaluable as such, taking the work of its larger affairs upon his shoulders and bringing about an increase in its size, value and beauty. As a trustee of the Albany Hospital for Incurables he rendered service never to be forgotten, and served also as trus- tee of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Con- ception. He was a charter member of the Fort Orange Club, and a life member of the Catholic Summer School at Cliff Haven, on the shore of Lake Champlain, an institution whose interests he advanced materially on its inauguration. He was a trustee of St. Vin- cent's Orphan Asylum of Albany and of the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, and member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Albany Institute and of the Eastern New York Fish and Game Protective Association. St. Jolin's College, Fordham, conferred on him the degree of A. M., in 1891.

He was a man of unbounded energy, re- sourceful and progressive in spirit. No man was more companionable, and persons found him ready to discuss topics of the day with rare perspicuity and acumen, especially as concerned great policies. lle was kind to a

546

HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS

fault in others who were weak, zealous in safeguarding interests committed to his care. As he was beloved and held as an idol by his immediate family, it is little wonder that oth- ers spoke well of him. His acts of charity were conducted unostentatiously, with fre- quency and humane kindliness, by a hand which never seemed closed to the worthy in distress. It is a fact to be recalled by those who knew him best, that he frequently made it a point in his daily life to seek ways in which to bring joy to those in need of cheer, regardless of whether such appealed or not, and in this way he is remembered by many of the hundreds who worked under him. His success was abundant, and due to consistency of method and steadfastness of purpose which he ever kept in view. If he was ever guilty of the natural indiscretion of losing his tem- per or being ruffled by unpleasant contact with anyone, he concealed the fact with a self-con- trol which never prevented him from continu- ing the work in hand under low pressure and avoiding all hindrance by friction. Naturally warm-hearted and polished in his manner, his suavity and kindly word counted much in preserving each acquaintance as a friend.

About a month before his death, a sudden and not entirely unexpected sickness occurring at his office obliged him to abandon attending to business at his establishment, and alarmed by the serious nature of his illness, for several weeks his family had the best physicians con- stantly in attendance; but on the evening of February 2, 1901, the long and fruitful life was ended. He was buried from his residence, No. 598 Madison avenue, with a public serv- ice held in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and laid to rest in St. Agnes' Cemetery.

John Henry Farrell married Mary Veron- ica Gibbons, at Fordham, New York, June 3, 1869. She was born in New York City, No- vember 10, 1840. Her father was John Gib- bons, born in Ireland, a prominent contractor in New York City, concerned in the erection of the old reservoir on Forty-second street and Fifth avenue, and died in that city. Her mother was Mary McLoughlin, born in Ire- land, died at Fordham, New York. They were married in Ireland. Children born in Albany: I. James Charles, March 24, 1870, see forward. 2. John Francis, October 30, 1871 ; married, New York City, June 29, 1898, Kate Engel. 3. Mary Veronica, October 10, 1873; entered the holy order of Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Vincent, in September, 1898, under the name of Sister Mary Chrys- ostom. 4. Joseph Augustan, November 10. 1875; entered the holy order of Society of

Jesus, in September, 1902. 5. Winifred' Agnes, January 9, 1878; married, Albany, July 3, 1901, Lieutenant William Nafew Haskell. 6. Regina Mary, March 6, 1881 ; residing at No. 60 Willett street, Albany, New York, in 1910. 7. Eleanor Mary Teresa, October 15,- 1883; residing at No. 60 Willett street, Al- bany, in 1910.

(III) James Charles, son of John Henry and Mary Veronica (Gibbons) Farrell, was born in Albany, New York, March 24, 1870. His early studies were pursued at both the. Albany Boys' Academy and the Christian Brothers' Academy in Albany, and later at St. John's College, Fordham, New York. After the completion of his education he took up the newspaper business, commencing with the. old Press and Knickerbocker, because of his father's heavy interests as publishing proprie- tor, and when his father assumed control of the Albany Evening Union he went with him, continuing in the same line and displaying great alertness in his interesting rivalry with his confreres connected with opposition news- papers. When the paper was consolidated as The Times-Union, he was made its business manager, and in a broader field of effort was indefatigable in advancing its circulation. In 1896 he accepted the management of The Al- bany Argus Company. He reorganized the entire plant and made this paper a power for the Democratic party. In whatever field he applied himself, it was always with earnest- ness for that enterprise with which he asso- ciated. At the end of three years he relin- quished active newspaper work, and to better his health made an extended European trip, in company with James H. Leake, treasurer of The Times-Union. On his return he ac- cepted the position of treasurer of the Helder- berg Cement Company, with office in Albany and the works operated on a large scale at Howe's Cave, Schoharie county, New York; but still retaining his place on the directorate- of The Argus Company. At various times he has been officially connected with insurance- companies and financial institutions, and one of the board of managers of the Albany Hos- pital for Incurables. He belongs to the Fort Orange, the Albany, and the Country clubs, and is a member of the Albany Institute and Historical and Art Society. He has always been a staunch Democrat, and belongs to the National Democratic Club. He is fond of outdoor athletics. His home is on Thurlow Terrace, overlooking Washington Park, in Al- bany. Mr. Farrell married, in Albany, April 5, 1893, Margaret Ruth Brady, born in Al- bany, New York, October 30, 1872, daughter of Anthony N. Brady, of New York City and

547

HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS

Albany, who was born in Lille, France, Au- gust 22, 1843, and Marcia Anne (Myers) Brady, born in Bennington, Vermont, July 10, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Brady were mar- ried in Bennington, Vermont, July 22, 1869. Children : Anthony Nicholas Brady, born at No. 60 Willett street, Albany, New York, April 4, 1900; Marcia Anne Brady, born at the same place, November 11, 1902.

The McLeod family of Troy,

McLEOD New York, descend from a

Scotch ancestor born on the Isle of Skye. His family belonged to the Harris branch of the clan McLeod, seated at Dun- vegan, Isle of Skye, Scotland. The clan was divided there into the Harris and Lewis clans. (I) Murdock McLeod, born 1753, came to America during the revolutionary war and settled in North Carolina. He was then about twenty years of age. He served in the British army as corporal in Lieutenant Ham- ilton's company, and served five years, until 1783. After the war was over he removed to New York state and settled on a farm in the town of Galway, Saratoga county, where he resided many years. After his son Hubert became established in business in Phelps, New York, he removed to that town, where he died March II, 1843, aged ninety years. He mar- ried, in New York City, 1793, Catherine An- derson, and had issue. He and his wife were rigid Scotch Presbyterians, and reared their children in the strict tenets of that faith.

(II) Hubert, son of Murdock and Cather- ine (Anderson) McLeod, was born in the town of Broadalbin, Fulton county, New York, February, 1809, died at Phelps, New York, February 22, 1861. He removed to Phelps about the year 1825, and became the leading merchant of that town. He was ac- tively engaged in politics and used his energy and ability in furthering the public good. He attained a high position in his town and was regarded as a man of honor and reliability. He was a Presbyterian of the most rigid type, but a most kind hearted and benevolent gen- tleman. He married Experience Oaks Dickin- son (see Dickinson), born at Phelps, Novem- ber 27, 1807, died there June 8, 1880, daugh- ter of Augustus and Submit Dickinson. Chil- dren of Hubert and Experience Oaks (Dick- inson) McLeod: I. Augustus Dickinson ; (see forward). 2. Richard, born April 2, 1833, died May 21, 1836. 3. Charles A., August 5, 1835, (see forward). 4. George H., March II, 1838, died April 26, 1851. 5. Richard M., August 23, 1840, died November 23, 1860. 6. Harvey Smith, (see forward). 7. Loa, March 19, 1846, died June 18, 1873; married, 1872,

Charles Norton, and removed to the west. 8. Edwin R., November 25, 1848, died December 6, 1869. 9. Anna Lee, December 17, 1857, died August 23, 1864.

(III) Charles Anderson, son of Hubert and Experience Oaks (Dickinson) McLeod, was born in Phelps, Ontario county, New York, August 5, 1835, died at Troy, New York, September 19, 1898. He received his education in the public schools, and at the age of twenty years located in Troy. He became prominent in the business affairs of that city, and particularly well known as a manufacturer of stoves, then a leading Troy industry. He was a member of the Bussey-McLeod Stove Company, of Troy, and president of the Chi- cago Stove Works, with large foundries and plants at Troy, and Chicago, Illinois. For many years he was president of the Stove Manufacturers' Association of the United States, continuing in this most important and responsible position until his death. He was a man of great executive ability, and the con- cerns over which he presided were well con- ducted and prosperous. He held a director- ship in the Troy Savings and City national banks, besides being officially connected with the Rob Roy Hosiery Company. His large business interests did not prevent his being interested in church work and philanthropy. He was a member of the first board of direc- tors of the Y. M. C. A., and was always a warm friend of the association. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, for twenty-eight years was a vestryman, and at the time of his death was official representa- tive of the parish in church councils. His clubs were the Ionic and Troy. He was an active, earnest Republican in politics, but would never accept public office for himself. He married (first), November 10, 1865, at Newark, New Jersey, Harriet Grace, daugh- ter of Dr. Elisha and Eliza (Thompson) Rockwood. Dr. Rockwood was born in Brad- bury, Vermont, died at Saratoga Springs, New York. He prepared for the practice of medicine at Middlebury (Vermont) Medical College, and settled in Newark, New Jersey, where he became a leading practitioner. He led a retired life for many years preceding his death. He married Eliza Thompson (not re- lated to the Troy family), born at Poultney, Vermont, daughter of Judge Thompson of that town. Child: Grace, born May 26, 1870, educated at Mrs. Porter's school, Farmington, Connecticut, married Hobart Warren Thomp- son. (See Thompson.) Charles Anderson McLeod married (second) Mary, daughter of Norman B. Squires. Children : Norman, born 1883, died 1885; Anderson, born 1888.

548

HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS

(III) Harvey Smith, sixth child of Hubert and Experience Oaks (Dickinson) McLeod, was born March 31, 1843. He was educated in the public schools, and on arriving at man's estate engaged in the hardware business at Phelps, New York, continuing for about eight- een months. The civil war, then raging, claimed him, and August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 148th New York Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted second lieutenant of Company E, same regiment, November, 1863. His regimnet was one of the hard fought ones, participating in twenty-six en- gagements. He was honorably discharged in 1864 on account of ill health, and did not re- cover from this breakdown until many years later. He spent a year at New Orleans, Louisiana, in the government commissary de- partment, and in 1866 located in Troy, where for sixteen years he was engaged in the retail stove and cornice business. In 1882 he pur- chased the interests of Bacon & Henry, fire- brick manufacturers of Troy (established 1825), and in association with Mr. Henry, of the old firm, continued the making of firebrick until 1887. In that year the firm was incor- porated as the McLeod & Henry Company, with Mr. McLeod as president and treasurer. The business of the company includes the man- ufacture of all kinds of steam boiler equip- ment, and is large and prosperous. He is a most active, energetic business man and has many outside interests. He is a director of the City National Bank, trustee Troy Savings Bank, director Queens Run Fire Brick Com- pany, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, director Gleasenton Fire Brick Company, of Gleasen- ton, Pennsylvania, and vice-president of the Park Villa Realty Company, Troy, New York. He has not given his life to the pursuit of money getting, but has devoted much of his time to enterprises purely philanthropic and educational. For many years he has been president of the board of trustees of the Y. M. C. A., and for twenty years has been actively interested and useful in the work of the Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, which he now serves as vice-president. He is a trustee of the Emma Willard school, and vice-president of the Troy Boys' Club. Per- haps in the latter institution his deepest inter- est lies. The club is an incorporated body whose object is the "maintenance of a club for the benefit, assistance and improvement of indigent and homeless boys." It is supported by voluntary contributions and gives "indus- trial, mental, physical, social and business training" to boys between ages of eight and fourteen years. Mr. McLeod has written many pamphlets and leaflets in the interest of

the boys' club, besides giving generous finan- cial assistance. He is a member of the Sec- ond Presbyterian Church of Troy, and has for several years been an elder of the same. He is active in church work, and served the Men's Brotherhood Association as president. For the past fifty years he has systematically given one-tenth of his income from all sources to all forms of charitable work, public and private, keeping an accurate account in a spe- cially prepared book. This practice he kept up when in the army on his soldier's wages of thirteen dollars per month. His record books, carefully kept since 1865, form a small library in themselves. His example has been followed by about five hundred persons of whom he has personal knowledge, devoting one-tenth of their income to good works in his systematic way. The pledge written in his account books reveals the true spirit of the man and is most beautiful in expression : "Knowing as I do that my ability to labor and get reward therefor is a gift from God, and believing that I should show my appreciation of this fact, I have de- cided to set aside at least one-tenth of my in- come to be used to aid those not as fortunate as myself, and to spread at home and abroad the wonderful story of Christ's mission to our world, and to tell the glad story that He can now be retained as advocate by those who may desire him to plead their cause at His Father's Throne, when they are called to give an ac- count of their life work. I have this book that I may keep a strict account of this trust fund." Systematic giving is particularly dear to his heart, and he has written and lectured frequently before audiences on this subject. He is a remarkably quiet and unostentatious gentleman, rarely seen at church or society conventions, but many a lad has received an education from his "trust fund" or been given a business start from the same source. This is practical Christianity, and is given notice here to show one man's method of expressing his gratitude for the "ability to labor and re- ceive reward therefrom," and perhaps help some one else to decide upon a similar plan. He is a Republican in politics, and strongly in favor of a purely business administration of public affairs, national, state and civic. He is a member of the Loyal Legion (military order), and is past commander of Griswold Post, Grand Army Republic. His social club is the Troy. He married, January 18, 1872, Mary C., died April 26, 1891, daughter of Franklin and Mary (Goldsmith) Field. (See Field VII.) Children : 1. Mary Virginia, edu- cated at Miss Master's school, Dobb's Ferry, New York; married, July 19, 1905, George Albert Soper, of New York City, a graduate

549

HUDSON AND MOHAWK VALLEYS

of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, class of 1905, C. E., Columbia University A. B. and Ph. D. He is sanitary engineer and chairman of the sewage commission of New York City. Children : George Albert, born January, 1898; Harvey McLeod, July 9, 1903. 2. Ruth Field, educated at Miss Master's school, Dobb's Ferry, New York; married, June, 1906, Charles N. Morgan, of New Rochelle, New York, graduate Rensselaer Polytechnic, class of 1906, C. E .; now secretary of McLeod & Henry Company, Troy.

McLEOD (III) · Augustus Dickinson, eld- est child of Hubert (q. v.) and Experience Oaks (Dickinson) McLeod, was born at Phelps, Ontario county, New York, April 5, 1831. He is vice-presi- dent of the McLeod & Henry Company, of Troy, but is now living practically retired at the old McLeod homestead at Phelps, New York. He has been a most capable and ener- getic business man. He is and has been for a great many years an active, prominent and useful member of the Episcopal church, his present membership being with St. John's Church at Phelps. He is treasurer of the dio- cese of western New York, deputy to the gen- eral convention, delegate to the diocesan con- ventions, and for the past fifteen years senior warden of St. John's Church. His services as a churchman have been efficient and continu- ous. He is highly regarded in all circles, and his long life has been one of useful effort. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never taken an active part beyond expressing his convictions and preferences at the ballot box. He married, at Phelps, October 19, 1865, Mary Frances, daughter of Cooper and Eliza- beth ( Kirtland) Sayre. Children : Sayre, see forward: Annie, born February 5, 1869, mar- ried Dr. F. H. Rasbach, now a practicing phy- sician located at 172 Allen street, Buffalo, New York.

(IV) Sayre, only son of Augustus Dickin- son and Mary Frances (Sayre) McLeod, was born in Phelps, Ontario county, New York, September 25, 1866. He was educated at St. John's Military School, Manlius, New York, where he prepared for admission to Harvard University, and was graduated from the latter institution A. B., class of 1890. Having de- cided upon the profession of law, he entered the law department of Union University (Al- bany Law School), where he was graduated LL.B., class of 1898. He was admitted to the New York bar the same year, and at once began the practice of his profession in Troy. He makes a specialty of the law of corpora- tions, and practices alone, devoting himself ex-

clusively to that class of legal work, having as clients the McLeod & Henry Company, the United National Bank, and several of the large corporations of Troy. His outside business affiliations are : director and trustee of Mon- arch Road Roller Company, director of Staf- ford Manufacturing Company, director and treasurer of Central and Eastern Construction Company of Albany (builders of state roads) and other minor enterprises. He served in the New York National Guard (Troy Citizen's Corps) 1891-93, was on guard duty at the Buffalo strike disturbances of that period, and is now an honorary member of the senior corps. He is an active worker in the Re- publican party, and a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Troy. While a student at St. John's Military School he was chosen cap- tain for two years. At Harvard he became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon frater- nity, and is a member of the "Hasty Pudding" Club, the "Institute of 1770," and the Philo- sophiical Society, all of Harvard. His home clubs are the Troy Club and Republican Club. His country club, the Ekwanoh, of Manches- ter, Vermont and Mt. Anthony Country Club of Bennington, Vermont, and his out of town club is the Harvard, of New York City. His fraternal order is the B. P. O. E. He married, October 17, 1895, Martha Mead, daughter of George Tibbits and Annie Case (Mead) Lane, of Providence, Rhode Island, and granddaughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Tibbits) Lane. Children, born in Troy: George Lane, January 7, 1898; Katharine Say- Sayre; Sayre (2), March 17, 1904; Marshall, February 25, 1907.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Hudson-Mohawk genealogical and family memoirs, Volume II, Part 13

Author: Reynolds, Cuyler, 1866- ed Publication date: 1911 Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company Number of Pages: 716

Author: Reynolds, Cuyler, 1866- ed
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: New York, Lewis historical publishing company
Number of Pages: 716