Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 57

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374

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Mr. Harris possesses keen literary taste and culture and great ability as a writer, lecturer, and public speaker. Several of his addresses have been published, notably " Politics and Literature," "The Tower of London," and "Self-Effort." He has a large and valuable library of general literature, numbering about 3,500 volumes, while his law library contains nearly as many more. On March 10, 1885, he was

unanimously elected a member of the Regents of the University of the State of New York.

A man of handsome and commanding presence, of sound physical constitution, and of capacious intellect, Mr. Harris's popularity is well merited. As a forensic and political orator he occupies a high position in the history of the city, the State, and the country, and as a citizen he enjoys universal confidence and esteem. He has great knowledge of human nature and keen perception of character. His loyalty and patriotism are among his chief characteristics and he has won a lasting place in the history of his adopted city.

CHARLES TRACEY.

HON. CHARLES TRACEY descends from a long line of influential Irish ancestry, and has achieved through his own personality a more than local prominence in business and political affairs. His father, John Tracey, a man of high character, came to this State from Canada in consequence of the so-called Patriot war in 1837. Settling in Albany he became officially connected with many financial and charitable institu- tions, was esteemed and respected as a citizen, and on one occasion was candidate for State senator. He died in the capital city July 12, 1875. The death of his wife, Maria, occurred in 1880.

Charles Tracey was born in Albany on the 27th of May, 1847, and was graduated from the Boys' Academy in 1866. While there he became deeply interested in ele- mentary military tactics, and was elected captain of the battalion of cadets. In 1866 he started on a trip through Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land, visiting the chief cen- ters of art, history and science. There he entered the Pontifical Zouaves and served two years. He returned to Albany in 1869, but in 1870 went to Rome, Italy, where he was captured and retained some time as a prisoner during the siege of that city. Returning to the United States again, after his release, he was for a time engaged in business in New York, where he organized the Catholic Union, which soon had over 10,000 members, and of which he was the first secretary. After his return from Europe Pope Pius IX conferred upon him, in recognition of his military services, the order of St. Gregory the Great, with rank and title of chevalier.

General Tracey finally returned to Albany where he has since resided, and where he soon became an active and influential member of the Democratic party, whose principles he has always upheld. He also held several honorary offices, and was aide-de-camp with rank of colonel on Governor Tilden's staff and commissary-gen- eral of subsistence under Governor Robinson. His high personal qualities, his well known executive ability, and his ardent devotion to true Democracy eminently fitted him for responsible positions, and with unusual rapidity he won distinction and honor in his party's councils. In 1887 he was nominated for representative in con- gress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Congressman Kane, and was elected by 1,659 majority over Hon. John M. Bailey, Republican. There was also a labor candidate in the field. In Congress he served on various important committees, pushed forward succesfully a number of needed measures, and was especially active in the establishment of the Watervliet Arsenal, making a speech in June, 1888, in

support of a liberal appropriation for "the continuance of the manufacture of large cannon at Watervliet." This act was passed and became a law in September of that year, and was mainly due to the efforts of General Tracey. September 22, 1888, he was renominated for Congress and in November was again elected, this time by a majority of 2,306. His second term was marked by conspicuous effort. He origin- ated the project to deepen the Hudson River to permit sea-going vessels to ascend to Albany and Troy, and introduced bills (which became laws) to change the designs on United States coins, to make Albany a port of immediate transportation, for relief of the State of New York to refund $42,000 duties paid on arms in 1863, for the relief of enlisted men in the ordnance corps, allowing them to collect bounties, and to enforce the eight-hour law on government premises. In 1890 he was unanimously renominated and re-elected to Congress by a majority of 5,078, and during his third term in that body served with the same fidelity and increased usefulness to his con- stituents.

General Tracey is actively identified with many business and other institutions of Albany. Since its organization in 1886 he has been president of the Columbia Dis- tilling Company, which he had managed for ten years previously, and which was founded by his father in 1838. He is also vice-president of the Consolidated Car Heating Company of Albany, a life member of the Burgesses Corps, and a member of the Catholic Union, the Fort Orange and Albany Clubs, the Albany Press Club, the Dongan Club, and the Manhattan and Reform Clubs of New York city. He has been manager of St. Peter's Hospital since 1882, is a trustee of St. Agnes's Cem- etery and the Albany Savings Bank, and a director of the National Commercial Bank of Albany. He was appointed a trustee of the House of Refuge at Hudson, N. Y., by President Cleveland, who also tendered him a diplomatic position as min- ister abroad, which he declined. General Tracey is a public spirited citizen, a good organizer of measures, a pleasing and forcible public speaker, and a man endowed with attributes of a high order. During the presidential campaign of 1896 he was especially conspicuous, serving as the New York member of the Democratic National Committee of the sonnd money wing of his party.

General Tracey was married in 1883 to Miss Hermine, daughter of Colonel Duches- ney, of Montreal, Canada. They have had five children: Marie T., Charles, jr., Philip D., John, and James (deceased).

PETER KINNEAR.

THE history of Albany embraces the careers of many men who by their own in- domitable pluck and perseverance have achieved success in one or more of the numerous industries, but probably none has won higher distinction as a manufac- turer and promoter of manufacturing and other enterprises than Peter Kinnear, who has been actively associated with a number of the city's leading establishments for about forty years. Born in Dundee, Scotland, April 24, 1826, he early imbibed the sturdy characteristics of the land of Wallace, and Bruce, and Burns, and received a good practical education in his native town, where he subsequently served a six years' apprenticeship at the machinist's trade. His love for Scotland's banks and

PETER KINNEAR.

braes was strong, but his ambition to make a name and place among men was stronger still. In 1847, when scarcely more than a youth, he started for America, but at the very outset met with an accident which nearly cost him his life. Un- daunted, however, he continued the journey and soon found himself a stranger in the metropolis of this country. He tried to obtain employment at his trade in New York, Rochester, and Toronto successively, but failed, and then turned to such work as came in his way. During one winter he was employed in cutting timber in a Canadian forest. Returning to the United States he again unsuccessfully sought employment at his trade in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Utica, but upon arriving in Albany he entered the employ of William Orr, proprietor of a foundry at No. 64 Beaver street. This establishment was started more than sixty years ago by Lewis Aspinwall, who was succeeded by Mr. Orr, who in turn was succeeded by Orr & Blair, with himself at the head of the firm. In 1872 Mr. Kin- near purchased Mr. Orr's interest and finally became the sole successor of the firm of Blair & Kinnear. In May, 1884, Mr. Kinnear bought two lots known as Nos. 64 and 66 Beaver street, corner of Grand, and made extensive improvements to the property. His business increased steadily, and the great variety of goods which he manufactured under the head of brass castings consisted of innumerable pieces of brass, bronze, composition, nickel, white, and other soft metal castings, steam cocks and valves, brass work for breweries, steam engine and plumber brass work, etc. His goods were used for countless purposes, and his establishment soon became the most important and extensive of its kind in Albany or Eastern New York.

Perhaps the most noteworthy industry with which Mr. Kinnear has been con- nected is the Albany Billiard Ball Company, the most unique and only one of its kind in the world. This company was organized by him in 1875 and was the legitimate successor of the Hyatt Manufacturing Company, which was formed in 1868, and which was the pioneer in the attempt to make composition billiard balls. It is not necessary to go into the details of the trials and failures of the original organization in its experiments to produce billiard balls by pyroxiline, and later celluloid, that would replace ivory. Suffice it to say that thousands of dollars and much valuable time were lost with little or no practical results until the present company was formed. Since then, by the use of perfected machinery invented by J. W. Hyatt, the company has successfully manufactured billiard balls more perfect than ivory and far less expensive. Mr. Kinnear's connection with the enterprise dates from a time when failure and disaster seemed imminent. He had faith in the industry, and mainly through his skillful business management and practical ability soon won the highest success. At considerable personal trouble and no small self-sacrifice he invested and induced others to do so, and the results have more than vindicated the wisdom of his advice and his sound judgment. He has been president and treasurer of the company since its organization, and has personally conducted its affairs.

Mr. Kinnear has also been prominently and officially connected with many other important manufacturing and commercial enterprises of Albany. No man has taken a greater or a more active interest in the city's industrial affairs, and no one has worked more steadily, more earnestly, and more effectively to advance them. He has ever been the first to welcome and encourage new industries, and through his efforts and advice many important manufacturing establishments have found a

permanent home in the Capital City and are now contributing to its welfare and prosperity. He is an able business man, enterprising, public spirited, and progres- sive. In all movements which promise general benefits his counsel is sought and valued, while support is both substantial and effective. He was connected with the South End Bank and served as its president for three years.

Mr. Kinnear has also been an influential factor in politics and in the affairs of local government. Originally a Whig, he was one of the earliest to enlist in the cause of Republicanism, of which he has ever since been a staunch supporter. Imbibing from his native land a strong love of freedom he was a firm believer in American in- stitutions before placing his feet upon American soil, and this belief and love early led him to take a foremost position among the abolitionists in the great slavery agitation. Before and during the war of the Rebellion he loyally supported the Union. He was for two years a member of the Board of Supervisors and has sev- eral times been the nominee of his party for alderman of his ward, which is over- whelmingly Democratic. Personally he is one of the most popular and best known men in Albany. He is a thorough going American, takes a deep interest in all public questions, and exerts his influence and freely uses his means to promote those industries which contribute to the support of the workingman, among whom he proudly numbers himself as a practical mechanic.

While in Canada Mr. Kinnear was married in 1849 to Miss Annie Gilchrist, a native of Scotland.

WILLIAM WILBERFORCE BYINGTON.

Tuk Byingtons in the United States are descended from two brothers, John and Willliam, who came to this country from England in the early part of the seven- teenth century. The family dates back to the twelfth century, and its ancient coat of arms can still be found among the descendants. In America its members have always been active, influential, and industrious citizens, holding positions of honor and distinction in the civil, social, military, and business life of their respective communities. Justus Byington, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Great Barrington, Mass., April 17, 1763, and served as a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. His son, Rev. John Byingion, was born in Hinesburg, Vt., October 8, 1798.

William Wilberforce Byington, youngest of seven children of the Rev. John, was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., December 26, 1840, and attended the district school at Buck's Bridge, West Potsdam, working at intervals on his father's farm. During the winter of 1856, when sixteen years of age, he taught school, and then went to Battle Creek, Mich., where an elder brother resided, and where he at- tended the public schools, teaching winters. In 1861 he entered the Michigan State Normal School at Ypsilanti, at that time one of the first and best known Normal Schools in the country, and was graduated therefrom in one year. After teaching for a year in Battle Creek public schools he secured, by competitive examination, the position of junior principal of the Barstow Union School in Detroit, and shortly afterward, while but twenty-five years of age, was made principal of one of the largest educational institutions in the same city.

While teaching in Detroit he was married, December 26, 1865, to Kate M. Preston, at Battle Creek, Mich., Miss Preston having just graduated from Kalamazoo Col- lege, Mich. After teaching successfully for five years in Detroit, Mr. Byington de- cided to engage in business, which was unselected at the time he resigned his posi- tion. The resolutions passed by the Detroit School Board on receipt of his resigna- tion contained not only a laudatory expression of their esteem and respect, but the very highest encomiums on his character, ability, and success as a teacher. He selected the insurance business and went vigorously to work. For three years up to 1869 he labored in various places in the West, mainly in St. Louis and in Indian- apolis, Ind. In 1869 he received a tempting offer to remove to New York city, which he did and shortly afterwards was made the State agent for New Jersey for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, and removed from New York to Newark, N. J., where he resided for ten years. He filled this position of State agent with great credit for a period of three years, when he resigned to accept the position of superintendent of agencies of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, N. J. Several years were spent by him in vigorous travel, during which nearly all the agencies of the company were revised and a number of those most im- portant at the present day were created. After a very successful service in this cepacity he determined to create an agency for himself, and with that end in view he removed, in the latter part of 1882, to Albany, where he has since resided. He came to the capital city as State agent for New York and Vermont for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark, N. J., aud now has one of the largest and most successful life agencies in the country, having general offices in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.

Soon after taking up his residence in New York, Mr. Byington became an active and vigorous factor in the literature of life insurance and particularly in its statis- tics. For some time he published a life insurance chart, covering the business of all the companies for periods of ten years. This chart was long the standard of author- ity among solicitors. He was also for about fifteen years the insurance editor of the New York Independent, where his weekly articles on various phases of the business attracted much attention. He still writes occasionally for this paper. After locat- ing in Albany he ceased regular work for the press, but has written much in a gen- eral way. In 1886, at the request of General Taylor, editor of the Boston Globe, he wrote an article, historical and statistical, filling thirty-two columns of that journal, and when published in pamphlet form it had a circulation of over 200,000 copies. Since that time he has written many articles for the Globe by special request.

Mr. Byington has always taken an active interest in fishing matters and in protec- tive societies, and for some fifteen years his summers were spent on the St. Law- rence. He organized the Anglers Association of the St. Lawrence River and was its secretary, and afterward its president. This organization is known as one of the most successful protective associations in the country. He is still one of its most prominent members, and is also a member of the Fort Orange Club, the Society of the Sons of the Revolution, and the Albany Camera Club, of which he has been president for several years. To him is due in a large measure the success and pres- ent flourishing condition of the last named club, which has long received his able ser- vices and guidance.

LOUIS E. BLAIR, M. D.

DR. LOUIS E. BLAIR, son of Nathan and Elizabeth Blair, was born in Lee, Mass., October 9, 1857, and in 1864 moved with the family to Albany, where his parents still reside. Dr. Blair was educated in the public and grammar schools of Albany, and was graduated from the High School in 1875. He entered Dartmouth College in the fall of that year, and pursued a four years' classical course at that famous seat of learning, graduating with the degree of A. B. in the class of '79. He was one of the honormen and commencement speakers of his class. While at Hanover, N. II., he also began his medical studies under the preceptorship of Prof. C. P. Frost, dean of the Dartmouth Medical College.

Returning to Albany in 1879 he entered the office of Dr. John Swinburne and con- tinued his medical course at the Albany Medical College, receiving his professional degree in 1881. About this time Dr. Swinburne began his famous surgical work at the Swinburne Surgical Hospital and Dispensary and Dr. Blair joined his staff and afterwards became his first assistant. He was associated with Dr. Swinburne for nearly five years. The opportunities for study and practice which the Swinburne Hospital afforded have seldom been equalled, many thousand patients being treated here annually. In 1884 Dr. Blair went to Europe for travel and study and pursued a post-graduate course in the hospitals of Germany and Austria, devoting especial attention to the diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Returning to Albany in 1886 he has since successfully practiced as a specialist in the above diseases. Dr. Blair has already won for himself a splendid reputation, and his consultation practice covers a wide field. He is a frequent contributor to the medical journals, and has written many valuable medical essays. Lippincott's new Encyclopedia of Ear, Nose and Throat refers to his work. His original contributions on the cause and successful treatment of asthma and hay fever attracted marked attention. He is a member of the New York State Medical Society and the Albany County Medical Society.

On the 10th of March, 1886, Dr. Blair was married to Miss Lillie, daughter of Joseph Mann, of Albany. They have one child, Florence E.

WILLIAM BARNES, JR.

WILLIAM BARNES, JR., was born in the city of Albany, N. Y., November 17, 1866, and is a son of William Barnes, the first superintendent of insurance of the State of New York. His mother was Emily Weed Barnes, a daughter of Thurlow Weed, founder and for many years editor of the Albany Evening Journal and the most conspicuous figure in State politics during his time. Mr. Barnes obtained a good preliminary education in the Albany Academy, graduating therefrom in 1884. In the fall of the same year he entered Harvard College and took the degree of A. B. from that institution in 1888. In December, 1888, he purchased the Albany Morning Express, and in April, 1889, a majority of the capital stock of the Journal Company, publishers of the Albany Evening Journal, and as president of the Journal Com- pany, has since conducted these newspapers with uninterrupted success,

. Blair

Mr. Barnes has taken for several years an active part in the politics of the State, and for some time has been a recognized leader of his party in Eastern New York. In 1892 he was elected a member of the Republican State Committee for the Con- gressional district composed of the county of Albany, and has been re-elected to that office each year since. In 1896 he was a delegate to the Republican National Con- vention at St. Louis. He is a public spirited citizen, taking a keen interest in every movement affecting the general welfare, and as a journalist holds a high place, both in business and literary circles. He is prominently connected with various organ- izations of his native city.

On the 12th of June, 1888, he was married to Miss Grace Davis, daughter of William Henry Davis, of Cincinnati, O.

CHARLES H. PORTER, M. D.

CHARLES HOGEBOOM PORTER, A. M., M. D., was born in Columbia county, N. Y., November 11, 1834, of English and Dutch ancestry. On his father's side he is descend- ed from John Porter, who came from England to Massachusetts Bay in 1637. The records in England give John Porter's descent in the sixteenth generation from Will- iam de la Grande, a Norman knight, who came to the army of the Norman duke at the Conquest A. D. 1066. He acquired lands near Kenilworth, Warwickshire, England. His son Ralph (or Roger) became "Grand Porteur" to Henry I, A. D. 1120 to 1140, from which he derived the name Porter. John Porter, with his wife and children, settled in Windsor, Conn., in the year 1637 and was at once treated as a man known and re- spected. He was put upon a committee the same year and was made a constable in 1639, then a high and responsible office. He was for that period a man of considerable substance, as appears by his will, printed in the public records of Connecticut. He died in Windsor in 1647. Of the sixth generation was Rev. David Porter, D. D., grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who in early life served in the army of the Revolution and afterwards was for twenty-eight years the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Catskill, N. Y. The first of Dr. Porter's maternal ancestors living in America was Evert Luycassen, who was from Amsterdam, Holland, and who was in Beaverwyck in 1657. As early as 1665 he purchased land from the Indians in Kin- derhook. Dr. Porter was educated principally in Philadelphia, Pa., and New Haven, Conn. He received the degree of A. M. from Yale College in 1855 and the degree of M. D. from the Albany Medical College in 1861. In the latter institution he was for some years professor of Chemistry and Medical Jurisprudence and also filled similar positions in other medical colleges. In 1862 he served as assistant surgeon of the 6th Regt. N. Y. Heavy Artillery, remaining with the latter command until it was mustered out in 1865. During these years he was always in active service, par- ticipating in the various campaigns of the army of the Potomac, and the army of the James, etc. At times he was detached from his regiment, serving as inspector and medical director of army hospitals. From 1867 to 1892 (excepting 1885 to 1888), he served as pension examining surgeon. He was commissioned brevet colonel, N. Y. State Volunteers, February 13, 1866. Since 1866 he has lived in Albany in active practice as a physician. For many years his studies have been largely directed to

state medicine and medical jurisprudence and to the practical solution of important questions relating to these sciences. He has frequently been summoned as an ex- pert witness in cases of alleged poisoning and injuries and has been at times ap- pointed by courts to examine and report upon the mental condition of prisoners. In contested will cases his aid has frequently been sought to determine the mental con- dition of the testators and so also in other cases where the sanity of individuals has been called in question and in which large monetary interests were involved.

WILLIAM BEATTIE.

WILLIAM BEATTIE, of the well known Beattie Machine Works, located on Amity street, Cohoes. Cohoes, with his rare genius, has contributed to mechanics new inventions which have opened an era of possibilities heretofore unknown in their business. This benefactor of his fellow men was born at Albany in 1851. He was the son of Walter Beattie, a machinist. He acquired his knowledge of machinery with John Rogers & Son, manufacturers of engines and other machinery at Albany, N. Y. After coming to Cohoes in 1871, he was associated with several of the leading machine shops and mills until 1893. In 1893 he established the present enterprise, the products of which are demanded throughout the United States, Canada and many foreign countries. Mr. Beattie is sole manufacturer of Beattie's patent loopers, and other valuable patents on machinery used in the manufacture of the Norris patent turning machines for shirt bosoms, collars and cuffs, tabs, bands, etc., McCreary's rib-cutter, experimental work and and knitting machinery. In 1895 he erected a new and commodious building fully equipped with all requisite machine tools, oper- ated by steam power. He makes experimental work a specialty, and has taken out five patents himself. Mr. Beattie has been water commissioner for twelve years, and was a member of the Board of Health prior to that time. He is a member of Cohoes Lodge and Chapter, also a member of Apollo Commandery of Troy. He was married January 1, 1872, to Ellen Ayres of Cohoes. They have three children : Walter J. is draughtsman and bookkeeper in his father's establishment, William H. and Grace M.

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Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 57

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1374

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374