Landmarks of Oswego County, New York, Part 133

Author: Churchill, John Charles, 1821-1905; Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925; Child, W. Stanley
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1410

USA > New York > Oswego County > Landmarks of Oswego County, New York > Part 133

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FAMILY SKETCHES

the next two in direct line were respectively a captain and a lieutenant in the colonial troops which protected the country from the Indians. The next-Capt. Asa Buell- served through the war of the Revolution, after its close was elected a member of the Legislature, and in 1806 moved his family to Le Roy, where his granddaughter, the mother of the subject of this biography, was born in 1820. Upon leaving the Oswego High School in 1865, Mr. Judson entered the service of the United States Engineer Department as draughtsman and leveler on the work of rebuilding Fort Ontario with permanent masonry, which had been in progress for some years in charge of his father, but which was then directed by Captain (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Jared A. Smith of the U. S. Corps of Engineers. The instruction in civil engineering which was given him by his father and by Captain Smith, with study during actual practice in the office and field, combined to fit Mr. Judson for the responsible position which he has since filled. From 1865 to 1869 he made the detailed drawings for, and helped in laying out, much of the intricate work of Fort Ontario's casemates, galleries, and scarp revetment. In 1869 he made the original survey of the lake front of Oswego for the outer harbor, and also the large map of it upon which the Board of Engineers planned the outer breakwater, which was begun in 1871 under the personal charge of Mr. Judson (who nearly lost his life by drowning while locating it), and which has since been built and maintained at a cost of $1,250,000; much of its building having been under his direction when not absent on other works, as have also been the submerged rock excavation in the river and the other works in Oswego harbor, as described in its history elsewhere.

In 1893 he made a minute survey and map of Oswego harbor and river up to the dam, and of the city streets and railroads, which map has been adopted as the official map of the U. S. harbor lines, and is to be published as such by the govern- ment. The entire absence of any such map has often been felt. In 1870 he made similar minute surveys and large maps of all the U. S. harbors on Lake Ontario, which were published, and have served as the basis for their improvement, and since then he has made surveys, projects and estimates for many extensive works else- where, on Lake Champlain, River St. Lawrence and Lake Erie. The works which have thus been directed from the Oswego office, and for which Mr. Judson has been the civil engineer, have varied greatly in extent from time to time; for many years including five forts and twenty rivers and harbors on Lake Champlain, River St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and a part of Lake Erie, as well as the lighthouses in the same region. This large district was later reduced in extent to include a part of Lake Ontario only, with two forts and six harbors. The total ap- propriations for these works since 1870 have aggregated several millions of dollars. Besides these general duties, Mr. Judson has had local charge in 1882 and 1883 of extensive repairs and reconstruction of Fort Wayne, Mich., and in 1884 of Fort Montgomery on Lake Champlain, and in 1885 of the breakwater at Burlington, Vt., and at various times of extensive works at Fort Niagara on the Niagara River. Twice during this period-in 1874 and again in 1889-the subject of a ship canal con- nection of the great lakes with tidewater has been reported upon by the Oswego engineers' office, Mr. Judson being engaged upon both of these examinations and reports. In 1889 and again in 1893 discussions of the ship canal problem by Mr. Judson were published in pamphlet form, and have been widely quoted and copied,

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the first being reprinted in full as a part of the congressional document regarding the subject, and with the second, showing that any future connection of the lakes with the tidewater must of necessity lie through the valleys of the Oswego River, the Oneida River and the Mohawk River to the Hudson. Mr. Judson's general interest in different branches of lis profession has led to his being identified with many of the local public affairs besides those directly pertaining to government works. Since 1876 he has been the commissioner to regulate and divide the water power of the Varick canal, which takes half of the power of the Oswego River at its first dam, and operates the starch factory, and mills, etc., on the west side of the river. From 1884 to 1890 he was actively connected with one of the leading electric companies, and had much to do with the general introduction of electric power for street rail- ways elsewhere than in Oswego. As the engineer member of the Board of Health of Oswego, Mr. Judson drew up the rules for electric wiring, which were formally adopted and published in book form in 1890, but which have not been enforced, and also the specifications for electric lighting of the city, which go into effect in 1895. As a sanitary engineer he also prepared the adopted and published rules for plumb- ing, drainage and ventilation which are now in force, and he is considered an author- ity on matters of sanitation. In 1894, at the request of the mayor, and as the con- sulting engineer to the Board of Public Works, Mr. Judson prepared a discussion of the "City Roads and Pavements suited to Oswego," which has been published in book form for general reference in the projected improvement of the city. These varied interests, added to those of the government works, have led to Mr. Judson's being a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a memberof the English Institution of Civil Engineers, and an associate member of the American Insti- tute of Electrical Engineers. to the published transactions of which bodies he has made various contributions. Mr. Judson has been a trustee of the Oswego Hospital since its organization, and he was also one of the organizers of the Fortnightly Club, and since its incorporation one of its officers. He is one of the oldest members of the Æonian Lodge of F. and A. M. The family have always been members of Christ Church, Oswego. In political affairs he has always scrupulously avoided tak- ing any active part, considering that his professional business could be better exe- cuted if kept wholly free from political influences.

Walpole, Thomas, is of Irish ancestry and was born in Schenectady October 22, 1838, a son of Richard, a native of Ireland, who died in Oswego aged seventy-eight. He married Margaret King, born in Ireland, and died in Oswego aged seventy-eight. Thomas was educated in Schenectady, and came to Oswego at the age of twenty-two. He worked for his father on the farm and in the saw mill, and was employed by J. R. Myers in Oswego for six years, at teaming. He then bought teams for himself and started business in Oswego in 1864, still continuing. Beginning with two teams he now has twenty-four, and does a general truck and express business. He also engages in contracting and handling safes, etc. Mr. Walpole has a farm in the town of Scriba. In 1864 he married Mary A., daughter of Edward and Bridget (Cochrine) Hennessey of Oswego, and their children are Emma, a graduate of the High school; Edward, born March 6, 1869, who is in business with his father; Thomas, jr., born in 1871, also engaged with his father; Helen, born August 17, 1886.

Wright, A. C., was born on Prince Edward Island, June 7, 1849. His parents,

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John R. and Sophia C Wright, were both lifelong residents of the Island where they were born and reared. John Wright was a surveyor and was also a man of social and political note, serving many years as a magistrate. Alonzo began life as clerk for a mercantile house and in 1870 came to Granby, where he is now engaged in farm- ing near Oswego Falls. March 26, 1880, he married Minnie E., daughter of the late William B. and Marion Simmons of Oswego Falls. Their first son, Jay J., died July 28, 1883, when three years of age. Another son, Arthur D., was born November 18, 1883, and a daughter, Beulah S., October 11, 1890. Mr. Wright served as collector in 1891. Both himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church of Os- wego Falls. His mother, Sophia, still lives at the old homestead on Prince Edward Island, where her husband died in 1890.

Wheeler, Philo, was born in the town of Rodman, Jefferson county, June 25, 1824. He learned the trade of blacksmithing in his native place, serving seven years of apprenticeship. He has been in Oswego county over forty years, during which time he has followed his trade with marked success. September 29, 1846, he married Louise Lewis, and they have one daughter, Augusta, wife of Edward Weed of Os- wego city. His wife having died, Mr. Wheeler married Mahala Ross, September 12, 1889. Mr. Wheeler is one of the leading Democrats of Oswego, and for many years served on both district and county committees, and has been a grand juryman fre- quently. His father was Henry Wheeler, his mother Lucy (Barrett) Wheeler, natives of New England. His father particapated in the war of 1812 at Sackett's Harbor. Besides his blacksmith trade Mr. Wheeler owns and conducts one of the finest farms in Oswego.

Wright, Thomas R., was born on Prince Edward Island in 1823. His grandfather, Nathaniel Wright, served in the war of the Revolution, notwithstanding the fact that his own father, William Wright was a loyalist. John, the father of our subject, was a very prominent man in Prince Edward Island, a magistrate for a long term of years. Thomas came to Oswego Falls in 1849, and like his father engaged in lumber man- ufacture, utilizing the unsurpassed power at this place. He represented Granby in the county legislature for five years. His wife was Delila, daughter of Hiram Ballou of Parish, and their sons, John J. and H. Jesse, are engaged in the hardware trade at Fulton.

Wilcox, Mrs. Cora, of Oswego Falls, has been a resident of that village for thirteen years, having been born and reared in the city of Oswego. Her father, John Allen, was a machinist of Oswego. She married in 1881 Morgan L. Wilcox, who for many years conducted a hotel near the D. L. & W. depot at Oswego Falls. He died in · 1887 aged seventy nine, and Mrs. Wilcox devotes herself to the education of her only child, Morgan L., born August 16, 1884.

Westcott, Albert, was born in Madison county April 14, 1828, son of Jeremiah and Gerlanie (Hopkins) Westcott; father and mother were among the oldest settlers of Madison county. Albert was educated in Madison county, and then went to work on his father's farm until his marriage, when he bought a farm of his own on which he has lived ever since, except during the time he was in the army. He volunteered in the late Civil war and went to the front with the 114th N. Y. in August, 1862, re- maining in the army till the close of the war; was in three of the principal battles of

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the war, and participated in numerous skirmishes. He was married in 1853 to Laura N. Myres, and has two children, Maud and George. Maud is living at home, George is married and lives in Parish.

Wellwood, John, of South Mexico, was born in 1844 near where he has always lived, and is a son of James and Sarah (Remington) Wellwood, who came to South Mexico in 1838; the latter died in 1879. John married Helen Griffin in 1866, and they have one child, Grace, born in 1871.

Walton, Van H., one of the assessors of the town of Mexico, was born in 1847 and has always resided in Mexico. His father, Joshua, died in 1889 aged seventy-five, and the mother, Rebecca (Kenyon) Walton, resides in Mexico. At the age of seven- teen Van H. learned the carpenter trade, and in 1888 built a sash and door factory, and has since been engaged in that line of manufacture. In 1877 he married Hulda R. Morehouse. He was elected assessor in 1890, and re-elected in 1893.

Woodruff, O. N., was born in New Haven in 1843, and is a son of James B. and Minerva (Wiggins) Woodruff. He married in 1867 Mary, daughter of Charles Lewis. Mr. Woodruff was reared a farmer, and still resides on a farm. He was in the mer- cantile trade at Demster sixteen years, and is an extensive dealer and shipper of fruit. He was Demster's first postmaster, serving several years.

Stowell, Orrin L., is one of Boylston's energetic farmers and business men and was born in the town of Boylston, September 2, 1846. He is a son of Allen G. Stowell, who was born in Orwell in 1823. Allen is a son of Orrin Stowell of Vermont, who was a farmer. Allen G., the father, was a farmer during his early life. From that he embarked in the insurance business, which he followed until his death in 1893. He came to Boylston in 1846 and settled on the twenty-five acre lot on which our subject now resides. He afterward moved to Mexico, where his death occurred. He married Emily Pennock. Their children are Orrin L., Nelson, Mary E., Lillian and Jennie. He was a member of the Masonic order. Our subject began for himself at the age of twenty-one as a farmer on the homestead, to which he has since added one hundred acres. Here he has made his home, except two years spent at Orwell in the lumber business. In connection with his farming he was at one time extensively en- gaged in the agricultural implement business. He now holds the patent right on a well and cistern cleaner and purifier. He has held the offices of assessor, supervisor and justice of the peace. He is a member of the I. O. O.F. and Maccabees. In 1866 he married Martha, daughter of Lewis and Almira Chase of Schuyler county. Their children are Burton, Arthur, Emily and Mamie, deceased, and Clarence.

Smith, Harvey Austin, was born in Parish in September, 1840, son of Harvey Smith, a native of Richmondville, Schoharie county, born in 1804, a farmer who set- tled in Dutch Hill, Parish, about 1826 where he spent his last days. His wife was Catherine Simons, and their children were William, Getty M., Nancy H., Peter H., David B., James A. and Harvey A. Our subject was reared on a farm and in 1862 came to West Monroe and purchased the saw mill property, where he now resides and does business. He owns 430 acres and has been engaged for many years in the manufacture of lumber, employing a large number of workmen. In 1885 a post- office was established in this section known as Jerry, of which he has been postmaster continuously since. In 1864 he married Ella Strickland, born in 1847, daughter of

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Cephus and Lurancy (Robinson) Strickland, and they have two children: Cephus, born in December, 1865, and Herbert, born in July, 1869.

Sanford, William P., was born in New York city December 24, 1849, a son of Sim- eon, also a native of that place, who died aged seventy-six. The latter married Martha A. Pierson, born in New Jersey, who died aged eighty two. Their children were Louise, Eliza, Thomas, George, Martha, William P. and Simeon, Thomas being deceased. The father was an architect and contractor and a member of F. & A. M. The grandfather, Philip, was born in New York, where he died aged seventy-six, having served in the war of 1812. William P. was educated in New York city and engaged in the life insurance business for twelve years, then began manufacturing wood butter and pie plates, which business he has continued up to the present time. In 1890 he came to Sandy Creek and assumed management of the Sandy Creek Wood Mfg. Co., Lmtd., in which he is a large stockholder. This plant is the largest of the kind in New York State, employing natural gas and being in the heart of a section of the finest timber for their particular industry. The daily output is 80,000 plates per day, and they employ sixty hands, their goods meeting with ready sale and the factory being kept in operation the year around. October 17, 1888, Mr. Sanford married Elizabeth (Kendall) Mckenzie of New York city.

Smith, Charles, was born in Rochester, N. H., in 1827, son of Charles and grand- son of John Smith, born at the same place. Charles's wife was Nancy Richardson, by whom he had eight children: Clarissa, Timothy, John, James, Lucy, Charles, Lewis and Mary. Subject has had to earn his own living since he was ten years of age. He was employed on a farm, in a woolen mill, and various places until he was twenty-five, when he began farming for himself. In 1850 he came to Brewerton and later spent two years in New Hampshire, his native place. In 1861 he bought a farm in West Monroe of 125 acres. He married in 1852 Eunice A., daughter of Peter Phillips of West Monroe, and their children are Mrs. Alice Shaw of West Monroe; George L. and Charles P. deceased; Mrs. Rosabelle Lord of West Monroe and Clinton A., who lives with his parents. Subject served as assessor, and is a member of the Grange.

Slocum, John F., was born in Spafford, Onondaga county, in May, 1822, son of Eleazer, who was one of four children of Abram Slocum, who was a sailor lost at sea. Eleazer was a farmer, came to West Monroe in the fall of 1825 and located on the farm now owned by John A. Webb. He erected a log cabin, and the following spring moved his family in. In February, 1840, he moved to the village of West Monroe and purchased the farm and hotel property now owned by subject, which he con- ducted until his death. He served as supervisor and justice of the peace. His wife was Betsey Wilson, by whom he had thirteen children. He died aged fifty and his wife aged seventy seven. Immediately after his father's death subject was appointed administrator of the estate, and later purchased the hotel and farm. In 1882 he erected the two story hotel which he now conducts, it being the only hostelry in West Monroe. Mr. Slocum has served as supervisor thirteen terms, town clerk several years, collector, constable, etc. In 1850 he married Susan Melissa, daughter of Mar- cus Paterson of West Monroe, and their children are Martha, who died young; John T., Edgar F. and Stephen D. John T. lived with his father until forty years of age, and died in April, 1893, leaving a wife and two children, John and Iva A.

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Stevens, Alonzo, was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, August 6, 1824, the only son of Hiram and Mary (Blanchard) Stevens, whose parents were farmers at Manns- ville. Hiram Stevens died in 1835 aged sixty-five, and his wife died in 1842. Alonzo began business as a farm hand, and now owns a farm of ninety-one acres in the town of Sandy Creek, where he makes a specialty of dairying. In 1849 he married Miss L. Smith, daughter of Luther and Love Smith of Pulaski, both now deceased. Their children are Florence, Charlotte, wife of William F. Corse; Ida May, widow of Charles Newell who died in 1882, leaving one son, Luther S .; Jerome, who married May Welch, and has two daughters, Iva and Lena; Elwin and Alminetta, who are at home. The family are members of the M. E. Church.

Sullivan, Daniel E., was born in Oneida county in 1851, a son of Daniel who was a native of Ireland, a carpenter and stone mason by trade. He was an only son and came to the United States with his mother when five years of age, and to Constantia in 1862. His wife was Mahannah Allen and their children are Jane, Thomas, Will- iam, Kittie, Daniel, John, Ella, Lydia and Adelbert. He died in 1869 and his wife in 1892. At the age of sixteen subject began life as boatman on the Erie Canal, which he followed nine years, and then spent two years at the carpenter and mason's trade. In 1887 he accepted an appointment as turnkey in Pulaski prison, which po- sition he held six years, and then spent three years in Oswego as turnkey in that prison. In 1887 he returned to Constantia and purchased a farm of eighty-two acres near Constantia village, to which he has since devoted his attention. Subject served three years as deputy sheriff in Constantia, and also as constable. He married in 1874 Mary, daughter of Alanson Marshall of Constantia, by whom he has two chil- dren: William, born in 1876, and Herbert, born in 1885.

Sabin, A. A., was born in Oswego July 3, 1846, and resides on the old homestead. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. C. 184th N. Y. Vols., serving till the close of the war. In 1867 he married Mary J. Chase, and they have one son and three daughters. Mr. Sabin is a member of the G. A. R., in which he has served as commander, quarter- master, etc., having held office ever since its organization. He has been delegate to county conventions several times.

Stout, James W., was born in Brownville August 30, 1845, a son of William L., who waa born in Connecticut April 12, 1790, and came to Jefferson county after the war of 1812, in which he participated as corporal. He was a cooper by trade, which business he followed some years, then took up farming. He died in Jefferson county aged seventy-nine. March 30, 1808, he married Mary Lane, who died at the age of eighty-five, and by whom he had three children: Lansing, Mary M., and James W. Lansing Stout was a lawyer by profession, and removed to California where he was elected to the Assembly, was county judge in Portland, Ore., and was the first mem- ber of Congress from his district; also elected State Senator. He died at an early age, leaving a wife and four children. James W., our subject, has always followed farming. He first came to Albion in 1870 and took up lumbering, but later engaged in the meat business, following butchering for some time. He is now postmaster of Sand Bank, president of the village, justice, and has served in various offices of public trust. Mr. Stout has been twice married, his second wife being Emily Rich, whom he married in 1867, and by whom he has three children: Tempa A., Helen and Blanche. He is a Mason of Pulaski Lodge No. 415.

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Scram, Isaac N., was born in Jefferson county July 17, 1845, son of Michael and Pamelia (Fredenburg) Scram, who came from Saratoga county to Jefferson county. The father came to Oswego county when Isaac was nine years old. The mother died in 1893 at the age of seventy-four years. They had three sons, John F., Isaac N., and William J. Isaac Scram is a farmer. In 1868 he married Frances Eaton of this town, by whom he has three children, Bertha C., Jennie M., and Ethel C. The two older have taught school and for two years back have attended the Sandy Creek school. August 6, 1862, Isaac enlisted in the 110th Regiment under Col. Littlejohn and Capt. Garrett and served for three years and twenty-two days. He has held the office of assessor for twelve years past.

Smith, Nelson E., was born in Jefferson county in 1850, and in 1871 came to Oswego county, locating soon after in New Haven. He has been engaged in handling ag- ricultural implements and farm products, was constable twelve years, and afterward deputy sheriff four years. He married in 1890 Lizzie Mckinstry, and has two chil- dren, Alfred and Blanche. Subject's father, Alfred, died in Jefferson county in 1872, and his mother, Mary C., resides with him.

Simpson, Robert, has been married three times. His first wife was Rose Foster, born November 11, 1805, and died May 22, 1842. Three of her children are living. His second wife was Nancy L. Bailey, born April 13, 1819, and died October 25, 1865. Six of her children are now living. His third wife who still lives was Abigail Smith. They were married September 12, 1866. Mr. Simpson's father was Robert Simpson, and his mother Mary Spencer. Robert Simpson was born July 31, 1805. His parents ·moved to Saratoga county in 1806 and Mr. Simpson lived there until 1831, when he came to Oswego county. He has lived in Scriba ever since except three years spent in Oswego city. Mr. Simpson was supervisor fifteen years, and justice of the peace. He was twice appointed justice of sessions, and was school commissioner and school trustee.

Smith, John K., was born in Oswego January 29, 1838, son of John and Mary (Cul- vier) Smith, who were both born in Germany. The mother died in Oswego at the age of sixty-one years, and the father in Buffalo at the age of sixty-eight. The father was a soldier in the Civil war, being captured in the battle of Fair Oaks; he was also a soldier in Germany. John K. was educated in Oswego. He first worked in a mill, then in Kingsford's factory, and then learned tinsmithing which he has worked at ever since. In 1874 the firm of Allen, Smith & Co. was formed, doing a business of hard- ware, tin, iron, and sheet iron. In 1890 the firm of Smith & Vanhorn was formed, which continued until June, 1893. The store is now continued on W. First street and 36 E. Bridge street, carrying the largest line of hardware in the county. In 1865 Mr. Smith married Margaret, daughter of James and Norah Carroll of Canada. The children were J. Carroll, born August 7, 1878, and Mary A., born April 13, 1867, and died in April, 1876. Carroll is in the High school. Mr. Smith has been chief engi- neer of the Fire Department, alderman, school commissioner, also commissioner of the Board of Public Works.

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Landmarks of Oswego County, New York, Part 133

Author: Churchill, John Charles, 1821-1905; Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925; Child, W. Stanley Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1410

Author: Churchill, John Charles, 1821-1905; Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925; Child, W. Stanley
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1410