Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 105

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > New York > Onondaga County > Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II > Part 105

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Mead, William H., Syracuse, was born in Fultonville, Montgomery Co., March 13, 1826. His earliest business was as a clerk in his father's coal office in that village, in which he became a partner. In 1859 he went to New York as a clerk in the old Westchester House on the corner of Broome street and the Bowery, where he re- mained three years, when he engaged in lightering coal from Trenton to Albany and Troy. In 1871 he returned to Fultonville and purchased his father's coal business, which he continued until 1877, when he came to Syracuse. He was with the D., L. & W. R. R. Co. for fourteen years, and in 1891 established his present real estate business. In all these various enterprises he was eminently successful. In 1865 he was married to Miss Henrietta O. Lansing, of Albany Co.

Newell, James E., Syracuse, was born in Davenport, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1859, attended Fergusonville Academy, was graduated from Colgate Academy in 1882 and from Madison (now Colgate) University in 1886, began the study of law in Syracuse with Waters & McLennan the same year, and was admitted to the bar at the Utica gen- eral term in Feb., 1889. He practiced his profession in the office of Hogan & Sterns until Feb. 1, 1890, with Charles E. Ide till Feb., 1892, alone till May, 1893, and since with Hon. Levi S. Chapman. He has been commissioner of deeds and is now a notary public.

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Reuben Wood's Sons Company, Syracuse. - Perhaps no resident of Central New York ever acquired the reputation which Reuben Wood enjoyed as an angler and outdoor sportsman. He traced his lineage back for 200 years to Dr. Samuel Wood, of Manchester, England, who came to America and settled in Boston in 1699. Reu- ben Wood eame from Pittsfield, Mass., and located in Syracuse in 1850, and two years later founded the business which became so widely known, and which has been continued uninterruptedly to the present time. He was an enthusiastic out- door sportsman and an angler of wide renown. Ile was sent to the International Fisheries Exhibit at London by Congress as one of the commissioners from the Smithsonian Institution in charge of the American exhibit, and while there won sev- eral first prizes at the international fly casting tournament. In this sport he was long a leader in America. His two sons, George B. and Charles W., who succeeded to the business, have acquired a reputation almost equal to that of their illustrious father, and from early youth have been identified with outdoor sports. George B. Wood was born in Syracuse May 7, 1853, was educated in the public schools of the city, and at once entered upon the commercial career marked out by his father. In this business he has won an honorable position, and it is largely due to his efforts and enterprise that an immense trade has been successfully established and main- tamed. He is chairman of the Onondaga Anglers' Association, and prominent in fraternal and military organizations. Charles W. Wood, the junior member of the firm, was born in this city July 15, 1860, was graduated from Williams College in 1884, and at once entered upon his business career. He is a member of the Business Men's Association and of Syracuse Lodge, No. 501, and Chapter of the Masonic fraternity, and for five years was vice-consul of the New York State division L. A. W. In 1884 the firm of Reuben Wood's Sons was organized, and in 1894 it was succeeded by the present concern, Reuben Wood's Sons' Company.

Russell, Archimedes, Syracuse, architect, son of Moody and Fanny (Wardwell) Russell, natives respectively of Alfred, Me., and Andover, Mass., and descendants of members of Plymouth Colony, of Massachusetts Bay, was born in Andover, Mass., June 13, 1840, and when thirteen was apprenticed to Charles S. Parker, a carriage and sign painter. After two years he joined his father, an extensive contractor and builder, attended school in his native town, and just before reaching his majority entered the architectural office of John Stevens, of Boston. Dec. 4, 1862, he came to Syracuse and entered the employ of that well known architect, Horatio N. White, with whom he remained until Jan. 1, 1868, since which time he has actively practiced his profession alone, acquiring a foremost position as an able and talented architect. He designed the Onondaga County Clerk's, Snow, and Greyhound buildings, Con- gress Hall, Church of Assumption School, House of Providence, Crouse Memorial College, Third National Bank, Crouse stable, and the dwellings of Jacob Amos, H. S. White, Dr. G. D. Whedon, J. S. Crouse, L. S. Denison, and others in Syracuse ; the Sibley and McGraw buildings of Cornell University; the Presbyterian church and Mr. D. II. Burrell's residence, Little Falls; Warner Miller's mansion, Herkimer ; Devereaux building, Oneida; Second National Bank, Oswego; Otsego county court house ; Cortland House, Cortland ; and scores of others of equal note. He was fire commissioner from 1881 to 1885, and president of the board in 1884-85, and super- visor from the Seventh ward in 1884, 1886, and 1887. In politics he is a Republican. June 30, 1864, he married Susie M. Bartlett, of Boston.

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Ryder, Philip S., Syracuse, was born in Ithaca, N. Y., April 7, 1837, and received his education in his native city. When twenty-one years of age he went west and made a close study of photography, in all its departments, in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis, and then came to Syracuse, where for upwards of thirty years his name has been synonymous with all that pertains to the higher branches of the art. He is one of the leading photographers in Central New York. But outside his pro- fession Mr. Ryder is equally prominent, being connected with various enterprises, and taking a deep interest in public matters. He has long been interested in beauti- fying and adorning Oakwood cemetery. He was for five years president of the Cen- tral City Building and Loan Association, and for seven years has served as supreme commander of the Knights of S. F. I., to which position he has recently been elected for another term of three years. In politics he has been an active Democrat, and for several years was president of the Board of Police Commissioners, and has also re- ceived nominations for various responsible offices. He is a member of Central City Lodge No. 305, F. & A. M., Americus Lodge No. 607, I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, the Citizens Club, and the Syracuse Athletic Association. Aug. 11, 1855, he married Miss Olive A. Patterson, a lady of great intellectuality and remarkable fine presence. They have had two sons, Henry W. and John H., both deceased.

Snow, Orrin J., Syracuse, junior member of the wholesale and retail drug firm of C. W. Snow & Co., and son of Hiram and Alida Ann (Squier) Snow, was born in Syracuse on May 7, 1850. Receiving his education in the public and High Schools of this city he became in 1870 a clerk in the drug store of C. W. Snow & Co., and three years later was admitted to the firm. He was president of the Century Cycling Club for three years, and has been a director of the Business Men's Association for two years. In Feb., 1877, he married Lilian B., daughter of L. A. Swarthout, of Syracuse, and they have two sons: Roscoe Kent and Leslie Dunlap, aged respective- ly seventeen and fifteen.

Murray, John J., Syracuse, was born in Syracuse, where he has always resided, March 25, 1862. His father, John, came from Ireland by way of Montreal, and set- tled in this city in Aug., 1847, being seven weeks making the journey. The son was graduated from Syracuse High School in 1878, attended Power's Stenographic Insti- tute in Rochester, and in 1884 became a clerk for Forbes & Abbott, stock brokers, with whom he remained until that firm was dissolved in 1886. He was then cashier for Fredericks & Co. and became a partner of Burnet Forbes & Co., who afterward bought out Fredericks & Co. In 1891, when that business was closed up, he was made superintendent of the Syracuse Brewing Co., a position he held until March, 1893, when. on July 10, he was appointed superintendent of the registry department of the Syracuse post-office. He was elected alderman of the Seventh ward in 1891 and 1892, and of the Ninteenth ward in 1893, 1894, and 1895, being a member of sev- eral important committees. He was deputy county clerk under John J. Hallock, was recording secretary of Branch 68, C. M. B. A., for three years, and is now treas- urer of Division No. 3, A. O. H., and esteemed leading knight of Syracuse Lodge, No. 31, B. P. O. E. In 1886 he married Catherine A., daughter of the late William Connor, of Syracuse.

Hawkins, Edward T., Syracuse, is a son of Joseph Hawkins, and was born in Wheatland, N. Y., Aug. 12, 1843. Educated in his native county (Monroe) he be-

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came a clerk in a hat store in Rochester, and in 1864 came to Syracuse as a clerk for Hodge & Stevens, who were succeeded by George Stevens. In 1872, with Maj. Theodore L. Poole, Poole & Hawkins, he started a general hat and fur business, and in 1876 became sole owner; in 1877 the well known firm of Hawkins & Goodrich (Ira O. G.) was formed, and continued eleven years. During the next three years he con- ducted business alone, and in 1891 W. E. Blumer (q. v.) was admitted to partnership under the name of Hawkins & Blumer. The carry on one of the largest fur estab- lishments between New York and Buffalo. In 1883 Mr. Hawkins married Hattie M., daughter of Hiram Bronson, of Marcellus. 'They have two children: Bronson Hiram and Edward Ruszits.

Kimman, Edward J., Syracuse, son of Conrad, was born in Syracuse, Feb. 17, 1861. Conrad Kimman, a native of Germany, came to America and settled in Herk- imer Co., N. Y., in 1848, and moved thence to Syracuse in 1853, where he died in Jan., 1888. He was a gardener by occupation, and his wife was Mary Bolte. Their children were Allen K., Edward J., Henry C., and Fred G., all of Syracuse, and four who died in infancy. Edward J. Kimman began life as an apprentice at the harnessmaker's trade with Rodman Reed, with whom he continued for five years. He then entered the employ of Charles T. Schieldt, who died in Feb., 1889, when he purchased the business on the corner of James and Warren streets, and has since continued it, manufacturing all kinds of harness and dealing in supplies for the stable. He is past grand of the I. O. O. F. and a member of the K. P.

Manufacturers' Supply and Tool Company, The, Syracuse, had its inception in the Manufacturers' Supply Company, which was organized in Dec., 1893, by Charles Manz, and established business as general dealers in manufacturers' supplies, tools, machinery, etc. The latter was succeeded by the first named concern, which was incorporated Feb. 22, 1895, with a capital of of $10,000, and with C. A. Manz, presi- dent; H. E. Manz, treasurer; and Charles Manz, secretary and treasurer. The business, which has grown from a small beginning, now extends over the entire State of New York west of Amsterdam, and is already one of the important factors in the commercial prosperity of Syracuse.

West, Dennison S., Clay, was born in Clay, Aug. 7, 1825, son of David and Mary West, who were originally from Connecticut and came to this county before the war of 1812. The father was a cooper by trade, and died at the age of 44. Our subject is one of twelve children. He has been a farmer until a few years ago, when he sold the farm and now lives retired. In 1851 he married Anna Duffany, and they have one son, Morrell C., who read law in Syracuse with A. L. Johnson, was admitted to the bar in Syracuse, and is now located in Syracuse, Neb.

Kneeland, Dr. Jonathan, Onondaga, was born Feb. 10, 1812, in a log cabin in the town of Marcellus, between Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes. His father, Warren Kneeiand, born in Connecticut in 1771, was a country schoolmaster for twenty-seven years, teaching winters chiefly in Saratoga and Onondaga counties. Jonathan is the fifth in descent from Edward Kneeland, who came to " Boston Bay" from Scot- land in 1732 and left in Haddam, Conn., five children: Deacon John K., Warren (above mentioned), Asa, Amasa, and one other. Amasa died in Marcellus in 1845. He came to this county about 1797 and was the father of Hon. Samuel Stillman aaa

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Kneeland, of Skaneateles, who was born in April, 1811. Deacon John K. was an architect and builder, while Asa followed farming, teaching. and tanning. Both reared large families, and after living here many years went west, where their chil- dren are well-known citizens. Warren came to Pompey from Saratoga Co. in 1798 to teach in a log school house which the Sweets, Hiscocks, and others erected for the purpose. Dr. Jonathan was a precocious youth, devouring everything he could find in the way of literature .. When eleven years of age he became a student in medicine, under Dr. Jeremiah Bumpus Whiting, of Sempronius, Cayuga Co., but soon returned to his father's log house. When sixteen he again left home, this time without leave, and attended district, select, and academic schools. He now weighed ninety pounds. He taught two winter terms of school, of four and five months each, and experienced all the questionable delights of "boardin' 'round." When eighteen he entered Lane Seminary in Ohio, and after teaching for a time entered the colle- giate department under Dr. Lyman Beecher. Here after faithfully nursing his schoolmates through the disease he suffered an attack of Asiatic cholera, which left him an invalid for nine years. Fighting bravely through his weakness and ill health, however, he continued to pursue his medical studies, and in 1862 was licensed by the Onondaga County Medical Society as a physician. He then opened an office in Vesper, a little village in the town of Tully, but in 1843 removed to Thorn Hill in Marcellus, where he was married on Feb. 7, 1845, to Miss Miriam, only daughter of Moses Martin Dwelle, of Onondaga. After several years' practice there he settled in South Onondaga, where he has since resided. Dr. Kneeland's children, all born at Thorn Hill, were Frank Joel, born in Dec., 1845, who has been for thirteen years an active business man in Fergus Falls, Minn .; Martin Dwelle, D.D., born Sept. 24, 1848, pastor of the Roxbury Presbyterian church, Boston, Mass. ; and Stella, born Feb. 20, 1854, wife of Fred Colburn Eddy, of Syracuse. In 1854 the New York State Medical Society conferred upon Dr. Kneeland the degree of M. D. and in 1856 he received a similar honor from the Regents. These honors came entirely unsought, but were conferred for well-known merit. During his extensive and successful prac- tice, coveing a period of about fifty years, Dr. Kneeland sought to keep abreast with the best men in his profession, not only by constant study, but by attending lectures in both Philadelphia and New York city, and by service in hospitals and dispensaries, as well as by faithful attendance at the various county, State and national medical societies to which he belonged. He was a delegate to the State Medical Society for four years and an active member for twenty years, and has been for thirty-six years a member of the American Medical Society. He has contributed to various medical journals ; some of his writings having been published in magazines in other countries, attracting wide attention. He had filled various offices of trust and honor, with scrupulous integrity. He served as coroner eighteen years, as superintendent of the Onondaga Indian school twenty- five years, and as physician to the Onondaga In- dians ten years. As a volunteer surgeon in the Civil war he did valiant work in the Special Corps, and his services were appreciated and honored. His career is strewn with acts of kindness, with numerous warm, admiring friends, and with no enemies. His has ever been a profitable life, filled with deeds imperishable, and graced by that precious attribute-an approving conscience.

Wolcott & West, Syracuse. The firm of Wolcott & West, booksellers, publishers, stationers, and engravers, was formed in Jan., 1883, and succeeded to the business

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of Wolcott & Greenway. It consists of Clarence E. Wolcott and Orlando C. West. In 1888 the firm purchased of Henry Ivison, a nephew of the semor partner of Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Co., the well-known school book publishers of New York city, the oldest bookstore in Central New York, located in Auburn. In June, 1895, they also purchased the book room connected with Wells College in Aurora, making it a branch of their Auburn store. Thus the firm has built up a large and successful business, divided into three distinct establishments, the principal one being in Syra- cuse. Irving S. Colwell is their manager in Auburn.

Clarence E. Wolcott was born in Byron, Mich., Jan. 3, 1858, and is a son of Oliver Cromwell Wolcott, whose father was Oliver E. The latter was a son of Oliver Wol- cott, LL.D., of Connecticut, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a member of the Council of the State twelve years, major-general of militia, judge of the Court of Common Pleas and of Probate, member of the first Continental Congress, a brig- adier-general in the Revolutionary army, lieutenant-governor of Connecticut for ten years, and subsequently governor. The Wolcott family are noted in the history of that State, and for generations have filled conspicuous positions in civil and pro- fessional affairs. Clarence E. Wolcott, when six years old, came with his parents to Syracuse and was educated in the public and high schools of this city, graduating from the latter with high honors in 1876. He was then for five years a salesman in the bookstore of T. W. Durston & Co. In 1881 he purchased the interest of Robert H. Davis, of the firm of Davis & Greenway, booksellers where Wolcott & West now are, and with George B. Greenway formed a copartnership styled Wolcott & Greenway. This continued until Jan., 1883, when Orlando C. West succeeded to Mr. Greenway's interest and the firm became Wolcott & West. Mr. Wolcott is a member of the Citizens Club and of the Central Baptist church.

Orlando C. West, son of Harvey, grandson of Captain Mason, and great-grandson of John West, was born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., Jan. 11. 1845. His grandfather was a sailing master along the Atlantic coast and died in 1859 at the age of nearly ninety years. The family is of old New England stock. Mr. West was educated in the public schools and seminary of his native village and finished with a course in commercial law and bookkeeping. After teaching school a short time he became a clerk in a dry goods store in Little Falls, N. Y., where he remained for three years. In 1867 he came to Syracuse as cashier and bookkeeper for Bennett Brothers, dry goods dealers, and three years later entered the employ of Van Duzer & Co., whole- sale druggists of New York city, with whom he remained eleven years. Returning to Syracuse in 1880 he became cashier for Bradley & Co. and continued in that capacity twelve years to a day. In Jan., 1883, he also became a member of the pres- ent firm of Wolcott & West, and since Dec., 1892, has been financial manager of the Onondaga Whisk Broom Works. Mr. West is the author and publisher of West's Original Entry Ledger, which finds ready sale, not only throughout this country, but in all of the principal busines centers of the world. He has been prominently and officially connected with the First Baptist church of Syracuse for many years, serv- ing as trustee, deacon, and Sunday school superintendent.

King, Charles W., Syracuse, son of John and Hannah (Finch) King, was born at Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., Aug. 28, 1836, was educated there and reared in the lumber business, and moved with his parents to Parma Corners, Monroe Co., where

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he soon engaged in the ice trade, selling his ice in Rochester until about 1883; since that time he has been mainly a hotel keeper. He had the Gillson H use in Newark, N. Y., for two years, the Windsor House in Binghamton for one year, the Waverly House in Rochester in 1882, and the Windsor Hotel in Homer for three years. He then traveled in New England for three years, and in March, 1894, came to Syracuse, where his family had resided since 1891, as proprietor of the Revere House. Mr. King is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the K. P. Dec. 6, 1868, he married Susan, daughter of John Snyder, of Parma, N. Y., and they have one son, Robert W.

Hayden, Daniel E., Syracuse, traces his ancestry to William Heydon, who arrived in New England from Plymouth, England, June 30, 1630. In 1640 he settled at Windsor, Conn. A well authenticated genealogy carries the line back to Thomas de Heydon, of Heydon in South Epingham, justice itinerant in the reign of Henry III, 1221. The office of " justice in Eyre " was a commission held directly from the king, having appellate jurisdiction of superior cases. One of the five provisions of Magna Charta, signed by King John in 1215, was that "such local justices should be ap- pointed in the counties." Thomas de Heydon was therefore the first judge in Nor- folk appointed under Magna Charta. The great-great-grandfather of Daniel E. was Allyn Heydon (seventh in line from William), a Revolutionary soldier whose com- mission (now in the possession of the subject of this sketch) was signed by Matthew Griswold, of Connecticut. On his paternal mother's side was Gen. Jabez Castle, of early Pompey history; on his own mother's side were the Conklins of early Long Island, from whom the late Hon. Roscoe Conkling, of Utica, descended. Allyn Heydon came from Connecticut and took up a soldier's claim in Pompey in 1800, and his remains lie in the beautiful cemetery at Pompey Hill, marked by a simple monu- ment commemorating his record as a soldier of the Revolution. His son, Allen W. Heydon, succeeded him and was the father of a large family, including Samuel P. Hayden, his eldest son, who was the father of Daniel E. Daniel E. Hayden was born August 17, 1844, on a farm two and a half miles south of the village of Pom- pey Hill, where the large family of his grandfather was reared. In 1855 he moved with his parents to Pompey HIll, his father having purchased, with the late Henry L. Beard, the mercantile business early established at that place by Beach Beard. Like most farm boys he attended the country school, beginning at the age of six. In 1855 he entered Pompey Academy and attended that old institution for five years, spending the vacations and all his spare time in his father's store. He was prepared for and expected to enter Hamilton College when the war of the Rebellion broke out, he attempted to enlist, but on account of his age his father induced him to wait, and during the winter of 1861-62 he taught a district school in his native town. But the war spirit increased his enthusiam. He became a prominent member of the famous Loyal League, and on August 11, 1862, when not quite eighteen, enlisted, being the first to enlist in Co. E, 149th N. Y. Vols. He was chosen second sergeant, a valued honor for the country youth, and immediately accompanied the regiment to the front, where its service of three years was unusually brilliant. The regiment was first attached to the Army of the Potomac, was sent into Western Virginia, and went into camp on Bolivar Heights above Harper's Ferry, upon the same grounds previously occupied and surrendered by Colonel Miles to the Confederates. It joined Burnside's memorable campaign, and followed the fortunes of the army through the battle of Gettysburg, where it was stationed on Culp's Hill to meet the attack of

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Longstreet's Corps. Soon after it joined Sherman's Army and marched with him to the sea. Mr. Hayden served well and creditably and in October, 1863, after a long illness caused by exposure and hard service, was honorably discharged, sent home to die, and, as a surgeon said, to "save trouble and expense of burial." But a year later he engaged in merchandising at Pompey IIill with his father, served as deputy postmaster, and in 1864 was appointed postmaster, a position he held until 1870, when he resigned, sold out the business, and on April 26 moved to Syracuse, whither his father's family, consisting of Sabra A., Ellen L., Elizabeth M., Elma D., and George E., had come the year before. Ilis father had established the firm of Hayden, Mann & Crandall, wholesale and retail lumber dealers, and for them he became bookkeeper and manager. In 1872 his father's health failed, and with William F. Lyon he purchased the interests of Messrs. Hayden & Crandall, thus forming the firm of Lyon, Mann & Co., which conducted a successful business and closed up the concern Jan. 1, 1875. In 1876 he was appointed financial manager of the State Line Survey Corps, which established the line between New York and Pennsylvania. Aug. 1, 1879, he was called home to assume charge of the manufac- turing establishment of his brother-in-law, H. J. Crandall, which he conducted until 1886, when he became its owner. He has continued the business successfully ever since, manufacturing furniture, office fixtures, and general wood work. It is the oldest concern of the kind in Syracuse, having been carried on uninterruptedly since 1870. Mr. Hayden is a staunch Republican, and has worked hard for the party since he joined the " Lincoln Wide Awakes" in 1860, but has never sought public office. He has frequently been a delegate to county and State conventions. He was one of the prime movers in incorporating Danforth village, assisted in organizing the Dan- forth school, and for thirteen years was a member of the Brighton and Danforth Board of Education, whose records he still has in his possession. He was one of the founders of the Danforth Congregational church in Feb., 1883, a member of its first Board of Trustees (a position he held for thirteen years), was chairman of its building committee, and has been one of the deacons since 1890. He was a member of Dwight Post, No. 7, G. A. R., from 1872 until it disbanded; he was a charter mem- ber of Root Post, No. 151, and its first adjutant for three terms. He has been a mem- ber of Syracuse Lodge, No. 501, since 1875, has held responsible offices therein, is also a member of Central City Lodge, A. O. U. W., and Central City Council, R. A., and was a charter member of the old Sumner Corps. Dec. 19, 1879. he married Miss Belle C., eldest daughter of Capt. T. K. Fuller, one of the leading attorneys of Syracuse. She died in 1884, leaving three children now living: Sarah I., Sabra M .. and Daniel E., jr. In Jan., 1893, he married, second, Mrs. Martha Frazer, widow of Charles Frazer, of this city.

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 105

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908 Publication date: 1896 Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Bruce, Dwight H. (Dwight Hall), 1834-1908
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 1094