Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 39

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 39

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The children of Rev. William and Mary Wilson were Alfred, William (generally known as William, sr.), David, Cyrus, Polly (Mrs. Tinker), Electa (Mrs. Nichols), and Zada (Mrs. Youngs and afterward Mrs. Mosier). These three generations have passed away, leaving three more who are now represented in Plainville, several of whom bear the name of Wilson. The family was among the first in the neighbor- hood to encourage and support both religion and education, and donated the sites for the present school house, Christian church, and original burying ground, where representatives of six generations of the name are buried.

William Wilson, sr., son of Rev. William, came to Onondaga county with his parents when he was ten years of age, and from his father acquired a portion of the original farm. This was situated in the southwest angle of the corners, and com- prised all or a little more than all of the present Wilson homestead. His youth was spent amid the privations, hardships, and disadvantages of pioneer life, which offered comparatively no opportunity for securing an education, but many inducements for an active, energetic nature. His early years were therefore devoted to hard labor on the farm, clearing it of the heavy forests, and converting it into a comfortable home. On April 14, 1816, he married Polly Shepherd, who died December 2, 1825, aged twenty-nine years, leaving three children, of whom Harriet is deceased; Hiram

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lives in the West; and Horace resides in Meridian, N. Y. Their dwelling stood very nearly or quite on the site of the present Wilson residence, just south of the village. July 4, 1826, he married for his second wife, Hannalı Clyne, who died December 19, 1864, aged nearly sixty-one years. They had eight children : Mary Jane (Mrs. Harrison M. Neal), who died in Flushing, Mich. ; William, the subject of thissketch ; Betsey Ann (Mrs. Charles Saxton), who died July 17, 1868, aged thirty-seven ; Sally Matilda (Mrs. Jolın Bratt), who resides in Plainville on a part of Rev. William's original farm ; David G., who died in Plainville in February, 1892; Obediah E., of Plainville; James H., who died August 6, 1852, aged thirteen; and Helen Lorissa, who died March 12, 1857, aged nearly fifteen. Mr. Wilson died and was buried here, his grave being marked by a shaft upon which is the following inscription :

" William Wilson. Died at Plainville, N. Y., May 10th, 1864, aged 74 years, 7 mo., and 28 days. In A. D. 1800, he came with his father upon the premises, then a wilderness, a part of which he occupied at the time of his death."

William Wilson, sr., was the first to introduce the cultivation of tobacco into the immediate vicinity of Plainville. He began as early as 1833, on a small scale, and cured the plants in straw, yet he continued the industry with varying success for many years, and finally turned it over to his eldest son by his second wife.

William Wilson, son of William and Hannah (Clyne) Wilson, and grandson of the pioneer, Rev. William, was born on the family homestead (his present farm) on July 3, 1828, and received a common school education in his native town. Reared on the place of his birth, amid those influences of the community which mirrored his grand- father's remarkable individuality, he acquired as well as inherited the traits of char- acter which distinguished his ancestors and are peculiar to New England. Hle as- sisted and finally succeeded his father on the homestead, paying off the other heirs, and has practically spent his entire life upon its fertile acres. He early became an accomplished penman, and for a time taught writing school with the same degree of success that characterized his after efforts. While engaged mainly in farming he has also interested himself in various other enterprises, such as canal boating, keep- ing for a short time a canal grocery at Jack's Reefs, etc. His natural business quali. fications, his energy, perseverance and good judgment, combined to make him uni- formly successful, and he soon won and has ever since enjoyed the confidence,

esteem, and respect of every one with whom he has had commercial or other rela-

tions. Mr. Wilson has always been one of the most kind hearted and benevolent of men, and with true nobility of character has aided many in the struggle for success and advancement. The poor and needy have ever found in him a firm friend, while the causes of education, religion, and morality have all received sub- stantial aid at his hands. Broad and liberal minded, charitable, progressive, and enterprising, he has from a youth up taken a keen and often an active interest in public affairs and in the advancement and welfare of the community. His counsels and influence have been potent factors in guiding and elevating all local matters, and he occupies to day, both as a citizen and as a public benefactor, a foremost posi- tion in the locality which has from its first settlement enjoyed the presence and enterprise of his family.

Mr. Wilson, however, has won lasting renown by his life-long connection with an industry which within recent years has become the most important branch of local agriculture, and which will perpetuate his name in the annals of important achieve-

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ments. This is the cultivation of tobacco, in which he early became associated with his father. After the latter's death, having already the knowledge gained by many years of experiment, he actively entered upon the propagation of a variety which should withstand climatic influences peculiar to the locality. The result was the perfection and introduction by him in 1876 of the famous Wilson Hybrid Havana Tobacco, a combination of several kinds, both foreign and domestic, the chief characteristics of which he carefully harmonized and hybridized into one concrete whole, admirably adapted to the soil and climate. So thoroughly and scientifically did he perfect this that it has very largely taken the place of the old Sumatra brand, and is now the principal variety grown in the town. Mr. Wilson's shrewd foresight convinced him in the earlier years of his manhood that the culture of tobacco, if properly developed and encouraged, was destined to supersede every or nearly every other agricultural interest in his community, and with characteristic energy he ap- plied himself to the work of building up and improving the industry long before the average farmer had thought of raising anything but grain, corn, etc. He planted constantly increasing areas of the crop, thus practically demonstrating that it should have a place in local husbandry, and prominently identified himself with its develop- ment. He was among the pioneer tobacco growers of Onondaga county, and to him is largely due the present high standard and importance of this extensive industry, to which he has devoted so much careful, intelligent and scientific study. He has probably done more than any other man in building up the business which now com- mands the local farmers' chief attention. He has not only been a large producer, but has bought and shipped immense quantities annually, and for some time also manufac- tured cigars on the premises, employing as many as thirty hands. His principal busi- ness is that of a dealer. In 1879 he took his only son, Elias C., into partnership under the firm name of William Wilson & Son, which continued until the death of the latter in 1895.

Mr. Wilson was married March 22, 1854, to Miss Louisa Jane, daughter of Elias Cox, a blacksmith and farmer who settled at " Hortontown " in the town of Lysan- der about 1836, coming from Verona, Oneida county, where she was born January 26, 1834. She was a granddaughter of William Cox, who, disguised as a Mohawk Indian chief, was a prominent member of the Boston tea party in 1773. Mrs. Wil- son died June 15, 1894, in her sixty-first year. They had three children: Mary Eliza- beth, born November 1, 1855, who married, November 12, 1884, Newton A. Clark of Plainville, and has one son, William Wilson Clark, born February 16, 1889; Elias Cox, born September 14, 1858; and Emogene Maria, born September 2, 1861, upon whom de- volves the care of her father's home and much of the management of his extensive business interests. Mrs. Wilson was a woman of sterling qualities of head and heart, kind, charitable, and sympathetic, benevolent to the poor, a conscientious Christian, and a tender, affectionate wife and mother. Elias Cox Wilson, their only son, was educated in the public schools and Baldwinsville Academy, became asso- ciated with his father in business in 1879, and successfully continued until his untimely death December 24, 1895. He was a man of recognized business ability, enterpris- ing, energetic, and thoroughly honorable, and won a warm place in the hearts and affections of every one who knew him. He was a staunch Prohibitionist, public spirited, benevolent, and kind hearted, and as an honest, upright and conscientious citizen acquired a high reputation. He took an active part in all matters affecting

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the general welfare, and aided in supporting and encouraging worthy enterprises. He was kind to a fault, generous to the poor and needy, and affectionate in the home and among friends. December 19, 1883, he married Miss Metta L. Smith, of Plain- ville, who with three children survives him. Their children are Ilelen Metta, born February 26, 1885; William Elias, born March 5, 1891; and Louisa Emogene, born September 6, 1894.

JAMES V. KENDALL, M. D.

JAMES V. KENDALL, A. M., M. D., was born and bred in the town of Volney, Oswego county, N. Y. Ilis father, John Kendall, a native of Ludlow, Mass , and of English descent, located there in an almost unbroken forest in 1806, and remained upon the homestead farm until his death, which occurred in 1853, at the age of eighty years. John Kendall served in the war of 1812, and reared a family of eight sons and four daughters; his first wife was Alice Barnes and his second Manda Wilkinson. He was endowed with traits of character and habits of frugality peculiar to New England, and planted in the community those standards of citizenship which marked his day and generation.

Dr. James V. Kendall was born March 25, 1818, being the sixth son of John and Manda (Wilkinson) Kendall, and attended the common schools of his native town until he had reached the age of sixteen, when he was examined and received a cer- tificate to teach the district schools of the town. During the next few years he pur- sued his studies in the Rensselaer (Oswego) Academy and taught school as a means of defraying his expenses. Thus his educational opportunities were not unmixed with the stern realities which confronted the ambitious youth of that period. He early decided upon a professional career, for which he evinced a strong inclination and marked ability. In 1841 he entered Geneva Medical College, then one of the best institutions of the kind in the State, and was graduated therefrom in January, 1844. Immediately after his graduation he began the active practice of medicine in Pulaski, Oswego county, where he remained one year, when he went to Clay, On- ondaga county. There he acquired an extended professional business and met with uniform success. After a period of sixteen years he removed in 1861 to Baldwins- ville, where he has since resided.

Dr. Kendall has been a member of the Onondaga County Medical Society since 1848, and has served it most efficiently as secretary, vice-president, and president. He is also a member and in 1880 was president of the Medical Association of Cen- tral New York and since 1856 a permanent member of the New York State Medical Society, of which he was vice-president in 1876, and which he has frequently repre- sented in several other State societies. He is an honorary member of the Oswego County Medical Society, a corresponding member of the Gynecological Society of Boston, Mass., and a member of the Pilgrim Society of Boston, which was instituted in 1820 by descendants of the Pilgrims who landed on Plymouth Rock on December 21, 1620. In 1887 he received the honorary degree of A.M. from Hamilton College. He has been a frequent contributor to various periodicals on current topics and events, and especially on professional subjects, and many articles from his pen have been published in the Transactions of the New York State Medical Society,

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While devoting his time largely to his extensive professional business Dr. Kendall has nevertheless given considerable attention to educational and political affairs. He held the position of town superintendent of schools for three years, when that office (now abolished) required the services of an able and conscientious man. He was also an inspector of the Onondaga County Penitentiary during the first three years after that institution was established, was one of the coroners' physicians of the county for three years, and was supervisor of the town of Clay two years and of Lysander four years, being twice chairman of the board. In 1869 he represented his district in the State Legislature. He took a deep interest in military affairs at an early period, and when quite young in his profession was commissioned assistant surgeon in the State militia. Afterward he was made surgeon of the 228th Regi- ment by Gov. Silas Wright and served in that capacity until the State militia was disbanded, when he received the governor's certificate retaining his military rank. Soon after the beginning of the war of the Rebellion he offered his professional services whenever they should be needed. With him the incoming conflict was one of senti- ment, and as far as lay in his power he had, as a believer in the Union, the freedom of the whole country, and the exclusion of slavery from the new States as they were formed, aided in fostering that very sentiment which from his point of view underlaid the war. When the clash of arms came there was, therefore, but one thing for him to do, and he did it. Early in the war he offered his services and was commissioned by Governor Morgan a member of volunteer surgeons of the State of New York, to serve wherever needed. In this relation he stood to the army till the 21st day of August, 1862, when he was informed by the chairman of the County Committee that he had been selected for the post of surgeon of a new regiment about to be recruited in this county, and within half an hour thereafter he was on a train bound for Albany to be examined for the position. This step meant much to Dr. Kendall. As an evidence of unselfish patriotism and willingness to support and uphold the theories he had always advocated, his action was characteristic. He abandoned a practice never before approached in magnitude in his town, left a home of the pleasantest associa- tions, and within a week was notified that his examination was satisfactory and he was already actively examining recruits of the new regiment, the 149th N. Y. Vols. He was commissioned surgeon, and left with it for the front in September. He remained in the service and rendered valuable work on the field and in the hospitals until the close of the war, and rose to the position of chief surgeon of the Third Brigade, Sec- ond Division, of the Twelfth and Twentieth Army Corps.

Dr. Kendall has always manifested a commendable public spirit in the village where he resides, and is universally respected and esteemed for the many kind and benevolent acts as well as for his elevating influence and marked individuality. He is a firm friend, especially to the veterans of the war, whom he has never failed to aid and assist. As a physician and surgeon he ranks high among the most talented and skillful practitioners, and as a citizen he is enterprising, influential and honor- able. He takes a keen interest in all that pertains to the advancement and pros- perity of the village in education, religion, temperance, and the moral welfare. Having great faith in the future of the place he has invested heavily in real estate and is one of the largest taxpayers. He built his elegant residence in 1866, the Ken- dall brick block in 1872, and several dwellings for tenants in the mean time. At the close of the war he was brevetted by Gov. Reuben E. Fenton lieutenant-colonel

PETER V. MARKELL.

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"for faithful and meritorious services," and returning to Baldwinsville he entered vigorously upon the practice of liis profession, which he successfully continued until ill health compelled him to retire to private life. Since then he has deservedly en- joyed the fruits of a profitable and useful career.

In 1844 Dr. Kendall was married to Miss Phoebe Jane, daughter of Sylvanus Howe, of Clay, who died in 1886. In 1887 he married for his second wife Lucia M., daughter of the late Truman Skinner, of Van Buren.

PETER V. MARKELL.

PETER V. MARKELL was born at Jack's Rifts in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga county, January 11, 1857. His life, until the age of twenty-one was spent on his father's farm, except the time spent in acquiring his education. This was obtained at the common school in his native school district supplemented and extended by a course at the Jordan Academy, from which institution he graduated with high honors in his class.

After completing his education he concluded to learn the watchmaker's and jew- eler's trade and to that end devoted several years. He subsequently spent two years with Gourly & Brady, silversmiths in Syracuse and there acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the business in all its details. Having his own way to make in life he early embarked in business with little capital except prudent saving habits and a good stock of integrity. In 1883 Mr. Markell went to Jordan and there engaged in the jewelry trade, carrying with it some smaller lines to augment his income. By in- dustry and careful management his business was successful, so as time went on his business extended and therefore necessitated larger quarters.

In 1892 he purchased the drug store and stock of Dr. C. F. Tucker, located on Main street, Jordan, and succeeded to the business. To this he added school books and school supplies, stationery, etc. The jewelry and silverware lines combined with the others and the popularity of Mr. Markell have made his store one of the centers of trade in the village.

Peter V. Markell is a son of John and Priscilla Markell, who came from Herkimer county and settled in the town of Van Buren. Her maiden name was Priscilla Boyce of Tribes Hill, that county. The Markell family came from German stock, three brothers of that name having come to this country early in the century. They all located in Herkimer county, but one of them finally went to Canada, where he re- mained during his life. P. V. Markell has ever since attaining his majority been an earnest active Republican. Though he has occupied no political office he has been in- terested in his friends who have sought such offices, and his effort and influence have many times contributed largely to their success. He now one of the trustees of the village. Mr. Markell married Miss Minnie A. Bark, born in Prussia, July 20, 1856. They have five children, Ella May, now teaching at Garham's Corners, James P., Frances A., Edith P. and Russell B. All except Ella May are students in the Jordan public schools.

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EDWARD H. BURDICK.

EDWARD HAMILTON BURDICK, A. M., only son of Hamilton and Elvira (Woodworth) Burdick, was born in Syracuse on the 14th of September, 1850, and received his pre- liminary education in the public schools of his native city. He spent two years at the Vermont Episcopal Institute, a military school in Burlington, and then entered Hobart College at Geneva, N. Y., from which he was graduated with the degree of B.S., in 1870. He read law until the spring of 1871, when he accepted a clerkship in the Trust and Deposit Company of Onondaga, out of which was soon organized the State Bank of Syracuse, of which he was made paying teller. He resigned this position in April, 1873, and spent six months in Europe. Returning to Syracuse he resumed his law studies in his father's office. He was admitted to the bar at Buffalo in June, 1875, and immediately after formed a copartnership with his father and preceptor, which continued until January 1, 1890, when he became associated with ex-district attorney Lawrence T. Jones and George McGowan under the firm name of Burdick, Jones & McGowan. In June, 1893, Mr. Burdick withdrew from this firm and since then he has practiced alone, having offices with his father, and assuming the latter's litigation business.

Mr. Burdick has not only won a foremost place among the younger members of the profession, but occupies a prominent position at the bar of Onondaga county, having been elected secretary of the Onondaga County Bar Association in 1892 and still retaining that office. Inheriting those distinguished qualities of mental superi- ority which have so long made his father conspicuous in the legal arena, he has attained high rank as an able lawyer, and enjoys the respect and confidence of both his numerous clients and the public. In politics he has always been an unswerving Democrat, and for several years has taken a keen interest in the welfare of his party. His only political office is that of school commissioner from the Fourth ward, to which he was elected by a flattering majority in November, 1895, running far ahead of the ticket. As a member of the Board of Education his work has been characterized by ability, justice, and fidelity not only to his local constituents, but to the city at large. In July, 1895, he was elected a member of the faculty of the new College of Law of Syracuse University and given the chair of Instructor in Con- tracts and Domestic Relations, which he still holds. He is a prominent member of Central City Lodge, No. 305, F. and A. M., and Central City Chapter, No. 70, R. A. M., and was one of the early members of the Citizens' Club. He takes a lively interest in all public matters, and is prominently identified with the social and civil life of the community.

December 28, 1875, Mr. Burdick was married to Miss Elizabeth Hall, daughter of Hon. Benjamin F. Hall, of Auburn, N. Y., and they have four children: Edward Woodworth, who was graduated from the Syracuse High School in 1894, spent onc year in Columbia College Law School, and is now a student in the College of Law of Syracuse University; Henry Hagaman, a student in Syracuse University, class of 1899; and Reginald Houghton and Rupert Lee. Judge Hall, the father of Mrs. E. H. Burdick, was member of assembly in 1844, mayor of Auburn in 1852, and judge of the Territory of Colorado from 1861 to 1865.

E. H. BURDICK.

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REV. WILLIAM M. BEAUCHAMP.

WILLIAM M. BEAUCHAMP, S. T. D., eldest son of William M. Beauchamp, sr., was born at Coldenham, Orange county, N. Y., March 25, 1830. The father came to America in 1829 and visited Skaneateles in that year, but did not settle there until April, 1831. He founded the Skaneateles Democrat in 1840. The son was educated in the acad- emy of the village and graduated from the De Lancey Divinity School at Geneva. On September 21, 1862, he was made deacon by Bishop De Lancey and received the degree of S. T. D. from Hobart College in 1886. For many years he has been an ex- amining chaplain of the diocese of Central New York.

He has given much attention to all branches of local natural history, having pre- pared full lists of the fishes, reptiles, quadrupeds and birds of Onondaga, besides publishing a descriptive list of its shells. He is also an active botanist, and cor- responding member of several botanical societies. He was married to Miss Sarah Carter, of Ravenna, O., November 26, 1857, and has four children: Virginia, Ellen, Grace, and Howard C. Beauchamp, the latter having been editor of the Fayetteville Recorder since May, 1891.

Dr. Beauchamp has six large manuscript volumes devoted to the antiquities of Onondaga, and profusely illustrated with original drawings. In his own denomina- tion he is well known as a writer on historical and other subjects, being an occasional contributor to religious periodicals. In Indian philology he has attained a prominent position. .

CHARLES P. CLARK.

HON. CHARLES PARSONS CLARK, president of the Syracuse Savings Bank, is a son of Luther and Sarah (Parsons) Clark, and was born in West Hampton, Hampshire county, Mass., November 26, 1822. His parents were natives of Massachusetts and descendants of sturdy New England stock, and followed farming as an occupation, n which the son acquired both a robust constitution and sterling habits of thrift and economy. He spent his summers upon the homestead and his winters in attendance at the district schools, where he obtained a limited knowledge of books, but valuable experience in discipline and study. At twelve years of age he was sent to live with his maternal uncle, Chester Parsons, in Skaneateles, Onondaga county, where he remained until he reached his majority, working on the farm in summer and attend- ing the common schools in winter. For these nine years of toil and educational ad- vantages he was to receive his board and clothes, and when twenty-one $100 in money. He labored well and faithfully, studied persistently, and secured one year at the Skaneateles Academy, and when of age grasped the first opportunity that opened, hiring out to a neighboring farmer for eight months for $80. The next winter he chopped sixty cords of wood at three shillings per cord.

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 39

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