Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 59

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 59

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ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

Pearson, Thomas, Syracuse, was born in Sheffield, England, Nov. 7, 1857, and came to America in 1870, settling in Syracuse, where he made his home with his uncle, Henry Pearson. Henry Pearson was also a native of Sheffield, England; he came to this country in 1837, and located in Syracuse in 1839, where his brother, John, joined him in 1841; he was a practical saw maker, a business he followed here for many years, founding the saw repair shop now carried on by his nephew, Thomas Pearson ; this is the oldest concern of the kind in the city. He continued the busi- ness till 1881, and finally died in Oswego, where his son Thomas now resides; he was an active member of the old fire department and was present at the great powder explosion in 1841 ; he was also a great lover of the English game of cricket and did more than any other man in the city to keep it alive, so that he was known among his associates as the father of cricket. He was survived by his widow, Ann Pearson, and one son Thomas, who has carried on a similar business in Oswego for thirty years or more ; he is very popular there, being elected mayor once on the Greenback ticket, and also filling the office of city treasurer for a number of years till the office was abolished. John Pearson carried on the cutlery business in the same shop with his brother Henry; he was the father of John Pearson, jr., the well-known leader of Pearson's Band, the finest band in the city at that time. Thomas Pearson first en- tered the employ of his uncle where he stayed three years, and then went to Roch- ester, where he served an apprenticeship at the saw trade with Joseph Flint, an old time saw manufacturer, now passed away; in 1877 he returned to Syracuse and in 1881 purchased the establishment of his uncle, Henry Pearson, which he still contin- ues, repairing saws, cutlery, etc., and dealing in carpenter tools, of which he is an acknowledged authority. He is a member of the Sons of St. George, and served seven years in the 51st Regiment and its successor the 41st Separate Co. ; a Republi- can in politics, but independent in political affiliations; he is the only member of his father's family in America and became a citizen as soon as he arrived at man's estate. In 1881 he married Mary Ann Spencer, of London, England, and they have three children: James, Selina Kate, and Henry.

Quigley, Capt. Thomas W., Syracuse, was born in that city Aug. 23, 1849. His father, Thomas Quigley, and his mother, Julia McNamara, were both born in Tippe- rary Co., Ireland. They moved from Newburgh, where they first settled in this country, to Syracuse in 1842. The elder Mr. Quigley was a boilermaker by trade, and resided here from 1842 until 1881, when he departed this life, aged 62 years. His widow survives him and their children were Catherine (Mrs. Charles J. Ryan deceased), Mary, Martin C., John J., Capt. Thomas W., Patrick H., Julia E., and Agnes (Mrs. C. C. Barnes). Capt. Thomas W. Quigley was first a bookkeeper for a time and then a boilermaker for about nine years, and in April, 1878, was appointed a patrolman on the Syracuse police force, but four years later resigned and engaged in the grocery business with his brother. In March, 1883, he was appointed captain of the Police Department, which position he has held ever since. He is one of the most prominent and most popular men in the city, and has attained no little distinc- tion as a guardian of the law. He was a member of the old volunteer fire department, being foreman of Central City Steamer Co. No. 3, was one of the organizers, charter members, and trustee of the local C. B. L., and is a member of the C. M. B. A. and of the Elks. In 1876 he married Miss Mary A. Murphy, a native of Albany, by whom

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he has two children living: Thomas W., jr., born Oct. 20, 1878, and Katherine, born Jan. 10, 1881.

Reiley, Henry, chief engineer of the fire department of the city of Syracuse, was born here in the First ward Aug. 30, 1845, and was a son of William Reiley, who came from the North of Ireland and died in 1848. His education was necessarily limited to the public schools of the city, from the fact that he was very early thrown upon his own resources. Nov. 22, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 86th N. Y. Vols., under Capt. Ben- jamin L. Higgins, and served for three years, re-enlisting on April 2, 1865, in the 193d Regiment, but being mustered into Co. H, 194th Inft., as second lieutenant, and discharged at Elmira. Returning to Syracuse he engaged in contracting until 1869, when he was appointed a patrolman in the then newly organized police department. In March, 1871, he resigned and engaged in the liquor business. He was then cap- tain of volunteer Engine Co. No. 2, a position he held until the organization of the present fire department in 1877, when he received the appointment to the same post. In 1881 he was made clerk of the fire board and served for three months, when he was appointed assistant engineer. Upon the death of Philip Eckel in 1885 Mr. Reily was promoted to the position of chief of the department, which he continued to fill until his death with rare ability. He was a member of Post Lilly, G. A. R. from 1866 and also belonged to Branch 36 C. M. B. A. He died suddenly on the 3d of Dec., 1895, mourned by the city at large.

Stilwell, Lamont, Syracuse, was born at Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y., June 29, 1852; was educated at Windsor Academy, and at the State Normal School at Cort- land, N. Y., from which latter institution he graduated in 1838. After graduation he spent several years in teaching, was principal of the village school at Theresa, N. Y., of ward school No. 5, at Binghamton, N. Y., of Union Free school at Spring Valley, N. Y., and for the last five years of his teaching, of Franklin School at East Orange, N. J. He pursued the study of law while engaged in teaching, and came to Syra- cuse in Jan., 1891, and entered the office of Gill & Stilwell; was admitted to the bar in Feb., 1892. He retained his connection with the office of Gill & Stilwell until Jan. 1, 1895, when he became. a partner under the firm name of Gill, Stilwells & White. He was married Dec. 26, 1883, to 1. Adelle Smith of Cayuga Co., and has one son, Ralph.

Schwartz, Isaac, Syracuse, son of Leopold, was born in Syracuse May 19, 1868. Receiving his education in the public and high schools of his native city and in Syra- cuse University, he accepted a position in the city engineer's office, where he has since remained, at present having charge of the sewer work. He is a member of the Syracuse Athletic Association and chairman of the state road book committee of the L. A. W.

Shove, Benjamin J., Syracuse, district attorney of Onondaga Co., came from Quaker ancestry on his father's side; about 1660 the first representative of the name, a Presbyterian minister, appearing in New England history The family became Quakers evidently during the Quaker persecutions. His maternal great-grandfather came from Holland, and was a captain in the Revolutionary war. His father, Rev. Benjamin Shove, a Methodist minister, preached in Central New York for over thirty years. Benjamin J. was born in Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., July 3, 1859. He

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finished a course of study in the Auburn High School in 1876, entered the freshman class at Syracuse University and was graduated in 1880. He then entered the law office of Hon. Martin A. Knapp, where he remained until his admission to the bar in March, 1882. He commenced practice in Syracuse and was appointed assistant dis- trict attorney under Ceylon H. Lewis, serving three years in that capacity. He then opened a law office under the firm name of Shove & McCormick, which continued for three years, Jan. 1, 1890, he was appointed assistant district attorney under Theo- dore E. Hancock, now attorney-general of the State. Upon the expiration of Mr. Hancock's term Mr. Shove was himself elected district attorney, and assumed the duties of the office the 1st of Jan., 1892. Mr. Shove tried many important cases dur- ing his term of office. Probably his most important work was the trial and convic tion of the two Wilson brothers for the murder of Detective Harvey. Both Wilsons were convicted upon separate trials of murder in the first degree. The convictions were in each case affirmed by the Court of Appeals. May 8, 1888, he married Rose M., daughter of John J. Davis, senior member of the firm of Davis, Hunt & Co. of Cleveland, O. They have three children: Marian Davis, Benjamin Edward, and John Davis.

Schwarz, Adolph H., Syracuse, superintendent of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad and the Syracuse, Binghamton & New York Railroad with head- quarters in Syracuse was born in Cologne, Prussia, Germany, April 17, 1851, and came to America with his parents in 1856, settling in Brooklyn. Educated on Staten Island, he became a clerk in the freight office at Binghamton, and in April, 1872, came to Syracuse as freight and passenger agent of the D. L. & W. Railroad. In 1886 he was made superintendent of the Oswego and Syracuse Division of this line, and the S. B. & N. Y. Railroad, and has since filled that position with great credit and ability. In March, 1892, he was appointed one of the Fire Commissioners of the city, an office he still holds, and in Sept. 1895, was elected a trustee of the Onondaga Co. Savings Bank. He is a member of the Association of Railroad Superintendents of America and is prominent in railway circles. In 1878 he married Miss Mary C., daughter of William Tefft, one of the founders of the firm of Alexander, Bradley & Pope, of Syracuse. They have two children: Clara T. and William T.

Tefft, William, was one of the early residents of Syracuse. In 1841 he married Almira Jenette Fairfield, and soon after came to Syracuse to reside. Mr. Tefft was prominent in business circles and a man who was greatly and universally esteemed. He died March 10, 1865, aged 60 years.

Scott, William H. 1I., Syracuse, is a native of Clayton, N. Y., born Nov. 4, 1836, and moved with his parents to Ellisburg, Jefferson Co., in 1840. There his father, Daniel Scott, died July 11, 1855. Daniel was born at German Flats, Herkimer Co., April 3, 1803, and on June 20, 1826, married Catherine Harwick, who died Dec. 29, 1881, aged 72. They had three sons and two daughters. William H. H. remained on the homestead until about 1858, when he moved into the adjoining town of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., where he was married, July 2, 1859, to Abigail D. Bettinger, who died July, 1893, aged nearly 62. He cared for his widowed mother until her death, and followed farming in Oswego Co., till 1873, when he came to Syracuse, where he first engaged in collecting bills for former neighbors, and became their

FAMILY SKETCHES.

agent in selling butter, cheese, eggs, etc., and eventually established a successful business for himself in this line, gradually extending it as opportunity permitted. In 1875 he purchased his present property at 573 N. Salina street, and in 1877 took in E. W. Fields as a partner, who retired four years later. He was then associated for a time with Henry N. Warner, and in July, 1886, formed his present partnership of W. H. H. Scott & Co., by admitting John J. Kesel, then eighteen years old. He does a general wholesale produce business. He has been identified with the Masonic fraternity for more than a quarter of a century.

Smart, Alexander M., Syracuse, was born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, May 10, 1852, and attended the public schools of that place until he reached the age of twelve years, when his father, William, died and his mother removed with her family to Syracuse. Three years later she married Francis McAnnany and returned to Belle- ville. He entered Ontario College at Picton, from which he was graduated in 1871, and in Aug., 1871, he settled in Syracuse, where he was engaged in the coal business with the firm of Holden & Son, agents of the D., L. & W. R. R. Co., for twenty-one years. In Aug., 1892, he formed the firm of A. M. Smart & Co. and established his present Scranton coal business. He was one of the incorporators of the Commercial Publishing Co., of which he was vice-president since its organization. He joined the Masons in 1875 and is a member of Central City Lodge, Chapter, and Comman- dery, and also belongs to the Citizens' and Century Clubs, being one of the board of directors of the latter organization. In 1875 he married Annie A., daughter of Dr. A. T. Van Gaasbeck, of Syracuse, and they have one son, William A.

Stilwell, Giles H., Syracuse, born Jan. 15, 1854, spent his early life on his father's farm in the town of Windsor, N. Y. His preliminary education was obtained at the union school and academy in Windsor, after which he went to Amherst College and graduated in 1881. He then spent three years as principal of the union school and academy at Lisle, Broome Co., and three years as principal of the union school and academy in Geddes, the latter being now known as Porter School in the Tenth ward of Syracuse. In 1887 he became a law student in the office of Forbes, Brown & Tracy, and after this firm was dissolved, in the office of Tracy, McLennan & Ayling, where he acted as managing clerk until 1889, when he was admitted to the bar. Soon afterward he formed a law partnership with Francis B. Gill, under the name of Gill & Stillwell, which continued until Jan. 1, 1895, when Lamont Stillwell, and Eugene M. White were added to that firm and the firm name became Gill, Stillwells & White and now so continues. In politics he is a Republican. In 1889 he was elected school commissioner of the Tenth ward, which office he held by successive elections for five years, and for two years in 1892-94 he was president of the Board of Educa- tion. In 1893 he was appointed by Mayor Jacob Amos one of the original trustees of the Syracuse Central Library, and upon the organization of the board was elected its president, which office he still holds.

Smith, Ed vard C., Syracuse, son of Richard C., was born in Cleveland, O., July 7. 1843, and early learned the trade of iron roller in a large rolling mill. In the spring of 1872, he enlisted in Co. D, 84th Ohio Vols., and served a little more than three months. He resumed the iron rolling business, on contract, and continued for several years, after which he engaged in jobbing eigars in Philadelphia, Pa. After-

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wards he traveled quite extensively, and in about 1871 settled permanently in Syra- cuse. In 1890 he formed a partnership with James A. Ormsbee, under the firm name of Ormsbee & Smith, and established their present wholesale liquor business. He is a Mason, an I. O. O. F., a member of Root Post G. A. R., and was alderman of the Twelfth ward, in 1891-92. In 1876 he married Mary N., of Syracuse, a daugh- ter of John Gannon, of Ireland, and has one son, Richard B.

Smith, J. William, Syracuse, son of John N. and Easter (Preston) Smith, was born in Lancashire, England, April 18, 1856, and came to America with his parents in 1863, settling in Lawrence, Mass., where he received his early education. He began work in the cotton and woolen factories at an early age, but having a taste for archi- tecture and civil engineering he later found employment with Coolidge & Baldwin, civil engineers, and commenced the study of civil engineering. He was assistant to Mr. Baldwin on various works, mainly on the survey of the Newburyport, Mass., silver mines in 1876 and on the geological survey of Mine La Motte in Missouri in 1877; the last property, owned by Rowland Hazard, esq., and managed and directed by William B. Cogswell. In April, 1878, Mr. Smith came to Syracuse to study me- chanical engineering under William A. Sweet in the establishments of the Sweet Manufacturing Co. and Sanderson Brothers Steel Co. In 1879 he was engaged on the construction of elevated railways in New York city, particularly on the Second avenue line to Harlem River and on the northern section of the Eighth avenue line, as assistant to John C. Chase, section engineer, returning to Syracuse and Mr. Sweet's employ upon the completion of that work. He was then employed as engi- neer and chemist for the Sanderson Brothers Steel Co. until March, 1883, when he was engaged by Mr. Cogswell, then the general manager and treasurer of the Solvay Process Co., of Syracuse, to go to Europe, study the process, and fit himself for ser- vice in any branch of their business. Since then he has been in their employ, as chief of the soda ash department. Mr. Smith has always been actively interested in Republican politics for good government, being frequently sent to party conventions, and has served as county committeeman for several years. He is a trustee of Cen- tral Library of Syracuse, was one of the founders and the first president (incumbent) of the recently organized West End Business Men's Association, is a director of the Warners Portland Cement Co., and a member of the Central City bodies, being a Mason of the 32d degree. He is a life member of the New York State Agricultural Society and was largely influential in permanently locating that organization in Syracuse. In the fall of 1889 he successfully started in connection with William D. Gillis an evening class in mechanical drawing, under the Board of Education, which became popular and has been since continued every winter. In Nov., 1879, Mr. Smith married Miss Lily, daughter of George Morris (for several years a justice of the peace in Syracuse), and their children are Preston Morris, Ernest Maxwell, Arthur Cheshunt, Agnes Georgia, and Winifred Alison.

Stolz, Jacob, Syracuse, son of Joseph, a scholarly gentleman, was born in Schuten- hofen, Bohemia, Austria, July 20, 1834. His father died in May, 1844, and his mother, Anna, in April, 1845, leaving him an orphan at the age of ten years. Leav- ing school he apprenticed himself to the trade of shoemaker in his native city, where he remained about eighteen months, when he went to Vienna and afterward to Hun- gary, where he perfected himself in his chosen calling. There he also devoted his

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evenings and leisure to the study of literature and mastered five languages-German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Bohemian, and Slavonic. During his residence in Europe he traveled through Austria, Germany, Italy, the Danubes as far as the Crimea, Rou- mania, and England, following and perfecting his trade as a journeyman shoemaker, and absorbing knowledge from observation and reading. In 1858 he left England and came to America, landing in New York May 28, and in the fall of the same year he settled in Syracuse. In 1860 he established business for himself as a shoemaker in his present location on the corner of Jefferson and Mulberry streets. He married in June, 1869. Yetta, daughter of Michael and a sister of Jacob Marshall, of Syra- cuse, and their children are Joseph Henry, Louis and David, and a daughter who died in infancy. Mr. Stolz joined Onondaga Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F., in 1858, and has held office therein since 1859, passing all the chairs, and being now trustee. He has been in Grand Lodge session nineteen times. He has been a member of Cynosure Encampment, No. 14, I. O. O. F., since 1860 and is now its treasurer; was a charter member and is now a trustee of Jacob Lodge No. 91, of Baninebarith; was one of the originators and for more than twenty-five years the treasurer of the Hebrew Benevolent Association; was one of the founders of the Jewish Orphan Asylum of Western New York, of which he has been vice-president, president, etc., is a member and has been vice-chief ranger of the I. O. of F. of America; and be- longs to and has served as trustee many years of the Society of Concord Congrega- tion of Syracuse. In all these orders as well as in many others Mr. Stolz has held most of the important offices and in their welfare he manifests a deep concern. In various other directions he is a public spirited, enterprising, and upright citizen, and in every capacity in life is highly respected and greatly esteemed.

Smith, Ray B., Syracuse, is a son of Willis and Emily (Burdick) Smith, and was born in Cuyler, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1867. He graduated from Cazenovia Seminary in 1886, attended Syracuse University for a time, graduated from Yale University in 1891, attended Cornell Law School, and was admitted at Utica in Sept., 1893. In Oct., 1893, he formed a partnership with Thomas Woods in Syracuse under the firm name of Woods & Smith. He is a member of the Masonic order, of the Knights of Pythias, of the Independent order of Odd Fellows, of the Onondaga and Citizens' Clubs, of the Psi Upsilon fraternity and of the honorary societies of Phi Beta Kappa and Chi Delta Theta. Active in Republican politics, he was clerk of the committees on cities and suffrage in the Constitutional Convention in 1894, and clerk of the com- mittee on general laws in the State Senate in 1894-95. Sept. 1, 1891, he married Nellie K. Reilay of Syracuse, and has one child, Willis King.

Smingler, August, Syracuse, is a native of Germany, born in Dec., 1842, and came to America with his parents in 1854, settling in Syracuse, where his father, Andrew, died in 1867, and his mother, Mary, died in 1888. At the age of eleven he started to work in a tobacco factory, in which he continued about eight years, when he en- tered one of the railroad shops in this city. In 1869 he opened a restaurant, and in 1886 engaged in the wholesale liquor business under the firm name of Schuck & Smingler, of which he became sole owner five years afterwards. He joined the volunteer Fire Department in 1863 as a member of Hand Engine Co. No. 8 and con- tinued with that organization about six years, being appointed foreman of the steamer company in 1867. He was also captain of No. 3 steamer from April to 1

ONONDAGA'S CENTENNIAL.

Dec., 1877, when he resigned. Ile is a member of the German Pioneers, the A. O. U. W., and Syracuse Lodge No. 501, F. & A. M. In May, 1874, he married Miss Mary Doehner of Syracuse, and their children are Minnie, Nettie, August, jr., Katherine and Charles A.

Sears, George H., Syracuse, son of Henry, was born in Homer, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1857, and moved with his parents to Delphi in 1875; they now reside in Fabius. He was graduated from Cazenovia Seminary in 1882, attended Rochester University one year, and began reading law in the office of Bagg & Nottingham of Syracuse, in the fall of 1884. He was admitted to the bar in Jan., 1887, began the practice of his profession, and soon after became a member of the firm of Kellogg, Wells & Sears and later of Garfield & Sears. He was also for a short time one of the firm of Sears & Jacobson, but since May, 1893, has practiced alone. Besides himself there are of his father's family Dr. F. W. Sears, of Syracuse; Rev. Albert B. Sears, pastor of the Baptist church at Oneida; Prof. Irving S. Sears, of De Ruyter, N. Y. ; Charles N. Sears, a student in Colgate University; William Sears, and a sister, Annette Sears. who resides at home. Mr. Sears ranks high in his profession both as to ability and integrity. He has been very active in local politics, in which he takes deep interest. In the fall of 1893 he was a prominent candidate for district attorney, being defeated by B. J. Shove, the successful nominee. Jan. 10, 1888, he married Lillian B., daugh- ter of John Weston, of Syracuse.

Sliter, Mrs. John D., born Arabella Alvord Stuart, Syracuse, was born in James- ville, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 11, 1825, and was a daughter of William Stuart, who descended from the royal family of Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland, she being great- aunt to William, who was Mrs. Sliter's father. James Stuart was William's grand- father. He died in 1806, aged 85 years. His eldest child and son was Silas, who was born in 1750 and died in New York in 1818. William Stuart was a son of Silas, who was an early settler at Homer, Cortland Co., and subsequently of Jamesville and later of Fabius, Onondaga Co , where he died in Dec., 1834, at the age of 52 years. He became a hatter by occupation, and was well and favorably known by the quality of his goods. He married Elizabeth Alvord, who was the daughter of the late Thomas G. Alvord, who enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary war at the age of fourteen years, and honorably served his country until the close of the war, when he was discharged. He married Nancy Skoughton, who was introduced to him by Gen. George Washington, she being at this time maid of honor to his wife, Martha Washington. Mrs. Stuart was also cousin of the venerable ex-Lieutenant- Governor Thomas G. Alvord of Syracuse. Mrs. Sliter's mother was born in Farm- ington, Conn., March 9, 1785, and died in Homer, N. Y., Aug. 26, 1867. She was the mother of seven daughters and three sons, of whom only one son and three daughters are living. Mrs. Sliter being of an active, energetic temperament, began the study of medicine when few lady physicians were recognized by the profession. Her tutor was the Hon. Dr. Robert S. Galt of Homer, N. Y. She began the practice of her profession in Syracuse in 1867, and about two years later was joined by her preceptor, with whom she was associated for three years. Since then she has prac- ticed alone, meeting on every hand the commendation and highest respect of her patrons and professional associates. She married John D. Sliter, a worthy and estimable gentleman, Aug., 1844. One child only was the fruit of their union, a son,

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 59

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