Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 94

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 94

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Moore, John, Camillus, was born in Ireland in 1837. He came to America at the age of 19 years, locating at Camillus. In 1860 he married Julia A. Welch and in 1877 located on his present well improved farm of 240 aeres. They have three sons and two daughters. He has held the office of tax collector. His father died here in 1888, after a residence of over 20 years in this country.

Munro, Thomas H., Camillus, was born in Camillus in 1850, son of David Allen Munro. He was educated at Madison, now Colgate University, with class of 1873.

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In 1875 he married Nellie Brown, of Madison Co. They have three children, Thomas H., jr., Florence B., and Ida J. In 1875 he located on his present farm of 380 acres.

Wilcox, Asel F., was born in the town of Manlius, now Dewitt, Nov. 16, 1823. The first of the family to come to Onondaga Co. was his grand- father, Samuel Wilcox, who was born in Peru, Mass., Jan. 2, 1741, and served as a cap- tain in the Revolutionary war, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill, and marching through the unexplored wil- derness of Maine and Canada under Benedict Arnold to Quebec. On his return in the ensuing spring he was cap- tured by the Indians, deliv- ered into the hands of the English at New York, and confined in a prison ship until near the close of the war. In 1798 Captain Wilcox located on a tract of 640 acres of land at what is now Lyndon, in Dewitt, where he died June 28, 1827. He was the father of six children, of whom Asel, ASEL F. WILCOX. born in Peru, Mass., April 8, 1784, was reared on the homestead, received a good common school education, and volunteered in the war of 1812, serving principally at Oswego and Lewiston. Early in the present century Asel Wilcox opened a plaster bed on the old farm, and during the war had a contract for furnishing parties in Albany with 2,000 tons of plaster in the rock, at the quarry, at $? per ton. He had flouring, grist, plaster, cement, and saw mills at High Bridge, now Elkkorn, and was also extensively engaged in boat- ing. He was one of the largest landowners in the county. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity for fifty-nine years, and served as master of Military Lodge in 1816-17. On March 25, 1812, he married Hellenda Foster, of Manlius, who bore him six children, three of whom are living: Mrs. Lois C. Bennett, of Maquon, Ill. ; Mrs. Lucy A. Rice, of Manlius; and Asel F., also of Manlius. Asel FF. Wilcox was edu- eated at the Manlius and Fayetteville Academies, followed his father's business in the mills and quarries, and also engaged in farming In 1878 he established the Labrador Oil Stone Company, which conducts one of the most important industries in the town. The stone is brought chiefly from Hot Springs, Ark., though Turkey

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stone from Syria, Turkey, is also used. The company employs from thirty-five to forty men, and turns out between $60,000 and $80,000 worth of manufactured goods annually. Mr. Wilcox is a charter member of Fayetteville Lodge No. 578, F. and A. M., was president of the Union League of Dewitt during the war of the Rebellion, and served as supervisor of Dewitt three terms. On March 21, 1873, he was ap- pointed revenue collector by President Grant, aud held that office several years. Nov. 24, 1856, he married Celia Allen, of Fayetteville, and they have five sons and three daughters: Mrs. Fred H. Garrett, of Aberdeen, S. D .; Mrs. George F. Butts, of Omaha, Neb. ; Mrs. W. M. Beard, of Pompey, N. Y .; and A. Foster, Lincoln N., Roscoe R., Ralph A., and Willard T.

Martin, Mrs. Mary L., Camillus, a native of Marcellus, is a daughter of John and Polly (Bradley) Martin. In 1884 she married Robert B. Martin, of Dutchess Co., who in 1839 located at Camillus in Mrs. Martin's present home, and died in 1893 aged 82 years, Mrs. Martin's father, a native of Saratoga Co., came to the town of Onon- daga when a young man. His wife was a native of Connecticut, who died in 1864, aged 66. He died in 1868 aged 77, both dying in Marcellus.

McNaughton, James, Clay, was born in Genesee Co., May 13, 1850, son of James McNaughton. Our subject has lived in this county about twenty-four years, ten years where he how resides near North Syracuse, and follows general farming. The father settled in this county as early as 1804 at what is known as the Dutch settle- ment. He married a Miss Patchen, and their children were John, Mary J., James, Duncan, and Elizabeth. Our subject married in 1872 Francis J. Lynn, of Clay, daughter of James Lynn, a farmer and cooper, who has lived in this town for over 80 years. The grandfather, John McNaughton, at one time was the owner of large tracts of land in what is the Dutch settlement. Our subject has been prominent in politics, and has held several offices.

Malcolm, John B., Marcellus, was born in Tillicoutry, Clackmananshire, Scotland, April 29, 1866. He came from Scotland to Marcellus in Oct., 1882, and engaged to work in the Crown mills. He next went to Philadelphia, remaining two years and a half, then returned to this town and went to work in the Crown Mills again in 1890, where he has since remained, being in charge of the dyeing department. Mr. Mal- colm married Rosalie E. Withey, of Marcellus, and they have one daughter, Chris- tina, aged two years.

Mead, John W., Pompey, was born in Dutchess Co., Jan. 28, 1840, a son of Rich- ard and Susan (Wheeler) Mead, who came to Pompey Center and worked at his trade of shoemaking for 60 years. Richard was born in 1804 and died in 1887, and his wife, who was born in 1802, died in 1891. The grandparents emigrated from Dutchess Co. to Ohio, where they took up a farm and spent their lives. John W. was reared in Pompey Center, and has followed farming, in connection with which he has been a practicing veterinary surgeon for 25 years. In 1861 he married Annie, daughter of William Morse, of Manlius, and they have hed five children: ' Carrie, Albert, George, Bell and Frank.

McClure, Hiram, Pompey, was born in Pompey, Nov. 28, 1830, a son of Hiram and Laodicea (Maker) McClure, he a native of Pompey, born in 1800 and his wife born in 1802. The grandfather, James, was a native of Vermont, and at the age of 21

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started to seek his fortune, going out on foot and spending a season at Whitesboro. lle worked on a farm for one month, chopping four acres, and then started for the military tract, by marked trees, came in contact with Cazenovia Lake, and thence to the place he settled, in Pompey. He found an Indian hut at the place now known as Atwell's Corners, which served as a shelter while he remained locating land. This was in the summer of 1792. He found that the land he had located belonged to a man by the name of Fish and bought the property for $1 per acre. He made a set- tlement where the homestead now is, and soon after sold two-thirds of his land, which left the remaining third clear. He then bought 100 acres in Cazenovia, where he died. His wife was Mercy Miles, who died in 1814, and he married (second) Olive Gage, who died in 1875. He had five children by his first wife His death occurred in 1852 at the age of 83. Hiram, sr., served in various town offices, and died Atg. 99, 1857, and his wife in Oct., 1859. The great-grandfather of our subject was in the Revolutionary war, and spent his days in Massachusetts and Vermont. Hiram, jr., was reared on the homestead, working at home until the age of 23. In 1854 he went to Allegany and settled on a farm, but in 1858 came to his present farm and bought 87 acres, where he has since resided. He has served as highway commissioner ten years, assessor nine years, etc. In 1853 he married Louisa Roades, a native of De Ruyter, and they had two children, Almira and Elton, both deceased. Mrs. MeClure died April 9, 1865, and he married (second) Rillie Roades, a younger sister of his first wife, by whom he has one daughter, Libbie, who married in Dec. 1880, Charles D. Murray, a native of Linklaen, and they have had two children: McClure, born Aug. 24, 1884, and Gladys, born Jan. 3, 1892.

Miller, Erastus, Otisco, was born in the town of Otselic, Jan. 26, 1826, a son of Eber and Clarissa (Peace) Miller, he a native of Otselic and she of Smyrna, Che- mango Co., the grandparents, David and Clarinda Miller, having been pioneers of the latter town, coming there from Connecticut. The maternal grandfather, George Pease, was also a pioneer of Chenango Co. John Miller, brother of David M., was a colonel in the war of 1812. Eber Miller was a farmer, and came to Otisco about 1841, where he lived, and died in 1874, his wife having died the same year, both at the age of 70. Our subject began work as a farmer at the age of 17, and has always followed that occupation. Aug. 30, 1862, he enlisted in the Normal School Co., an independent organization, which was attached to Co. E, 44th N. Y. Vols. He served till Nov. 20, 1864, when he was honorably discharged. He participated in the fol- lowing engagements: Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg. In 1848 he married Elmira Clark, who died in 1865, and in 1867 he married (second) Elizabeth, daughter of John Case, and they have three children : John B., a farmer of La Fayette; Mary May, wife of George C. King of this town, and Carrie M., a teacher.

Martin, Nelson L., Skaneateles, was born in Skaneateles, Aug. 4, 1855, a son of Milo and Betsey A. (Shout) Martin. The father was born in Spafford and the mother in Ledyard. The grandfather of our subject was Randall Martin, a native of Pitts- town, N. Y., who came to Spafford about 1820 and then removed to Jackson, Mich., where he died aged 89. Milo Martin was a farmer and teamster for many years, and he and his wife reside in Mottville. Our subject was reared in Skaneateles Falls, and educated in the common schools. At the age of eleven he started out to work

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for himself, engaging in the paper mill for.three years, and then learned the miller's trade, which he has since followed. He and Harmon Benedict bought the Long Bridge flour mill, and conducted business till 1884, when our subject sold his inter- est and engaged in the meat business for a year. In 1887 he bought the Mottville flouring mills, where he has since had a successful business. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and active in town affairs. In 1881 he married Celestia R., daughter of S. L. Benedict of this town, the latter born in Brookfield, Conn., in 1830, a son of Eli Benedict, born in Bethel, Conn., who came to this town and died in 1853. Eli Bene- dict was a woolen manufacturer in Connecticut, and was a prominent temperance man and Abolitionist. He was postmaster in Mottville from 1876 and 1885. and also overseer of the poor seven years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a Royal Templar. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have one son, Sidney M., born Sept. 9, 1885. Mrs. Martin died Feb. 21, 1894.

To many came the shock of personal loss when the sad news was told of the death, after a brief illness, of one of Onondaga Co.'s representative men, one widely known and respected, Hiram King Ed- wards of Lyndon, but to the immediate family, wife and children, sisters and brothers, those who knew his worth and to whom he had been a de- voted, indulgent husband and father, a loving brother, the loss fell heavily. To write a biography of such a man is an unsatisfactory task, for his life has been its own best eulogy. His grandfather Edwards came to Syracuse in the early days when the "City of Salt" was but a village at best, mostly a swamp. He bought 1,000 acres of land on East Genesee street. The house which he built-quite a mansion in those days-is still H. K. EDWARDS. standing, and occupied by Mr. Joseph Ferris. A good, old- fashioned family of thirteen children graced his board. As time passed on and they grew to manhood and womanhood he gave to each a good property; farms to such of the sons as chose that honorable calling. The father of our subject, Joseph Edwards, received his farm, but by trade and sale changed his location several times during the few years he lived after attaining manhood, for when his second

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son, Hiram King, the subject of this sketch, was but eleven years of age, he died, aged but 34, leaving seven children without a father's care. Those early years were filled with difficulties, nobly, earnestly surmounted, the kind which tries the soul, but brings out the true metal, the real merit, and which has, in our land, been the most potent factor in the successful lives of our self-made men. The father bought the farm in the hamlet now known as Lyndon, but died before taking possession, and here the widow lived until her children grew to honored manhood and womanhood. When the subject of this sketch was married at the age of 23 he bought the farm and brought his bride there. Later he added to the original purchase and erected good substantial buildings, making a comfortable, pleasant country home, to which he was deeply attached. Intensely domestic by nature, his attachments strong, as he neared the western horizon of life his highest pleasure in life was in having his fanı- ily about him, welcoming the absent to the old home, and in walking over the fields, where, as boy and man, he had worked and walked for fifty-five years. He loved every foot of ground, pointed with pride to the noble trees which he had planted, and perhaps with still more pride to the fields which he had cleared of pine stumps, 1,600 of which he had removed in early manhood days. He was tender, gentle, and kind of judgment to the helpless and sick. It was the crippled and weakly newsboy and bootblack who received his patronage. His chivalrous championship of woman, his pure and high estimate of her exalted position, of the beneficent and noble influence which the wives and mothers of our land exert over home and State, shone forth in his writings and addresses. His sympathies were strong for the downtrodden. "The smallest boy in the race, the under dog in the fight," as the poet, Whittier, once said to him, were the ones he cheered on. It was this spirit which attached him in early life to the then unpopular cause of the Abolitionist. His youthful heart burned with pity for the slave, and his whole soul revolted at the cruelties of the system of slavery. His sympathies were stirred in the thrilling times in which Garrison, Phil- lips, Gerrit Smith and Greeley were taking active part, and from the time of the or- ganization of the Republican party he was closely identified with the political inter- ests of his county and State. For many years he held office either from the govern- ment or county. At the time of the Rebellion, although not eligible for service, and, therefore, exempt from draft, he sent a substitute into the field, and himself joined the working force at home, organizing union leagues, supporting the government in every way. In the many campaign mass meetings, flag raisings, open air speeches, &c., in which he took active part, was laid the foundation for the throat trouble which, for more than a quarter of a century, held him victim, and by the precarious state of his health abridged his efforts. No one can forget that terrible cough which racked his frame, but which he bore with cheerful fortitude, and patience which was at times pathetic. Fond of travel, he made a pleasure of necessity when he traveled extensively west and south in the vain search for health; trying the climate of the Pacific coast, of the Rocky Mountains, the pine forests of the south, the mild Gulf States. Of an observing and acquiring mind, his letters to his family and to the public through the press were both interesting and instructive. His long public and political life gave him a thorough knowledge of men, and he was probably as well known as any man in Onondaga Co. In politics he was true to his friends-he never broke his word-if he promised his support he gave it to the end, and no bribe or promise had power to move him. His chief public interest during the past few years

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has been the Farmers' Club, of which he was president for several years, and the Grange; into these he put heart and soul. The best interests of the farmer, both financially and intellectually, had his earnest sympathy and untiring effort. He wished to prevent the farming class becoming mere laborers; to raise them from a tread mill existence to a higher appreciation of the possibilities in their noble calling. He strove to call forth in the average farmer an ambition to cultivate mind and soul with the same care they bestowed upon the cultivation of their farms; to keep their social and intellectual natures from rust and decay as surely as their grain, the prod- ucts of their land. Especially did Mr. Edwards desire to see the lot of the farmer's wife made easier and more pleasant. To see her-instead of burying her talents of mind under hard work and social obscurity-take leisure for pleasure and intellectual improvement. The central idea of Mr. Edward's life, during his activity with affairs, as well as in his years of comparative retirement, was to be helpful to his fellow men in whatever relation he stood with them; in extending a hand to assist friend or stranger he acknowledged in his act no merit nor claimed an obligation. Duty and pleasure were alike satisfied in every act of helpfulness that he was to perform. "Bear ye one another's burdens" was in his view, not only the fulfilling of the law of Christ, but also the law of nature. And to honor both Christ and nature was Mr. Edwards's constant aspiration.

Mead, Charles H., Baldwinsville, was born in Van Buren, Jan. 3, 1857. His father, Jay Mead, was also a native of Van Buren. He married Electa, daughter of Henry Strong, by whom he had seven children. His father, Stephen Mead, served in the Revolutionary war. Charles H. Mead was educated in the common schools and finished at the Elbridge and Jordan Academies. He married Emma, daughter of George Dixon, who belongs to one of the oldest families in Lysander. They have one daughter, Ethel J. Mr. Mead is one of the most prominent and succesful farmers in Lysander, owning a farm of 150 acres, making a specialty of raising tobacco, and dairying.

Marvin, Fred A., Baldwinsville, was born in Baldwinsville, June 18, 1842, a son of Henry Marvin, a native of Madison Co., the family originally coming from Fairfield, Conn. Henry Marvin settled in Camillus, where he learned the clothier's trade. Soon after he went to Cazenovia, and in 1838 he came to Baldwinsville and associ- ated himself with G. W. Wilson and established the first tin and hardware store in the village. lle married Caroline Jones of Anderson, by whom he had three chil- dren: Charles, who died in Texas in 1870; Mrs. C. K. Hall, and Fred A. of Baldwins- ville. Henry Marvin died in 1881, aged 80 years. Fred A. was educated in the com- mon schools, and finished at the Munro Collegiate Institute and the Homer Academy. In 1862 he entered the law office of D. C. Greenfield, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He then established a general practice in Baldwinsville. He married Adele daughter of C. C. Warner, by whom he has three sons: Charles W., Edward H , and William F. Mr. Marvin has served as president of the Board of Education, and is now serving his third term as justice of the peace.

Morley, T. C., Baldwinsville, was born in Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., May 28, 1863. John 11. Morley, his father, was a native of McDonough, Chenango Co., and came to Baldwinsville, Aug. 31, 1865. He was a skilled mechanic in working iron and steel. T. C. Morley was educated in the common schools and finished at the

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Baldwinsville Academy. He then entered the employ of J. W. & L. E. Connell. He was also with Upson & Donovan for five years. Feb. 16, 1888, he established his present business, dealing in imported and domestic groceries, tobacco, etc., making a specialty of fine crockery, lamps, and glassware. In 1891 he removed to the Clark block, occupying the double store. Ile married Lefavel, daughter of Noah Andrews. Mr. Morley is one of the leading and successful business men of the day.

Mercer, George G., Baldwinsville, was born at Onondaga Valley, Feb. 2, 1854. His father, Stephen Mercer, was a native of Kent, England, and came to America about 1834. He worked in a flour mill that stood near the present location of the Syracuse High School. In 1850 he purchased the mills at Onondaga Valley. He married Mary, daughter of Joab Carter, of Yorkshire, England, by whom he had twelve children, nine of whom are now living. George G. was educated in the con- mon schools and finished at the Onondaga Academy, after which he entered his father's mill. In 1878 he went into partnership with his father and brother. Jan. 1, 1880, he came to Baldwinsville and formed the partnership of Clark, Mercer & Co., merchant millers. He married Fannie J. Pelton, by whom he has four sons: Clyde G., Russell S., Cassie J., and Gardner G. Mr. Mercer is one of the representative men of the town.

Moulton, William, Cicero, was born in the town of Cicero, Dec. 3, 1844, son of Joseph M. Moulton, born July 2, 1811, in Grantham, N. H. Joseph was one of the pioneer settlers of Cicero, where he still lives. He followed farming, and William now owns a fine farm of 87 acres. In early life William worked at coopering for a while. He married Belle, daughter of William Strickland, of Hastings, Oswego Co., who was a prosperons farmer. Mr. Moulton was educated in the schools of Cicero.

Mckinley, Gilbert, Cicero, was born in Clay, Onondaga Co., April 29, 1834, son of Hugh Mckinley, who was born in Berne, Albany Co., N. Y., Nov. 2, 1811. Hugh came to the town of Clay in 1827 and to Cicero in 1850 and settled on the farm now owned by Gilbert. He always followed farming. He married Nancy Ladell, of Johnstown, by whom he had five children: Gilbert, Caroline, Hayes, Merritt, and Byron, who died when four years of age. Mr. Mckinley taught school in early life in Clay, Cicero, and Manlius. He now owns a farm of 200 acres, nearly all under cultivation. He makes a specialty of tobacco. He married Elizabeth, daughter of James Van Olinda, by whom he had three children : Byron, a school teacher ; Euretta ; and Eugene F., an attorney of Syracuse, who is a graduate of Cornell University. The mother is a descendant of the pioneer settlers of the town, her grandparents, Thomas and Eunice, coming to Cicero in the early days. Katherine, her mother, lived in the town 80 years, and her father died at the age of 71. Mr. Mckinley is a member of the Grange.

Moulton, Willis G., Cicero, was born in Cicero, March 8, 1866, son of John Moul- ton, who was born in Albany Co. John was a farmer; he married Lorena, daughter of Harvey Little, by whom he had three children, Wesley, Lillie, and Willis G. Willis was raised on a farm and now owns a farm of 60 acres. He married Edna G., daughter of Luenda Ball, of Cicero. Mr. Moulton is a member of the Grange.

Mason, Charles E., Spafford, was born in Spafford, April 20, 1860, youngest of four children born to Elbridge and Almira (Maxson) Mason. Elbridge Mason was a

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native of Massachusetts and came to Spafford with his parents, where he was en- gaged in farming. Charles E. was reared on a farm, and now owns 165 acres of land. In 1883 he married Mary, daughter of John and Lucy Snell, of Scott. Mr. Snell was a blacksmith and died in Scott Sept. 29, 1888. Mrs. Snell still resides in Scott. To Mr. and Mrs. Mason have been born one son, Dana E., born March 1, 1884.

Stephens, Henry F., clerk of the city of Syracuse, is a son of George and Mary (Grossman) Stephens, and was born on a farm in the town of Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 15, 1844. Reared in the life of a farmer and educated in the common schools of his neighborhood he acquired a practical knowledge of business in Bassett's Com- mercial College in Syracuse, after which he filled positions as a clerk in a grocery and afterwards in a dry goods store in Rome, remaining in all three and one-half years. In 1865-66 he was second clerk in the canal collector's office in this city; in 1867-68 he was bookkeeper for P. R. Brewster & Co., and in 1868-69 occupied the same position for B. Bronner & Co .; and from 1890 to 1876 inclusive he had charge of the books and was manager of the local transportation office of the Syracuse and Oswego Line. In the spring of 1877 he was elected city assessor and by re-elections in 1879 and 1881 served in all six years. In the spring of 1883 he became secretary of the Straight Line Engine Company and held that position until 1886, when he was appointed deputy city treasurer, in which capacity he served till May, 1889. He was then made treasurer of the Germania Brewing Company and officiated as such until March 1, 1890, when he was unanimously appointed city clerk, being reappointed to the same office in 1893. In this capacity as well as in all other positions Mr. Stephens has served with marked ability and unswerving fidelity. Genial and popular, and endowed with great executive force, he has always discharged the duties of his office with a zeal born of laudable pride and to the satisfaction of hosts of friends, than whom no man in the city possesses more. In addition to his official cares he is largely interested in the manufacture of cigars, having a shop and warehouse at Kirkville in this county. He was married on July 18, 1866, to Miss Mary Elizabeth, daughter of James Frost, of Syracuse, and the result of this union is two children, Nellie M. and George H.

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Onondaga's centennial. Gleanings of a century, Vol. II, Part 94

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