Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 105

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1368

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York > Part 105

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Holmes, A. A., was born in Schenectady county, N. Y., May 9, 1834. His father, Thomas Holmes, was a native of Staffordshire, England, and came to the United States in 1831, with his wife and eight chil- dren, settling first in Albany county and then moved to Schenectady, where he was identified as a farmer and stock dealer. He died in his seventieth year. A. A. Holmes was educated in the common schools and worked on a farm for some years. In 1856 he came to Phila- delphia, Jefferson county, and became a member of the firm of Ilolmes & Schofield. In 1862 he moved to Theresa and in 1864 to Redwood, engaging in the mercantile business and was succeeded by his sons, still giving his attention to farming and milling. In 1866 he married Sarah, daughter of Thomas Waite, and they have five children : Fred T., Wallace W., Gilbert M., Addie W. and Sarah A. Mr. Holmes is one of the self-made men of Jefferson county, serving as highway commissioner one year and supervisor three years. He takes an in- telligent interest in school and church matters and has ever received and merited the respect of his associates.

Holmes, Fred T., was born at Philadelphia, Jefferson county, N. Y.,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

October 31, 1859, and was educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute in bookkeeping and banking. In 1883 he engaged in partnership with his father, who afterwards retired, being succeeded by Wallace W. in 1×91, and the firm of Holmes Bros. was formed, which at the present time are the leading merchants in Redwood. In 1887 Mr. Holmes married Mary C., daughter of C. Ahles, and they have two children, Alfred Raymond and De Etta. Mr. Holmes is one of the representa- tive business men of Jefferson county, serving as town clerk and notary public and supervisor for five terms. He is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever aided and advanced the best inter- ests of his town and its people.

Bickelhaupt, Peter, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, No- vember 23, 1832, and came to the United States in 1853, settling in Alexandria. In 1858 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Holler, and they had five sons and two daughters: George, John, William, Fred, Bert, Emma and Ida. Mr. Bickelhaupt was a self-made man and it is owing to his efforts that Jefferson county stands where it is to-day. He served as highway commissioner and took an active in- terest in school and church matters, and was recognized as a man of sterling integrity whose word was as good as his bond. Mr. Bickkel- haupt died November 22, 1897.

Houghton, Almon H., the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Alexandria, June 10, 1849, on the farm that he now owns. In 1822 he married Candace, daughter of Abram and Matilda Raught; they had three children: Norris A., Lillian J. and Linnie M. His father, Joseph Houghton, was born January 24, 1820, and came to this county from Vermont with his parents, Roswell and Percy Parker Houghton, in 1832. Joseph Houghton married Jane Clark, who also came from Vermont with her parents about the same time. Joseph Houghton took up a section of land in said town consisting of about 450 acres. He is still living on a part of said land. Almon H. Hongh- ton owns 200 acres of said land, on which he lived until 1886, when he moved to Alexandria Bay and engaged in the mercantile business. He joined Alexandria Lodge No. 291, F. & A. M., when he was twenty-two years of age, of which he has always been a zealous worker, being master for five years: he is also a member of Theresa

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Chapter, Watertown Commandery, and Media Temple. He served as justice of the peace for eleven years and resigned the office; he has always been interested in church and educational matters, and has ever aided in any enterprise benefiting the town or its people.

O'Leary, John, was born at Waddington, St. Lawrence Co., December 17, 1860. His father, James O'Leary, was a native of county West- ford Ireland, and came to the United States in 1847, settling in Wad- dington, where he was identified as a laborer and farmer. He died January 8, 1890, in his sixty-fourth year. John O'Leary was educated at Waddington and graduated from the Union School in 1884 and from the St. Lawrence University in 1888. In that year he engaged as a teacher in the Alexandria Bay Graded School, as principal of the school, and taught for five years and then accepted the position of deputy collector of customs. In 1888 he married Mary, daughter of John Hallen, and they have three children: Margaret J., Mary E. and James Il. Mr. O'Leary is one of the progressive men of his town, taking an active interest in educational and religions institutions and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise for the benefit of his town and its people. Ile was the first president of the present Jefferson County Teachers' Association, which was organized in 1891.

Cole, J. D., M. D., was born in Theresa, March 28, 1857. Ilis father, Adanson Cole, was also born in the same town, where his parents, Allen Cole and wife, settled in 1812 and was one of the large land owners, buying 1,300 acres and built the first saw mill on Crooked Creek. Adanson Cole married Lucy, daughter of Solomon Makepeace and through life was identified as a farmer. Ile was one of the progressive men of his town, aiding both educational and religious institutions. Dr. Cole was educated at Theresa Academy and Hahnemann Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882. After graduating he settled in Clayton, where he practiced for two years, and in 1884 came to Alexandria Bay, where he remains in active practice. In 1885 he married Adda E., daughter of William Garrison, and they have one daughter, Lottie Grace. Dr. Cole is one of the progressive men of his profession and has served as depuly collector three years. He is a member of the Jefferson County Homoeopathic Medical Society and one of the charter members of the Independent Order of Foresters and

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

examining physician. Ile takes an active interest in educational and religious institutions and has ever advanced the best interest of his town and its people. At the last election he was elected coroner of Jefferson county for three years.

Cornwall. Andrew C., was born in Pultneyville, Wayne county, N. Y., January 2, 1844, and is the tenth generation of Cornwalls to bear the name of Andrew. He came to Alexandria Bay with his parents in 1846 and at the present time is senior member of the firm of Cornwall Bros., composed of the four sons of Andrew Cornwall, which he estab- lished in 1846, the sons succeeding their father in 1877 .. Andrew C. was married in 1869 to Julia, daughter of John W. Fuller, and they have two sons: Fuller F. and Andrew R., and three daughters, Mrs. Bertha Countryman, Bessie C. and Mary C. Mr. Cornwall is one of the leading men of his town, serving as president of his village and supervisor of his town four terms and member of the Board of Educa- tion for ten years, and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise in- tended to benefit his town and its people.

Cornwall, Hon. Andrew, was born at Pultneyville, Wayne county, N. Y., March 14, 1814. His father, Andrew Cornwall, was a direct descendant from Andrew Cornwall who came from England and set- tled at Portland, Conn., where three generations are buried. Andrew Cornwall, the fourth, moved from Connecticut to Rochester when it was a small village and from there to Wayne county. where he carried on cabinet making and afterwards farming. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Martin, and they had six children, three of whom sur- vive: Andrew, Ansel and Charles. Andrew Cornwall was educated in the common schools and at the age thirteen entered the employ of John Reynolds and remained with him thirteen years. For three years he followed the lakes and in 1844 came to Redwood and entered the em- ploy of the Glass Company as manager of the store. In 1846 he came to Alexandria Bay and formed the copartnership with Lyman Walton and engaged in supplying fuel to the river traffic, buying 5,000 acres on Wells Island, the smaller islands being added to the sale as of no value, and it can be said that the islands now occupied by George Pullman, Hart Islands, were in turn given away to those who would build on them, including the site of the Thousand Island Hotel. In

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

1843 he married Mary, daughter of Colonel Calhoun. Mrs. Cornwall died in 1890, leaving four sons: Andrew C., Charles W., John 1. and Harvey A., who now constitute the firm of Cornwall Bros., general merchants and agents for all railroad and steamboat lines centering at Alexandria Bay. Mr. Cornwall is, one of the conservative, upright men of Northern New York and through his foresight and liberality, the Thousand Islands of to day became possible. In 1867 he served a term in the Legislature, and supporting educational and religious in- stitutions, has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.

Kepler, John, was born in the town of Alexandria, December 15, 1856. Ilis father, Amiel Kepler, was a native of the town of Le- ray, where his parents were among the pioneer settlers. Amiel mar- ried Rogenia Palmer and through life was identified as a farmer. He died in 1866 in his forty seventh year. John Kepler was educated in the common schools and for eleven years was a steamboat captain. In 1888 he established the Thousand Island Steam Bottling Works, of which he is the present proprietor. In 1868 he married Charlotte, daughter of Charles Ball, and they have three children: Henry Clay, Leta Belle and Helen Norine. Mr. Kepler is one of the progressive men of his town, serving as town clerk, trustee of the village, trustee and president of the Board of Education, and has ever advanced the best interests of his town.

Bachman, Albert F., was born in Prussia, Germany, September 18, 1836, and came to the United States in 1852 with his parents, J. Fred- erick and Wilhelmina Bachman, settling in Lewis county. Mr. Bach- man remained in Lewis county until 1860. In 1863 he learned the carpenter's trade and for a time worked in Carthage and Watertown. The first material shipped over the Utica and Black River Railroad to the St. Lawrence River was for a cottage of which he was the builder. In 1829 he had charge of building the hotel at Round Island, now called the Frontenac. The same year he removed to Alexandria Bay and has since been contracting and building, and has built many of the finest cottages on the river as well as the Episcopal and Catholic churches at Alexandria Bay. In 1862 he married Sarah Shults. They have two children : Dr. George A., a physician located in Rochester,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

.N. Y., and one daughter, Pamelia H. Mr. Bachman is one of the men to which the Thousand Islands are indebted for their present exist- ence, taking an active interest in town and church affairs, being one of the trustees of the Episcopal church.

Catlin, Charles A., M. D., was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, N. Y., February 29, 1836. His father, Chester Catlin, was a native of the same town, where his father, Stephen Catlin, settled about 1810. Chester Catlin married Elvira MI. Rising and in 1841 moved to Ham- mond, St. Lawrence county, and through life was identified as a farmer. Charles A. Cathin was educated at Gouverneur, and was graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1861. He then began his practice at Redwood, and in 1864 was appointed assistant surgeon in the cavalry and served until the close of the war, when he returned to Redwood and resumed the practice of medicine and also established his drug store. In 1868 he married Martha J., daughter of Calvin C. Wick, and they have three children: Earl C., Lena M. and Edna. Mr. Catlin served as postmaster in his town twenty years, examining surgeon for pensions for four years and has ever aided and advanced any enter- prise for the benefit of his town and its people.

Rebscher, Frederick, was born in the town of Orleans, February 13, 1×53. His father, George Rebscher, was a native of Darmstadt, Ger- many, and came with his wife to the United States in 1852, settling in the town of Orleans, where he was identified as a farmer. He died in 1821. Frederick Rebscher was educated in the common schools, fol- lowing farming up to twenty-five years old. In 1816 he came to Red- wood and is one of the largest shippers of hay and cattle in Jeffer- son county. In 1876 he married Fannie, daughter of George A. Hartman, and they have two sons, Ferdinand F. and Howard E. Mr. Rebscher is one of the representative business men of Jefferson county, a self-made man and of conservative character and has ever aided and advanced any enterprise intended to benefit his town and its people.

Harder, Anson, was born in Newville, Herkimer county, August 5, 1834. His father, Jacob Harder, was a native of the same town, where his father, John Harder, settled about 1800, coming from Columbia

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

county. Jacob Harder married Emily, daughter of Dr. Ichabod Thompson, and through life was identified as a farmer. Anson Ilar- der was educated at Clinton, Fairfield and Fort Plain. In 1855 he graduated from the Poughkeepsie Law School, and taught school for some years. In 1858 he went to Leonardsville, Madison county, and in 1861 came to Redwood, where he has been in practice ever since. In 1861 he married Mary E., daughter of R. E. Crumb, by whom he had two children: Mrs. Lizzie A. Townsend and Mary E. llis wife died in 18:1. In 1821 Mr. Ilarder married Jennie Il., daughter of Benjamin Hutchins, by whom he has one child living, Clarence V. Mr. Harder is a member of the Jefferson county bar; he has always been an active Republican. He was once nominated for State senator, but was defeated by Col. James F. Starbuck in an off year for his party. Hle has never held any office.

Avery, Alfred A., was born in the town of Leray, Jefferson county, November 30, 1821. When a young boy he came to Alexandria with his parents, Anson and Sally Avery. In 1849 he married Rhoda, daughter of Azariah Crandall, who died in 1863. In 1865 he married Lydia, daughter of Solomon Makepeace, and through life he was iden- tified as a practical farmer, and an earnest worker in the M. E. church, of which he was elass leader over twenty years. He died at his home in Alexandria in 1888, where he had lived fifty years, leaving four sons, Charles S., Frank A., Anson A. and William W. The latter resides on the old homestead, where he was born October 15, 1863. In 1888 he married Ida, daughter of John Overacker. He was educated in common schools and is one of the practical farmers of his town, serv- ing as highway commissioner, and is recognized as a man of sterling integrity who has ever received and merited the respect of his asso- ciates.

Putnam, Squire U., was born in the town of Theresa, March 22, 1849. Ilis father, John A. Putnam, was a native of Oneida county and came to Jefferson county about 1839. Ile married Maretta, daughter of George Keeeh. Squire U. Putnam was educated in the common schools and engaged in farming on the old homestead, which has been in the family nearly fifty years. In 1820 he married Naney, daughter of George Townsend, and they have three children: Charles

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Frank and Lul. Mr. Putnam is one of the practical and successful farmers of the town, serving as assessor fifteen years, and highway commissioner.

Ellis, James M., was born in Lafargeville, August 5, 1844. His father, Ilalsey Ellis, was also a native of that town, where his parents, Samuel J. and Mary Ellis, settled in 1815. Halsey Ellis married Syl- via, daughter of David Graves, and through life was a contractor and builder. He died in 1896 in his eightieth year. James M. Ellis was educated in the common schools and in 1862 enlisted in Co. G, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and took part in the campaigns of Generals Smith, Burnside, Grant and Sheridan, serving until the close of the war, with rank of sergeant. He then returned to Lafargeville and in 1882 came to Alexandria Bay and purchased an interest in the Proctor Mills, which he now owns and in connection deals in lumber and build- ing material. In 1815 he married Mary, daughter of Sanford Calham, and they have one son and one daughter, Claude and Beatrice. Mr. Ellis is one of the representative men of his town, taking an active in- terest in school and church work and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town and its people.

Haas, Charles N., was born in the town of Clayton, January 13, 1865. Ilis father, George Haas 2d, was also born in the town of Clayton, where his parents, Lutwig and Catherine Haas, settled about 1837. George Haas od married Salome G., daughter of William Patch. He moved to the town of Alexandria in 1866 and died in 1896 in his fifty- eighth year. Charles N. Haas was educated in the common schools. He engaged in the mercantile business for seven years at Alexandria Bay and in 1892 gave his attention to farming. In 1890 he married Elvia Candace, daughter of Joseph Houghton, and they have one daughter, Lillian Jessamine. Mr. Haas is one of the practical and suc- cessful farmers of his town, having 215 acres.

Staples, Col. Owen G., was born in Watertown, N. Y., October 14, 1838, educated in the common schools and at the age of seventeen began his active business life, selling patent medicines. He disposed of this business and became interested in dealing in real estate in Watertown, building a large number of the finest private residences in that city.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

In 1822 his attention was drawn to increasing travel to the St. Law- rence River and after carefully looking the ground over matured his plans for the erection of the Thousand Island House at Alexandria Bay, which in July, 1823, was ready for the reception of its 200 guests, having been built in little more than six months. In 1883, having acquired a taste for hotel management, he disposed of this mag- nificent property and purchased " Willard's," the well known hotel of Washington, D. C., to which in 1891 he added " The Riggs, " another of Washington's famous hotels. In 1897 he purchased the " Thousand Island House," which he has redecorated and furnished ; he has large interests in real estate in Jefferson county, and in the city of Washing- ton. He now conducts " Willard's, " the " Riggs," the " National" in Washington, and the "Thousand Island House." He is treasurer of the Board of Trade of Washington; the largest stockholder in the Columbian National Bank, and it can readily be determined that the character of Owen G. Staples combines force, individuality and un- tiring energy, starting in life with mere nothing but his brave hands. His success perhaps is largely owing to his strict integrity and fidelity to his friends, his unostentations manner and last but not least his quiet support to many charities and religious institutions.

Tassey, Louis, was born in Redwood, July 16, 1848. His father, Peter Tassey, was a native of Three Rivers, Canada, and came to the United States in 1818. He was one of the pioneers of Jefferson county, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Lucy Sharron and through life was identified with the growth of Redwood. Louis Tassey was educated in Redwood and learned the blacksmith trade of his father. In 1822 he came to Alexandria Bay and added the business of machin- ist to that of blacksmithing, making a specialty of yacht fitting and steam fitting. He was the first to establish a machine shop at Al- exandria Bay. In 1869 he married Frances, daughter of William Sen- ecal, and they have three daughters; Mrs. Mary L. Collins, Adelaide and Evelina. Mr. Tassey is one of the progressive business men of Alexandria Bay, erecting his business bloek in 1885 and takes an active interest in school and church matters.

Cornwall, Harvey A., was born at Alexandria Bay, July 1. 1855, and was educated at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N. Y., and

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Williams Commercial College of Rochester, N. Y. In 1876 he went to Fenton, Mich., returning in 1877 and with his brothers organized and founded the firm of Cornwall Bros., succeeding their father. In 1879 he married Georgie D., daughter of John T. Davenport and they have two sons: Harold D. and Lcon H. Mr. Cornwall is one of the progressive men of his town, president of his village four years and member of the Jeffersonian Club of Watertown, Blue Lodge No. 297, Theresa Chapter No. 149, and Watertown Commandery No. 11. He takes an intelligent interest in church and school matters and has ever advanced the best interests of his town and its people.

Davis, Deloss, was born in the town of Theresa July 23, 1832. His father, Jesse Davis, was a native of Otsego county, but came into this county with his parents when a boy. He married Hannah Marsh of the town of Alexandria in 18?", and died December 6, 1884, aged eighty years. Deloss, the youngest son, was educated in the common schools, and is a farmer by occupation. In 1857 he married Susan M., daughter of Peter Dillenback of Alexandria Bay. They have one son and one daughter: Iliram P. and Flora D. Mr. Davis is one of the self-made men of his town, conservative and upright, taking an active interest in educational and religious institutions. He has served as assessor and one of the trustees of the village school during the erection of the present commodious building ; held the office of elder of the Re- formed church for many years, and has ever advanced the best inter- ests of his town and its people.

Van Wagner, George, son of Alvin and Mary Ann Van Wagner, was born on his father's farm, December 28, 1823. He passed his boy- hood days working on the farm summers and attending the district schools in winter. His father died in 1892 and his mother still survives and resides in the town of Wilna. In Mr. Van Wagner's father's family there were nine children: George, John, Charles, Everet, residents of Black River, William (deceased), Emma, wife of Ernest Fikes, Cor- delia, Nellie and Merilla, all three deceased. January 4, 1887, Mr. Van Wagner married Rosella Driscoll, and they have one daughter, Alice M. In politics Mr. Van Wagner is a Republican. He holds the responsible position of superintendent of the Black River Pulp Com- pany's mill at Black River, and is a painstaking and reliable citizen.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Sylvester, George Elwin, M. D., was born in the town of Clayton, N. Y., September 5, 1864. His early edneation was obtained in the common schools of Clayton and the Adams Collegiate Institute of Adams, N. Y. He studied medieine in the office of Drs. H. G. P. & J. D. Spencer, of Watertown, N. Y., and completed his medical edu- cation in the University of Michigan and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he was graduated March 11, 1889. He was for a time assistant physician in the Outdoor Poor Department of Bellevue Hospital, but gave it up for his present location in private practice. He is a member of Bethany Lodge, F. and A. M., of Black River, N. Y., serving in the capacity of treasurer; also member of Watertown Chapter No. 59, R. A. M ; member of Jefferson County Medical So- ciety, member of the Board of Education of Black River Union Free School. On September 1, 1889, he married Minnie E. Vincent, dangh- ter of Marcellus Vincent of Clayton. He has three children : Bula A., Nettie G. and W. Boyd Sylvester. He has an extensive practice over several townships, and enjoys the confidence of the community and of his patients. Dr. Sylvester's ancestors came to this country in 1630 from England, landing in Massachusetts.

Pohl, Frederick William, is a native of Germany and was born in Erzhausen, Hesse-Darmstadt, in 1838. His educational advantages were limited, according to the laws and customs of the country at that time, to from his sixth to his fourteenth year, when children are sup- posed to begin the work of earning a livelihood and are apprenticed to a trade or assist on the farm at home. As Mr. Pohl's father was a landowner, the boy remained at home and even after becoming his own master remained with his parents until he had reached his thirtieth year. The desire to seek his fortune in America overeame him and he accordingly bade good-bye to home and parents and in early Febru- ary, 1868, landed in the United States, and on the 14th of the same month he reached Depauville, where his brother Peter, who had pre- ceded him to this country in January, 1855, resided. Mr. Pohl readily obtained employment among the farmers of the neighborhood, where he worked for two seasons; for his brother Peter in 1868; George Wag- ner in 1869, until the fall, when he worked until the close of the year 1820 for George Bolts. From 1870 to 18;1 he worked the farm of Henry Van Camp in the town of Orleans and from 1812 to 1873 was

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

on the Peter Nellis place in the town of Pamelia; in 1874 conducted the Wayne Stewart farm for seven years. In 1880 he purchased of Mr. Stewart this farm, which he still owns, and worked until 1895, when he purchased the handsome Davenport residence on Leray street in Evans Mills, where he now resides. Mr. Pohl is a Republi- can in politics, and a member of Pamelia Grange No. 68. In 1870 he married Katherine, daughter of Lucas and Catharine Ganter, who came to this country from Germany in 1866, settling near Lafarge- ville, where Mr. Pohl met and married her. Mrs. Pohl's parents are dead; she has one sister and two brothers living in this country: Mrs. Miller, resides at Pamelia, Constandt and Anthony. March 6, 1892, Mr. and Mrs. Pohl were called to face their greatest sorrow in the loss of their only child, Mary, who died at the family home at the age of twenty-one years.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 105

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed Publication date: 1898 Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co. Number of Pages: 1368

Author: Emerson, Edgar C., ed
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: [Boston] Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1368