Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 106

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 106

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Stewart, Wayne, son of John and Sophia A. (Potter) Stewart, was born on his father's farm in the town of Leray in 1847. His grand- father, John Stewart, sr., was the first supervisor in the town of Pa- melia in those early days when the unbroken wilderness everywhere confronted the early settler and pioneer of Jefferson county. Both of Mr. Stewart's parents were natives of Pamelia township, his father dying in 1863, and his mother in 1865. Wayne Stewart's early life did not vary much from the ordinary of the sturdy country youth. His summers were spent on the farm, while the winter months were passed in the district schools, mastering the studies they afforded as a prepara- tion to the higher education which he received later at the academies of Antwerp and Gouverneur, where he completed his studies previous to the decease of his mother, and in order to remain with her he set- tled down to the life of a farmer. He continued as such until her death in 1825, when he removed to Evans Mills. Mr. Stewart has been twice married, first in 1822 to Wealthy M., daughter of Randall Barnes, who died in 1879, leaving one child, Ada W. (deceased). In 1884 he married Zerviah L. Davenport, and they have one daughter, Mayme. Mr. Stewart lives the life of a retired farmer and gentleman at Evans Mills; his residence is one of the finest in that pretty village, while his farms which receive his attention contain upwards of 500 acres and are among the finest in Jefferson county, one of which is the historic Dela- folia farm in the bend of the Indian River. Independent in politics, Mr. Stewart acts and votes for the greatest good possible to the great-

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est number in the community, acting on the principle that a good party does not always govern a bad politician and that only good men are desirable in public office. A word concerning Mr. Stewart's an- cestry on his mother's side may be of interest in a sketch of this kind Her genealogy, although fragmentary, if the term is permissible, owing to no special effort having been put forth to complete it accu- rately, is of a most interesting historical nature. Through the lineage of the Potter family she can trace back to the beginning of the seven- teenth century in English history, while through the Steele and Wol- cott families there is an unbroken deseent from Roger Wolcott, first colonial governor of Rhode Island. Mr. Stewart is a genial, pleasant gentleman and highly respected by all.

Lawton, Frank W., was born in the village of Evans Mills, Novem- ber 15, 1859, a son of llenry W. and Electa M. (Davis) Lawton. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and after mas- tering the studies which these schools afforded, was offered and accept- ed a clerkship in the store of Wesley Rulison, where He continued for upwards of three years, when he concluded to relinquish elerking and accordingly took charge of his mother's farm, which he worked until her death in 1891. lle then acquired possession of the place by in- heritance and still continues the ownership. In 1891, in company with F. E. Croissant, the present coal and lumber business was established on Leray street and continued until 1892, when Mr. Croissant retired, sinee which time Mr. Lawton has conducted it alone, gradually en- larging the output until the trade extends throughout Leray and ad- joining townships. In 1892 Mr. Lawton married Celia, daughter of Rezot Tozer of Evans Mills, and they have one son, John Stewart. Mr. Lawton is a Republican and was town clerk of Leray for one year from 1881 to 1882. Combining farming with the coal and lumber busi- ness does not deprive Mr. Lawton of that social divertisement and good fellowship usually found in the lodge room and in fraternal gath- erings. lIe is a member of Pisgah Lodge No. 420, F. & A. M., of Evans Mills, and has passed through various chairs until he reached that of master of his lodge; he is also a member of Theresa Chapter, R. A. M.

Steinhilber, J. Philip, son of Bernhardt and Mary Steinhilber, was

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born in the town of Leray, in April, 1845. His father originally came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and settled near Evans Mills, where he met and married Mary Heyl, a native of Ilessen-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United States at about the same time as her husband. They had five children, of which three are now living: J. Philip (as above), Peter and Margaret, wife of A. B. Fitch, a prominent business man of Boston, Mass. Mr. Steinhilber's youth was not unlike that of many others of his times; plenty of hard work on the farm during the summer months and the district school in winter constituted the aver- age yearly routine. After leaving the sehools of the neighborhood, he took a thorough course in business training at the Poughkeepsie Com- mercial College and in 1865 accepted a position in the store of Herrick, Sisson & Ayers of Watertown, where he remained until he thoroughly mastered the details of the business and returned home to await a chance to engage in a business of his own. He spent some time at home on his father's farm, when the looked for opportunity offered itself and early in 1871 he purchased the interest of Samuel Potter, then associated with Wesley Rulison in the grocery and drug store now owned by A. E. Helmer. Ile succeeded to Mr. Rulison's interest in 1874 and continued the business until 1885, when he purchased the W. S. Cooper dry goods store and continued until December 2, 1892, when fire destroyed the store and contents. Twenty days later found Mr. Steinhilber located and in possession of a fully stocked place of business at his present location. He carries a heavy stock of general merchan- dise and commands a fine trade throughout his own and adjoining townships. Besides his large and increasing business, Mr. Steinhilber owns and conducts a fine farm of 165 acres. In politics he is a Repub- lican, and while maintaining a position always as one of the strong and quiet workers, he developed the surprising strength sufficient to down the Democratic war horse, Fred Croissant, and last year beat Mr. Croissant for supervisor, after that gentleman had been elected re- peatedly for terms aggregating nineteen years. A quiet unassuming gentleman, Mr. Steinhilber enjoys the benefits of a large and prosper- ous business built up entirely by his own skill and indefatigable efforts, as well as the esteem and confidence of the community.

Jones, John E., M. D., was born in Cleveland, Ohio, a son of John W. and Alice A. (Robinson) Jones. He removed from Cleveland to

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Watertown with his parents when only five years old. Dr. Jones was educated in the city schools of Watertown and was graduated from the high school in the class of 1891. After his graduation he entered the office of Dr. O. C. Eastman of Watertown, where he remained two years, when the family removed to Buffalo and he completed his medi- cal studies in the University of Buffalo. He was for some time a physician in the medical and surgical departments of the General Hos- pital at Buffalo, after which he removed to Evans Mills and began practice, succeeding the late Dr. L. E. Jones, whose office and resi- dence he purchased in 1896. Dr. Jones enjoys a practice extending throughout Leray and adjoining townships. In 1893 he married Lottie, a daughter of Mrs. Erretta Moore of Lorraine. His father, John W. Jones, will be remembered in Watertown as a former respected resi- dent and well known contractor and builder, a business he is still en- gaged in in the city of Buffalo. Dr. Jones ean point with pride to patriotic elements in the family, six of his relatives serving the cause of the Union during the late Civil war, two having fallen at Gettysburg, one, Lieut. Melvin Bovee, was killed while bravely defending a position of importance, July 3, 1863. Dr. Jones is a member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552, 1. O. Foresters, and is at present court physician ; also is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society.

Gardener, Levi E., M. D .. was born in Leray, January 12, 1858, a son of Tra and Jane ( Ilieks) Gardener. He was brought up on his father's's farm pretty much the same way as has been the custom with the hardy country youths, with plenty of hard work in summers and the district school in winter. After acquiring a preparation in these schools he entered Oakwood Seminary at Union Springs, N. Y., where he finished his education and began a course of study at the Long 1sl- and College Hospital in Brooklyn, from which he was graduated in 1892, coming direct to Black River to begin his practice. In January, 1893, Dr. Gardener was married to Carrie A., daughter of Charles H. and Lydia Christy of Dexter, N. Y. Dr. Gardener enjoys an extensive practice, his calls taking him in the various districts of Leray, Rutland and Champion.

Countryman, Gershom J., third son of Alexander and Catharine E. (Smith) Countryman (both deceased), was born at Pamelia Four Cor-

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ners, in 1862. Nearly all of Mr. Countryman's life has been spent under the old family roof, where from early childhood his school days all centered about his father's homestead. The steady routine of ex- istence was passed by working on the farm in summer and attending the public schools during the winter. After reaching his majority Mr. Countryman remained at home and worked his father's farm, which became his upon the death of his father in 1894. In 1883 Mr. Country- man married Cora A. Wood, adopted daughter of Alonzo Wood of Three Mile Bay, and they have four children: Norma V., Elsie V., Jay A., and Verna A. Mr. Countryman carries on a general farming and dairying business, owning two fine farms, one of 130 acres at Pamelia Corners, where he resides, and another at Pamelia Center of 175 acres, where he has a fine herd of cattle and runs a large dairy. He is, and always has been a Republican, taking a lively interest in whatever tends to benefit the farmer and is an active member of Pamelia Grange No. 168.

Franklin, Walter J., the energetic and popular station agent at Evans Mills, was born in May, 1870, at Boonville, N. Y., a son of Levi and Elizabeth Franklin of that place. Walter J. passed his boyhood days at home and in the village school, through which he fitted himself for a course in academic studies. lle taught school at Camden for three terms and then began a course of study in telegraphy with W. H. Kendall, an experienced teacher and operator at West Camden. After completing his course in telegraphy Mr. Franklin received the appoint- ment of station agent at Sanford's Corners, where he remained two years, or until his appointment as station agent at Evans Mills, in July, 1895. He is a brother of Harry R. Franklin, station agent at Red Creek, N. Y. In October, 1895, Mr. Franklin married Clara L. Mc- Clusky, the daughter of a well known contractor and builder of Boon- ville, N. Y. They have one daughter, Marjorie. Mr. Franklin is de- servedly popular among the patrons of the road for his urbanity and business methods in the discharge of his duties. He is a member of Camden Council No. 65, O. U. A. M.

Helmer, Albert E., was born on his father's farm in Leray township two miles north of Evans Mills, December 18, 1860. When eleven years old his parents moved to the village, where he attended school

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until he entered the employ of J. Philip Steinhilber in the drug and grocery business, where he remained four years, succeeding Mr. Stein hilber February 21, 1885, and has continued the business ever since. Mr. Helmer is also extensively engaged in farming, dairying and cheese-making; in the latter business he is associated with his cousin, Leonard Helmer, the two operating a factory near Evans Mills, the output of which is enormous, while the quality, owing to the care used in production, is of the finest and commands an extensive as well as ready sale. In politics Mr. Helmer has always been a Democrat and is one of the leading men of that party in his section, and only for the great political odds numerically against his party, would have enjoyed its honors to a very high degree. Ile was town clerk for ten years, from 1882 to 1892, was delegate to the State Convention in 1888, a candidate for member of assembly in 1892, and served as postmaster of Evans Mills from 1892 to 1897. He is a member of the Jeffersonian Club of Watertown and was for several years its vice president. Mr. Helmer's maternal grandfather, Peter Hoover, served his country against the British during the war of 1812 and fought at the battle of Sacket Harbor. September 30, 1890, Mr. Helmer married Frances A., daughter of Leonard Peek of Evans Mills, and they had three chil- dren : Albert (died in infancy), Gertrude M. and Alice Irene. The oft quoted saying, "A prophet is not without honor save in his own com- try " does not apply to Mr. Helier's case. It is at home, in the com- munity where he was born and reared, that he is held in the highest esteem as a politician, business man and honored citizen.

Steinhilber, George W., son of Ezekiel and Catharine ( Hyle) Steinhil- ber, was born on the farm he now owns and occupies in 1842. Ilis parents came to this country from Germany upwards of sixty years ago and settled cast of Lerayville. His father just previous to his marriage purchased the farm where Mr. Steinhilber resides. George Steinhil- ber, like the average country youth, worked on his father's farm in the summer and attended the schools of the neighborhood in the winter. February 23, 1871, he married Laura Dillenbeck, daughter of John S. Dillenbeck of Leray township. His family consists of Willie, born in 1822; Curtis, born in 1879 (died in 1881), and Nina, born in ISS8. In politics Mr. Steinhilber has always been a Republican. He is a farmer and dairyman, having a fine farm of 180 acres, finely located and of the

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best in the land. Mr. Steinhilber is interested in whatever promotes the interest of the farming community and is a member of Pamelia Grange No. 68. When the war broke out he went to the front, enlist- ing in the 10th New York Heavy Artillery, and was assigned to Co. C. Mr. Steinhilber saw plenty of hard service, and was through the Peters- burg and Shenandoah Valley campaigns, and served under General Sheridan while that great leader operated as commander of the middle military division in the celebrated valley of Virginia. After their services in the valley of Virginia were no longer needed the 10th Heavy Artillery was detached and sent to Bermuda Hundreds, where it remained until the close of the war, Mr. Steinhilber being honorably discharged from the service after serving two years and eleven months. Ile is a member of Chauncey Wilkie Post, G. A. R., No. 334, Evans Mills.

Paul, William E., son of Edwin L., and Caroline (Hudson) Paul, was born in Leray township in 1861. His father at present is a resi- dent of Watertown and his mother is deceased. Mr. Paul has four brothers: George B., of Hutchinson, Minn., Charles E., Albert J. and Albin J., residents of Leray. Mr. Paul remained at home until he reached his majority, working on the farm in summers and attending the schools of the neighborhood winters. Soon after reaching his twenty-first birthday he purchased the farm where he now resides, con- sisting of 195 acres of valuable land and started out for himself. That he has prospered is evident from the appearance of both farm and herd. Mr. Paul is a member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552 of I. O. F. In polities he is a Republican, as was his father before him. In Septem- ber, 1888, he married Matilda J. Getman, and they had four children : Laura May, Emmery E., Wilfred S. and Bertha. Mr. Paul is one of the thorough farmers of the neighborhood.

Tozer & Davenport, millers and proprietors of the American Mills, Evans Mills, N. Y., was formed in 1895 and is composed of William F. Tozer and Arthur P. Davenport. The business consists of general grinding of wheat, corn, buckwheat and all kinds of mill feed. They are large dealers in flour, handling the Grand Republic flour of West Superior, Wis., and Rhodie & Bills's best patent of Ogdensburg. Their business is extensive, reaching out beyond what is usually termed

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local trade limits, The mill is of historical interest, having been erected in 1820 by Ethan Evans, the founder of the village. The individual copartners are energetic, pushing business men. Mr. Tozer was born in the town of Alexandria at Alexandria Bay, in 1861, a son of Regot and Mary (Potter) Tozer, respected citizens of Evans Mills. Mr. Tozer received his education in the schools of the neighborhood and was graduated from St John's High School at Ogdensburg. For two years he was employed in the government survey from Little Rock, Ark., to Vermilion county, Dak. Returning to Evans Mills he engaged in his present business with W. H. Osborne which continued for three years and in 1895 he formed the present copartnership. Mr. Tozer is a mem- ber of Pisgah Lodge No. 720, F. & A. M. He has been through all the chairs and was for two years master of the lodge. Mr. Tozer and Mr. Davenport's grandfather, Elisha Potter, was a soldier in the war of 1812 and fought at Sacket Harbor. Mr. Tozer and Mr. Davenport's families run back through two important channels, one on the Potter side reaching to Robert Potter of Warwick, Eng., who came to Rhode Island in 1600, and through their great grandmother, Polly Wolcott, and their grandmother, Polly Steele, who descended from the Wol- cott's of Rhode Island, of which Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declar- ation of Independence and governor of the State, and Roger Wolcott, also governor of Rhode Island, are representatives. Mr. Davenport was born in the village of Evans Mills twenty five years ago, a son of Platt W. and Amelia MI. (Potter) Davenport. His early life was passed in his native village, receiving his education in the public schools of the neighborhood and at the academy at Holland Patent. After completing his education he went to Nebraska, and was con- nected with the Omaha Street Railroad for three years, when he re- turned to Evans Mills, and entered upon the present business, where he has remained ever since. Politically Mr. Davenport is a Democrat. His father died in 1895 and his mother still survives and resides with her son. Messrs. Tozer & Davenport are cousins.

Helmer, Leonard A., is the third son of Peter Helmer, who came originally from Herkimer county fifty years ago and settled on a farm two miles west of Evans Mills; he married shortly after his arrival there Catharine Shimmell, who bore him four children, two of whom are now living: Leonard A. and Mrs. Charles Petrie of Evans Mills.

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Mr. Helmer, sr., died in 1881 and Mrs. Helmer still survives and re- sides with her son. Leonard A. Helmer spent his boyhood days on the farm, working in summer and attending schools of the neighborhood during the winter months. He still continued at home working the farm after he reached his majority and upon the death of his father in April, 1884, succeeded to liis present splendid homestead, which has been in possession of the family since its removal from the original location west of the village of Evans Mills. General farming and dairying is the principal business, and with nearly 200 acres of first class soil, rich and productive, Mr. Helmer maintains one of the best farms in his section ; his dairy contains some of the finest Holstein cat- tle in the vicinity. He has also bred some of the finest Berkshire, Chester White and Red Jersey swine, which have commanded a large sale in the vicinity. Mr. Helmer is also extensively engaged with his cousin, Albert E. Helmer, a merchant at Evans Mills, in the manufac- ture of cheese, the two conducting a factory the annual output reaching upwards of 80,000 pounds, and which commands a ready sale in the foreign and local markets. Mr. Helmer is a granger and an active member of Pamelia Grange No. 68, also a charter member of Court Evans Mills No. 1,552 I. O. Foresters and has been financial secretary of the lodge. In politics he has always been a Democrat and has been honored by his party as delegate to the various county conventions. In 1846 Mr. Helmer marricd Susan Summers of Brockville, Ont., and they have had two children, one now living, Grace E., aged eleven years.

White, George G., a resident of Philadelphia, Jefferson county, was born in the town of Watertown, August 13, 1823, a son of Gardner and Deborah (Adams) White. Gardner was a grandson of one James White, who came from Portugal about 1216, settled in Connecticut and raised a numerous family ; he died in 1786 aged eighty-eight years. Adonijah, third son of James (Gardner's father), a captain in the Revolutionary war, was born in Connecticut in 1:52, married Hannah Kingsbury May 1, 1466, and raised a family of nine-four girls and five boys: Lydia, born February 4, 1178; Nancy, born January 19, 1:80; Sally, No- vember 13, 1181: Gardner, February 11, 1284; Lemuel, June 19, 1786; Dr. George White, August 10, 1288; Sybil, February 9, 1192; Dr. Adonijah White, April 3, 1194; Augustus Kingsbury White, January 22, 1496, who wrote a history of New York State. Gardner White

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moved from the town of Watertown May 1, 1835, and located upon the farm now owned by George G. White, and died September 6, 1862. George G. was reared upon the farm and educated in the common school. October 22, 1857, he married Georgianna, daughter of Henry Danforth, brother of A. W. Danforth, member of assembly. They had four daughters: Carrie C. (deceased), M. Virginia, Susie F., and Hettie Georgia. George G. in politics is a Republican having served his town as inspector of election, townanditor, highway commissioner and at the present time as assessor.

Danforth, James H., was born in Philadelphia, September 26, 18-10, a son of Azel W. and Eliza Ann (Phillips) Danforth. Azel W. came to Philadelphia about 1833 and settled on the farm James H. now owns, and there lived until his death in 1864. Mr. Danforth wasa Democrat until the organization of the Republican party and a prominent politi- cian. He held several town offices and served as member of assembly. James H. was reared on the old homestead and educated in the com- mon schools. Ile is a farmer and owns 115 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican; a member of the Grange and was once a Good 'Femplar. In 1865 he married Julia E., daughter of Jotham Marshall, an early settler of Jefferson county, N. Y., and they have one son, A. Warren, educated in the common schools and Syracuse. He is now bookkeeper for the Indian River chair factory. He married Ada A. King and they have two children, Lawrence A. and Grace M.

Comstock, George, was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, N. Y., March 24, 1839, a son of Arnon and Clarissa (Barber) Comstock. Arnon was born in Oneida county, a son of Arnon Comstock, who lived and died in that county. Clarissa Barber Comstock was born in Connecticut, a daughter of Aaron Barber, who came to Jeffer- son county, settling in Philadelphia, where he lived and died. Arnon Comstock, father of George, was a farmer and came to Leray in 1812, in 1860 to Philadelphia, and here died January 23, 1895. George Com- stock was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools and Carthage select schools. Ile is a farmer and has 345 acres of land and a dairy of thirty three cows. He is a member of the Grange, being one of the charter members of Philadelphia Grange No. 111. He is a Republican and has been assessor twelve years. June 13, 1862, he

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married Abi Kirkbride, born in Philadelphia, and daughter of Robert and Julia A. Powell Kirkbride, and they have three sons: Chester E., born in Philadelphia, March 2, 1869, a farmer; Edward C., born September 22, 1842, and Robert E., born March 12, 1880, at home. Chester mar. ried Josephine Carter; Edward married Emma Anable of Philadelphia, and has one child, Mildred, born December 21, 1895. Robert Kirk- bride was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Oneida county. He came to Leray when eight years old with his parents, Benjamin and Hannah Kirkbride, who were members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Comstock has been active in politics and the family attend the Congre- gational church.

Shurtleff, Elisha M., was born in Philadelphia, N. Y., May 28, 1845, a son of Milo Shurtleff. Milo was born in Leray, N. Y., and came to Philadelphia with his parents when he was eleven years of age. He was a farmer and owned about 400 acres of land. In politics he was a Democrat and served as assessor and justice of the peace. He married Louisa M. Bentley of Antwerp, and they had ten children. He died March 1, 1882. Elisha M. Shurtleff was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and for eleven years has dealt extensively in hay, having a farm of 33: acres. He is a Democrat ; a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174, F. & A. M., Philadelphia Lodge No. 690, 1. O. O. F., Court Philadelphia No. 502, I. O. F., and of the Philadelphia Grange. February 15, 1876, he married Emily J. Baker, daughter of Perry Baker, an early settler of Philadelphia, and they have three sons: Francis, Lloyd P., and Earl MI.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 106

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