Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 110

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 110

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Van Alstyne, Miles, was born in Canada, August 25, 1858. He was educated at Newburg Academy, Canada, and came to the United States in 1868 and learned the blacksmith's trade at Adams Center. In June, 15<4, he moved to Sackets Harbor. where he is doing a first-class general blacksmithing trade in all its branches, horse- shoeing, carriage ironing, wood work and repairing. He also owns a bicycle livery and repair shop, with his son. Everett II., as manager of repairs. September 14,

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1877, he married Ella D). Ivory of Adams Center, and they have four children Ev- erett H., Arthur G., Myrtle, Jennette. Mr. Van Alstyne is a member of Sackets Har- bor Lodge No. 368, K. of P., the Red Men No. 256, and of Jefferson Union Lodge No. 124, 1.0.0.F. Hle and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In his political choice he is a staunch Democrat. The Van Alstynes were prominent in the Revolutionary war in the Mohawk valley. Ancestry of family is Dutch, Scotch and English. Mr. Van Alstyne's father, Bernard, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1807, and removed to Canada with his parents when a child He married Esther Allen of this State, and they had ten children Sarah J., Secord, Charles, Alexander, Amanda, Wallace, Rhoda, Martha, Miles (as above), and one died in in- fancy. Mr. Van Alstyne died in 1894, and his wife in 1865.

Day, Lewis W., was born in Sackets Harbor, N. Y., December 25, 1819. He finished his education at Hungerford Collegiate Institute, Adams, N. Y., and was in the drug business in Sackets Harbor twenty years, until 1893, and now lives a retired life. In 1879 he married Anna MeGuin Walling, and they have one son, Edward L., born September 12, 1881. Mr. Day has been supervisor of his town two terms, which is a compliment to him personally as a Democrat, for the town has a large Republican majority; he has been president of the village one term and trustee several terms. He is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, F. and A. M . and Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68. R. A. M. of Watertown Lodge of Perfection, of Watertown Commandery No. 11, K. T., and Media Temple A. A. N. M. S. ; was one of the delegates of Media Temple to the Imperial Council at Detroit, Mich., in 1897. He is one of the directors of the National Bank and Loan Company of Water- town, N. Y. Mr. Day's father, Lewis W. Day, was born in New Jersey, October 12, 1801, was educated in the schools of that early day and came to this State and county in the year 18.40, where he was a successful merchant. October 23, 1818, he married Sarah J. Gray of the town of Rodman, and they had one son, Lewis W. He died in June, 1855, and his widow May 10, 1855.

Tyler, William W., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. V., Sept. 28, 1838. Ile was educated in the public schools and was an accountant by occupation. October 14. 1861, he enlisted and took an active part in recruiting and organizing a company for the war of the Rebellion. That company was assigned to the 94th Infantry, N. Y. Vols., as Co. E. He was promoted first lieutenant Co. B. May 20, 1862, promoted captain Co. 1, March 2, 1863. He participated with his regiment, in the Army of the Potomac, in the battles of Cedar Mountain, Manassas, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and others of lesser note, and was honorably discharged on account of disability resulting from wounds received in the battle of Fredericks- burg. Va., March 17, 1863. lle again entered the service as first lieutenant Invalid Corps, U. S. Vols., June 6, 1863, was promoted captam, 19th Regt., Veteran Reserve Corps, U. S. Vols., December 10, 1863, and served to September 30, 1867. He was appointed a second lieutenant 9th Cavalry, U. S. Army. August 13, 1867, promoted first lieutenant December 9, 1871, was transferred to the 13th Regt. U. S. Infantry August 1, 1881, promoted captain February 2.4. 1891. His service in the U. S. A. was on the Texas and New Mexico frontier and was active and arduous, wholly in the then Indian country. He was retired ou account of disability incurred in the

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line of duty in 1891, and returned to his native town. September 11, 1866, he married Maty A. Gratz, of Harrisburg, l'a., and they had five children, two of whom are now living, Sarah Wyeth and Elizabeth Gratz. Ella Louise, their eldest child, married Captain William D. Dietz, Medical Department, U. S. Army, 1887, and they had one son, Wallace Druvo Dietz, born November 1, I888, now residing in Sackets Harbor, N. Y. Captain Dietz and his wife both died at Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Har- bor, January 29, 1891. Captain Tyler's father, Dr. William E. Tyler, was born in town of llounsfield September 16, 1811. He was a graduate of Geneva Medical College in 1813, and wasa beloved physician at Sackets Harbor for nearly fifty years. Ile married Pheobe C. Hunter of his native town in 1837, who died in 1874. Dr. Tyler married afterwards Mrs. Mary D. Metcalf; he died August 24, 1890. His widow survives at this date.

Hunter, Mary S .- Archibald Hunter was born in Saratoga county, N Y., in the year 1796. He was educated there and was a blacksmith by trade. Ile married Sarah Halstead of his native county, and they had eight children: Phebe, Mary S. (as above), Seth, John, Thomas, George, James and Elizabeth. They came to this county in 1855, and he carried on the business of blacksmithing until his death. Mr. Hunter was a soldier of the war of 1812 at Sackets Harbor, N. Y. The ancestry of the family is English and Scotch.

Orchard, Mrs. Armenia. - The late Benjamin Orchard was born in Dorsetshire, England. March 19, 1804. He came to the United States in 1832, locating in the town of Hounsfield, where he bought a farm, and in process of time erected a fine residence thereon. June 7, 1838, he married Armenia, daughter of Rev. Enock Barnes, and they had twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity: Mary MI., Sarah S., Elsie J., Julia A., Martha A., Effie E., Ada R. and Ida M. Mary M. mar- ried D. Esting Moore; Sarah S. married John B. McMullen, and they have four chil - dren. George, Charles, Ettie and Sadie; Elsie J. married Marcellus Read, and they have one daughter, May; Julia A. married Myron Holden, and they have three chil- dren. Flora, Orilla and Benjamin O. ; Martha A. married Jefferson Brockway ; Effie E. married Dyer Harris, and they have two daughters: Pearl and Ethel; Ada R. married Emmet Holden, and they have three children: Cloid, Avis and Floyd: 1da M. married J. D. Phillips, and they have two children: De Wayne and Ella. Mrs. Phillips died February 19, 1891. Benjamin Orchard died September II, 1890, in his eighty-seventh year. Mrs. Orchard's father, Enock Barnes, was born in Little Falls, in 1791 : he was educated in their schools and was a Methodist Episcopal misister ; he married Anna Hazen and came to this county when his daughter Armenia was less than two years old. They had four children that grew to maturity: Luke H., William H. T., Armenia and Julia. He was a soldier in the war of 1812 at Sackets Harbor. and died in 1877, his widow in 1881.

Lamar, Charles, was born in the city of New York, June 28, 1845. His boyhood days were passed in the wilds of Wisconsin, where he received a very limited educa- tion in the public schools. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he entered the vol- unteers under the name of Charles Lemke, as bugler in the 2d Wisconsin Light Bat- tery, and shared in the life of the camp, the march and the battlefield in which the battery participated, till August 10, 1864, when he was promoted to second lieuten-

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ant Co. K, IBd Wisconsin Infantry, and served as such other to the close of the war. Hle entered the regular army in 1873, as bandmaster in the Ith U. S. Infantry. Joined the 6th Cavalry in 1882, the 21st Infantry in 1856 and the 9th Infantry at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, N. Y., June 26, 1896. On the 20th day of Feb- ruary, 1882, he married Alice Buchanan, of California, a relative of the late Presi- dent Buchanan and John H. Reagan, ex-confederate postmaster-general. Lieuten- ant Lamar is a member of Rawlins Post No. 23, Department of California, G. A. R. In his political choice he is a Republican.

Youngs, William II., was born in the town of Lyons, Wayne county, N. Y., May 29, 1836. Hle was educated in the publie schools and learned the miller's trade with his father, and has condueted mills in many places in the State. In 1858 he married Helen M. Ailes of Sodus, Wayne county, N. Y., and they have two children . Charles 11. and Emma B. Charles H1. married Addie Allen of Dexter, N. Y., and they have two children, Kenneth A. and Paulne. Emma B. married Arthur J. Weed of Manns- ville, Jefferson county, N. Y., and they have one son, Harold. Mr. Youngs came to Dexter in 1881, and is conducting a custom mill business. In his political choice he is a thorough Republican. Mr. Youngs's father, Warren, was born in Columbia county, N. Y. He had eight sons: Charles H., William II. (as above), George E., Frank, Edwin, John, Warren and Albert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Youngs are dead.

Mckee, A. G. C .- Wilbur Lawrence Mckee was born at Sackets Harbor, N. V .. July 7, 1816. He was educated in the public schools and by occupation is a machin- ist. David McKee, his father, in 1810 established a foundry business, he erected a a new building in 1813, and formed a copartnership under the firm name of MeKce & Hammond, which was continued until 1859. They manufactured the first mowing machines in northern New York. Wilbur was taken in as a copartner in 1870, un- der the firm name of David Mckee & Son, which has continued until this date, 1897. December 16, 1874, be married Arabella G. Coventry, formerly of Utica, N. Y., and they have one living daughter, Julia Graham McKee. David Mckee was born in Whitestown, N. Y., September 22. 1813; he was educated in Utica, and came to Sackets Harbor in 1831. He learned several trades, but his final choice was machin- ist. September 1, 1845, he married Mary Ann Lawrence of Clinton county, N. Y. and they had three children Wilbur Lawrence (as above), Mary Hl. and Frank E. Mrs. McKee died in May, 1876. David in his political choice is a thorough Repub- lican. Mrs. Wilbur L. MeKee's father, George Coventry, was born near Geneva, N. V., in 1792. He was well educated and married Julia Graham of Deerfield, N. Y .. and four of their children grew to maturity. Elizabeth, Sarah M., George and Ara- bella G. Mrs. McKee's grandfather, Dr. Coventry, was a distinguished physician in Utica.

MeWayne, Jay 1)., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. V., June 21, 1831, and was ed- ucated in the common schools. He is a farmer and horse breeder; in the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Co. K. 35th Infantry, N. Y. S. Vols., was promoted sergeant, second and first lieutenant of his company, which he commanded from the 13th of September, 1862, until discharged June 5, 1563. He was also captain of Co. B. 186th Infantry, N. V. S. Vols., and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.

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Before he entered upon his duties as captain he had recruited many men for different commands; he was always ready for duty, a devoted and truly loyal citizen soldier, ready for duty under all emergencies. October 23, 1867, he married Sarah E. Wals- worth, and they had three children. Eva, who died at the age of ten years; Arthur died at the age of four; and Ella who resides at home. Capt. McWayne's father, Kimball De Forest Wayne, was born in the town of Houndsfield about the year 1810; was educated in the schools of that day, and was a farmer by occupation. He mar- ried Betsey E. Wallace, and they had five children: Jay D. (as above), Phoebe, Charlotte, Justus and Elizabeth. He died in 1844; his widow survives at this date, 1897. Captain McWayne's grandfather, Josiah McWayne, was born in 1780; he married Phoebe Abbott, and they had seven children. His grandfather, John Wal- lace, was born in 1177, he married Anna Pecock and was in the war of 1812. Capt. Jay D. Me Wayne is a member of Julias Broadbent Post of Dexter, N. Y., G. A. R., Department of New York; also Sackets Harbor lodge, No. 135, and Royal Arch Chapter, No. 68. Ile has held the office of deputy collector of Dexter Port (of entry) two years, and highway commissioner two years.

Camp, Walter Bicker-George Camp, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the historic town of Glastonbury, Conn., August 8, 1790, and came to Sackets Harbor in the winter of 1816-17, where he established the first printing press and issued the first newspaper, "The Sackett's Harbor Gazette." In 1814 he married Elizabeth Hitchcock, formerly of Connecticut. then of Utica, N. Y. Walter B. Camp was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., October 1, 1x22; he received an academic educa- tion in his own county and has always resided in Sackets Harbor, through its various changes until this date, 1897, being interested and identified with its progress and prosperity and always ready to help those who are worthy of such assistance. Mr. Camp has always been loyal to his native place and it has been his ruling passion that it may advance into importance, such as its natural surroundings seem to justify. The commercial and military spirit in this locality was so happily combined and each of foremost importance that Mir. Camp imbibed its influence with the younger genera- tion that stamped the carlier civil and military history of the village, and he has not ceased in his endeavors to save as far as possible the prestige of this historic locality. To that end all the enterprises that were calculated for its elevation obtained a large share of his time and means. The construction of the first railway, which extended from Sackets HIarbor to Pierrepont Manor, enlisted his earnest endeavors, hoping for the completion and successful accomplishment of an enterprise that would retain the commercial importance hitherto enjoyed at the port of Sackets Harbor. About the sum of $400 000 was spent in its construction by the enterprising citizens of this town, Henderson and Ellisburg, to which Mr. Camp was no small contributor and acted in the capacity of custodian and local director for two years before it became extinct, affected largely by unfriendly influences of the officials of the railway with which it made connections. That portion of his means realized from the sale of the above railway was donated by Col. Camp to the Presbyterian church society, as a perpetual fund for the purchase of books for the Sunday school library and for repairs of the church edifice. When the war of the Rebellion broke out, Col. Camp was chosen by Gov. Morgan to manage the direction of the military depot to be opened at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, N. Y., and appointed him to that command

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with the rank of colonel, October 17, 1861. Col. Camp considered the appointment not only complimentary, but almost obligatory because unsolicited. He entered at once upon his duties and in twenty-four hours one company had been enrolled into the service and in eighteen days the 91th Infantry, N. Y. Vols., had perfected its organization and moved from camp March 14, 1563, reaching Albany the following day. Col. Camp went with them to the capital, Giov. Morgan called upon the colo- nel the same day and complimented him, saving "he was proud of the 94th Regi- ment, that it had given him little or no trouble during its organization, was com- posed of splendid material, was in magnificent form and discipline, had been re- cruited and maintamed at $20,000 less expense than any hke regiment in the State. and instead of losing nearly thirty men, had a gam of two upon leaving camp." This depot now being established, it became the active center for enlistments and organization of volunteer regiments during the war. The 10th II. A., N. Y. Vols .. was at once organized and Col. Camp was appointed the town of Hounsfield war committee, and with Senator Bell of Brownville, took the quotas of that town and Hounsfield and formed the company commanded by Capt. H. O. Gilmore. After the war Gen. Sherman was disposed to abolish the post here, there being no railway for the effective transportation of troops. To meet this objection measures were taken at once to extend the Utica and Black River Railway to Sackets Harbor. Col. Camp was untiring in his efforts to prevent the removal of this military station, and to seenre the completion of the road, meetings were held in the towns on the con- templated route, and with the hearty co-operation of the enterprising citizens secured the completion of the road in 18 3. During the occupancy of the barracks by Gen. Ayers, the north half of the officers' quarters was borned, Gen. Sherman wasopposed to any outlay, but with the valuable influence of Congressman Bagley, Col. Camp succeeded in securing an appropriation of $25.000 to rebuild the quarters. Unfavor- able influences continued to operate for years, until Gen. Grant was seen by Col. Camp, with whom for a long time he had retained an intimate acquaintance ; with his proffered and valnable services in presenting to Gen. Sherman the desirability of re- taining the military station here, there came a marked change and from that time Madi- son Barracks has received the attention from the government that its important posi- tion demands. Upon the arrival here of Gen. Sherman with the 12th U. S. Infantry. under the command of Gen. Wilcox, he expressed himself captivated with the loca- tion. Since then Madison Barracks have been progressing, first under Gen. Wilcox. and other commanders, and now in 1997 is one of the most complete in reservations in the service. In this matter Col. Camp has been a thorough friend of the institu- tion, and considers himself fortunate in having the acquaintance in the army and navy of many of its illustrious characters that have figured in the former and more recent history of our wars, being related to Admiral Foote and Commodore Hitch- cock on his mother's side, and upon his father's side looks back to that most conspic- uous member, Jonathan Hlale, who sacrificed his life upon the altar of his country at Jamaica Plains, Boston, 1776. The descendants of the llale family have left the footprints in the path of honor in deeds of patriotism and valor, at which he himself has contributed an honorable share, at which he has reason to look upon with a de- gree of satisfaction upon his own part in the role of honor; of services honestly and conscientiously rendered to the nation, to the State and his native town and village. In May, 1885, he was unanimously elected with the title and associate member of the

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military service institution of Governor's Island, of which the late Gen. Hancock was president. Col. Camp continued the business his father had established after he dis- posed of the newspaper business in 1821, from 1850 until 1884. In the meantime Col. C'amp traveled extensively upon the continent of Europe and far and wide over his native country bounded by the different oceans. In 1844 the family came into posses- sion of the mansion and grounds formerly owned and occupied by Commodore Melancton T. Woolsey, aud although never married the colonel has entertained for many years with a refined and generous hospitality. In 1879 he completed the erec- tion of a chapel which was presented as a Christmas gift to the Presbyterian society. with which he has been identified from infancy and for which he has retained an affectionate attachment. In this connection we cheerfully give space to his liberality 111 money, time, and supervision of construction of the tower of the Presbyterian church for the reception of a chime of nine bells given by Mrs. Marietta Pickering Hay of Tarrytown, to this historic village, as a living memorial of her father, Captaln Augustus Pickering, who commanded the first vessel that ever entered the port of Chicago. He also was deeply interested in the Jefferson County Historical Society, of which he was the first vice-president. In 1585 he succeeded in seenring as execu - tor of the estate of the late Elisha Camp from the heirs, as a gift to the Jefferson County Ilistorical Society and the village of Sackets Harbor, the old battle ground of several acres fronting on Black River Bay, where the first battle was fought between the Americans and British in the war of 1812-15 (earth works can be seen even to this day), which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies under the auspices of the 12th Infantry, U. S. A., G. A. R. organization, village authorities and representa- tives of Jefferson county and Oneida county, historical societies and gentlemen of this and neighboring counties of the State and Canada. lle was elected president of the society in January, 1893. Colonel Camp has given much time to the study of aboriginal history of the county of Jefferson, upon which subject he has written some valuable papers and has secured a choice selection of relies that characterize the race that occupied this locality and were extinct at the time of the advent of the white race to their shores, and which too has brought him in friendly relationship with the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C., and other historical societies, which brought him in contact with many distinguished men of like tastes. Colonel Camp has an inherent talent for musie; in visiting his delightful home we find it supplied with the accessories to give it expression. With one favorite instrument, however. he is better known in refined circles where he finds enjoyment in the concord of sweet sonnds. A motto in the family is the following: " Whatever we possess is doubly valuable when we are so happy to share it with others." It is pleasant to contemplate generous deeds so that when the donors pass away coming generations will arise and call them blessed.

Baker, Orville W., was born at Stowell's Corners, March 27, 1827. lle was edu- cated in the public schools aud was graduated from the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., in April, 1819. He taught several terms in winter, also taught select schools and is now an independent farmer. March 2, 1852, he married Olive Read of Sackets Harbor. Mr. Baker in his political choice is a thorough Republican. He was a justice of the peace in Ins native town sixteen years, and was also secretary of the "Patrons Fire Relief Association" of Jefferson and Lewis counties over twelve

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years, having been annually elected. His father, John Baker, was born in this lo- cality in 1803; he was educated in the schools of his day and was a farmer by occu- pation. He married Roccena Weld of the town of Sodus, Wayne county, N. Y., and they had seven children. Orville W., Edwin K., Chloe A., Zilpha A., Sarah D., Lucy D. and Maria A. Mr. Baker died in November, 1880, and his widow in 1891. Mrs. Orville W. Baker's father, Garrett Read, was born in the town of Hounsfield. June 29, 1798. He was educated in the schools of that day and was a farmer by oc- enpation. He married Huldah Westeott of his native town and they had ten children . Willard, Susan, William, Stephen, Olive, Marcellus, Eunice, Sarah, Whitley and George. Mr. Read died May 13, 1867, and his widow December 9, 1867.

Holden, Walter B., was born on the Holden homestead near Campbell's Point, March 9, 1859. lle was educated in the district school and is by occupation a thorough market gardner. November 29, 1888, he married Eunice A. De Witt, of the town of Henderson, N. Y., and they have three children: Clifford C., Genevieve and Karl W. Mr. Holden in his political choice is a thorough Republican. Itis father, Aaron Holden, was born in Hadley, N. Y., in the year 1813 and was educated there; he married Orrilla, daughter of Israel and Lydia (Conroe) Root, of Mechanies- ville, Saratoga county, and they had ten children: Clay, Frelinghuysen, Winfield, Theodore, Seward, Myron, Emmett, Walter B., Talcot and Jessie, Mr. Holden died September 15, 1870, and his widow March 11, 1892 Mrs. Holden's father, William De Witt, was born in Canada, February 9, 1843, and her mother was born in Canada March 1, 18441, and both were educated there; he came to the United States in 1865; he married Eliza llieks, daughter of James and Nancy (Boyce) Hicks of Canada, and they had six children: Charles E., Eunice A., Elva R., Seymour, Rosella and Clay E. Mr. and Mrs. De Witt are both living at this date, 1897. The Holdens are of New England origin and the De Witts of Scotch Canadian.

Thompson, Samuel E., was born in the town of Nounsfield, Jefferson county, N. V., son of Samnel E, and Elvira (Salisbury) Thompson. His grandfather, Piam Thompson, was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was his father, who was accepted as a substitute when but fourteen years old Samuel E., the father, was born in Con- necticut, January 23, 1799, and came to this State with his parents when a child, locating in the town of Rodman. He was educated in the schools of his day and was always a farmer. He married twice, first to Fanny Foster, by whom he had one daughter, Alvira. Ile married for his second wife Mrs. Elvira Salisbury, and they had two children, Fanny and Samuel E. As before stated, Samnel E., sr .. served in the war of 1812, for which he received a land warrant; he died February 28. 1861, and his widow survives, residing on the farm occupied by her husband while living with his first wife, and is a pensioner of the war of 1812. Samuel E. Thompson, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools and Adams Academy, and is a traveling salesman for the Cleveland Baking Powder Co. Octo- ber 19, 1871, he married Miss Celia Parrott, of Sackets Harbor, and they have two living children, Charles A. and V. Adah, both students at this date, 1897. Mr. Thompson joined Sackets Harbor Lodge F. and A. M. and was in good standing until 1896, when he joined Dalhouse Lodge F. and A. M., of Newtonville, Mass. He is also a member of Newton Chapter, R. A. M., of Newtonville, Mass. ; Holyoke

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 110

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