Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 122

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 122

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Graham, Calvin D., son of James and Catherine (Damon) Graham, was born in the town of Stillwater, Saratoga county, N. Y., March 1, 1822. His father was born in Ireland, of English parents, and emigrated to this country when he was twenty years of age, settling in Saratoga county. The subject of our sketch is one of five children, three sons and two daughters. Ile was left fatherless when quite young, and worked hard to help support the family, remaining at home until he was twenty years of age, when he started out alone, empty handed. to carve out a competency for old age. He was variously employed until January, 1815, when he married Mary Munson, and engaged in farming in the town of Adams. In 1853 he purchased a farm containing one hundred and fifty acres in the town of Lorraine, and began farming ou his own account. August 18th of that year his wife died, leaving two children, a son and daughter. January 17, 1855, he married Luey Pratt, of Stone Mills, and the following year he bought and moved ou to the old Pratt farm at Stone Mills, in Jefferson county, where he resided until 1887, when he purchased a lot and built an elegant residence at No. 11 State street, where he has since lived in retire- ment. December 30, 1890, his wife died October Ist, of the following year, he married Mrs. Sarah II. White, who died after a two weeks' sickness, of typhoid fever. April 22, 1896, he married Lavia L. Holcomb, of Lewis county, his present wife. Mr. Graham, although past three score years and teu, is yet quite active and in full possession of all his faculties. He is one of Watertown's most honored and respected citizens,

Sherman, George C., treasurer of Taggarts Paper Co., is a well known citizen of

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Jefferson county. He is a son of the late Charles A. and Caro (Norton) Sherman, and was born July 25, 1862. His education was obtained in the public schools of Watertown, having graduated from the latter in 1878. After graduation he entered the Watertown Steam Engine Works, and was advanced from time to time to the position of assistant treasurer. In Issthe became treasurer of the Taggarts Paper Company, which position he now holds. Mr. Sherman is president of the National Bank & Loan Co., trustee in the Jefferson County Savings Bank, and connected with several other business corporations. In November, 1886, he married Alice L. Taggart, of Watertown, N. Y.

Middleton, De Witt C., son of Andrew C., was born in the town of Rutland, April 11, 1850, an I was edueated in the Watertown High School. For four years he was a clerk in the store of J. & A. Bushnell, and has since been engaged in the shoe bnsi- ness in this city. He was mayor of Watertown in 1884-45, and was a member of the Board of Education for two years. In 185 he organized the Watertown Electric Light Company, of which he is now president.

llart, William E., photographer, is a Canadian by birth and has been a resident of Watertown since 1862. He learned his business in the studio of his brother, Charles S. lfart, one of the oldest photographers in Jefferson county, and was an assistant to him until 1884, when he engaged in business for himself. Mr. Hart has attractive rooms in what is known as the Marble bloek, and has facilities for the execution of all classes of work. He does Crayon and India ink portrait work, and has estab- lished an extended reputation. MIr. Hart served the city as alderman from the Third ward, two years, and in 1886 was elected mayor, serving two terms.

Carpenter, John M., secretary and treasurer of the Excelsior Carriage Works, was born in Watertown, N. Y., November 15, 1833. His first business experience after leaving school was in the mercantile business, in which he continued for twenty-five years. Ile then became connected with the Watertown Spring Wagon Works as its secretary and treasurer, and in 1889 he organized the Excelsior Carriage Company. and has since been its secretary and treasurer. Mr. Carpenter has always taken an active interest in the municipal and county affairs, was president of the village of Watertown, and held the office of county treasurer from 1-69 to 1875. He is a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge and the Union Club.

Kellogg, Virgil K., district attorney of Jefferson county, was born in the town of Rutland, March 17, 1854, a son of Sylvester Kellogg (born January 21. 1808, at Mar- tinsburg. N. Y., and moved to Rutland in 1922). Mr. Kellogg attended the country district schools, Watertown High School and Adams Collegiate Institute ; he entered upon the study of law June 27. 1479, in the office of Levi H. Brown, and was ad- mitted to the bar in October, 1952, at Rochester. In November, 1884, he moved to Carthage and formed a business connection with Ilon. A. E. Kilby. Jan- uary 1, 1-93, he opened an office in Watertown, In 1892 he was elected district- attorney by a plurality of 2,675 votes over John Conboy, Demoerat. He has been unusually successful in his position as district-attorney being one of three who have procured convictions in murder trials during the hundred years of the county's cor-

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

porate existence. He is well grounded in the law, is a close student, and has under- pinned his legal learning with a good classical education.

Nims, William A., son of John H. and Abigail (Brown) Nims, was born in Cape Vincent in 1851. After attaining maturity he first engaged in farming and in ISM commenced the study of law in the office of Winslow & Smith in Watertown, con- tinuing there one year. For two years subsequently he was with Hubbard & Walts, and was admitted to practice in 1877.

Cadwell, O. B., is a native of Lewis county, and a descendant of Major Oliver Bush, one of the pioneers of that county. He came to Watertown in 1860 and en- tered the employ of Henry P. Cooke, who established the present business in April of that year. Mr. Cooke, a native of Oneida county, was associated at different periods with George B. Phelps, J. C. Lepper and Mr. Cadwell; he died in 1878. In 1862 Mr. Cadwell enlisted under Capt. James B. Campbell. in Co. M. 10th N. Y. H. A., and was closely associated with that regiment during its term of service; he was then transferred to the 6th N. Y. Artillery and attached to the division staff, General Hartsuff commanding, and was made quartermaster and chief ambulance officer of the "District of the Nottaway," with headquarters in Petersburg. He was mus- tered out of service with the 6th Artillery at Hart's Island, New York harbor, in the fall of 1865. lle entered the army as a private, subsequently receiving his warrant as sergeant of his company, and later as sergeant-major of the regiment; he was afterward commissioned as second lieutenant and agam as first lieutenant, the last promotion being received while serving in the trenches before Petersburg. He held several staff positions, serving under Colonel Piper, General Stewart, Colonel Ed- wards, General Ferero and General Hlartsuff, but never absent from the brigade or division of which his regiment formed a part ; at one time during the winter of 1861- 65, he was provost marshal of the city of Winchester. Va. Returning to Watertown after the close of the war, he resumed his business relations with Mr. Cooke, and in 1871 was admitted as a partner, the firm becoming Cooke, Cadwell & Co., which continued unlil the death of Mrs. Cooke (she having represented the estate of her husband), in 1891, when it was changed to O. B. Cadwell & Co. Mr. Phelps who for many years was the company of the firm, died in 1892, and since then Mr. Cad- well has been sole proprietor. In 1884 Mr. Cadwell was appointed by Governor Cleveland, a trustee of the New York State Soldier and Sailor's Ilome, was reap- pointed by Governor Hill and again by Governor Flower, serving as such till 1897, a period of thirteen years. He is a member of the G. A. R., a director in the National Bank, and stockholder in other business enterprises. A successful, accomplished business man who counting it gain to serve his country in the hour of supreme need, his military record reflects upon him in the highest eredit and in his daily life he " justifies the honors he has gained."

Smith, Mason Lee, was born at Munusville, Madison county, N. Y., October 3, 1859, and came with his parents to this county in 1866. H's early education was obtained in the public schools of Watertown and he was graduated from the high school June 20, 1877. He began the study of medicine with Dr. A. R. Rudd, in January, 1877, and attended lectures at the University Medical College of New York

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

city from 1827 to 1851. being graduated from there March 8, 1881. He has always practiced in the city of Watertown, and joined the County Medical Society in Octo- ber, 1881, serving as one of its censors in 1888, 1889 and 1890. Dr. Smith was elected coroner of Jefferson county in November, 1888.

Cannon, Gilbert, M. D., was born in Almonte, Canada, April 14, 1854, and was educated at McGill College, Montreal, from which he was graduated in 1877. He began practice at Oxbow, Jefferson county, and came to Watertown in August, 1894. He is a specialist in diseases of the eye, car, nose and throat, and in addition to a hospital experience in the Montreal General Hospital took a post-graduate course in the New York Polyclinic School. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medieal Society and has a high reputation in his profession.

Parker, George B., D. D. S., one of Watertown's youngest and most successful dentists, was born May 30, 1871. He is a son of Ackley HI. and Emma A. (Boell) Parker. He obtained his e lueation in the Watertown public and high schools, and in 1890 began the study of dentistry. In 1894 he was graduated from the Philadel- phia Dental College, at which time he opened an office in Watertown for the prac- tice of his profession, in which he has since been successfully engaged. June 5, 1895, Dr. Parker married Jane I., daughter of Jane A. and Elmira (Benor) Quencer, of Watertown, N. Y. Ile is a member of the Citizens' Club, and of the F. & A. M.

Lansing, Addison Farwell, was born in Vineland, N. J., October 16, 1870, a son of Dr. Edward Lansing, a native of Herkimer county; Dr. Lansing died May 29, 1895. Addison Lansing was the youngest son of seven children, and was educated in Farn- ham Preparatory School in Beverly, N. J., and entered the University of Pennsyl- vania in 1888, from which he was graduated in 1892, with the degree of B.S. He was in the office of Carter & Day in Philadelphia for sixteen months and then was with S. F. Brown of Trenton, N. J., one year. He came to Watertown in 1896 and has since been a partner with Mr. Ramsay.

Burdick. Nelson, was born in the town of Lyme, Jefferson county, N. Y., Decem- ber 28, 1820. In 1867 he removed to Watertown and engaged in the manufacturing business and in 1870 in company with M. Horton began the manufacture of carriages and wagons. After four years Mr. Horton retired from the firm and Mr. Burdick conducted the business alone until 1877, when he admitted his son, W. W. Burdick, the firm now being known as W. W. Burdick & Co. Mr. Burdick has always taken an active interest in politics and in 1882 was elected mayor of the city. He is one of Watertown's leading citizens and has a legion of friends.

Trowbridge, Frederick G., M. D. - The history of the medical profession of Jeffer- son county, N. Y., would indeed be incomplete were the Trowbridge family omitted. For three consecutive generations they have stood to the head of their profession, alleviating the sufferings of their fellowmen and winning the confidence of those with whom they are brought in contact, by skill in their profession and the purity and simplicity of their lives The grandfather of the subject of the sketch was born in Massachusetts and died in Jefferson county, where he had for fifty- five conseeu-

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tive years practiced medicine, being one of the charter members of the Jefferson County Medical Society, and a man of sterling integrity. William R., the father of Frederick G., was born in Watertown and early evinced an inclination to follow his father's profession ; after equipping himself for the same he practiced in his native city for forty consecutive years. Frederick G. was born in the city of Watertown, October 30, 1857. After taking a course in the high school he determined to follow in the footsteps of his illustrions ancestors and accordingly read medicine with his father, and was graduated from the Buffalo Medical University with the degree of M. D. in 1883. As his first professional study began in 1874, a period of nine years had thus been devoted to the accumulation of professional knowledge. Few stu- dents in this or any other country have given the same time and painstaking care to thoroughly mastering their profession and equipping themselves for their life's work. William R. Trowbridge was a surgeon in the United States army during the late Civil war.

Smith, Herbert 11., M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Watertown, was born in the town of llounsfield, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 18, 1860. His edu- cation was obtained from the Ives Seminary at Antwerp, and the Rochester Business College, from which he was graduated in 1880. He then began the study of medi- cine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, but finished his profes- sional course in the University of the City of New York and received his degree in 1889. He immediately began the practice of his profession in Watertown, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Jefferson County and City Medical Socie- ties, of the 1. O. O. F. and K. of P. He was married in April, 1885, to Mary E. Burns of Jefferson county, and she died January 26, 1893.

Barnett, John A., M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in Potsdam, N. Y., in July, 1867. He was educated in the public schools of his native village and the Nor- mal School. He began the study of medicine at the Ann Arbor Medical College and received his degree in 1890. Hle then became connected with the State Hospital at Utica, N. Y., as assistant physician and was afterward appointed assistant physician at the State Hospital at Ogdensburg, where he remained for three years. At this date he removed to Watertown and began the practice of his profession, where he has since resided. Dr. Barnett is a member of the Jefferson County Medical So- ciety, also the City Society. Ile was for two years one of the board of health and on the board of pensions for three years. He was married in June, 1893, to Bell E., daughter of the late Robert E. Lowrey of Ogdensburg, N. Y.

Kieff, David D., was born in Bombay, Franklin county, N. Y., July 3, 1866. 1le was reared on a farm, educated in the public schools and graduated from a business college ; at the age of fifteen he came to Watertown, N. Y., and began the study of architecture, with John Hose and W. W. Tucker. In the year of 1887 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Hose, under the firm name of Hose & Kieff, architects; they continued in business until 1893. He then bought Mr. Ilose's interest and estab- lished an office in the Flower building, which he still retains. Among the more im- portant buildings of which Mr. Kieff has been the architect might be mentioned the Watertown City Hall, erected in 1896-97, Otis House, erected in 1894, Herald build-

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

ing, erected in 1896, Cooper Street School, ereeted in 1895, the marble residence of ex-Mayor F. D. Roth, residence of E. G. Mosher, Simson Bros., B. A. Field, Thomas Burns, A. R. Flower. He has also designed many buildings out of town: The Ant- werp Town Hall, Bent Bros.'s building, E. G. Tucker's residence, Philadelphia, N. Y., and many others of equal prominence. Mr. Kieff has always been a Demo- crat in politics and is at present the secretary of the Board of Health, and building inspector. He is also a member of the Jeffersonian and Citizen Clubs.

McMullen, George C .- Among the native born citizens of Watertown, there is none who has taken a more prominent part in the development of city and county than Mr. George C. McMullen. He was born August 29, 1851, and received his ed- neation from the public schools of his native city. He learned the grocery business in the employ of Messrs. Munday & Son, and was associated with Messrs. Ethridge & Co., of Rome, N. Y., for eighteen years, at the end of which time the firm of Mc- Mullen & Sons was established. Aside from his extensive affairs in the wholesale grocery business he is also connected with other business enterprises, being vice- president of the Watertown Savings Bank, a director of the Union Carriage and Gear Company, and a trustee of the City Hospital. He has never taken an active part in politics, having refused the nomination for mayor three times. He is a prom- inent member of the Union Club and Knights Templar. June 5, 1877, he married Atta R. Clay of Ogdensburg. 1Ie is a son of John and Jane (Snow) McMullen. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother was from Connecticut, and settled in New York State in 1847.

Nellis, Joseph, is a native of Palatine, Montgomery county, and was born Decem - ber 28, 1867. He was educated in St Johnsville High School and Fairfield Academy. Ile came to Watertown in 1889 and began the study of law in the office of Dorwin & Brown (later Brown & Adams), and was admitted to practice September 16, 1892. lle has held office of excise commissioner for two years, and is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 49, of Watertown, and R. A. M. No. 59. December 20, 1894, he married Louise Seipel of Watertown and they have one son, George Seipel Nellis.

Streeter, John C., was born in the city of Watertown, November 22, 1829, a son of Lansing W. Streeter, a native of Goshen, Mass., who came to this county in 1822, when eighteen years of age. He was a tailor by trade and was the first tailor of this city. John C. was the oldest of the family of four children, and has always been in trade until 1887, when he retired. He was mayor of the city two years; postmaster under President Cleveland from 1885 to 1889, and held some of the minor offices of the town. Ile has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1861, and is also a pioneer member of the Union Club. He has been twice married and has one son, Fred W.

Boltz, Andrew P., was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y., De- cember 7, 1832. He has spent a great part of his life on the farm and in the manu- facture of cheese. In 1896 he gave up the farm and removed to Watertown and en- gaged in the retail grocery business in which he is now engaged. He is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Dorr) Boltz, who are natives of Germany, coming to this

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country in 1830 and settling in Jefferson county. Mr. Boltz was married in March, 1851, to Elizabeth Hass of Clayton, N. V.

Ferrin, Henry F., a native of Vermont, was born in 1837. In 1810 he removed with his parents to Watertown, where he attended the public schools At the early age of sixteen he succeeded his father in business (who was engaged in the marble business) and has since conducted the business with marked success. This is the oldest house of the kind under one management in New York State. The premises occupied are large and commodious and a full force of marble cutters, sawyers and polishers are busy at all times. Mr. Ferrin is enterprising, progressive, and well merits the success he has achieved.

Barker, Sylvester V., a native of Rossie, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., was born January 16, 1855 llis education from schools was meager and confined to the ele- mentary grades, He early served an apprenticeship at the carriage maker's trade in which he was engaged for four years lle afterward removed to Auburn, N. Y .. where he conducted a variety store for seven years, and then disposed of his business and removed to Watertown and engaged in the same line in which he has since been actively engaged. Mr. Barker and his family take an active interest in church affairs, being members of the M. E. church.

Hubbard, Byron V., one of Watertown's leading boot and shoe dealers, was born in that city, May 21, 1855. He acquired a good education from the public and high schools of his native city, after which he entered the grocery and fruit store of his father where he remained until 1885, when he engaged in the gents' furnishing busi- ness on his own account and in 1893 disposed of his stock and embarked in the boot and shoe business, which business he has since conducted. Mr. Hubbard is a genial, public-spirited citizen and has a host of friends. He was married in May, 1891, to Clara E. Brick of Watertown, and is a member of the Lincoln League.

Schuyler, Frederick Eugene, son of John R. and Malvina (Weller) Schuyler, was born in the town of Antwerp, Jefferson county, N. Y., October 19, 1861. His father died when he was quite young and he was compelled to make his own living from the time he was ten years of age. His first business experience in mercantile life was as a clerk for C. 11. Tubbs, but was compelled to resign his position after two years on account of failing health and he removed to Denver, where he remained for two years. He then returned to Watertown much improved and in company with J. B. Le Fave opened up a furniture store under the firm name of Schuyler & Le Fave, which firm continued until 1896, at which time it was succeeded by the now well known firm of Schuyler & Rieh. This firm are among the foremost of Water- town's successful business houses and by courtesy and uprightness have succeeded in building up a large and Incrative trade. Mr. Schuyler is yet a young man and has apparently many years in which to develop the sneeessful career he has started upon.

Dryden, Allen, junior member of the grocery firm of Fuller & Dryden, was born at Napence, Ont., in August, 1862. Ilis first commercial experience was as a clerk in a grocery at Detronto, Ont., where he was employed for four years and afterward was employed by the same firm in the manufacture of doors and remained with them

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

until 1883, when he removed to Oswego to accept a position with R. R. Thomas & Co. as foreman in their factory. After a service of four years he removed to Water- town and succeeded Jerry Sough in the grocery business, becoming the junior mem- ber of the firm of Fuller & Dryden. Mr. Dryden married Sarah E. Berry in Jan- uary, 1888.

Cahill, Daniel W., business manager of the Arcade Drug Company, was born in Watertown, N. Y., January 15, 1864. He was educated in the publie schools and in 1880 was graduated from the Watertown Iligh School. At this time he became as- sociated with Mr. J. W. Knott in the drug business, in which he was engaged for about cighteen months, when he entered the service of the Watertown Pharmaceu- tical Co. and after a short time with this company he resigned to accept a position offered him with Drs. H. G. P. Spencer & Son, where he remained until 1884, and then entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1886. In 1991 he became a member of the Arcade Drug Co. of Watertown, which was incorporated under the laws of the State in 1892, with Mr. Cahill as its treasurer and manager. Mr. Cahill is a member of the Lincoln League and has been a mem- ber of the executive committee since its organization.

Rich, Ross C., is of French-English descent, the nanie Rich formerly being " La Riche." He is a lineal descendant of Amasa Dodge, who settled in Springfield, Mass , in the early part of 1600. He is a son of De Alton and Francis (Dodge) Rich, and was born in the town of Henderson, Jefferson county, N. Y., August 16, 1875. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and the Adams Collegiate Institute, from which he was honorably graduated in the class of 1892. In March, 1895, he removed to Watertown and entered the dry goods store of Bush, Bull & Roth, as a elerk, where he was employed until September 8, 1896, when he pur- chased the interest of J. B. La Fave in the furniture business, becoming the junior member of the firm of Schuyler & Rich, in which he has since been successfully en- gaged. Mr. Rich is a prominent member of Corona Lodge No. 705, I.O.O.F., and an honored citizen.

()'Connor, Hugh, jr., son of Hngh and Bridget (Leonard) O'Connor, was born in Watertown, N. Y., May 8, 1867. His parents emigrated to this country in 1857 and settled in Watertown, where they have since resided. Mr. O'Connor served au ap- prenticeship at the blacksmith's trade of nearly three years with his brother, Michael O'Connor, and in 1892 embarked in business on his own account in which he has since been engaged. He is an active and prominent member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Elmer, Fred M., is one of Watertown's eminently successful business men. He was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1866, educated in the public schools of Water- town, and at the age of twenty-two became a member of the firm of William Elmer & Sons, whom he succeeded in business in 1891. He is an experienced caterer, hav- ing had a number of years' experience in his chosen line of business. Aside from this he carries a full line of choice Key West and Havana cigars, confectionery, iee cream, etc. Mr. Elmer's business career has been a successful one and he sustains a high reputation in this community.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 122

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