USA > New York > Jefferson County > Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York > Part 123
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Faichney, George 11., manufacturer of clinical thermometers, was born at Oxbow, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 21 1869. lle was educated in the public schools and at the Gouverneur Normal School. In 1888 he removed to Watertown and in company with Herbert Bodgett engaged in the manufacture of thermometers under the firm name of Faichney & Bodgett, which continued for two years, when Mr. Faichney succeeded to the business and has since conducted it alone. Mr. Faichney employs from eight to ten skilled workmen in the manufacture of his instruments and the work turned out is of the highest order. He is a member of I. O. O. F. and the I. O. F.
King, F. P., junior member of the well known clothing firm of Snook & King, was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, N. Y., August 17, 1855. His first ex- perience in mercantile life was as a clerk in a country store, and in 1874 he removed to Watertown to accept a clerkship with George lanse, jr., in whose employ he re- mined for four years. At the end of this time he entered the service of Frank C. Fox, where he remained for a period of nine years. March 20, 1890, the firm of Snook & King was organized and is to-day the largest dealers in hats and custom made clothing in the city. They make their own garments and a force of from twenty to thirty skilled workmen are employed to meet the demands of their patrons. Mr. King is a member of the 1. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum and the Citizens' Club.
Gray, C. W., wholesale and retail dealer in ice, is one of Watertown's enterprising and successful business men. The ice furnished by him comes from Huntingtonville, N. \'., which is absolutely pure, the water being elear, soft and pure. Ile has a storage capacity of over 5,000 tons and his wagons deliver from the various ice depots of the city to his many patrons, which consist of all the leading hotels, merchants and pri- vate families. Mr. Gray is honorable and progressive and is to be congratulated upon the success he has achieved.
Mowe, George Il., has been established in his present business since 1884. The firm consisted of A. Betfrey and George 1I. Mowe and continued under the style of Beffrey & Mowe until 1893, since which time Mr. Mowe has conducted it alone. This firm was the first to introduce hot water for the heating of buildings success - fully and now there are a number of the finest residences that are heated by that method. Mr. Mowe has always been ready to lend a hand in effecting needed im- provements and takes a deep interest in all that tends to the advancement of the community in which he lives.
Britton, Fred W., one of Watertown's rising young business men, was born in that city September 20. 1867. lle attended the public schools and in 1886 was graduated from the Watertown High School. Immediately after graduation he entered the Times editorial staff and remained in that capacity for eleven years. At the end of this time he became president of the Britton Shoe Company, which was incorporated in February, 1896, and has since been engaged in that business. Mr. Britton is a prominent member of the Citizens' and Jeffersonian Clubs aud is esteemed by all who know him.
Ryan, Stephen R., was born in Osceola, Lewis county, N. Y., in 1849, In 1863, at
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the age of fourteen, he went to Rome, N. Y., to accept a clerkship in the grocery of M. P. Wardwell, in whose employ he remained for some time, after which he went to Croghan and was apprenticed at the carpenter and joiner trade. In 1872 he re- moved to Watertown and found employment at his trade until 1876, at which time he was elected constable for a term of three years. In 1879 he opened a small store on Court street for the sale of ale and lager, continuing in this business until 1881, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Winslow and engaged in the wholesale business. This firm continued until INSI when Mr. Winslow was succceded by Mr. Williams, and the firm of Ryan & Williams continued for two years, when Mr. Ryan succeeded this firm and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Ryan deals largely in choice wines and liquors of the most celebrated brands. He is a gentleman of wide experience in business affairs and thoroughly conversant with all the details of his chosen line of trade.
Spratt, John W., a leading hardware and stove dealer of Watertown, was born in that city, February 16, 1>33. He has been engaged in his present vocation since 1-64, at that time being a member of the firm of Sarget & Spratt, which was suc_ ceeded by Spratt & Gates, this firm continuing until 1890, when Mr. Spratt succeeded that firm and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. Spratt was married in December, 1465, to Anna Taylor, and she died in 1893.
Pendergast, John E., is a son of James and Johanna (Hyde) Pendergast, who immigrated to this country from Ireland in 1836 and settled in Utica, N. Y., where John E was born December 25, 1567. After graduating from the public schools he entered the office of Dr. Wallace Clark as a student, where he remained until 1881, and then accepted a position with Frank Williams, in whose employ he remained for a year and a half, when he removed to Morristown, N. Y., to take charge of the Frontier House bar, remaining in that capacity for four years. At this date he re- turned to Utica and after a time removed to Canton, N. Y., where he was appointed deputy sheriff under Erastus P. Backus and served in that capacity until 1891, when he removed to Watertown and was employed at the Woodruff House. In 1896 he embarked in business on his own account in company with Mr. Dibble, as proprie- tors of the Arcade Cafe. Mr. Pendergast is a prominent member of the K. of P., being first lieutenant on Maj. Jefferson Young, jr.'s, staff U. R. K. of P.
Makepeace, Charles E .- There is no citizen in Watertown who is better known or has a wider circle of friends than Charles E. Makepeace. He was born in the town of P'amelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., December 11, 1-56. He has been closely identi- tied with the commercial interests of Watertown for many years, and is now junior member of the firm of Dean & Makepeace, who were the first in the United States to use electricity in the grinding of feed. Mr. Makepeace was for many years en- gaged in the agricultural implement business, and through his honorable dealings he has gained the confidence and esteem of a large circle. June 29, 1892, he married Matie B., daughter of Samuel and Catherine Hoover.
Otis, Charles M., is a son of David D). Otis, one of the pioneers of Jefferson county, who settled in Watertown in 1926 and up to the time of his death in 1881, was one of
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the leading hardware dealers of the city; it was he that built the famous Otis House of that city. Mr. Charles M. Otis was born in Watertown, January 8, 1851, and after attending the public schools entered the insurance office of D. M. Bennett, and after serving in that office for a time entered the service of HI. & D. F. Cooper, as a salesman in their hardware establishment, where he remained for a year, when he resigned his position to accept an offer made by the Metropolitan Gas Co. of New York city, and remained with them five years. In 1885 he returned to Watertown to take charge of his mother's estate and at the same time engaged in the insurance business, forming a copartnership with JI. B. Goodell, under the firm name of Otis & Goodell, which is now one of the leading insurance firms in the city. Mr. Otis was married to Eliza E. Vandevier of New York city, July 5, 1882.
Reeves, James E., a member of the well known boot and shoe firm of Allen & Reeves, was born in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 26, 1851. Ilis education was obtained from the public schools and the Wesleyan Seminary. He was engaged for several years in the merchandise business and in 1875 was em- ployed by Wm. Nealy & Co. of New York city as traveling salesman, where he re- mained for a short time and then accepted a like position with the wholesale house of Couch & Wisner of Bridgeport, Conn., with whom he remained for thirteen years. lle at this date located in Watertown and in company with W. J. Allen entered into the retail boot and shoe business, which firm is now one of the leading boot and shoe houses in Watertown. Mr. Reeves is an active member of the Masons and the Royal Arcanum. January 12, 1876, he married Idella M. Smith of Watertown, N. Y.
Elwood, E. Elsworth, was born at Fort Plain, Montgomery county, N. Y., June 5, 1861. His first business experience after leaving the public schools was in the em- ploy of his brother under the firm name of B. Il. & E. E. Elwood, and in 1896 that firm was succeeded by the Elwood Silk Manufacturing Company, with B. H. Elwood as president and E. E. Elwood as secretary and treasurer. They manufacture all kinds of silk dress goods and give employment to 125 workmen. Mr. Elwood was married June 4, 1881, to Emma L. Wood of Fort Plain, and they have two sons.
Dorsey, James M., one of Watertown's leading clothing merchants and one of her most prominent citizens, was born January 16, 1858. Ile was educated in the pub- lic schools, after which he entered the grocery store of Merritt Andres as a clerk and remained in his employ for a period of ten years. At this date he entered the ser- vice of E. B. Dewey and continued with him for five years, and in 1895 became the junior member of the firm of Bilyea & Dorsey, proprietors of the U. T. K. clothing store, and has since that time given his entire attention to the company's extensive affairs. Mr. Dorsey is a member of a number of societies, being prominent in Masonic cireles, a member of the I. O. O. F., an exempt fireman and is now on the board of directors. June 15, 1885, he married Hattie E. Robinson, and they have an only son, George R.
Flynn, Bartholomew, junior member of the well known undertaking firm of Pawling & Flynn, was born in the town of Brownville, Jefferson county, N. Y., in December, 1841. His parents removed to Watertown when he was a child and where
OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.
he attended the public schools. His first business experience on his own account was in the milling business in 1462, in which he was engaged until 1977, when the mull was destroyed by fire and since that time he has been engaged in his present business. Personally Mr. Flynn is a very social gentleman and is a prominent mem- ber of the 1. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity.
White, George W., was born in the town of Pamelia, Jefferson county, N. Y., De- cember 4, 1-61. His early days were spent on the farm and in IS80 he entered the service of the Knapp Lumber Co., which firm was succeeded by White & Sullivan, Mr. White being the senior member. This firm mannfactures doors, sash and blinds and give employment to from fifteen to twenty-five workmen. Mr. White is a son of Lyman an Marcia (Town) White, who came to this county from Massachu- setts in 1-26. Mr. White has always taken an active interest in public affairs, being at one time town clerk of the town of Pamelia May 1, 1851, he married Eva A. White of Hounsfield, N. Y.
Dibble, Ira D., was born at Hornellsville. N. Y., June 11, 1857, and came to Watertown in 1491. In succession he was employed by the Union Club, the Wood- roff House and again at the I'nion Club and in January, 1897, entered into partner- ship with J. E. Pendergast at the opening of their business career and the two have ever since maintained an equal partnership in all their business enterprises. The cafe is elegantly fitted np and equipped with every convenience and facility for the comfort of patrons. They also handle everything in the way of fine wines and liquors. Mr. Dibble is a genial host and his friends number legion. He is ex- tremely popular and highly esteemed and respected in this community.
Salisbury, Alfonso, son of George W. and Margaret (Waffel) Salisbury, was born in the town of Orleans. Jefferson county, N. Y., November 15, 1832. After acquiring a liberal education from the district schools, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade in which he was engaged for a period of thirty years. In 1863 when his ser- vices were required he enlisted in Co. K. 10th N. Y. Artillery, and served his country faithfully until the close of the war. In 1579 he was appointed superintendent of the Watertown Water Works and has since that time acted in that capacity. He was married in September, 1855, to Harriet E. Reed, a native of Jefferson county.
Barber, Henry S .- One of the foremost and best known farmers in Jefferson county is Henry S. Barber, born in the town of Le Ray, N Y., July 22, 1831. He received his education in the district schools and the academy at Evans Mills. On leaving school he was apprenticed at the carpenter's trade and in this he received a training and gaine l a practical experience in his trade such as is rarely obtained. After serving histime and becoming an expert journeyman carpenter and joiner, Mr. Bar- ber, in pursuance of his design in perfecting himself at his trade, engaged in build- ing on his own account and for others and continued the same until 1860. At the end of this time he bought a farm and has since then been engaged in dairying and farming. In 1\\; he removed to Los Angeles, Cal., where he remained for two years, when he returned east and located in Watertown and after a few years re- moved to the farm where he now resides. August 22, 1560, he married Mary M. Edwards, and they have four children: George W., Mrs. Col. A. G. Judson, who re-
PERSONAL REFERENCES.
sides in Washington, D. C., John Edward and Mary Bell. Mr. Barber attributes his success to his own patient, methodical habits, punctuality, thrift and unceasing at- tention to business at all times, He is an estimable citizen and a model of homely virtues.
Puffer, William W. Among the most noted representatives of the marble trade is the firm of Puffer & Co., of which William W. is a member. This business was founded by Mr. Isaac G. Puffer at Lowville, mn 1863. In 1848 he removed to Adams, where he conducted business until 1892, and then removed to Watertown, where they have since conducted business. The work shops and yard are located at No. 113 Washington street, where are shown fine examples of mortuary art in the form of monuments, tomb headstones, etc., in imported and domestic granite and marble. The facilities are ample and parties in need of anything in this line, from a simple marble slab to an imposing Amerian, Swedish, Itahan or Scotch granite monument, are invited to call at the above number. Mr. Puffer is son of Isaac G. and Carry (Winslow) Puffer, and was born at Lowville, N. Y. At an early age he entered the employ of his father, commencing at the bottom and by dint of hard work, enterprise and honorable methods, worked himself up to his present position as an equal owner in the business.
Hungerford, Mrs. Jane C., was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., November, 12, 1818. the youngest of seven children born to James and Phebia (Rann) Wiley. Mrs. Hun- gerford received her education in the Poughkeepsie schools, but was left an orphan at an early age and was sent to live with her sisters, where she remainhd until 18-14. and then married Mr. Truman Hungerford, a well known farmer of Johnstown, N. Y., and a man of ability and progressive ideas. In 1864 they removed to the town of Watertown, Jefferson county. Mr. ilungerford died July 9, 1889, leaving a widow and four children. the eldest, Frank N., resides in Colorado, Brayton W .. Grace and Orvill.
Fisk, John II., a descendant of one of the oldest pioneer families of Jefferson county, was born at the old homestead about four miles southeast of the city of Water- town, where he now resides, October 26, 182.1. He is the oldest of a family of nine children; was married October 13, 1852, to Calista M. lleath. ITis brother, Ira H. Fisk, was born August 26, 1826, was married November 26, 1867, to Mary C. Snell. Ann Fisk, his twin sister, died November 7, 1893. Abraham Fisk, born June 12, 1898, died September 2, 1897. Susan Fisk, born November 27, 1829. Lorinda M. Fisk, born December 12, 1831, died May 2, 1859. Thomas Duane Fisk was born June 8, 1833, died May 24, 1862, was married December 21, 1856, to Adalaide Heath. They had three children: Alice, born June 14, 1858, married Frank Hart; died Jan- uary 20, 1881. Carrie A., born October 12, 1860, married December 24, 1875, to Isaac llorning; had three children, Minme May, Lulu and John; married second, Jay Cook, November 5, 1885; they have an adopted son, Jerald Cook. Martha M., born Angust 5, 1862, married Fred V. Cook, February 9, 1882; have two children, Mabel and Glenn Duane. Melissa E. Fisk, born February 12, 1935, married Octo- ber 15, 1854, to Clark E. Freeman; he died July 16, 1866; they had three children, Fannie Annette, born July 24, 1856, died September 29, 1861; Tra J., born July 7,
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1461, married Mary Elizabeth Wylie, March 26, 1884; have three children, Wylie Fisk Freeman, Emily Melissa, and Clark Edward. Dora Freeman, horn December 6, 1-62, married Smith A. Persons, February 9, 1881; he died December 28, 1891, leaving two children, Ethel E. and Smith Clark. Jerome M. Fisk, born February 11, 1439, died August 20, 1841. Ira Fisk, the father of John, was born at Whites- town, Oneida county, N. Y., November 8, 1799, died November 8, 1811; married December 23, 1823, to Joanna Holbrook; she died February 11, 1969. Abraham Fisk, the father o' lra. was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1762, married Elizabeth Arnold in ITS ?; he served in the Revolutionary army. Jonathan Fisk, the father of Abraham, was born in Rhode Island in 1138, married Barbara Brown; he served in the Revolution. John Fisk, the father of Jonathan, was born January 11. 1713, died December 5, 1798; he married Elizabeth Williams, a great-grand- daughter of Rev. Roger Williams. Benjamin Fisk, the father of John, was born in Connecticut in 1696, married Abagail Bowen. Dr. John Fisk, the father of Benja- min, was born in Wenham, Mass .. December 12, 1654, married Hannah Baldwin, January 17, 1682. Hon. John Fisk, the father of Dr. John, was born and married in England, came to this country with his father, Phineas, and other Fisk relatives in 1637 and settled in Wenham, Mass. Others came in 1634. Another party came in company with Roger Williams in 1630, all relatives. Capt. Phineas Fisk, the father of lIon. John, was born in Laxfield, England, in 1610. Thomas Fisk, the father of Phineas, was born in Laxfield, died in 1610. Robert Fisk, the father of Thomas, was born in Stadhaugh, Suffolk county, England, in 1525, married Mrs. Sybil Gould Barber. He died in 160). Si non Fisk, the father of Robert, was born in Laxfield, England, married and died in Laxfield. Simon Fisk, the father of Simon, was born in Laxfield, married there. William Fisk, the father of Simon, was born in Stadhangh, married Joann Lynne of Norfolk. Lord Simon Fisk, the father of William, was Lord of the manor of Stadhaugh, parish of Laxfield, County of Suffolk, England, lived in the reigns of Henry 1Vth and VIth; married Susannah Smyth, he died in February, 1464. A coat of arms was granted to him. Simon's father's name was David. David's father was Daniel Fisk, lived in the reign of King John. Daniel had some land which he obtained of the king in 1208, the deed of which can be found on the ancient record of real estate in London. Thomas Fisk, the son of William, grandson of Lord Simon, was Lord of the manor of Stadhaugh ; died 1525. The manor and its surrounding land is now being leased for £170 a year and has been for nearly two hundred years, and is for all time, the proceeds of which go for the education of poor boys within its vicinity.
Donahue, Patrick T., a native of the city of Watertown, was born February 28, 1-56. He obtained bis education in the public schools of his native city. His parents removed to Watertown Center, which is about two miles south of the city, when he was but one year of age and where he has since resided. After finishing his school- ing he was employed by his father, who was superintendent of Brookside cemetery, and remained with him until 1891, when he succeeded his father and has since had charge of the cemetery. This cemetery comprises 10 acres and was first opened to the public in 1453 and dedicated the following year and since that time there has been about twelve thousand interments. Mr. Donahue has full charge of the cem- etery and has from three to twelve workmen under his charge all the year. August
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15, 1889, he married Catherine, danghter of Dennis and Catherine ( Dacey) Flanery, who came to this country from Ireland in 1851, and settled in Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y. Mr. Donahue is a member of the V. O. 11. , C. M. B. A. and the Catholic church.
Ilaven, Charles W .- Probably no man among those who have been long engaged in farming in Jefferson county has a larger circle of friends and acquaintances than C. W. Haven. Taking a prominent part in the agricultural life of the county, espe- cially in the earlier years of the county's development, he has gained a reputation for integrity and business foresight second to none. Mr. Haven was born in the town of Pamelia, November 20, 1821. Ile is a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Coolidge) Haven, who came to Jefferson county from Massachusetts in 1801, and settled in the village of Watertown. He was the youngest of eight children, and was educated in the public schools and the Black River Literary and Religions Institute. Mr. Hla- ven has always been engaged in farming. He has always been identified with the Republican party, and held the office of government assessor for six years, was cus- tom house officer at Thousand Island Park for one season, town clerk of the town of Pamelia, and one of the commissioners of highways. He is a member of the I. (. O. F., the F. & A. M., and of the M. E. church. March 4, 1851, he married Amy E., daughter of Paul and Hannah (Eddie) Anthony, and to them have been born two children, George M. and Mrs. 11. E. Ilarman, who reside in Watertown.
Richards, George B .- Below we give a brief contour of the life of George B. Richards, who for many years has been successfully engaged in dairy farming in the town of Pamelia. Jefferson county, N. Y. He is a son of Frank and Rachel (Bur- nett) Richards, who were of Irish descent, and were among the first families of Broekville, Ont., where the subject of this notice was born, June 23, 1851. llis edu- cation was obtained in the public schools of his native town. At the age of twenty he removed to Jefferson county, N. Y., and settled on a farm in the town of Pamelia, where he has since been engaged in dairy farming. July 29, 1850, he married Mary A., daughter of Simeon and Mary A. (Waterman) Bush. Mr. Richards is a promi- nent member of Watertown Grange, No. 7, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.
Boon, Walter A., son of Stephen and Mary A. (Wilcox) Boon, was born in Water- town, N. Y., May 13, 1813. llis ancestors were of Scotch-English descent, emi- grating to this country on the " Mayflower" in 1620. His father settled in Jefferson county, N. Y., in 1815, where he resided until his death August 15, 1892. The sub- ject of this sketch received his early education in the public and Ingh schools of Watertown, having graduated from the latter in 1860. Ilis first business experience was as an apprentice in the Re-Union office, where he remained for two years. In 1862 he removed to Quiney, Ill .. and engaged in the wholesale saddlery and hard- ware business on his own account. In 1850 he returned to Watertown, purchased the Re-Union office, and in 1823 established the Daily Dispatch, which he edited until the following year, when he sold out and engaged in the wholesale drug and grocery business in company with A. T. Conger, under the firm name of A. T. Con- ger & Co. This co-partnership continued until 1890, and from this date until 1891
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he was engaged in the wholesale paint business. He then disposed of his business, since which time he has lived in semi-retirement. In December, 1873, Mr. Boon married Ella, daughter of Il. E. and Culema (Kellogg) Conger, of Ithaca, N. Y. He is one of Watertown's prominent and substantial citizens.
Pitcher, Rev. Oliver Perry, was born in Martinsburgh, Lewis county, N. Y., August 19, 1821. 1Tis father, Moses Pitcher, was a native of Westfield, Mass., and at the age of ten came to Lewis county with his parents, Reuben and Martha (Bar- rett) l'itcher, together with five brothers and three sisters, their only conveyance being an ox cart; they settled in Martinsburgh in 1802, in what was then known as the ' Black River Country." Moses Pitcher married Samantha, daughter of Moses Chadwick, a native of Vermont, and to her Christian character and influence more than to any other humanagency, the subject of the sketch attributes his conversion. al- though his father was a man of more than ordinary ability and tenderness of feeling. llis father met his death by accident, being drowned in Black River Bay, in Decem- ber, 1846. The ancestral line of the Pitcher family traces back to Andrew Pitcher, who emigrated from England and settled in Dorchester, Mass., in 1633, covering a period of eight generations in the lapse of 264 years; from the fact that several bap- tisms oceur along the genealogieal record and that at least six of the fathers bore Scriptural names, the religious trend of the family is fairly indicated. Oliver Perry Pitcher received a partial common school education in his native town, but after the great change he experienced in his conversion at Lowville, in 1843, under the labors of Rev. James Erwin, desiring to be useful and realizing his deficiency in education, returned to the common school taught by Rev. J. F. Dayan in East Lowville, and afterwards pursued a course of higher English in the Lowville Academy, at which institution he spent several seasons, attending the academy in summer and teaching in the winter, which with a httle work at harness making enabled him to defray all necessary expenses of the course. During all this time the question of what his life work should be was not fully settled, only proposing to obey God whatever his will might be. Soon after entering into full membership in the church the pastor put in his hands a leader's class book and license to exhort, suggesting to his mind the thought of the ministry. This caused great hesitancy and heart searching, fearing he might attempt to run before he was sent, only finding relief in the persuasion that if such a call was from God he could and would reveal it so clearly as to leave no reasonable doubt of its reality. There the matter rested from year to year, though not without efforts during those years to bring men to Christ. At length while asso- ciated with his pastor in a religions service the Holy Spirit was so poured out that at least one soul, a man of influence and standing in middle life, was gloriously con- verted. This thrilled his heart with heavenly joy and eventuated in such an entire consecration to God as should determine the solemn question of a Divine call to the ministry. Henceforth business was cheerfully harmonized with Providential open- ings so that in a few weeks being led in a way he knew not, he found himself with a small number of other students sitting at the feet of our modern Gamaliel, the Rev. John Dempster, 1). D., who by almost superhuman efforts, crossing land and sea, contending with indifference, and overcoming opposition had succeeded as the apostle of a higher ministerial education in founding the Methodist General Biblical Institute at Concord, N. H, the first theological school of the denomination
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