Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 125

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 125

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Bushnell & Spink, general merchandise. This farm is composed of W. S. Bush- nell and F. G. Spink. Mr. Bushnell was born at Lee, Oneida county, N. Y., April 27, 1847, a son of Asa W. and Sallie (Williams) Bushnell. Asa Bushnell was born near New London, Conn., and married Lydia Farnham; he died April 30, 1897, and his wife in 1847. W. S. Bushnell was educated in the common schools, Whitestown Academy. Rome Academy, and was graduated from Utica Business College in 1875. Ile engaged in mercantile business in Ava, N. Y., and continued until 1891, when he came to Ellisburgh and engaged in the same business: in 1895 he formed a part- nership with Mr. Spink which has since continued. In 1878 Mr. Bushnell married Marion E. Smith. lu politics he is a Republican and served as town clerk in Ava and is one of the trustees of the village of Ellisburgh. Mr. Spink was born in Ellis- burgh, April 30, 1871, a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Hartrick) Spink, natives of Ellisburgh. Benjamin Spink was a stone mason by trade and died June 1, 1884; bis widow died April 5, 1889. Mr. Spink was educated in Medina Academy and began his business life as a clerk in Ellisburgh; later he engaged in business with C. E. Brooks, and sold his interest out to Mr. Brooks after a partnership of three years. Mr. Spink then formed a partnership with Mr. Bushnell as mentioned above. In politics he is a Democrat; he is a member of Mannsville Lodge No. 175, 1. O. O. F.

Bonner, F. E., druggist, was born in Ellisburgh, August 28, 1872, a son of Elvin and Mary (Brown) Bonner. Elvin Bonner was born in Orwell, Oswego county. N. Y. ; he was a carriage maker by trade and spent most of his life in Ellisburgh. He en- listed in Co. G, 24th N. Y. Cavalry, and re-enlisted in Co. G, 24th N. Y. Infantry, serving about four years. F. E. Bonner was educated in Ellisburgh and was gradu- ated from Wells Business College of Syracuse, in 1888, and passed the State Board of Pharmacy March 13, 1891. He began as clerk for J. C. Auchampaugh of Syra- cuse, and also clerked for C. E. Brooks for some time. when he bought out Mr. Brooks and has since had a successful business. Mr. Bonner is a member of the Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M., and is now senior warden ; he is a member of the Mannsville Lodge No. 175, I. O. O. F., the Court Ellisburgh No. 1815, I. O. F .. and chief ranger of that lodge.

Washburn, G. A., was born in Ellisburgh on the farm he owns, April 13, 1835, a son of llenry and grandson of Henry Washburn, a native of Massachusetts and in

245

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

1816 settled on the farm G. A. now owns, where he lived and died ; he was in the war of 1812. Henry Washburn, the father of G. A., was a farmer and first a Whig then a Republican. His wife was Juline Brooks, and they had three sons and two daughters. Ile died November 25, 1886, and his wife died in 1869. G. A. Wash- burn was educated in the common schools and has always been a farmer, He has made his own property, having 315 acres of land and keeps a darry of thirty cows. Hle was married in 1860 to Louisa Gilbert of Ellisburgh, and they had four children : Ferdinand (deceased), Edward A., Kittie and Byron. Mr. Washburn is a Republican in politics, but not an aspirant to office, and has been very active in his party. lle is liberal in religions views and supports the various churches.

Parsons, William F., was born in Ellisburgh, February 15, 1858, a son of Elam and Chloe (Allen) Parsons. Elam was born in Connecticut, August 2, 1809, a son of Samuel Parsons, who came from Connecticut to Jefferson county in an early day. where he lived and died April 28, 1859. His wife, Sallie, died October 6, 1862. Elam was a farmer and at the time of his death owned 150 acres of land. He was very active in politics, being a Republican, and was member of Assembly for two years, 1873-74, and was collector and highway commissioner of the town of Ellisburgh. Ile married Chloe Allen, born in Chautauqua, N. Y., July 12, 1818, a daughter of William F. and and Polly Bates, who were settlers in Jefferson county, and they had two children, William F. (the subject), the only one living. Mr. Bates died in 1880 at the age of ninety-five years and his wife in 1828. William F. was married No- vember 8, 1882, to Annie L. Vickery, and they had two children: Elam C. and Agnes (deceased). In polities Mr. Parsons is a Republican, and a member of the Mannsville Lodge No. 175, 1. O. O. F. Mr. Parsons has a beautiful residence on Little Sandy Pond, where he carries on an extensive business entertaining those in quest of pleasure, hunting, fishing, etc., and can accommodate a number of summer boarders.

Brodie, Hugh, Rural Hill p. o., was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January 1, 1831, a son of James and Margaret Brodie, who came to Ellisburgh in 1847, settling on the farm llugh now owns, and here lived and died. Hugh Brodie was fifteen years old when he eame to Ellisburgh, and was educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and has 123 acres where he lives and 370 acres on Stony Island. Mr. Brodie has been an extensive importer of Ayrshire cattle, Leicester sheep and Yorkshire swine. His father started the business and was connected with the firm of Hunger- ford & Brodie, and the successive firms were, Hungerford. Brodie & Converse, Brodie, Campbell & Wolcott, Brodie, Son & Converse, and Brodie & Son. Mr. Brodie was married in 1864 to Annie M. Jones, and they had two children: Annie (deceased), and Edna M., at home. Mr. Brodie and family are members of the Congregational church of Woodville, N. Y. Mr. Broche has for some time made a specialty of small fruits, and made several trips to Scotland (his native land), making selections of stock for the above named farms.

Wood, G. Monroe, was born in Ellisburgh, N. Y., October 8, 1846, a son of Stephen and Britam (Smith) Wood, natives of Ellisburgh. Stephen Wood was a son of James Wood, one of the early settlers of the town: he was first a Whig and later a Repub-

246

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

lican, he and wife attended the Congregational church in Ellisburgh, and he is now living with his son, James Wood. G. Monroe Wood was educated in the common schools and followed farming until seventeen years of age, when he went as a sailor on the lake for four years. Returning home he bought the Lake View House, where he keeps a very pleasant summer boarding house, there being splendid fishing and hunting grounds there. Mr. Wood was married in 1867 to Alma Farman of Ellis- burgh, and they had two children: Addie E. and Flora (deceased). Addie married llenry W. Wheeler of Ellisburgh. Mr. Wood is a Republican and was deputy col- lector of customs for four years, and was mail and document clerk in the wrapping department of the Assembly in 1897 and is now one of the assessors of the town. He is a member of Rising Light Lodge No. 637, F. & A. M.

Nash, D. D, was born in Ellisburgh, July 19, 1551, a son of Jonathan and Orrilla Underhill) Nash. His grandfather, Ebenezer Nash, was born in Brattleboro, Vt .. in January, 1778, and came to Ellisburgh in January, 1506, settling on the farm the subject now owns, where he lived and died. His maternal grandfather was also an early settler of Ellisburgh. Jonathan Nash (born September 6, 1806) was a farmer and was born, lived and died on the homestead. He was an ardent Republican, but never an aspirant to office. Ife died August 31, 1881, aged seventy-five years, and his wife died in 1856. D. D. Nash was reared on a farm and educated in the com- mon schools and Watertown High School. He followed teaching for one year in Illinois, but is now a farmer, owning 125 acres of land and a dairy of twenty cows. Mr. Nash married married Amelia Robillard, and they had one daughter, Flora E. In polities Mr. Nash is a Republican and a member of Mannsville Lodge No. 175, 1. (). (). F. They attend and support the Universalist church. Mr. Nash's great- grandfather, Oliver, also came to Ellisburgh and owned a portion of the homestead.

Clark, Cornelius J., grandson of Gardner Clark, one of the pioneers of Philadel- phia, and son of William Clark, a substantial citizen of Wilna, was born in Philadel- phia, N Y., July 15, 1837 His elementary education was acquired in the public schools and Mexico Academy, and in 1875 he entered Madison University, from which he was graduated in 1475. His business life in Carthage and vicinity has been de- voted to milling and kindred pursuits, but Mr. Clark is otherwise known in this part of the State as an earnest and thorough Republican, interested in all that pertains to the good of his party ; and as a public speaker his prominence is acknowledged throughout the region. He has been four times elected member of the board of supervisors. In the fall of 1895 he was elected to the Assembly and re-elected in 1896. Mr. Clark married Emma, only child of Dr. Nelson D). and Juliana (Stoddard) Ferguson of Carthage.

Myers, Ephraim H., whose active business life in Carthage began in 1871, when he became partner with Holcomb & Horr, bankers, is a native of Rome, N. Y., born in 181>. His father, Samuel Myers, came to Carthage about 1850, and is remem- bered as a dealer in real estate and other property, a man of means and highly re- spected in the town. He died in Carthage in 1870. Ephraim H. first came to Car- thage in 1465 and for a time worked in Elijah Horr's store, then went to Water- town, where for several years he was engaged in business as cashier, bookkeeper or

217

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

accountant. In 1871 he returned to Carthage and became a member of the firm as has been stated. In 1874 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Myers, in com- pany with De Witt Rogers, formed the banking firm of Myers & Rogers. They did a successful business until 1880, when Mr. Myers orgamzed the First National Bank of Carthage and was appointed its first cashier. In 1887 he was elected president of the bank and has since had entire control of its affairs and business. More than this, Mr. Myers has been an interested factor in bringing to Carthage several very desirable publie improvements, especially the water supply system which was built during his term as president of the village, for he was three times elected to that office. In many other directions he has shown the same interest in local affairs and it is no fulsome compliment to say that he is regarded as a generous and public- spirited citizen. June 29, 1871, Mr. Myers married Ada, daughter of Dr. Spencer of Watertown, and they had eight children, five of whom are now living.

Ilewitt, George D., M. D., was born in Denmark, Lewis county, N. Y., July 31, 1834, a son of Isaac llewitt, a farmer of that town. His early education was ac- quired in the common schools and his medical education (for he is a physician of ex- cellent standing in the County) was acquired in the University of Vermont, the Metropolitan Medical College of New York, and also in a medical college at Pitts- field, Mass. In 1861 Dr. Hewitt entered the army as assistant surgeon in the 33d Cavalry and served ten months, when he was discharged for disabilities. However, in 1864 he again entered the army and served in the hospital and medical depart- ments until the close of the war. He first came to Carthage in 1863, and again after the final muster out in 1865. He has since practiced in this part of the county and lives on the West Carthage side of the river, in that pretty little village of which he has several times been president. In Champion Dr. Hewitt has held the office of supervisor nine years and always as the Democratic nominee. lle is a member of the National, State and also Black River Medical Societies. In 1868 he married Elizabeth Easton, who died in 1875, and his second wife was Nettie M. Spencer.

Maxwell, Edmund C., born October 2, 1869, died October 11, 1897. In the death of Edmund C. Maxwell Carthage has lost one of its youngest and most enterprising business men. Three years after leaving his father's farm he had developed a busi- ness into larger proportions than seven men would have done in half a lifetime. Cut down in the prime of his young manhood, only seven days past the 28th mile- stone in his earthly existence, yet he had dig deeper, reached out further and en- compassed more of that which savored of material prosperity, than one-half of the mortals accomplish in a lifetime. He was the personification of honesty, endowed with a vigorous constitution, sound judgment and indomitable will; he toiled early and late until he had the satisfaction of seeing his ice and cold storage business grow from small proportions to what was at his untimely death a practical monopoly of the business in Carthage and a wide section of the surrounding country. He was born in Croghan on his father's farm, three miles east of Carthage village. Mr. Maxwell's early life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer boy. Work on the farm in summer, mastering the common branches in the district schools during the winter months, he continued thus until near his 22d year, when he began a course at the Northern Business College of Watertown, where he completed a thorough

2.18

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

business education and joined his father in the lumber trade until be embarked for himself nearly four years ago in his own successful enterprise, leaving it only wben death called him away from it. Mr. Maxwells faculties were not always turned in the direction of worldly things. He found time for the discharge of those higher Christian duties which develop and fit the soul for its final abode in the church tri- umphant. llis membership in the Baptist church of Carthage was fraught with good works and was the scene of the rounding out of a perfect Christian character. llis funeral, which took place October 14, was one of the largest for years in Carth- age and was held in the Baptist church, which was crowded to its utmost capacity by all classes of citizens who gathered to pay the last tribute to one whom they loved in life and whose untimely death they all sincerely mourned. The following civic societies of which Mr. Maxwell was a member participated: Carthage Lodge No. 365. 1. O. O. F., and Carthage Lodge No. 156. F. & A. M. Mr. Maxwell leaves to mourn his loss his father, Augustus Maxwell, the well known pulp and paper manu- facturer, his mother and five brothers, viz., George H., a resident of Vermont; Na- thaniel W., a well known teacher in the public schools of the county; Byron D., Frederick C. and Clarence W., who reside on the farm in Croghan, and one sister, Susan, wife of Louis Lasell of Croghan. In closing this sketch nothing seems more appropriate than the last few lines from a brief article which appeared in the Carth- age Republican of October 13: "Stricken in the full glory of an early manhood before the sun had reached high noon, he leaves behind an unsullied name and the monument of an active, industrious life, and of him it may be said: He hath done what he could."

McCormack, Francis E., son of David and Mary McCormack, of Oswego Falls, N. Y., was born at Lampson's Station, Onondaga county, iu 1867. At the time of his birth his father was employed on the section between Lampson's and Oswego Falls. Of the family there were two sons and two daughters; J. D., with the Solvay Process Company at Syracuse ; 1). J., who resides in New York city; Mary, wife of W. G. O'Brien of Oswego; and Catharine, wife of Homer W. Cowan, a farmer of Stiles, Onondaga county. Both parents are living and reside at Oswego Falls. Mr. McCormack's chances for acquiring an education were limited, and at best came from the district school previous to his thirteenth year. Hard labor and plenty of it fell to his daily lot. His first railroad job was that of track walker between Stiles Station and Syracuse, which position he held for two years, when he secured a posi- tion at Pierrepont, as night operator, and afterwards was promoted to the position of operator aud assistant ticket agent in the Union station at Watertown, which be acceptably filled for three years, when he once more moved upward to that of train dispatcher. Four years later he was filling the position of chief dispatcher at Water- town, which he continued until 1496, when be was once more promoted to the posi- tion of division train master. with headquarters at Carthage. In 1894 Mr. McCormack married Nellie Ayem, of Philadelphia, N. Y. Mr. McCormack is a thorough rail- road man, and has reached his present position by coming up through all the rounds of the ladder, from track walker to his present responsible position.

MacGowan, Alexander Bartholomew, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 16, 1830, and came to Canada with his parents in the year 1836. He was educated

2.19

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

in Montreal and from there went to New York. He was private, corporal and ser- geant in the 7th Infantry, N. V. Militia, from May 10, 1819, until November 30, 1859; then went to California, December 1, 1859, recruited Co. 11, Ist Cal. Infantry, as first lieutenant. August 16, 1861, he was transferred to Co. A. 6th Infantry, Cal. Vols. was mustered out October 31, 1865; February 23. 1966, was made second and first lieutenant of 12th U. S. Infantry, and captain August 30, 1871, and brevet major U. S. army February 37. 1890, for gallant service in the field against Indians in their attack on Fort Apache, Arizona, on September 1, 1881. Retired December 16, 1891, being sixty-four years old. He was present at all the riots in New York from May 10, 1819, until November 30, 1859 inclusive; served in and scouted over Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, South Dakota, South Carolina, Ken- tucky, New York and Washington, D. C., in the volunteer and regular service. At various times commanded posts and in field acted as A. A. Q. M., A. A. C. S, ord- nance officer, signal officer, Indian agent and often as doctor in the field. He has made his home in Sackets Harbor since 1861, serving with his company at this post five years. ITis father, Alexander MacGowan, was born in Scotland in 1801; he married Isabella Swick of his native place, and they had four children: Alexander B. (as above), Kate, Isabella and John; he chied in 1868 and his wife in 1865. Major MacGowan has married twice, first to Frances A. Currier of New Haven, Conn., November 1, 1958, and they had two children, Charles D. and George P. Mrs. MacGowan died December 22, 1875, and in 1889, he married Sarah E. McMurray, and they have one son, Francis. Major MacGowan is a member of Sackets Ilarbor Lodge No. 135, F. & A. M.

Tracy, Capt. James M., sr., was born in the town of Hounsfield, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 16, 1818; he was educated in the schools of his day and in the Black River Institute at Watertown. He was captain on the lakes for thirty five years and is now living a retired life. December 31, 1842, he married Elmina Wheat of Sack- ets Harbor, and they had four children: Elizabeth H., James M, Howard M. and John R. Elizabeth II. married Dr. Everett D. Waterbury, who is a practicing dent- ist there, and they have three daughters, Nettie E., Jessie L., and Nellie M. ; James M. married Laura Davis of the State of Kansas, and they have two sons, Clifton H. and John D .; Howard M. is not married at this date, 1897. John R. has married twice, first to Jennie Morgan, who died in 1884, and for his second wife he married Jennie Lamphear. Mrs. James M. Tracy died in August, 1885, mourned by a be- reaved husband and children. Captain Tracy's father, Benjamin II. Tracy, was born at Ballston Spa, Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1787; he was educated in the public schools of that day and married Sybel Fish. They had nine children: Elsie, Julian, Herbert H., Eleanor, James M., sr. (as above), George, Gordon, Bernard and Laura. Benjamin Tracy died in 1830 and his widow in 1874.

Ilart, William E., was born in the town of Sullivan, Madison county, N. Y., De- cember 3, 1845, was educated in the district schools and follows the honorable occu- pation of farming. November 20, 1866, he married Lucretia A. Vanolinda, and they have one son, Charles Grant, born June 1, 1869, was educated in the public schools and is now conducting a meat market in Brownville; he married Georgia N. Morse of Watertown, and they have one daughter, Myra Ledse. Mr. Hart enlisted

250

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

in September, 1864, in Co. B, 155th Infantry, N. V. Vols., and was honorably dis- charged in June, 1965. Ile is a member of Joe Spratt Post No. 323, of Watertown, G. A. R., department of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are members of the Water- town Grange, No. 7; he is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Hart's father, Cornelius Vanolinda, was born in Albany county, N. Y., in the year 1817; he was educated in the schools of that day and was a carpenter and farmer by occupation. He helped to build the barracks of Sackets Harbor, he having located in this county when a young man. lle married Elmira Royce of Pinckey, Lewis county, N. Y., and they had five children: Mary J., Lucretia A., James, Jacob, Susie and William. Mrs. Vanolinda died June 15, 1848; Mr. Vanolinda survives at this date.

Holloway. Charles B., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., August 16, 1830, was educated in the district schools, and early in life was a farmer. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H. H. A., N. Y. Vols., and was honorably discharged May 31, 1865. February 10. 1853. he married Harriet E. Metcalf, formerly of the town of Adams, and they had two children, Charles W., who died in Wisconsin in his fourth year, and Fred M., who is a farmer and marine engineer. now on the homestead farm. He married Estella C. Love of the town of Watertown, and they have six children : Grace E., C. Grant, Blanche J., Claire L., Ada F. and Reta E. MIr. Holloway served as postmaster under IIarrison's administration, and is a member of Joseph K. Barnes Post, Sackets Harbor, N. Y., No. 360, G. A. R. His grandfather, Daniel Holloway, came as a soldier with Burgoyne, was taken prisoner, exchanged and afterward joined the American force. Mr. Holloway's father Charles Holloway, was born in Connecticut, February 14. 1795, and came to this State when a boy; he married Chloe Woodruff of the town of Watertown, and ten children were born to them. Chester (died at the age of nineteen), Lester, Elsie, Lavina, Laura. Maria. Charles B. (as above), Chloe, llorace and Chester No. 2. Mr. Holloway died Febru- ary 21, 1853, and his widow April 21. 1570. MIrs. Holloway's father, William Met- calf, was born in the town of Henderson, in 1506; he married Emeline Taylor, and they had five children: Harriet E. (as above), Henry A., W. Harrison, E. Sophia and Adelaide A. Mr. Metcalf died in 1892, and his wife in 1881.

Wilson, James A., was born on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, in August, 1844; he was educated under his grandfather's tuition, who was a government teacher. He was a sailor three years, was in the employ of the Hudson Bay Co. five years, stationed at York Factory; he returned to Europe and visited his old home a short time and then returned to the United States. locating in Oswego, N. Y., where he conducted a lumber business for a number of years. He located for his permanent home at Sackets Harbor, where he conducts a lumber trade and is a contractor and builder. He is now, in 1897, serving his second term as president of the village, has been trus- tee of the village several terms, and is now secretary of the board of education. He is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, F. & A. M .. of Sackets Harbor Chap- ter No. 68, R. A. M., has been master of the former two terms and high priest of the chapter two terms, aed Watertown Commandery No. 11, K. T. He is also one of the trustees of Masonic property. In August, 1871, he married Mary Preston of Oswego, N. Y., and they had six children: Mary, Robert B., Lizzie, Jessie (who died when nine years old), James A., jr., and Fred. Robert B. is a practicing physician

251

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

in Oneida county. Mr. Wilson's father, John, also Ins grandfather John, were whaling sailors This family descends direct from the old Viking stock. Mr. Wilson and family are members of the Presbyterian church and he has been trus- tee for several years.

Seroxton, Benjamin C., was born at Sackets Harbor, N. Y., December 25, 1851. Ile was educated in the public schools and learned the tinsmith trade, and has been doing business on his own account for the past ten years, dealing in stoves, hard- ware, pumps, plumbing, job work, ete. In 1878 he married Hattie E. Boulton, and they had four children: Grace E., Mary 1 .. Hattie (died in her seventh year) and Lney I. (died in her second year). Mr. Scroxton is a member of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 185, F. & A. M., Sackets Harbor Chapter No. 68, R. A. M., Watertown Commandery No. 11, K. T., is master of Sackets Harbor Lodge No. 135, and holds the office of principal sojourner in the Chapter. His father, John Scroxton, was born in Birmingham, England, in the year 1809; he ran away from home and en- listed in the British army, was in the Patriot war in Canada in 1837, was promoted first sergeant and bought his honorable discharge. Ile married Eliza Dillon of Canada, and after a time came to the United States, locating in Sackets Harbor. They had nine children: John, Thomas, Mary, Luey, Joseph, Benjamin C. (as above), llolland, George and Edward C. Mr. Seroxton died July 13, 1866, and his widow survives at this date. 1897.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 125

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