Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 128

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 128

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Andrews, Fred B .- - Few men engaged in farming in this county are so well known as Fred B. Andrews. He was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., July 4, 1852. Ilis parents removed to the town of Pamelia when he was yet a boy, where he obtained his education. He was employed on his father's farm until his marriage in November, 1881, to Ella E., daughter of George and Sally A. (Rogers) Wilkie, when he began farming on his own account, in which he has since been suc- cessfully engaged. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have been born three children : Floyd, born November 27, 1891; Morris, born December 20, 1894; and a son not yet named, born November 8, 1897. Mr. Andrews comes of English ancestors, and is the son of Benjamin W. and Abdela (Sidmore) Andrews.

Beattie, S. Nelson .- Within the past few years S. Nelson Beattie, the leading horse breeder of the county, has made a record for prize winners produced and has won many premiums on his stock. He was born in Washington county, N. Y., April 26, 1811. At the age of sixteen years he removed with his parents to Jefferson county and settled in the town of Pamelia, where he obtained his education from the public schools. Ilis first business experience on his own account was in the grocery busi- ness in the city of Watertown with F. Zimmerman, under the firm name of Zimmer- man & Beattie, which copartnership continued for three years, and at the end of this time he sold his grocery interests and removed to his present farm. December 24, 1863, he married IIelen A. Sowle, who died December 24, 1867, and January 7, 1869, he married Fanny M., a sister of his first wife. Mr. Beattie is a son of Alexander and Susan (Wilson) Beattie, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and also of the Presbyterian church.

Normander, Henry C., was born in the town of Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., September 8, 1887, and was educated in the public schools and in the Jefferson County Institute. Hle engaged in farming until 1867, when he removed to the city and engaged in the hotel business. He conducted the Harris House until 1887, when he sold his interest, and has since lived in retirement. He still owns his farm and considerable city property, which he now devotes his time in managing. February 25, 1851, he married Harriet M., daughter of Amos and Malinda (Ford) Malroy, by

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whom he had four children, none of whom are hving. Mr. Normander has always been an ardent Democrat in politics, having cast his first vote for President Pierce.

Foote, Archer B., son of Handly J. and Angeline (Sarvey) Foote, was born in Towanda, Pa., November 7, 1865. His father was a boat builder and was engaged in this business at the time of the birth of Archer B. When he was one year old his parents removed from Towanda to the town of Orleans, where his father engaged in farming. After a residence of five years at that place, his father removed to the town of Philadelphia, where he remained for fourteen years. Archer B. received his early education in the public schools of the community and after a suitable prep- aration he entered Ives Seminary at Antwerp. After completing his education at this institution he engaged with his father in the saw mill at Antwerp, which busi- ness they jointly conducted for four years. About this time an opportunity offered itself which would enable Mr. Foote to obtain an insight into the great west and ac- cordingly he accepted an offer tendered him to travel in the interests of a leading eastern insurance company. His success led him into new fields until he finally reached Waitsburg, Wash., thence southerly to San Francisco and east to Omaha and Chicago; reaching Utica he continued in the life insurance business for six months, then accepting a position with the Dexter Brothers, chair manufacturers at Black River. Purchasing a farm some time afterwards he remained on it until his present venture in 1896. Mr. Foote carries a well selected stock of boots, shoes and rubbers, has a harness and saddlery department and deals extensively in farming implements. He is the general agent for the D. M. Osborn & Co.'s binders, mowers and corn harvesters, which have a large sale in Jefferson county. Mr. Foote is still unmarried ; his parents are both living and his brother, Hurbert J. Foote, is a prom- inent attorney at Antwerp. Three sisters, Ella B. and Nina B., are teachers in the public schools of the county, while Abbie L. is a well known music teacher of Ant- werp. Mr. Foote is a member of Pisgah Bodge No. 220, F. & A. M., of Evans Mills.

Dexter, Henry C., son of Simon and Maria L. (Hardy) Dexter, was born in Black River, was educated in Black River, Watertown and Potsdam. Simon Dexter is a native of Orange, Mass., was born there on August 22, 1822, and has been a highly respected resident of Black River upwards of fifty years. He married Mary, daugh- ter of l'hincas Hardy, in 1851, and they had three children: Henry C., Charles P'. and Fannie S. (deceased). The foundation of the 11. C. Dexter chair company was laid in 1880 by Poor & Dexter, as a manufactory of bedding material. In October of the same year Mr. Dexter sold his interest to his nephew, Charles P. Dexter, and Charles Wolff, the firm being Poor, Wolff & Dexter. March 1, 1884, Il. C. Dexter was ad . mitted to the firm under the same name, until March 1, 1885, when Messrs. Poor and Wolff retired and D. H. and B. N. Scott were admitted, the firm becoming Dexter & Scott. After one year Messes. Scott retired and the business was continued until 1896, when, upon the death of his brother, the business passed under the control of the present proprietor. A force of forty to seventy hands are employed, according to season and the goods find a ready market in all the principal cities of the United States and old world. Mr. 11. C. Dexter is an active man in business, church and social affairs.

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Nunez. Rudolphus W., was born in Emanuel county, southern Georgia, in 1857, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Walts) Nunez. His father was a farmer and school teacher, which occupations he followed until the outbreak of the civil war, when he, in common with the people of the South, espoused the cause of the confederacy, and proved his sincerity and belief in the justice of the lost cause by offering up his life in its defense, being killed in one of the great battles fought in the Wilderness in the spring of 1864. After the close of the war Mr. Nunez's mother remarried, and the family removed to the North, and the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to 1). A. Bullard & Sons, paper manufacturers of Schuylerville, Saratoga county. After filling several engagements in various parts of the country he came to Felt's Mills in 1890, and entered the employment of the Taggart Paper Company as night fore- man, which position he held for two years, when he was made superintendent of the company's extensive plant. In 1883 Mr. Nunez married Ida McDade, of Rich- mond, Ga., and they have five children: Inez, Ida, Philip W., Vosco and Don Carlos. These children were born in five different states, and first saw the light on the hanks of four different rivers. Like her husband, Mrs. Nunez's family felt the horrors of the late war. Iler father was also a confederate soldier, and, actuated by the same spirit, fell in the line of duty during those memorable years which wit- nessed the greatest civil war of ancient and modern times.

Bearup, David .- The subject of this sketch was born in the year 1829 at the hamlet of Etonbush in the county of Herkimer, State of New York. Hisfather and mother were of Scotch descent; his great-grandfather emigrated to America in the 17th century and his mother's family in the 18th. David Bearup's parents removed to the southeastern part of the town of Alexandria (since set off and organized as Theresa) in Jefferson county about 1832, and soon thereafter removed to Plessis, where they occupied a farm on which David remained with them until the age of twenty years. Of his opportunities for early education and mental training nothing can be said further than that they were almost wholly wanting, the little that was attained being derived chiefly from occasional study of an occasional book. Between the age of eighteen to twenty-one he taught three terms of distriet school, and at twenty-one settled in the village of Theresa and embarked in the study of law, with- out pecuniary means or assistance and without expectation of following that profes- sion. In 1854 he was admitted to the bar and has continued in the practice as his chief employment. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association. In 1864 he was elected supervisor of his town and continued in that office by successive elections seven years, and since that date has been connected with numerous indus- trial affairs. In 1865 under appointment by the Legislature he superintended the excavation and removal of the reef of rocks from the bed of Indian River at Dayton's Falls, St Lawrence county ; in 1867 built and fitted out a steamboat for service on Indian River, the largest boat ever placed on that river; owned it and controlled its operations until recent years; in 1869 contracted with the Montreal Telegraph Com- pany to extend its lines to Theresa and was appointed manager for that locality, and continues stich to the present time. In 1870 he was the chief factor in the organization of the Black River and Morristown Railroad Co. for constructing the railroad from Morristown on the St. Lawrence River to Philadelphia, Jefferson county ; was elected the first president of the company April, 1871, and continued in office by successive

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elections over thirteen years, when he secured the consolidation of the company with the Utiea & Black River Railroad Co., and its separate existence terminated. For many years past he has dealt considerably in real estate, especially agricultural lands located in several States, and is at present owner of several considerable tracts which are carried on by tenants, Practical polities have always been distastefulto Mr Bearup, although he takes great interest in all publie questions and is a voracious reader and keeps himself well surrounded by a large library of substantial literature covering a wide field. in addition to an excellent law library, and he aims to keep abreast in a general way of the best thought of the times. He spent the winters of 1884-5 and 1859-90 with his family in Europe, chiefly on tours of observation, traveling in Eng- land and Scotland, France, Belgium, Holland, Prussia, Switzerland and Italy. He still resides at Theresa and is actively engaged in his affairs though he has largely withdrawn from practice in the courts by reason of impairment of his hearing.

Howland, Joseph, was born in Rutland, Jefferson county, N. Y., May 3, 1881, a son of Albert and Luey (Herrick) Howland. His father was born in Delaware county, and came to Rodman with Samuel Ralph, when twelve days old. Hle was given to this man by his father, his mother dying at his birth. Mr. Ralph was one of the leading farmers of the town and his brother, Squire Ralph, was one of the largest farmers of Rodman. Albert Howland when married went to Rutland and followed farming. In 1838 he came to Theresa and settled on the farm Joseph now owns, where he died in 1883. He was a Republican and active in polities. Hle and his wife were members of the Protestant Methodist church and were very liberal supporters of that church. Mrs. Ilowland died in 1851 ; they had three sonsand one daughter and two grew to manhood. Joseph lowland has lived on the farm he owns since four years of age. He was educated in the common schools, and has a farm of 160 acres. In 1856 he married Editha S. Pierce, and they had five children : Ella, Joseph, Albert, Frederick and Arthur. Mr. Howland is a Republican in pol- ities and a member of the G. A. R. at Theresa, N. Y. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F. 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served three years, serving in the first battle of Petersburg. lle was lieutenant of Co. 1), in the State militia.

Getman Bros., proprietors of the Latimer House at Theresa, American House at Canton, N. Y . and the St. Lawrence at Gouverneur, N. Y. The firm is composed of Edgar. Edward and Edson Getman, sons of Capt. Elias and Sophia (Evans) Get- man, he born in Fulton county. N. Y, and she born in Theresa, daughter of Colum - bus and Philenda (Fisher) Evans, who were among the early settlers of Theresa. Captain Getman was reared a mechanic and came to Jefferson county when a young man and lived at Redwood. le enlisted in the late war, serving four years and was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Hecame to Redwood and in 1866 bought the hotel at Theresa and was proprietor until 1882. He and his sons had put up a fine hotel in 1882 and was burned in the fire of 1890. The following year the pres- ent hotel was built by Getman Bros. The oldest brother. Edgar, is at Gouverneur and has charge of that business and his son-in-law. E. A. Green, has charge of the American Hotel at Canton. Edgar married Francis Parkhurst and they have two daughters, Maud and Grace. Edward is manager of the farm owned by the Getman Bros .. of 270 acres, and Edson married Loretta Reynolds and they have one son,

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Elias. The firm also handles coal and ice. Edgar is a prominent Free Mason and is a member of the Shrine.

Fisher, W. A., of the firm of W. A. Fisher & Co., dealers in furniture, wall-paper, and undertaking, was born in Theresa, N. Y., June 1, 1857. His father, Elbert V. Fisher, is a son of Gen. Archibald Fisher, who was born at Lebanon, N. H., in 1795, and was educated in the common schools and at Watertown, where he came in 1811. lle was in the war of 1812. He taught school for several years, and also worked at the mason's trade. In 1821 he moved to Theresa, on the place now known as the .V. D. Yost farm, and afterward went to the village of Theresa. In 1824 he built the brick hotel that stood where the Getman flouse now stands, and was for many years its proprietor. He became a general in the late militia. He was a charter member of the Theresa Lodge, No. 164, F. & A. M., and a charter member of The- resa Chapter, No. 149. R. A. M. Hle was a Democrat in politics, and was supervisor in 1844 15, but became a Republican upon the organization of that party. He was in the lumber business for many years, and in 1855 sold to his son, E. V. Fisher, and moved on his farm, but returned to the village, where he was justice of the peace at his death, which occurred January 30, 1864. November 18, 1821, he married Sallie WV. Rogers, who was born February 26, 1802, by whom he had these children : Mary A., born April 15. 1823, married January 13, 1841, and died April 3, 1843; Cordelia E., born January 25, 1825, married March 20, 1844, and died January 13, 1897; Will- iam A., born December 10, 1826, married January 3, 1855; Esther Ann, born Jan- mary 25, 1831, married Feburary 14. 1850, died March 19, 1852; and Gilbert L., born August 4, 1834. March 14, 1835, Gen. Fisher married Deborah M. Dodge. She had one daughter, Lydia M , born May 4, 1829. Elbert V. Fisher, father of our subject, was born in Theresa, N. Y .. March 25, 1829, and was educated there. He engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and in 1852 went to California, where he engaged in prospecting for gokl. In 1855 he returned to Theresa, where he engaged in lumber- ing. le afterwards became station agent at Theresa, and held that position until 1849 when he went to California, where he is engaged in manufacturing raisins. In politics he is a Republican. January 3, 1855, he married Cordelia, daughter of Andrew Stone, by whom he had three children: W. A., the subject of this sketch ; Mary M., who died in California in 1876; and George, (deceased). W. A. Fisher was reared and educated in Theresa. Ile assisted his father as station agent for some years, and from 1875 to 1879 spent his time hunting with the Abanakah Indians in Canala. After returning to Theresa he again assisted his father at the station until 1981, when he became express agent, and was thus employed until 1887, when he engaged in the furniture business, in partnership with L. W. Tyler. In 1887 Mr. Fisher married Alice P. Peek, who was born in Theresa, N. Y., December 9, 1863, daughter of William and Ellen (Ryan) Peck. Mr. Peck was a native of England, born November 22, 1830, and came to the United States with his parents, James and Mary Peck, in 1835, and settled in Theresa, N. Y., where they both died. William Peck die 1 February 23, 1878. Ellen ( Ryan) Peck was born in Ottawa, Canada, July 14, 1532. daughter of Patrick Ryan. She now resides in the village of Theresa. She is a member of the Episcopal church, in which she is very active. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher has been born one son, Howard W., born June 23, 1888. Mr. Fisher is a Republican in politics, and was town clerk for several years. He is a member of

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Theresa Lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M., of which he has been master Mrs Fisher is an active member of the Episcopal church, and is an enthusiastic Sunday-school worker, Mr. Fisher takes an active interest in the church, and has been a member of the choir for some time.

Fults, Chester, was born in Orleans, June 18, 1835, a son of David Fults. David Fults was born in Herkimer county and spent most of his days in Orleans, N. Y. Chester was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer, having 200 acres of land and keeps twenty cows. In 1858 Mr. Pults mar- ried Eliza N. Water and they have two children. Charles I. and Jessie. Mr. Fults is a Democrat in politics and a member of Plessis Grange.

Parkhurst, Aaron, was born in Herkimer county, town of Fairfield, March 1, 1525, a son of Amos and Mary (Fults) Parkhurst, he born in Herkimer county, town of Fairfield, and she born in Watertown, a daughter of Melyer Fultz, who came from Mohawk, N. Y., to Watertown in 1802, being one of the first settlers of the town, He died in Toronto, Canada, and she in Orleans, N. Y. Amos Parkhurst was a son of George, a native of England, and he and four brothers came from England, George coming to Fairfieldl, N. Y., and there lived and died. He was justice for twenty-seven years and served in the Revolutionary war. His wife was Rebceca Litehel. Amos came to Orleans in 1837 and was a butcher and cattle dealer. He was a Democrat in polities and died August 23, 1865; his wife died May 17, 1875. Aaron Parkhurst was nine years old when he came to Orleans, and at the age of twenty he came to the village of Theresa, where he worked in the mill of Pool & Fisher four years. He then rented a farm and after twelve years bought the farm of 204 aeres for $5,800; he then added 100 acres more and after six years sold all for $16,000. lle has since bought and now owns 800 acres of land. Mr. Parkhurst has made his own property and is one of the wealthy farmers of his town. Ile is a Democrat in politics and was trustee of schools for some time and on the board of excise and trustee of village for seven years, He is a member of Theresa Lodge No. 174. F. & A. M. January 27, 1853, he married Ellen A. Snell, daughter of Gideon Snell, and they had one daughter, who died in July, 1887, leaving a husband, D). Alton Salisbury, and two children. Ellen A. and Lottie. Mrs. Parkhurst died February 22, 1876, and on September 23, 1881, Mr. Parkhurst married Fannie Wil- son of Alexandria, and they have one adopted daughter, Bertha, and four children : Della M., Frankie, Ray A. and Roy O., twins.

Aldrich, M. E., was born in Rutland, N. Y., March 23, 1837, a son of Lewis and Mary (Ellis) Aldrich, Lewis Aldrich was born in Rutland, a son of Leonard Aldrich, a native of Vermont, who came to Rutland, being one of the first settlers of that town. His wife was Achsah Tamblin, daughter of Timothy Tamblin, a captain in the militia and soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Aldrich died in Rutland and was born in Vermont. Mary Ellis was a daughter of John Ellis, a native of Massa- chusetts and came to Jefferson county about 1813. M. E. Aldrich, the subject, was reared on a farm and educated in Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary and graduated from Eastman's Business College of Rochester, N. Y. Hle engaged in the mercantile business in 1866 and has been in business since, being one of the oldest merchants of

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Philadelphia. Mr. Aldrich is a Republican in politics, and was postmaster for ten years and has been notary public for many years. December 29, 1863, he married Ann E. Whitney of Philadelphia, daughter of Erastus Whitney, one of the first set- tlers of that place, clearing a farm of 280 acres on which he lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich had ten children. Inie E., a graduate of Gouverneur Wesleyan Semi- nary, and is an artist by profession : Llewellyn MI., with the New York Life Insur- ance Co, as manager at Concord, N. II., also a graduate of Gouverneur Seminary ; Mary E., died January 1. 1893, was a teacher; Burton W., assistant in the Bank of Philadelphia, Millie E., a student of Cortland Normal School; Harry M., employed in music store in Syracuse; De Witt C., Effie A. and Arthur E. at home. The fam- ily attend and support the Congregational church. Mr. Aldrich was a teacher for several years before he engaged in mercantile business.

Ryan, M. M., M. D., was born in Alexandria, N. Y., January 11, 1863. a son of MI. and Mary (Cosgrove) Ryan, he born in Perth, Canada, and she born in Alexandria, a daughter of James and Mary Cosgrove, who came from Ireland, being among the first settlers of that town. Dr. Ryan's father was a son of Patrick and Nellie (Kelley) Ryan, both born in county Wexford, Ireland, and in 1814 came to Montreal, Canada ; in 1-37 to llammond, St. Lawrence county and in 1843 to Alexandria, where they both died about 1870. Mr. Ryan was a shoemaker by trade, but at the time of his death was a good farmer in Alexandria. M. Ryan was a shoemaker and was en- gaged in the boot and shoe business at Redwood and now lives a retired life at that place. Dr. Ryan was educated at Redwood and followed teaching for several years. He began the study of medicine with Dr. J. E. Ryan, a brother, at Redwood and was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical College in 1894 and passed the exami- nation of the University of the State of New York. Ile began his practice in Phila- delphia in March, 1895, and has been very successful. He is a member of the Jeffer- son County Homeopathic Medical Society and is now vice-president of the society. In politics he is a Republican and was deputy collector of customs at Westminster Park at Wells Island, and was the first mail clerk on star route established between Clayton and Alexandria Bay. Dr. Ryan is a member of the K. O. T. M , I. O. F. and examining physician for both orders.

Lane, 11. S., M. D., was born in Massachusetts, December, 18, 1815, a son of Ze- brina and Polly (Sikes) Lane, natives of Connecticut. He was educated in the com- mon schools and Champion Select School kept by Lysander H. Brown, a classmate of H. G. P'. Spencer of Watertown. Dr. Lane studied medicine with Dr. Shaw of Copenhagen, and in 1462 began practice at Little York St. Lawrence county, N. Y. In 1868 he came to Philadelphia where he has since practiced his profession. He is a specialist in treatment of cancers and has had an extensive practice. He is a member of Jefferson County Medical Society and a Free Mason. November 10. 1867, he married Martha M. Leach of St. Lawrence county, and by his first wife, Laura T. Green, he has two sons, Edwin D. and George E. Dr. Lane has made his own way in the world, starting a poor boy.

Nims. A. F., was born in Antwerp, August 25, 1848, a son of C. D. Nims, a native of Rodman, born April 2, 1811, and grandson of Joel and Sallie (Boyden) Nims.

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Joel was a native of Deerfield, Mass., and he and his wife came to Rodman in 1806, in 1813 to Watertown and after several years to Canada, where he died. Ile served in the war of 1812 and when a young man enlisted in the United States navy and was in an expedition to the West Indies. C. D. Nuns was educated in the common schools and began life as a farmer and has also been in the lumbering business for thirty years. Ile spent two years in California, where he was very successful and became interested in mineralogy and geology, taking up mineral collecting for his own satisfaction and afterwards as a business, which he has followed most of his life. Ife has resided in the village of Philadelphia since 1852, He married Maria Howe, daughter of Daniel Howe, and born in Antwerp, N. Y., and they had six children, Herschell. Charles D. (deceased), Charles R., Alvin F., Hortense and Leora B. Mr. Nims has livel to vote for both Harrisons for president. A. F. Nims was educated in Philadelphia and Gouverneur Academy. In early life he learned the railroad business and was station agent in various places. He was sta- tioned at Canton, N. Y., for ten years. He took a course in civil engineering and went west and was for some time engaged in building railroads and is at present chief engineer of the E. & W. R. R. In 1895 he returned to Philadelphia and is now a general contractor. ITe built the water works at Theresa, Carthage and other places. September 9, 154 he married Aun Mary, daughter of W. G Holmes of Philadelphia, N. Y., and they have one daughter, Mabel S., at home. Mr. Nims is independent in polities. He is a Free Mason and the family attend the Baptist church.

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Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 128

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