Our county and its people. A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York, Part 37

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 37

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).

The Homestead Fire Insurance company was incorporated in 1873, with $200,000 capital, and, according to its declared intentions, did only farm building, eity and village dwelling insurance, entirely avoiding special hazards Allen C. Beach was its president throughout the period of its existence. The company started with encouraging prospects and did a large business for almost four years, when reverses followed, and in 1>+8 S. T. Woolworth, as receiver, closed up its affairs. All obliga- tions were paid in full, but the stockholders realized only fifty-five cents on the dollar for their investment.

The Empire State Life Insurance company was incorporated in April, 1869, and began business in June following. Its capital was $100,000. The enterprise was conceived and carried into successful operation al-

345

THE CITY OF WATERTOWN.

most wholly through the energy and business capacity of John Sheldon, the secretary and treasurer during its existence as a local institution. The officers were James A. Bell, president; Loveland Paddock and Ezra B. Cornell, vice presidents, and John Sheldon, secretary and treasurer. The company did a large business, and on July 1, 1822, had 6,000 outstanding policies, and assets amounting to more than $350,000, yet in August of that year the directors resolved to discontinue opera- tions and finally reinsured in the Life Association of America, a com- pany doing business at St. Louis, Mo.

Public Institutions .- In the early history of the village several socie- ties were formed for social and literary purposes. The first of these, of which there appears any record, was the Watertown social library, which was organized May 11, 1805, but had only a temporary existence. Its trustees were William Huntington, Corlis Hinds, Hart Massey, llenry Jewett and Daniel Brainard. The next organization of the kind was the old and still remembered Watertown Franklin library, which came into existence February 12, 1829, and continued until 1834, when it was dissolved. Among the persons prominently connected with this enterprise were Charles E. Clark, Ralph Clapp, John Sigourney, Daniel Lee, Isaac H. Bronson, Charles Rice, Otis Colwell, Henry L. Harvey, Baker Massey, Alvin Hunt, Ira Brewster and William Smith, who con- stituted the board of trustees.

The Young Men's association, which from a literary standpoint was one of the noted institutions of the village for several years, was in- formally organized December 3, 1840, and was regularly incorporated April 12, 1811. The incorporators were D. D. Otis, O. V. Brainard, S. S. Cady, Abraham Reamer, J. W. Clark, George R. and Samuel Fairbanks. The first officers were D. D Otis, president ; Orville V. Brainard, vice president; Ithamer B. Crawe, 2d vice president; Jos. Mullin, cor. sec. ; Washington Gennet, treasurer; Geo. W. Hungerford, Samuel Fairbanks, Jas. F. Starbuck, A. M. Corss, R. Barnes, J. 11. Dutton, J. C. Partridge, F. W. Hubbard, Kilborn Hannahs, M. Beebec and T. H. Camp, managers. The object of the association was to pro- mote mutual improvement among the people of the village, and it was authorized to hold property not exceeding the value of $10,000. The introductory address was delivered (Dec. 17, 1840) by Joseph Mullin, and afterwards weekly lectures and debates were held during the win- ter seasons. A library of about 100 volumes was opened in April, 1841, and the number in 1849 had increased to nearly 2, 000, when (May 13)

346

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

all the property was destroyed by fire, causing the dissolution of the association.

The Factory square lyceum was also a notable institution in its day, and was the source of much benefit to the village. Unfortunately, however, all recollections of the institution are indefinite and uncertain. As near as can be recalled it was organized about 1845, and continued in existence about three or four years, holding meetings generally in the building then known as Sewall's hall. Among the persons promi- nently connected with the lyceum may be mentioned Jonathan Saw. yer, Nathaniel and John Farnham, Louis C. Theirry, Samuel Had- dock, A. D. Button, Gilbert Bradford and John M. Sigourney. Among the lecturers before the society were Joseph Mullin, H. D. Sewall, Prof. O. B. Pierce and others of equal note and prominence.

The Jefferson County Orphan Asylum .- Almost forty years ago was begun the work which resulted in founding the Jefferson county orphan asylum. The first recorded meeting was held April 28, 1859. The question of opening an orphan's home had long been in the hearts of the philanthropic ladies of Watertown, but no special demand for such an institution had come until an unfortunate accident caused the sud- den death of the widow of Patrick O'Donnell, and left her two children (James and Mattie) perfectly helpless orphans. The next day (March 1, 1859) several well known and charitably inclined ladies held an in- formal meeting and decided to rent a home for these children, and also such others as might come under their protection. Accordingly, a house on Woodruff street was secured, and Miss Jane Frazier was in- stalled as matron.

Miss Frazier was of Scotch descent, and had taught for years in a Sunday school in the stone court house, near the present jail. She was familiar with the needs of orphan children, whom she was continually gathering into her school. The second home occupied by the orphans was at the corner of Sterling and Goodale streets, opposite the old Grace church ; the third was near the corner of Franklin street and the square, on the southwest corner of the site of the Taggart block; the fourth house was on the southwest corner of the spacious grounds of the present orphans' home.

The name of the institution in the beginning was the " Watertown Home for Destitute and Friendless Orphans and Children." The trus- tees first mentioned in the records were Willard Ives, Isaac H. Fisk, Aaron C. Cady, Chas. B. Hoard, Win. 11. Angel, Frederick W. Hub-

3.17

THE CITY OF WATERTOWN.

bard, Milton Clark, John A. Haddock and James M. Clark. The first record report of the work of the home was made in October, 1861, showing that 12 children had been cared for during that year. The record also showed that in the spring of 1862 it was decided to make an effort to provide a permanent home, and Rev. Peter Snyder was re- quested to solicit subscriptions to that end. Willard Ives was also requested to assist in the work. In 1863 the institution received $5,000 from the state toward the building fund, and thereafter help was an- nually given from the same source until 1821, when such appropriations ceased. Since that time the management has depended entirely upon the appropriations made by the supervisors, and also upon the small amounts of money received from parents who could pay something towards the maintenance of their children. In 1864 a large summer festival for the benefit of the home was held in Washington hall, and yielded a net revenue of more than $1,000. The secretaries in charge of this enterprise were Albert D. Shaw and Orison L. Haddock.

The present main building was erected and occupied in 1861, and cost, including furniture, about $11,000. In this year also the name of the institution was changed to Jefferson county orphan asylum. Subsequent improvements and additions have been made as occasion has required, but the most noticeable of these was that of the year 1892, when the new wing was built, and other permanent enlargements in the capacity of the house were also made, all at an expense of abont $14,000. This enlargement was followed by an increase in number of inmates and in the expense of caring for them, but this was in a meas- ure provided for in the generous donation to the home on March 31, 1881, by Roswell P. Flower and wife, of the sum of $5,000, the annual interest from which is added to the maintenance fund. This gift was known as the " Henry Keep Flower fund," and was intended as a me- morial to the only son of the liberal donors.

The business affairs of the asylum are managed almost wholly by a board of directresses. There is also a board of trustees, composed of men, who, however, have little to do with the institution other than to manage its finances. The established rule is to receive children be- tween the ages of two and sixteen years, but they are obliged to leave the asylum before attaining the latter full age. They are placed in homes, but are not beyond the control of the directresses until the ex- piration of six months.

The first directress of the board was Mrs. Robert Lansing, but on

348

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

her death (Nov. 11, 1885) Miss Florence E. Hungerford was chosen her successor, and has since filled the position to the satisfaction of all friends of the asylum. The late Mrs. Isaac II. Fisk was prominently associated with Mrs. Lansing in founding the home, and was several years secretary and treasurer of the board of directresses. Miss Hun- gerford succeeded Mrs. Fisk as secretary and treasurer, and held the office until elected first directress. Mrs. George W. Knowlton was elected to succeed Miss Hungerford as secretary and treasurer, and still holds that position.

The present board of directresses comprises Miss Florence E. Hungerford, pres. ; Miss Sophie Bushnell, vice pres. ; Mrs. Geo. W. Knowlton, treasurer; Mrs. Jno. F. Moffett, secretary; and members, Mrs. D. C. Griffith, Mrs. A. B. Pease, Mrs. Willard Ives, Mrs. Geo. W. Wiggins, Mrs. Chas. . Smith, Mrs. Wm. W. Sherman, Mrs. Wm. C. Clarke, Mrs. Ingraham, Mrs. A. D. Shaw, Mrs. Jno. Frost, Mrs. Lotus Ingalls and Mrs. S. T. Woolworth. The assistant directresses are Miss C. M. Lans- ing, Miss Mary Powers, Miss E. A. Tolles and Mrs. W. J. Allen.

The first president of the board of trustees was Charles B. HIoard, who was suc- ceeded by Willard Ives. Upon Mr. Ives' death John Lansing was elected president, and still retains the office. The other officers are George W. Knowlton, secretary and treasurer, and John Lansing, R. P. Flower, P. B. Grant, Chas. W. Sloat, F. A. Fletcher, George W. Knowlton, H. E. Harmon, Col. Albert D. Shaw and Albert Bushnell, trustees.

The Young Men's Christian association, of Watertown, which has ever been regarded as one of the progressive and praiseworthy institutions of the city, was organized January 18, 1820, and elected officers as fol- lows: C. C. Case, president; F. R. Farwell, vice-president; II. W. Congdon, 2d vice-president; Orrin C. Frost, secretary, and George L. Davis, treasurer. In January, 1866, the local body became a member of the state association, and in the same year (Feb. 12) was regularly incorporated1 under the laws of the state, with authority to purchase and sell real estate, receive bequests, &c. Soon after the organization was completed the association occupied rented rooms in Washington hall, but under the will of the owner, John Avery Sherman (who died March 25, 1882), this splendid property was devised to the association, subjeet only to the life annuity of $2, 500 to be paid to the widow of the testator. The entire lower floor is rented for business purposes; a portion of the second floor is leased for office occupancy, while ample

1 The incorporators were John D. Huntington, Clark Wetherby, Foster P. Rhines, William MI Penniman, Thomas C. Murray, George B. Massey, Henry S. Munson, H. Dean Waite, Louis Emerich, Edwin Bush. Jesse M. Adams, Phi Norton, John F. Moffett, Edgar Reamer, Charles M. Johnson and John Frost.

319

THE CITY OF WATERTOWN.

space is reserved for the purposes of the association; and the third floor is arranged for a gymnasium and public entertainments, having a greater seating capacity than any other assembly room in the city.

The business affairs of the association have always been prudently managed, and the equipment of its rooms, together with the highly commendable objects of the institution itself, has drawn to it a mem. bership of about 100 persons. The presidents, in succession, have been as follows:

C. C. Case, 1820; J. F. Moffett, 1871; 11. W. Congdon, 1872; C. O. Maltby, 1873; G. B. Massey, IST1; I. L. Ilunt, jr., 1875; J. M. Adams, 1825; Dr. C. M. Johnson, 1876; S. D. Huntington, 1892; Phi Norton, 1878; G. R. Hanford, 1879; 1. A. Graves, 1880; W. Il. Porter, 1881; E. W. Herrick, 1882; Il. J. Brimmer, 1883; S. F. Bagg, 1881: J. M. Adams, 1885: 1 .. C. Greenleaf, 1886-88; W. II. Stevens, 1889-90; Col. A. 1). Shaw, 1890 95; George V. S. Camp, 1896; Robert II. Buck, 1897 98.

The officers for the current year 1897-98 are as follows: President, Robert H. Buck ; vice-president, II. J. Brimmer; recording secretary, Charles E. Cole; treasurer, George B. Massey ; general secretary, Frank A. Ingraham ; assistant secretary, Bur- ton T. Simpson ; directors George B. Massey, Harvey W. Steele, George V. S. Camp, Albert D. Shaw, M. L. Rogers, L. C. Greenleaf, R. C. Augur, Joseph Weckessor, A. L. Rice, A. B. Thompson, W. Il. Stevens, C. H. Anthony, H. J. Brimmer, A. R. Wilson, L. F. Phillips, Fred B. Porter, Harvey W. Waite, J. M. Tilden, F. A. Sher- man ; trustees, George B Massey, L. C. Greenleaf, Frank A. Fletcher.

The Henry Keep Home, for the relief and care of persons, was incor- porated March 11, 1859, by act of the legislature, and was founded, erected and endowed by Mrs. Emma Keep-Schley, a native of Water- town, in memory of her husband, Henry Keep, who also was a native of the county, and long a resident of the county seal.

The incorporating act constituted Emma A. Schley, Roswell P. Flower, Allen C. Beach, Pearson Mundy, George W. Flower and An- son R. Flower and their associates a body corporate by the name of " The Henry Keep Home," for the purposes already mentioned. The building was erected soon after the act was passed, and the home was formally opened for inmates December 31, 1883. The property com- prises a thirty-five acre tract of land on Washington street, in the south part of the city. The building is a handsome brick structure, three stories high in front and rear gables. Inside the arrangements for 'comfort and living are intended to be and are substantially complete.

"At ' the death of Ilenry Keep, his widow, now Mrs. Schley, who had shared his struggles and appreciated his desire to benefit his poor neighbors, made a will in

) From Roswell P. Flower's opening address, Dec. 31, 1853.

350

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

which she directed that, after her deatb, a portion of her estate should be set apart as a perpetual fund for the maintenance of wortby and needy old persons. residents of Jefferson county, who were too poor to be comfortable on their own resources. In 1877 it occurred to ber that while she was living would be the proper time to start such an institution. She purchased for $100,000 a large and valuable tract in this city (the American arcade and the Paddock buildings), the income, about $8,000, being set aside for the maintenance of the Home. She has expended about $26,000 in addition in erecting and furnishing this commodious and elegant building."

" It is many years since Ilenry Keep, the poor boy whose energy and industry in after life were to be commemorated by such a monument as this, first saw the light in Jefferson county. His birth was humble, and the record of his life, until be reached middle age, was one of constant struggle against the most harsh and grind- ing poverty. He saw his father die by inches of a broken spirit. He felt himself an orphan, uncared for and hopeless. He found himself and his sisters bouud out in a servitude little better than absolute slavery, deprived of education, ill-fed, ill- housed and exposed half naked to all the inclemencies of our northern weather. The vieissitudes through which he passed in bis endeavors to raise himself to a higher level, are almost incredible; but through them all, with au indomitable determina- tion he passed steadily forward. Wherever he was, in whatever position, as a run- away apprentice, as a boot-black, as a canal boat driver, as a traveling money broker and as a millionaire, he never faltered. Finally he obtained a position where he could not only bury tbe misfortunes of his youth in the pleasures of success, but could alleviate the hardships of others whom he saw struggling with the obstacles he had himself confronted. His whole career is a lesson for the rich and an example for the poor."

The officers of the institution are as follows: Mrs. Emma Keep-Schley, president ; Allen C. Beach, vice president and treasurer ; Silas L. George, secretary : MIrs. Emma Keep Schley, Mrs. Emma Keep-Ilalsey, Roswell P. Flower, Allen C. Beach, Anson R. Flower, Wilbur F. Porter and S. T. Bordwell. trustees.

The House of the Good Samaritan, more frequently known as the "City Hospital," on Ten Eyck street, was established in 1881, through the beneficence of the clergy and laity of Trinity and Grace churches. The institution then founded was of course sectarian in character so far as its management was concerned, but in its broad and generous purpose denominational preferences were unknown. The constitution provided that the property and concerns of the house should be man- aged by a board of seven trustees, comprising the rector and three lay- men of Trinity parish and the rector and two laymen of Grace church parish. The domestic concerns of the institution were vested in a board of managers, comprising one lady from each parish acting with the house mother or matron.

The first meeting of the trustees was held June 13, 1881, when officers were elected as follows. Dr. II. M. Stevens, presideut, II. H. Babcock, vice-president; Rev. R.

351

THE CITY OF WATERTOWN

A. Olin, treasurer, and Rev. Albert Danker, secretary. The trustees were R. A. Olin, Albert Danker, H. II. Babcock, George A. Bagley, Dr. H. M. Stevens, F. T. Story and G. Il. Sherman. The president appointed as lady managers, to act with the house mother, Mrs. 1I. M. Stevens and Mrs. C. A. Sherman.

The trustees leased the Thomas HI. Breen property for the purpose of a hospital, but in 1884 acquired title by purchase, the consideration being $3,500. The institution was maintained in its distinctive charac- ter until the fall of 1895, when the sectarian element was discontinued, and the hospital became wholly undenominational. In December, 1893, the number of trustees was increased to twelve, and were chosen equally from the parishes until the change was made in the latter part of 1895. On August 28, of that year, James L. Newton was elected president to succeed Dr. Stevens, and has since retained the office. At the same time G. H. Babcock was elected vice-president, and is still in office. The other officers are George P. Clark, treasurer, and Robert J. Buck, secretary.

The Watertown city hospital training school for nurses was estab- lished in connection with the institution, Oct. 11, 1892. Its officers are S. T. Woolworth, president; G. H. Babcock, vice president ; George F. Clark, treasurer; Robert J. Buck, secretary.

As is well known the city hospital has ever been maintained by pri- vate donations and subscriptions, hence must be regarded as one of the most praiseworthy institutions of the city. The board of supervisors in session in 1897 agreed to pay five dollars per week for each patient kept as a legitimate county charge, and in the same manner the city pays a like sum for each person sent to the hospital by the board of char- ities. The plans of the trustees and the management for the year 1898 contemplate the erection of a modern hospital building, for which a fund is now being created.

The Sisters' Hospital on Stone street was established in 1896, and originally occupied a dwelling house on Benedict street. Recently, however, the managers secured the former George B. Phelps residence on Stone street, which has since been occupied for hospital purposes. It is under charge of the Sisters of Merey.

St. Patrick's Orphanage was incorporated in December, 1896, under the regulations of the state board of charities, and owes its existence almost wholly to the zeal of Father Tobias Glenn, pastor of St. Pat- rick's church. For the purposes of the orphanage the trustees pur- chased the Hungerford and Bingham lots, on Court street (at a cost of

352

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

$4,000) on which was erected the large three story and basement brick structure at an additional cost of $12,000. The institution now has 24 inmates. The trustees are Rev. Tobias Glenn, Edward 1I. Bohl, James Bellew, Rev. Sister Josephine Connelly and Sister Gertrude, the latter having immediate charge of the orphanage.

INDUSTRIAL WATERTOWN .- Just as the mercantile interests of Water- town in its earlier history centered around the public square, so were the manufacturing industries established naturally along Black river. More than a century has now passed since Benjamin Wright examined the superior water power privileges along the river, and the "excellent mill seats " noticed by him have been developed and utilized by later generations far beyond anything which was suggested in the comments of the worthy surveyor. It is not considered necessary to this narra- tive to reiterate the statement that Watertown owes its prosperity wholly to the power furnished by the never-failing waters of this his- toric stream; the fact is known not only throughout this special region, but also throughout the length and breadth of the state, while from beyond its borders came some of the most enterprising and thrifty de velopers who first diverted the waters for manufacturing purposes, and thus laid the foundation for still further improvement in the same direction, until now from the remotest headwaters of the river in the distant Adirondacks to the bay may be seen an almost continuous line of industrial establishments, furnishing employment to thousands and thousands of mechanics, and also employing millions of dollars in capi tal, and every day bringing comfort to hundreds of thousands of God's creatures.

"For several miles above the city the river flows rapidly over a solid bed of limestone, making the water reasonably pure and healthy, and well aerated for supplying the city for domestic purposes; but coming from a granite region, the water is almost as soft as the purest rain- water, hence its use in the manufacture of cotton and woolen fabrics, and in making dyes, has proven especially valuable." It was this pecu- liar quality which induced the construction and operation of the old cotton and woolen mills along the river in the village, at such an early day that like industries were rarely heard of outside the New England states.

In a preceding portion of the chapter reference is made to the organ- ization of the manufacturer's aid association in 1875, and to the object thereof in attracting manufactures to the city. In carrying out the

353

THE CITY OF WATERTOWN.

plan of work of the association, Frank A. Hinds, civil engineer, with the active assistance of Fred W. Eames, made a systematic survey with a view to ascertain as near as possible the exact measure of power de- rived from the river in its passage through the city. From Mr. Hinds' report we may quote as follows:

" A level was carefully taken of the water from the point where the river enters the city to the point where it leaves it at the westerly boundary, a distance of less than two miles, including in detail all the numerous falls and rapids, both improved and unimproved. The whole amount of fall within the distance I have found to be 111.75 feet. Eighty-three feet of this noticeable fall is included between the upper and lower railroad bridges. There are five distinct falls between the points named. The river was gauged at a point about two miles above the city, where its course is straight and level for a considerable distance, and it was found to deliver 596, 728 cubic feet of water per minute. This measurement was taken on the 22d of March, and although the water was very little if any higher than the ordinary winter flow, and the ice still unbroken, a deduction equal to one-third was made, to msure a safe estimate of the fair working average of the year. This allowance gives an average delivery of 397,819 eubie feet per minute. This, multiplied by 62.3 and 111.25, and divided by 33,000, gives 83,928 as the average actual horse power for the whole river in its passage through the city. If a still further allowance is made of two-thirds of this amount for leakage, clearance, friction and unavoidable waste, we still have 21,976 hose power, which may be regarded as effectual and available to turn machmery."

As the story is told on preceding pages, Jonathan Cowan in 1802 first diverted the waters of the river for manufacturing purposes, when he built a small dam across the south channel at Beebee's island and erected a grist mill. In 1805 the dam at the lower falls (Coffeen's dam) was built ; in or about 1814, the dam at the upper falls (Sewall's island) was constructed, and the large dam at the head of Beebee's island, across the north channel, was first built in 1835. The massive stone dam or bulkhead, across the south channel of Beebee's island was con - structed in 1869, and thus turned into the flume below one of the best water powers in the land; and one which, considering the shortness of the flume, may be regarded as the most valuable on the river. As has been stated, Cowan's grist mill was the pioneer industry of Watertown, but soon afterward the Coffeen mills at the south end of the lower dam, and the Bailey & Tuttle mill on the north side (where is now the Tag. garts' paper company's mill), gave the hamlet some importance as a manufacturing settlement. These, however, were only such mills as are usual to all new settlements, and can hardly be regarded as more than primitive elements leading to later industrial greatness.

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 37

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