Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 77

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 960

USA > New York > Madison County > Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York > Part 77

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Morgan, Francis A., son of Augustus H. and Maria (Norton) Morgan, was born at Morrisville, this county, July 19, 1852. His father was for twenty years in charge of the old Morrisville tannery, and under him the son learned the trade of tanner and currier at which he worked for a period of eleven years. Mr. Morgan took up his present farm of 185 acres in 1879, and is known as one of the leading farmers of the town of Cazenovia. In politics he is a Democrat. He married, in 1875, Bessie C. Parslow, daughter of Peter Parslow of Pompey Hill. Of this union eight children have been born: Addie B., wife of W. I. Durfee; Mabel S., Bertha M., Clara S., Maud H., Francis P., Burr C., and Mildred Anita.

Miller, Jacob H., son of Peter and Catherine (Feterly) Miller, was born in Warren, Herkimer county, N. Y., January 1, 1841. His grandfather, also named Jacob, was the first settler of the hamlet of Miller's Mills in that county. Mr. Miller was ed- ucated in the common schools of Herkimer and Otsego counties, and at a very early age began to take care of himself; he has been the architect of his own fortunes. In 1862 he enlisted in the 121st N. Y. Volunteers and served three years, participat- ing in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and Fredericks- burg. In 1868 he bought the Moses Scouten farm in the town of Cazenovia, four and one-half miles north of the village. This farm is now managed by his son, Wil- liam. Mr. Miller is well known in this section as a man of integrity and a represen- tative farmer. He retired in 1898 and took up his residence in Syracuse. In politics he has been a consistent Republican, but has never sought or held public office. He married in 1866, Amanda Dayger, daughter of Valentine Dayger of German Flats, Herkimer county, N. Y. Of this union there are four children: Emma, wife of Oscar Mann of Cazenovia; Mary, William, and Nettie J.

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Marshall, Charles P., was born in La Fargeville, Jefferson county, N. Y., Septem- ber 12, 1861, a son of Guvera H. and Ellen Frances (Rood) Marshall. His father, a veteran of the Civil war, captain of Company G, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, at that time conducted a general store in La Fargeville. Mr. Marshall was educated in the schools of his native place and at the Watertown Academy. After completing his education he followed an inherent artistic temperament by learning the wood engraving profession, together with printing. In becoming proficient he removed to New York city with the intention of pursuing his profession, but just at this time the half-tone process was invented and employment for the old process engravers became scarce. He, however, followed it with a fair success for a short time, but finally returned to the drug business, his original vocation. After a period of two years he returned to his town and began the study of photography in the Watertown studio of Arthur A. Johnson. Poisessed of natural artistic ability, augmented by practical experience as an engraver, and in addition a druggist's knowledge of chemistry, it will be seen that he was well fitted to enter the photographic profession. He continued with Mr. Johnson in Watertown about two years, in the meantime having partial charge of the Cazenovia studio which was Mr. Johnson's original studio. Later he purchased this business through his brother and has since con- tinued it. He was for a time associated with his brother, a landscape and portrait painter. An artistic temperament, combined with originality of ideas, and energetic business ability, have placed Mr. Marshall in the vanguard of American photogra- phers, and without question he has gained a reputation national in its scope. Medals and diplomas of excellence have been bestowed upon him from enviable sources, and he has been the originator of many pleasing designs in mounts and prints which have been widely copied. His politics are Republican, but he has never held public office or been active in party work. In 1885 Mr. Marshall married Martha C. Reynolds, daughter of Charles Morris Reynolds of De Pauville, and one daughter has been born to them, Margaret Elizabeth Marshall.

Morse, George, one of the oldest merchants of Madison county, was born in Nel- son, April 1, 1817, a son of Abner and Matilda (Brown) Morse. His father was a native of Vermont, a member of the old New England pioneer family of Morse, and one of the earliest settlers of the town of Nelson. His grandfather also lived in Nelson. Mr. Morse was reared on his father's farm and received the limited educa- tional advantages afforded by the common schools of those days. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the painting trade at which he worked in Nelson and Hamilton, locating in Cazenovia in 1838. Until 1865 he followed the business of a contracting painter and in that year bought the drug stock of L. D. Colburn. This business he still continues and on the admission of his son, George H. Morse, the firm name took its present form of George Morse & Son. Mr. Morse is a Republican in politics, has served as village trustee, and is considered one of the representative citizens of the place. He married in 1847 Minerva Mann of Nelson. Of this union three children have been born: George H., Charles F., Emma A., who died in 1879.

Maine, Paul S.,p. o. Perryville, was born in the town of Fenner, December 13. 1847, a son of Asa R. and Lucy (Ray) Maine. Asa R. was a son of Paul R. and Lydia

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

(Randall) Maine, who came from Stonington, Conn., about 1810 and by occupation followed farming. Paul S. was educated in the schools of the town of Fenner, also in Cazenovia Seminary. He was one of five children as follows: Marian A., de- ceased, Paul S., Frank L. of Manlius, N. Y., Nellie A., deceased, and Ida P., wife of Charles H. Dick of Jefferson county, N. Y. Mr. Maine's father died when he was fifteen years of age and he being the oldest son the charge of his father's business naturally fell on him. He worked the farm summers and at seventeen began teach- ing winters, continuing until he was twenty-four years of age when he was appointed school commissioner and was afterward elected for a full term. In 1876 he entered the general merchandise business at Perryville, which he has carried on to the pres- ent time with the exception of from 1883 to 1885; is postmaster at that place having held that position except from 1883 to 1889 and from 1894 to 1898 since 1876. He was one of the organizers of the Perryville Milk Association and has been its secretary and treasurer since its organization as a stock company. In 1872 Mr. Maine married Florence A., daughter of Harvey L. and Lauraett (Allen) Keeler; they have one daughter, L. Ethelyn Maine. Mr. Maine has represented his town on the board of supervisors twelve years, and was chairman of the board two years, in 1896 and 1897, which position he resigned when he was elected county clerk, the term of office commencing January 1, 1898.

Miller, Albert E., p. o. Siloam, was born in Smithfield, September 7, 1854, a son of Levi, son of John Miller, who came to Lincoln and there lived and died. Levi Miller was born in Madison county and has here since lived. He is a farmer, cheese maker and merchant, and now lives at Clockville. He married Marion M. Adams, daughter of Harry W. Adams, of Madison county, N. Y. In politics he is a Republican and has held minor offices. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. Albert E. Miller was educated in the common schools. He is a cheese maker and has for fourteen years conducted a cheese factory at Siloam, where he makes about 100,000 pounds of cheese yearly. He is a Republican and has been collector of the town. He is a member of Prosperity Lodge, No. /34, I. O. O. F. and of the P. of I. He married Mina Cramer, daughter of William Cramer of Smithfield.

McCarthy, James, p. o. Stockbridge, was born in Oneida county, town of Vernon, N. Y., May 15, 1857. His parents were natives of Ireland and settled in Vernon, later came to Stockbridge, where his father died in November, 1898, and his mother in 1895. Mr. McCarthy was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He is a farmer and has 120 acres of land; is a hop grower and dairyman. He mar- ried Jennie Gregg, born May 13, 1859, a daughter of David and Delia (Linkenfelter) Gregg. Mr. Gregg was born in Stockbridge and his wife in Smithfield. He was a son of Absalom Gregg, an early settler in Stockbridge from Massachusetts, a son of John Gregg, who settled in Smithfield in 1802. To Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy were born five children: Tacy, Lilly, Armour, Parnell, and Genevieve. Mr. McCarthy is a Democrat in politics, and was deputy sheriff eleven years; has been constable and inspector of election, and was appointed Columbia Guard at the World's Fair.

Morse, Silas E., is one of the oldest business men of this section, having conducted

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

a carriage manufactory in New Woodstock over half a century. He was born in Wallingford, Conn., in 1824, and removed to this vicinity with his father, who for many years manufactured shooks and barrels on the farm at the "Four Corners" near the old school house. Street Hall Morse had at one time been a man of con- siderable means, but met with reverses which led to his removal from Connecticut to Chenango county and later to this town. The family came from England, their ad- vent to this country being about 1635. At Medfield, Mass., a monument has been erected to the seven Morse brothers who were the progenitors of most of the name in Amer- ica. Silas E. Morse early developed the habits of self-reliance, industry, persever- ance, and rectitude, which have followed him all his life. He learned the wagon and carriage maker's trade when a young man and for some years was a partner in the business with Ralph Bell, his wife's father. He conducted his business in New Woodstock over half a century as stated above. In politics Mr. Morse has been a Democrat and at different times has held offices of public trust. In Buchanan's ad- ministration he was postmaster at New Woodstock. For many years he served on the school board and as trustee of the cemetery association. He has long been a member of the New Woodstock Baptist church, and served the society for a long period as trustee. Of his marriage to Sarah J. Bell, one daughter was born, Hattie, wife of Richard J. Miller of De Ruyter.

Marshall, James W., son of John and Jane (Nailer) Marshall, was born near Pratt's Hollow in the town of Eaton, November 26, 1820. His father, a native of Ireland, came to this country in middle' life; he was a tailor by trade and lived and died in the town of Eaton. James W. Marshall received an education confined to the dis- trict schools and was early inured to hard labor, working on a farm by the month when he was yet a youth. He has been engaged in farming all his life, and for a period of thirty-six years lived on his farm in the southern part of the town of Stock- bridge, near the Eaton line. Here he served as school trustee and was a well known and esteemed citizen. In 1888 Mr. Marshall removed to Oneida where he has since re. ided. He married first in 1857, Susannah Tackabury, and five children were born to them, three of whom survive: Melva, wife of Dr. F. Crounce of Albany county; Fred W. and C. Burton, both of Madison county. In 1889 he married Jane Gilbert Forrester.

Morse, Walter, p. o. Eaton .- Joseph Morse came from Natick, Mass., in 1797, and took up land in the south part of Eaton, where now stands the village of that name. Here the pioneer spent his days, living the life of a farmer, and also dealing extensively in cattle and produce. He was a prominent figure in town affairs and one of the leading men of the county in his time. His wife, Eunice (Bigelow) Morse, was a noted woman in the town and raised to maturity a large family of children, who were in later years useful and prominent men and women in business and social life. In her house Dr. Kendrick was a frequent visitor and here through their dis- cussions were taken the first steps which led to the founding of Colgate University, and it was for some time a question whether that institution should be established at Eaton village or at Hamilton. The children of Joseph and Eunice (Bigelow) Morse were Ellis; Eunice, who married Dr. Pratt and removed to Missouri; Joseph, who

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

started the first grist mill in Eaton on the site of the present mill; Sophia, who mar- ried George Ellis; Lucy, who married Rev. Joseph Griswold; Calvin, who died in Eaton; Alpheus, who was one of the most active and energetic men in the county, and who with his brother Ellis were among the foremost business men of the region. they having built a hotel and three store buildings, and as well were instrumental in founding schools, churches and other institutions; Bigelow, who died in Fabius. Ellis Morse was born in 1789 and spent almose his entire life in this town. In addi- tion to the interests previously noted, he founded and built the once famous Eaton Academy and was for many years its mainstay and support. Ellis Morse's first wife was Lora Ayer; their children were Jane M., of Eaton; Janette S., who married Rollin Coman : Gardner, who died in 1897; Martha A., who married Dr. W. C. Tenney, and Andrew B., who entered the Presbyterian ministry. Mr. Morse's second wife was Adeline Bagg, by whom he had these children: Adeline, wife of Amos O. Os- borne; Walter of Eaton; Henry B., lieutenant-colonel 114th N. Y. Vols., and who died in 1874, then being circuit judge in Arkansas; Alfred A., who also served in the 114th Regiment and received his death wound at Cedar Creek; and Hartwell Morse, who has lived in Binghamton since 1864, and for many years has been cashier of the City National Bank. Ellis Morse died October 15, 1869. Walter Morse was born February 25, 1835, and has been a life-long resident of Eaton village. He was edu- cated in the academy founded by his father, after which he worked six years as clerk for Butler & Burritt. On February 22, 1859, in company with A. N. Wood, he be- gan building portable and agricultural steam engines, the concern being the third of its kind in the United States. The business had been established by Mr. Wood in 1852, and from the outset was a successful enterprise. In 1860 Loyal C. Taber came into the business and then was established the firm of Wood, Taber & Morse, one of the bestknown firms in engine building in the country. It continued until 1892, when both Messrs. Wood and Taber died, whereupon Mr. Morse closed the works in the year following. When running at full capacity about seventy-five men were employed, and an engine was turned out daily. Aside from his active business life Mr. Morse has ever taken an earnest interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the town and has always been regarded as an upright, public spirited citizen. He has always been a Republican, though taking no active part in politics. He has been one of the deacons of the Eaton Congregational church since 1877. On Febru- ary 3, 1862, Mr. Morse married H. Celeste, daughter of Richard M. Davis of Eaton. Their children are Ellis W. Morse, treasurer of the Binghamton Wagon Co., and Ada R , wife of O. Webstor Mott of the Standard Harrow Co. of Utica.

Maxwell, John, son of James and Jane (Tait) Maxwell, was born in the town of Lindon, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., March 31, 1845. His father, a native of Edin- burgh, Scotland, came to this country in 1835, and settled in Lindon upon the farm where he resided until his death. He was a well known citizen and served frequently as supervisor and in other town offices. John Maxwell received an education con- fined to the district schools, and assisted in the conduct of his father's farm until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to Cuba, Alleghany county, where he re- mained six years in the employ of S. K. Cutter, a builder, lumber dealer, and con- tractor, with whom he learned that business. In January, 1873, he removed to

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

Rochester and was engaged by the Empire Moulding Works as superintendent of the manufacture of moulding, lumber buyer, etc. He began business for himself in 1874 as a manufacturer of caskets and mouldings in the Michaels building on Mill street with store rooms on State street. After the first year he formed a partnership with C. H. Newman and James T. McManus under the firm name of Maxwell, New- man & McManus. The growth of the business was rapid, and it being found neces- sary to secure larger quarters, a factory in the rear of number 22 and 24 South St. Paul street was leased, the entire building above the first floor being utilized. After a short period Mr. Newman retired and was succeeded in the firm by P. J. McWeeney and Hosea Rogers, forming the firm of Maxwell, McWeeney & Co. About sixty men were employed with an average weekly output of 250 caskets and the firm continued in successful and constantly growing business until 1879. In that year a consolida- tion was effected with Chappel, Tuttle & Co., jobbers in undertakers' supplies at Oneida, and the plant was removed to that village, business being conducted under the firm name of Chappel, Chase, Maxwell & Co. The growth and development of the business in Oneida is elsewhere noticed. When the National Casket Company was formed in 1890, Mr. Maxwell became a director and manager of the Oneida plant. He has never held public office, with the exception of one term as village trustee, but has been actively interested in many enterprises tending to promote the welfare of the village, especially the Oneida Savings, Building, and Loan Associa- tion which he organized and served as president seven years. Mr. Maxwell mar- ried in 1867, Frances A. Harris, daughter of Thomas Harris of his native town.

Marcellus, Albert, who died in Oneida June 11, 1899, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, was one of Oneida's most prominent business men and a valued citizen. He was born in Auriesville, Montgomery county, N. Y., March 31, 1840, and passed the greater part of his boyhood days in his native village, being afforded liberal educa- tional advantages which well fitted him for the practical business career he followed. He came to Oneida from Pittsford, Monroe county, N. Y., about thirty years ago, and in company with his father, the late Albert Marcellus, sr., constructed several miles of the Midland railroad south of Oneida. Later (in 1871-72) he took the con- tract of laying the two freight tracks on the Central railroad between Oneida and Canaseraga, and subsequently held large contracts with that company for construc- tion work, which was proof that he performed his obligations faithfully and honor . ably. For upwards of twenty years, in addition to his other business, he conducted an extensive lumber trade in Oneida and vicinity. Mr. Marcellus was reliable and thorough in everything he undertook, and was usually successful in his enterprises. He was a man of strong convictions and could not be swerved from what he consid- ered honorable and just, but withal was a genial man and a warm hearted friend. In politics he was a true Democrat but by no means a narrow partisan. Contrary to his expressed wishes he was elected a village trustee in 1895 and served two years. As chairman of the street committee he proved one of the most efficient and practical officers that ever acted in that capacity, and as member of several other important committees he showed no lack of zeal, ever being keenly alive to public interests. He was an esteemed member of Oneida Lodge, No. 270, F. & A. M., and of Doric Chap. ter, No. 193, R A. M. Mr. Marcellus married in 1872, Miss Mary Gors of Dansville,

OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

N. Y., who survives him. He is succeeded in business by his son, George A. Mar- cellus, who was born in Oneida, December 4, 1873; was graduated from Yale College with the class of 1896; and was associated with his father in business until the lat- ter's death.

Mott, David C., p. o. Hamilton, was born at Hamilton, N. Y., and was educated in Madison University (now Colgate University). He then studied law in the office of Conklin & Throop, Utica, N. Y., for a year, attended the law department of Colum- bia College, N. Y , a year under Theodore Dwight, and was admitted to the bar at the General Term in Syraeuse in 1860. After residing several years in St. Louis and a short time in Utica, he returned to Hamilton, where he has since resided. Mr. Mott was for years largely interested in real estate in Hamilton and built some of the substantial old blocks. He has been clerk of the village for three years, presi- dent of the village a year and a member of the board of education nine years Mr. Mott married Mary E. Hughes, and they have two children: Joseph Addison and Caroline Jane. His parents were Joseph Addison and Caroline L. (Crocker) Mott. His grandfather, Amos Crocker, was a member of the legislature in 1820. On his moth- er's side Mr. Mott is a lineal descendant of John Howland, who came over in the the Mayflower. He married Elizabeth Tilley, and their daughter, Hannah Howland, married Jonathan Crocker. Their son, James Crocker, was the father of Jonathan Crocker, who was the father of David Crocker, whose son, Amos Crocker, was the grandfather of Mr. Mott. John Howland was a prominent man in the early days, came over as a man of affairs for Governor Carver, and was one of the first of the settlers to resist the invasion of the Indians.

Maxon, Samuel A., son of Lewis and Betsey (Caldwell) Maxon, was born in Verona, Oneida county, N. Y., January 11, 1841. His grandfather, Ethan Maxon, was one of the early settlers of Oneida county whither he came from Rhode Island in the year 1811. Mr. Maxon's early education was confined to the common schools, and he is mainly self educated. His first employment was as a clerk in which capacity he served several firms, having charge for a time of the store of Seeley & Armitage at Munnsville. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. He was then engaged in real estate business in the State of New Jersey for a time and later went to Lawrence, Kansas, whence he came to Oneida in February, 1872. On his arrival he assumed the editorship of the Oneida Union, and in the following August purchased the paper in company with Richard M. Baker, forming the present firm of Baker & Maxon which has conducted the Union upwards of twenty-seven years. Mr. Maxon has interested himself deeply in educational matters; was one of the chief promoters of the Oneida Uuion School; and has served on the Board of Education for thirteen consecutive years. He is a man of much public spirit, and has always been prompt to give his time and influence in promoting worthy public enterprises. He married, June 3, 1875, Sylvia L. Stringer, daughter of William Stringer of Munnsville, and three children have been born to them: William R., S. Lynn and Bessie S. Maxon.

Moore, Sidney W., son of Eli G. and Adeline (Weaver) Moore, was born in the

PERSONAL REFERENCES.

town of Stockbridge, this county, October 6, 1859. His grandfather, Eli Moore, was a native of Union, Conn., and removed thence to Stockbridge among the earliest settlers, driving an ox team and bringing his young wife, Rebecca (Gail) Moore, and their son, Eli G. They located at Valley Mills, near the Lenox line on the farm now owned by Mr. Moore, and which has never been deeded out of the possession of the family. Sidney W. Moore was educated in the district schools in the vicinity of his home and at Whitestown Seminary. When eighteen years old he went west but re- turned in two years, and for six years following remained at home. In 1883 he went to Lyons, N. Y. to engage in the drug business with Dr. C. A. Moore under the firm name of Moore & Moore. He retired from active interest in this firm in 1892, having become interested in the manufacture of silverware in Lyons. In 1893 he removed his plant to Oswego, N Y., where he sold out the following year and came to Oneida. He at once organized the Oneida Silverware Manufacturing Company with a capital stock of $10,000, (afterwards increased to $50,000,) and erected the present building and plant of the company. Mr. Moore acts as president and manager of the corpora- tion, which manufactures a full line of silver plated ware, employing upwards of seventy-five people, and is rapidly increasing its trade and output. Mr. Moore mar- ried in 1884, Nellie S. Baker, daughter of D. C. Baker of Fulton, N. Y. Of this union are two sons: Alfred D. and S. Gail.

Morgan, John, who for more than sixty years has been identified with business life in Madison village, and who during that period has always been regarded as one of the foremost men of the town, was born in Clinton, Conn., April 20, 1821, and was one of four children in the family of John and Esther (Parsons) Morgan. At the age of sixteen he started out to make his own way in life, coming to Madison, where he learned the trade of tinsmithing with Henry Hull, who knew the young man and was naturally attracted by his frank, manly demeanor. In the first year of his apprentice- ship John Morgan earned $29 and saved $7 of the amount; when twenty-one years old he had saved $100. His very first sixpence was earned in helping to unload hay. This was the foundation of his later success in business life, for Mr. Morgan became forehanded as the result of energy, perseverance and honesty; he has always made generous use of his means for the benefit of family and friends. After his apprenticeship was ended Mr. Morgan worked three years as "boss" in Mr. Hull's shop and for the next three years was his partner in business. After Mr. Hull's death Mr. Morgan continued alone for a time, but later was associated with his sons, to whom he eventually sold out his interest and devoted himself to farming and caring for his other property. He is still an active man, notwith- standing his seventy-eight years of life and in Madison no man is more highly respected than he. He has always taken an earnest interest in the welfare of the town, is an active Republican, though never seeking political honors. He has been a member of the M. E. church more than forty years, and has held the positions of trustee and class leader. Of his means he has generously contributed to the support of the church and to other worthy causes. Mr. Morgan has been thrice married; his first wife was Pamelia J. Merchant, who died soon after mar- riage; his second wife was Phoebe Hazard, daughter of Paul and Lucretia Haz- ard. She died four years after marriage. His third wife was Lucretia Hazard,

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Our county and its people : a descriptive and biographical record of Madison County, New York, Part 77

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed Publication date: 1899 Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company Number of Pages: 960

Author: Smith, John E., 1843- ed
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: [Boston, Mass.] : Boston History Company
Number of Pages: 960