Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 124

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co.
Number of Pages: 1612

USA > New York > Oneida County > Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York; > Part 124

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and for thirty years a mem- ber of the Utica Maennechor, of which he has been president. April 30, 1866, Dr. Cook married Josephine Brendle, a native of Paris, France.

Capron, C. G., M. D., was born in Utica, N. Y., June 6, 1867, and is a son of John S. Capron, who came here with his parents from Lewis county, and for several years has been a partner in the extensive dry goods firm of J. B. Wells, Son & Co. His grandfather was the Hon. David Gray of Marcy, who died in September, 1895. Dr. Capron was educated in the public and private schools of his native city, at Whites- town Seminary, and in the Utica Advanced School, and prepared for college at Dr. Holbrook's Military Academy in Sing Sing. He read medicine with Dr. Frank F. Laird, one of the leading homoeopathists of Utica, and was graduated from Hahne- mann Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1890. During the last six months of his course there he was interne in the Children's Homeopathic Hospital. In May, 1890, he began the practice of his profession in Utica, where he has already acquired success, having offices with his preceptor, Dr. Laird. Dr. Capron is a member of the Oneida County Homeopathic Medical Society and its president for 1896, and for two years prior to this served as its secretary and treasurer. He is also a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy and a member and examining surgeon of Imperial Council, No. 70, R. A. June 21, 1893, he married Carolyn M., daughter of James W. Rathbun, of Utica.

Olds, Marquis D., was born in the town of Oxford, N. Y., August 27, 1850, son of Ezra and Eliza (Brockway) Olds. He worked at farm work until twenty years of age, beginning at $4 a month. He next conducted a restaurant during one winter. when he took a position on the old Syracuse and Binghamton railroad, to learn operating and the duties of agent. He applied to the old Oswego and Midland rail- road for a position, and was appointed agent and operator at New Berlin Junction. He remained there two years, when the Oswego and Midland railroad failed, and he came to Deansville in March, 1875, as agent and operator, a position he has filled with ability and success, and he has also had charge of the coal department since 1885. Mr. Olds married Carrie F. Root, by whom he has two children: Edna Florence and Howard Root Olds.

MacFarland, Mrs. L. W., is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of New Hartford. Her father, Hon. Samuel Hicks, came here in 1807 from East Hampton, 1 .. I. He was the son of Captain Zacheriah Hicks and Rebecca Conkling-Sherrill, and was born at East Hampton October 7, 1783. Coming to this place at the age of twenty-one, he became the business manager of the New Hart- ford Cotton Manufacturing Company. Resigning this position in 1837, he devoted his attention to real estate and other business interests. In politics he was an "Old time Whig," and in 1824 was one of the presidential electors for John Quincy Adams. February 18, 1818, he married Lucinda Huntington, of Walpole, N. H., one of whose ancestors was appointed by Washington major of the first troops that left Connecti- cut at the beginning of the Revolution. Another ancestor was one of the four offi- cers who originated the Society of The Cincinnati, and another, Samuel Huntington, was the twelfth signer of the Declaration of Independence, and president of the Continental Congress after Hancock resigned. She was also descended from the

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same ancestor as General Ulysses S. Grant. She died October 8, 1820, leaving two children. The youngest, Lucinda Huntington Hicks, married Luther Wheelock MacFarland of North Adams, Mass., and resides in the old mansion built by her father in 1826. Mrs. MacFarland's reminiscences of old New Hartford, of the cul- tured society, and of the men and women, who, going from here, have become prominent in the country, are delightful to listen to.

De Votie, Duane D., is a son of Peter E. De Votie, who was born in Vernon Cen- ter in 1807, but lived the greater part of his time on the Seneca road in the town of Vernon. His ancestors came to this country from France in 1743, and the father of Peter E. settled in Vernon Center in 1801, where he followed farming and speculat- ing. He married Maria P. Mandeville, who was born March 6, 1839, and is now living on the old homestead. Duane D. is one of a family of eight children, and received his education at Vernon, after which he remained on the farm until 1876, when he traveled through the Western States, spending nearly five years mostly in the employ of the government. In the latter part of 1880 he returned home, and has since had complete charge of the farm. He has devoted much time to politics, and is a Democrat and closely identified with the interest of the party.

Gardner, Mrs. O. S .- The late Orson S. Gardner was born in Sauquoit, N. Y., July 1, 1820, son of Asa and Dorothy Gardner. Orson S. came to New York Mills when sixteen years of age. He worked a short time in Rochester, and then returned to New York Mills, where he was in the employ of the mills for many years, and was one of its most faithful and esteemed employees. He was an attendant of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, and was a Republican in politics. He was also a member of the Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida chapter, and Yahnundahsis Lodge. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was highly respected. He married Eleanor Man- ning, who survives him with two children: M. Eleanora and Frederick A.

Norton, Samuel D., was born in Vernon, near the place where he now lives, Feb- ruary 12, 1843. His grandfather settled in the town in 1807, when Philo Norton, father of Samuel D., was seven years of age. They had immigrated from Connec- ticut, and settled near what afterwards became Vernon Center. Philo Norton mar- ried Emily Bartholomew, who was born in Vermont in 1804, but who was then a resident of Augusta, and she died at Vernon Center in 1881. Mr. Norto 1 devoted his life to farming, and in which he was one of the foremost in the town. Samuel D. attended school at Vernon, and at the Whitestown Seminary, and has since been engaged in farming. He has for several years held the office of justice of the peace. He married Mary M. Tracy, a native of Vernon, and daughter of Samuel D. and Emily J. Tracy. She was born September 11, 1849, and received her education at Vernon, and the Home Seminary at Clinton, N. Y.

Davis. I. E., was born in Fulton county, February 22, 1852, son of Jacob B. and Sarah Davis, and learned the trade of joiner with his father, subsequently perfect- ing himself at Rockwood. In 1867 he came to Holman City with his father, who started the business, now conducted by I. E. Davis. Mr. Davis has a thoroughly equipped factory for doing all kinds of wood work, such as sawing, planing, scroll sawing, turning, etc. He also makes cisterns, tubs, and tanks, for which he has a good reputation for best work, and also owns a cider mill. In 1879 he married Miss

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Ida Hopkins, of Waterville, daughter of Thomas Hopkins (a descendant of Stephen Hopkins). He has two sons, Thomas and Raymond. He is a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge No. 108, at Sauquoit, of which he is secretary. Mr. Davis's family is a branch of the family of which Jeff. Davis was a scion.

Kenney, Marcus E., was born in Truxton, Cortland county, April 8, 1848, received his education at Cortland Academy and Cazenovia Seminary, and at the age of nine- teen engaged in the hardware business at Trnxton in partnership with his father, Hosea M., with whom he was thus associated for nineteen years. In 1886 he came to Utica and for two years traveled for Russel Wheeler and for one year for D. H. Rowe & Co., of Chicago. Having taken up the studies of an optician, he purchased on December 10, 1890, the optical business of A. J. McCall, and on January 26, 1891. was graduated from the Ophthalmic College and Hospital of Chicago. On May 30, 1893, his son, Arthur M., was graduated from the same institution and has since been his business associate. Mr. Kenney is a member of Faxton Lodge, F. & A. M., Oneida Lodge, I. O. O. F., Imperial Council No. 70, Royal Arcanum, the Com- mercial Travelers' Mutual Accident Association of America, and a trustee of the Tabernacle Baptist church.

Linsley Harvey, is a native of Middlebury, Vt., and in 1833, when but one year old. came with his parents to Madison county, settling in the town of Lenox. His father, Hiram Linsley, was a lifelong farmer, and was born in 1796. He married Maria Rugg, a native of Vermont, who died in 1874. Mr. Linsley died in 1876. Harvey Linsley, at the age of nine years, was bound out until he became of age. In the mean time he attended the public school in Klockville, Madison county, and afterwards pursued his farm life. At the age of nineteen, having bought his remain- ing time of service, he went to Wampsville, and soon after, in 1862, enlisted in the 157th N. Y. Vols., remaining in the service for three years, and while there he re- ceived a severe wound from a shot in the left side. He was promoted from private to corporal, then to fifth sergeant, and finally to third sergeant, serving in that official capacity during the rest of the war. Since his return from the army he has been engaged in farming in Madison and Oneida counties, having occupied his present farm residence for a long period of time. He married Lucretia C. Stam, daughter of George I). and Elizabeth Stam, by whom he has one daughter, Blanche, married to George I. Lloyd, who is in business in Syracuse.

Ely, Belle, is one of the most notable personages of Oneida county to-day, and as the last representative of her line of the Ely family, she inherits not only a large farm property, but also the ability of her ancestors that accumulated it, and there is no farm in the town better managed than her 300 acre homestead, and she supervises it entirely herself. Her great-grandfather, Thomas Ely, settled on the present home- stead when the country was a wilderness, and his neighbors were a very few white people and mostly Brothertown Indians. He had five sons and one daughter. Her grandfather, Thomas Aden Ely, was the second son of Thomas; he remained on the homestead, and was the father of one son and one daughter. Francis Alonzo, the son, was the father of Belle. He also spent his life on the homestead, adding to its acres as his ancestors had done and improving the comfort and beauty of the old home. The bounteous orchard now surrounding the horse and the thrifty maples

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growing along the highway and yard bear testimony to his love of nature; and the little water-house by the roadside, built by himself with his mother's ancient spinning-wheel on the top, furnishes many cooling draughts for weary beast and thirsty man, and brings to the minds of his many friends his ever-ready joke and pleasant smile. He died October 10, 1890, and his wife, Charlotte (Parmlee) Ely, died July 11, 1867. Miss Ely is a member of the Grange, and is widely noted for her business ability.

Mason, Harry, was born in Huntingdonshire, England, in 1839, where he spent his earlier boyhood days, and at the age of fourteen he went to London, where he en- gaged in the care of horses. After five years in this line of employment, he enlisted in the army, which soon took him to East India, and later to many countries of the world. After being quartered in India eight years, he returned to Colchester and remained three or four years at the various army quarters, and finally in 1868 he purchased of the government a discharge from its service. He then spent a year in Ireland, and in the following year came to America, and connected himself with the Oneida Community Laundry for a period of eleven years, and three years farming, and for the past ten years has been herdsman. His father, Henry Mason, was born in 1801, and died in 1894: and his mother, Elizabeth (Thurburn) Mason, born in 1803, is still living In 1870 he married Mary Rowe, a native of Cornwall, England, by whom he has four children.

Powell, John N., was born near where he now resides, in Trenton, April 24, 1823, son of Isaac and Lydia (Wood) Powell, who came from Lanesboro, Mass., with a yoke of oxen, and were among the first settlers in the town of Trenton. They had nine children: Laurie, George, Lydia, Lewis, Leman, David Ruth, John and Esther, all born on the Powell homestead. He was a pioneer farmer, and a member and active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. John N. married Lucy Elizabeth Fowler, and is interested in town and county affairs.

Rhodes, A. J., was born in Paris, N. Y., March 6, 1845, son of Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Rhodes. He lived on a farm until seventeen years of age, when he went into the office of S. A. Millard and remained two years. He then engaged in railroading, which he has followed successfully. In 1868 he was appointed agent at Clayville, and has filled that office for twenty-seven years. He has also been in the coal business since 1868, and sold the first coal brought by railroad in Clayville. He is at present president of the village, and was supervisor of the town in 1879-80- 81 and has also filled other offices. In 1869 he married Susan Brown, by whom he has three children: Fred A., Blanche, and Clara V.

Small, W. R., was born in the town of Marshall, N. Y., son of David and Susannah (Richards) Small. He received an academical education, and afterwards engaged in farming. In 1891 he married Alta V., daughter of Rockwell B. and Lucinda Brown. Her grandfather was Asbel Brown, and her great grandfather, John Brown, was one of the early settlers in Madison county, and he served seven years as a patriot soldier in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Brown died in March, 1894. Mr. Small is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.

Burgess, William A., M.D., was born on a farm in West Winfield, Herkimer county, June 26, 1864, and is a son of Isaac T. and Marion (McKown) Burgess. He

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was graduated from West Winfield Academy in 1882, read medicine with Dr. E. S. B. Spencer, of West Winfield, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of the City of New York in 1888. After a few months' practice in Clayville, Oneida county, he came to Utica in 1889, and has since built up a large general and surgical business. In 1889 he was appointed visiting physician to St. Elizabeth's Hospital and in 1892 the visiting surgeon, which post he still holds. He has been a member of the medical and surgical staffs of the Masonic Home since the organization of the Board in 1893 and is attending physician to the Infants' Hospital (opened in 1895). He is also a member of the Utica Medical Library Asso- ciation and the Oneida County Medical Society, and a permanent member of the New York State Medical Society. He was a charter member, and one of the organ- izers, the first president of the Utica Medical Club, is assistant surgeon of the 28th Separate Co., N. G. S. N. Y., a member of Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M., and a charter member of the Masonic Club. February 25, 1885, Dr. Burgess married Leila I. Chapman, daughter of P. A. Chapman, of Unadilla Forks, Otsego county, and they have two children : Isaac Thayer and Evangeline.

Donlon, Joseph M., was born August 10, 1852, on a farm in the town of Lewis, Lewis county, N. Y., and is a son of James Donlon, a native of county West Meath, Ireland, who came to America in 1831 and settled in Lewis county about 1845, where he still lives. Mr. Donlon attended the public schools and remained on the farm until the age of eighteen, when he learned the stone-cutter's trade in Elizabeth, N. J. His health failed, and after two years at home he entered the employ of Proctor & Hill, tanners, of Forestport, Oneida county, and remained five years. In 1882 he came to Utica and engaged in the retail grocery business on the corner of Center and Milgate streets, where he has since continued ; later he added a general line of merchandise and now carries on both a wholesale and retail trade. He was one of the founders and has always been a trustee of St. Agnes Roman Catholic church, organized in 1889, and takes an active interest in public affairs. April 28, 1885, he married Mary A., daughter of Edward Coughlin, of Utica, and they have two children, Katharine and Mary.

Kincaid, Frederick W .- In June, 1841, George Kincaid came to Utica from New York city. He was a direct descendant of a family once prominent in Scotland mili- tary history, and was one of the pioneers to California in 1849, where he attained prominence in quartz mining. He returned in 1861 and from that time his life was spent in Utica. He was a Mason of high degree, and for many years was an officer of Utica Commandery Knights Templar, and at one time was its eminent com- mander. He had four sons and one daughter, all living. He died in 1893. His oldest son, J. C. P. Kincaid, who has spent his life in Utica, was born in 1840 and was for many years a merchant. In 1873 he was appointed United States collector of internal revenue, and served under Presidents Grant, Hayes, and Garfield and a short time under Arthur. He was also for six years a school commissioner of Utica and for four years president of the board. First Lieutenant Frederick W. Kincaid, of the Utica Citizen Corps, Forty-fourth Separate Co., N. G. S. N. Y., his oldest liv- ing son, was born in 1867, and has attained a high reputation as an officer in the National Guard. He, with two brothers now deceased, Alrick G. and J. C. P., jr., have with their father been active members of that famous organization. Both

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great-grandfathers on his mother's side were soldiers of the Revolution and one on his father's side was a veteran of 1812.

Hubbell Family .- In December, 1789, there came to old Fort Schuyler, from Lanes- boro, Mass., Mathew Hubbell, who had served as a soldier in the Revolution and was at the battle of Bennington. He purchased a farm, which included much of what is now known as the Eighth ward of Utica. He died in 1819. Of a large family, the most closely identified with the growth of Utica was his son, the late Hon. Alrick Hubbell, who was born in 1801 and died in 1877. In early years he be- became colonel of what was then the 211th Regiment of State militia. He was twice mayor of the city and served two terms in the State Senate. From 1816 to 1818 he was clerk for Col. Benjamin Walker, the former aid and confidential friend to Baron Steuben. At the time of his death Mr. Hubbell had lived seventy-six years on the same street and within half a mile of the house where he was born. Two sons, Henry S. and Alfred S. Hubbell, of Buffalo, and two daughters, Mrs. Albon P. Mann, of New York, and Mrs. J. C. P. Kincaid, of Utica, survive him. The latter, with her two sons, Lieut. Frederick W. Kincaid, and Robert C., are undoubtedly the only living direct representatives in Utica of any family who settled here as early as 1789.

McLean, Mrs. A. Waters, New Hartford .- Perhaps no one thus far in the history of the church was more faithful to it and more useful in it in various capacities than Elder Charles McLean. His connection with this church dates back to 1834 and almost from the very beginning we find him called to various positions of responsi- bility, clerk of the congregation, trustee, treasurer. Business interests calling him to Upper New York Mills he lived there for several years returning here in 1851. And in 1852 he was elected a ruling elder, exercising the office until his death in 1877. Sagacious, firm, benevolent, large-minded, his memory still lingers with this church as a benediction. The house he occupied for so many years is one of the oldest in Central New York, a stately landmark associated with many interesting incidents of by-gone days. It was built as early as 1791 with old-fashioned hip-roof and lantern cupola by Col. Jedediah Sanger, the founder of the town. Prominent in the coun- cils of Royal Arch Masonry, his devotion to the order led him to make the entire third story of his own dwelling into one large room, lighted by the cupola, amply and beautifully fitted up for a Masonic lodge, which was constituted there April 6, 1792, as Amicable Lodge No. 25. In formation of the Grand Chapter of the State of New York, March 14, 1798, Jedediah Sanger was chosen to one of the highest offices of that angust body in connection with De Witt Clinton. The first magis- trates, judges, members of assembly, congressmen, supervisors, veterans of the Revolution and of the war of 1812 met in the early lodge room. To write out their history would fill many a volume. Mr. Sanger possessed ability, great energy, de- cision of character, close application to business and strict integrity. He was chosen the first supervisor of the town of Whitestown. In 1894 he was elected to represent Herkimer and Oneida counties in the Assembly of our State. In 1797 he went to the State Senate. In 1798 he was appointed first judge of Court of Common Pleas. Following Judge Sanger are two other judges who have lived in the old house; Judge Ledyard Talcott of the Supreme Court of New York State and Judge Charles Fraser McLean of the Supreme Court of New York State. The second owner was

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Mr. Frederick Stanley who purchased it of Judge Sanger in 1807. Samuel Austin Talcott, who was one of the most talented and extraordinary men of the age, mar- ried Mary Eliza, the beautiful daughter of Mr. Stanley and resided in the house. Gen. Joseph Kirkland having removed to l'tica, Mr. Talcott maintained a law office in New Hartford and also in Utica with his partner and contemporary of his college days, William H. Maynard, until 1821, when at the age of twenty-one he received the appointment of attorney-general of the State of New York. He made his home in Albany during the administration of his office, then he removed to New York city where he practiced law until his death in 1836 in his forty-second year. His two sons spent their early years in New Hartford. John Ledyard, the eldest, studied with Josiah Spencer in Utica and became one of the foremost exponents of law in the State. Thomas Grosvenor, the youngest son, was a lawyer of ability and set- tled in Hartford, Conn. Mr. Stanley sold the house in 1824 to Mr. John Lyon who came to New Hartford from New Jersey in 1805. He was a large owner of real estate; he had the store opposite his dwelling, the grist mill, and paper mill where he is said to have made the first writing paper in the county, perhaps in the State. After Mr. Lyon's death in 1852 Mr. Charles McLean bought the property. Mrs. McLean, who was born in 1810, is still living, bright in mind and perfect in health. The brick stage tavern, long owned and occupied by Noah Porter, is still standing, though now converted into a dwelling. Being at the intersection of the Seneca turn- pike-later Genesce-and the Oxford and Chenango turnpike, many four-horse stages stopped on their way from Albany to Buffalo, also covered wagons in which families traveled to homes in the new west. An electric car has replaced the four horse stage coach. The toll gates which exacted tribute every ten miles have disap- peared. The store where the early post-office was kept is still standing on land given by Judge Sanger to the First Religious Society of New Hartford, a perpetual lease with the yearly rent of "one wheat corn." The dwelling next south is the building where the Whitestown Gazette was published in 1794, by William McLean, the beginning of the Utica Morning Herald. The grist mill built by Judge Sanger in 1709; the paper mill adjoining; the large Sanger barn where the First church was formed August 27, 1791 ; and the first court of Oneida county (then Herkimer) was held in October, 1793. Amidst all the changes the house so well built by Judge Sanger more than one hundred years ago remains little changed and is still kept as the home of the McLean family.

Stately she stands, her terraced gardens broad Still wander down to Sadequada's flood ; Her open door, her welcoming halls and hearth, Still call her children from around the earth.

Fuess, Philip, jr., was born in Annweiler, Bavaria, January 5, 1852. He learned the trade of brewer in the old country, and came to America in 1868, where he en- gaged in farming, in which he has been very successful. He has resided in this county twenty-seven years, and has been on his present farm twelve years. He has long been regarded as a leading man in Marshall, and was assessor of the town nine years. He was elected supervisor in the spring of 1894, and is at present filling that office. He purchased his present farm when it was in poor shape, and has improved it until it is now one of the finest places in the town. In 1877 he married Maria Mc- Guire, of New York city, by whom he has a family of four sons and one daughter.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 124

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896 Publication date: 1896 Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co. Number of Pages: 1612

Author: Wager, Daniel Elbridge, 1823-1896
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: [Boston] : The Boston history co.
Number of Pages: 1612