Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 126

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 126

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

infancy. Mrs. Wolf died April 28, 1893. In 1891 Mr. Wolf sold the farm to his son, William C.

Harris, James, is a native of Prince Edward Island, where he was born in 1838, son of Thomas Harris. His father's people were from Bath, England, and his mother's people were from Aberdeen, Scotland. See was a descendant of the Ken- nedy family. James Harris began his education in Nova Scotia, and continued his studies in this county into which he came with his parents about the year 1849. In 1862 he engaged in bookkeeping here for Charles McLean; he also kept books for the firm of McLean, Royce & Co., doing business in Utica. In 1867 he opened up a general store in company with Lafayette Royce at Chadwicks, but after a year sold out to Mr. Royce and engaged in business in Utica with George W. Chadwick, late of Chadwicks, until 1870, when he returned here and took charge of the office work of the New Hartford Cotton Manufacturing Company, then just organized. In the same year he was appointed treasurer of the company and March 15, 1871, he was appointed secretary. October 15, 1874, he was appointed superintendent of the company's business, all of which offices he has continued to hold up to the present time. He has been chairman of the Board of Trustees of Union Free school, dis- trict No. 1, and president of the village. In 1868 he married Phebe Horrocks, of Little Falls, N. Y., by whom he had four children, one of whom. George Elbert, died when two years and ten months of age. He is a trustee and treasurer of the Butler Memorial Hall, a building erected and given to the town by the late Morgan Butler.

Smith, Charles E., M. D., was born in Whitesboro, N. Y., March 22, 1837. He was one of a family of three children, of whom he is the only survivor. His father, Edwin Smith, was born at Plymouth, Conn., in 1805; he came to Whitesboro in 1836, and engaged in an active commercial life, with which he was prominently identified up to a short time before his death, which occurred in 1885. He married Helen A. Burns, of Hagaman's Mills, Montgomery county, N. Y., who died in 1889. Dr. Smith received his education at the Whitesboro district school and the Whites- town Seminary, which was for many years one of the leading educational institu- tions of the State. After completing his course there he entered the Albany Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1858. He then returned to Whitesboro and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has since continued. He is not only popular and successful in his profession, but is also successful in business and esteemed by all who know him. He has for many years been an earnest Re publican in politics and has wielded a strong influence in the party's affairs in town and county. He was postmaster at Whitesboro for twenty successive years, an office which he conducted with much satisfaction to the citizens of the town and village. In his professional circle Dr. Smith has been recognized and honored in many ways. He has served as president of the County Medical Society and has been its delegate to the State Medical Society. In 1861 he married Theresa A. Marchisi, of Utica, by whom he had one daughter, Anna M. Mrs. Smith died in 1867, and for his second wife Dr. Smith married Anna L. Malsan, a native of Clyde, N. Y., by whom he had three children : Adrian W., Claude M., and Bertha B. Mrs. Smith was educated at Miss Butler's private school at Hudson, the Sacred Heart Convent at Albany, and at Miss Hart's school at Farmington, Conn.

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FAMILY SKETCHES.

Cronin, James V., son of Timothy, was born in Utica, February 14, 1861. His father, a carpenter and builder, was born in Ireland, in 1828, came to America in 1829 with his parents, and finally settled in Utica, where he died in 1871. Mr. Cronin was educated in the Christian Brothers' Assumption Academy, and in 1879 enlisted on a man of war in the U. S. navy, serving four years. He then spent four years in mining in Colorado and California, and re-enlisting in the navy served six years more, completing a service of ten years. He was attached at various times to the North Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific, and South Atlantic stations, and on the U. S. man of war Alliance participated in the search for the Jeannette expedi- tion. Returning to Utica in 1893 he was shipping clerk in a foundry for a short time and then became manager of the Utica Carpet Cleaning Works.

Norton, Mrs. E. A., is the widow of the late G. P. Norton, who was born at Che- shire, Conn., in 1817, where he was a clockmaker. He came to Leyden in 1840, where he erected a saw mill and cheese box factory. In 1874 he came to Boonville, where he engaged extensively in the manufacture of sashes, doors and blinds. In 1864 he married Mrs. Eliza A. (Roberts) Dowd, widow of James Dowd. She had four chil- dren: Ellsworth, born in 1866, and died in 1870; Lizzie, born in 1868; Roscoe George, born in 1870; and John Arthur, born in 1874.

Clark, William A., was born in Utica May 13, 1864, and is a son of Benjamin A. Clark, who was born in Philadelphia, Pa., about 1835, and came to Utica, where he still resides, a banker, real estate dealer, an insurance agent, in 1858. He was edu- cated in the Utica public schools and academy, and entered his father's office. In 1883 he entered the pay department of the West Shore railroad and continued about six months, or until the road went into the receiver's hands. In Febru- ary, 1884, he entered the office of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills as a clerk and has ever since been connected with that corporation, acting at the present time as assistant secretary and treasurer of both these and the Mohawk Valley Cotton Mills. He is a member of Faxton Lodge No. 697, F. & A. M., of Imperial Council No. 70, R. A., the Arcanum Club, the Utica Citizens Corps, and the Forty-fourth Separate Company, N. G. S. N. Y. He is a sergeant in the Forty fourth Separate Company and for eight years served as its clerk. He is also an associate member of the Mili- tary Service Institution situated on Governor's Island, and was for two years (1892- 93) secretary of the Board of School Commissioners of Utica. June 18, 1889, he mar- ried Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Edwin Peckham, of Utica, and they have five chil- dren: Kenyon H., Natalie P., Irving B., and Leonard S. and Lois S. (twins).

Zimmerman, Mrs. L .- The late Leonard Zimmerman was born in Germany, April 5, 1839, and came to the United States with his parents when fourteen years of age. locating in the town of Verona. He was educated in the district schools, and was a cooper by occupation. March 5, 1865, he married Mary Hart, of Utica, N. Y., by whom he had six children: Fannie A., Leonard F., Hattie L., Alva H., Amelia A. and Mary E., who died February 17, 1874. Leonard F., who is in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railway, married Georgia Lyon, of Illinois, by whom he had two children: Leatha F. and Flo: ence E. They now reside in Utah. Amelia A. is a school teacher. Leonard Zimmerman died March 11, 1894. Mrs. Zimmerman's father, John Hart, was born in Germany in 1813, and was educated there. In 1835

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

he married Harriet Pratch, of his native place, and they came to the United States in 1842. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living: Fred- erick, Harriet C., William, Mary C., as above, George J., Frances E. and Alva G. Mr. Hart died August 19. 1892, and his wife September 1, 1894. The ancestry of this family is German on both sides.

Graves, Ferdinand V., was born at Cooperstown, N. Y., where in his boyhood he was an intimate friend of James Fenimore Cooper. He was a tailor by trade, and came to Boonville when twenty-nine years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. D, 146th Regiment, and participated in many important battles. He became first lieu- tenant and raised two companies from Boonville. He was also a prominent figure in the nomination of John C. Fremont. Since the war he has resided in Boonville and lived a retired life. He married Phebe M. Brinkerhoff, of a celebrated family of local pioneers, who died soon after celebrating her golden wedding. She left four sons and five daughters, one of the sons being Byron P. Graves, who took care of his father in his declining years and until his death. Mr. Graves was for thirty years a clothing merchant in Boonville, and has been president of the village.

Kent, M. J., was born in Limerick, Ireland, November 9, 1844, and came to America with his parents, John and Mary Kent, in June, 1846. His father being overseer of coloring in the woolen mills in Massachusetts, he resided in that State for some time. He next moved to Providence, R. I., and from there to Bridgeport, Conn., then to Skaneateles, N. Y., from which place he went to Pascoag, R. I., then to Carolina R. I., and from there to Dayville Conn. He worked successively in Auburn, N. Y., Oswego Falls, N. Y., Bennington, Vt., Franklin, N. J., Utica, N. Y., Lisbon Falls, Me., Rockville, Conn., Beacon Falls, Conn. and Skaneateles, N. Y., finally settling in Clayville, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1886. In September, 1893, he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, and has one of the largest and best stocked stores in this part of the country. In 1876 Mr. Kent married Bridget Maher, by whom he has one daughter, Jennie. Mr. Kent takes a great interest in educational matters, and has been trustee of the Clayville Union school for eight years, four years of which he has been president and three years secretary of the Board of Education.

Dwyer, Michael, was born in Ireland, August 28, 1845, and came to America in 1852 with his parents, Thomas and Nora (Hickey) Dwyer, who settled and died in Utica. She died in 1880 and he in 1881. He was graduated from Assumption Acad- emy in 1859, and became a clerk in a grocery store. In 1862 he learned the butcher's trade, and in 1863 went west, where he remained until 1865, when he returned to Utica and engaged in farming. In 1868 he began railroading and in 1872 established his present business in Bleecker street. He is a member of the Holy Name Society of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and takes a deep interest in public affairs. July 23, 1876, he married Mary, daughter of John Lackey, of the town of Annsville, Oneida county. Their children living are Nora, Thomas, Catherine, John, Margue- rite and Agnes; two died in infancy. Mrs. Dwyer died February 13, 1893.

Haley, Hon. Cornelius, was born in Little Falls, N. Y., December 20, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary Haley, natives of Ireland; Mr. Haley still lives in that village; Mrs. Haley died June 2, 1896. He received a public school education and at the age

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of eleven entered the woolen mills in Little Falls where he remained about five years. The family then moved to near Schuyler's Lake, Otsego county, but two years later returned to Little Falls, where he again entered the woolen mills. He soon went to New Jersey and learned the moulders' trade, which he followed for several years. He came to Utica in 1883. In 1890 he was nominated for member of assembly by the Democrats and the labor organizations of the city and was elected by a handsome majority. He was re-elected in 1891 and again in 1892, and served in all three terms. During his first year in the assembly he was a member of the committee on canals, labor, industries, etc. During the second year he was chairman of the committee on labor and industries, and a member of the committee on excise and canals. During his third term he served as a member of the committee on railroads, elec- tricity, gas and water, and others. He introduced and succeeded in passing a bill making ten hours a legal day's work on steam surface railroads, and was prominent in other legislative movements. May 27, 1893, he was appointed by Governor Flower and the commissioner of labor T. J. Dowling as chief clerk of the Bureau of Statistics and Labor at Albany, which position he held until April 23, 1896, when he resigned. He is a prominent member of several labor and other organizations of Utica. December 28, 1886, he married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Mary Hannon, of Sharon, Mercer county, Pa., who died October 14, 1892, leaving two children: Mamie Perpetua and James Bernard.

Avery J. B .- Billious Avery was born in the town of Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., January 1, 1802, and died in Oneida Castle, N. Y., August 11, 1870. March 21, 1824, he married Levina, daughter of Col. Ichabod Bartlett, of Salisbury. She died August 15, 1833, leaving him three sons: Milton B., Morgan L., and Oscar F. Avery. May 13 1838, he married Melinda Adelaide Norton, daughter of James Norton, of Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., who died in New York, January 14, 1880. Their children are Emeline L. and James B. Avery. He filled many offices of trust both in his native town and in the town of his adoption. For several years he represented his town as supervisor, and for nearly thirty consecutive years was justice of the peace of the town in which he lived. In 1854 he represented his party as candidate for member of assembly of his district. In 1857 he removed to Oneida Castle, Oneida county, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his life. In politics he was a staunch Republican from the first foundation of that party. James B. Avery son of Billious Avery, was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county, N. Y., November 19, 1844. At the age of twelve he with his parents removed from Salisbury to Oneida Castle, N. Y., where he with his sister occupies the family homestead. At the age of eleven Mr. Avery began the foundation of his subsequent education in the Experi- mental School, a training school of the Normal College at Albany, N. Y. He prosecuted his preparatory studies in Oneida and Whitestown Seminaries and entered Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., as sophomore in the autumn of 1864, taking his Bachelor degree in 1867 and three years later the degree of Master of Arts. He has served his village acceptably in various capacities, and also the town of Vernon as a justice of the peace. For a number of years lie conducted a private classical school at his residence at Oneida Castle, preparing students for various colleges.

Peck, Dwight Bristol .- The Peck family is one of the best known and oldest in the

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

town of Marshall, being descended from Paul Peck, who came to Hartford, Conn., in 1635 and was a prominent man in the colony ; was ordained deacon in the first church in Hartford under Rev. Thomas Hooker. Zebulon, of the fifth generation, came to Marshall from Connecticut in 1801 to join his son Isaac, who came in 1797. He was a remarkable man in many ways, and especially noted as a deep thinker and concise writer. Was a member of the Connecticut Legislature for fourteen sessions and a delegate in the Constitutional Convention in 1788. Isaac Peck, his son, was the father of George Bristol Peck, a substantial and influential citizen, and he was the father of Dwight B. Peck. In February, 1869 Dwight B. Peck married Ada Marie Lewis, by whom he had two sons: Paul, who died in 1885, and Percival D., who lives with his parents at the homestead, which contains many heirlooms and much of historic interest. Mrs. Peck is a writer of ability, contributing to many leading periodicals. The early pedigree and arms of the Pecks may be found in the British Museum under the date of November 20, 1620. Marriages with two heiresses of rank formed the quarterings. The motto is "Probitatem Quam Divitias."

Fisher, G. M., M. D., was born in Johnstown, N. Y., April 6, 1868, son of Henry and Lenora (Yager) Fisher, of Newport, where the doctor spent twenty years of his life. His grandfather, Rev. George Fisher, was an Englishman. He was born in 1805, and came to America when an infant. George Fisher, the doctor's grand- father, also an Englishman, served under Lord Nelson, and was with him when he was killed. He came to this country and settled in Utica, N. Y. Dr. Fisher was educated at Colgate University, and Albany Medical College, from which institu- tion he was graduated in 1892. He then became assistant to K. H. Bissel of Troy for one year ; and in 1893 he came to Clayville. He is a member of the Oneida County Medical Society, and also the Rensselaer County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Sauquoit Lodge.

Green, Adelbert, was born in the town of Paris, on the farm where he now resides, January 29, 1847, son of Daniel and Irene (Hammett) Green. In 1869 he married Mary Jones, daughter of John R. Jones, of Paris, by whom he had three children: Wallace, Ida and Cora: the two latter are teachers. Mr. Green is a Republican in politics, and takes an intelligent and active interest in the welfare of his party, by which he is highly valued. He has frequently been delegate to county conventions and has repeatedly served on committees.

Delester, John, was born in France, October 25, 1829, son of Peter and Mary (Lemut) Delester, natives of France, who came to Utica in 1832. Mr. Peter Delester was a blacksmith by trade, and was in the war under Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. He married at the age of forty, and reared nine children ; and he died in Utica at ninety-five years of age. John Delester came to America with his parents, and in 1855 married Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Smallinberge, a native of Ger- many, and an early settler in Marcy. Mr. Delester was engaged in farming in Marcy and in 1871 engaged in the manufacture of the extract of witch hazel in connection with his farm work. In 1892 he retired from his farm work and came to Deerfield Corners, and is still engaged in the extract business.

Irion, Elias, was born in Germany, in 1835, son of Elias and Maria Irion, also of Germany, where Mrs. Irion died. Elias Irion, sr., came to America when well

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advanced in years, and settled in Wisconsin with his children, where he died. Elias Irion, jr., came to America in 1860, and settled in Deerfield, where he has since car- ried on market gardening. In 1863 he married Rachel Wolf, sister of George D. Wolf.

Evans, Owen J., was born in the town of Floyd, April 2, 1849, son of Owen J. and Rose (Owen) Evans, who settled in Floyd about 1830. Their children were Jane (deceased), John, William (deceased), Owen J., Mary Jane (deceased) and Charles, all ratives of Floyd. Owen J. Evans, sr., was one of the pioneer dairy farmers and was active in educational interests. Owen J., jr., engaged in teaching school at the age of twenty, but is now engaged in farming and civil engineering. Heis a gradu- ate of Whitestown Seminary. He was elected supervisor in 1886 and is very active in school work.

Wynn, John D., was born in the town of Marcy, September 8, 1856, son of George and Jane Wynn, who came from Wales in 1850, where he engaged in farming, and was also active in matters of public interest. John D. Wynn was one of seven chil- dren, all natives of this county except the oldest. He married Mary Jane, daughter of Daniel and Martha (Pigott) Smith, by whom he has one child, Rosa M. Mr. Wynn is a farmer by occupation, and was elected constable one year. He is a meni- ber of the Patrons of Industry, of which he is treasurer, also a member of Wright Settlement Grange.

Smith, Daniel, was born December 24, 1818, son of John and Mary Smith, who settled in the town of Floyd about 1830. John Smith was a pioneer farmer and was active in the M. E. church of Western. Daniel Smith married ·Martha, daughter of James Pigott, a resident of the town of Rome. They have two children : Mary Jane, wife of John Wynn; and Emaline, both born in the Smith homestead. Mr. Smith is a farmer by occupation ; he is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Jones, R. K., M. D, was born at Hollyhead, Wales, September 21, 1840, son of the Rev. Richard Jones. He is the eldest of eight children, and settled in this county in 1871, where he has practiced medicine, and also been engaged in farming. He studied medicine in Dublin, and was graduated from the Ledwich School of Medicine and Combe Maternity Hospital. He was assistant surgeon of Union par- ish of Hollyhead. He first settled in Pennsylvania, but later came to Floyd where he has since followed the practice of medicine. He married Ellen T., daughter of Thomas J. Jones. He was formerly of the Welsh Congregational church, and is active in church and educational interests. He was elected justice of the peace one term, and is now a retired physician.

Williams, Thomas H., was born in Comarshire, Wales, January 8, 1833, son of John and Rosemond Williams, who settled in Floyd in 1852 with his family, and have six children now living: David, John, Elizabeth, Thomas H., Edward, Howell and William. John Williams was engaged in farming, and very active in town and county affairs. Thomas H. Williams married Elizabeth, daughter of Joel S. and Margaret (Roberts) Williams, who died leaving nine children: John, Edwin, Rose- mond, Prichard, Julia, Walter, Mary, Everett and Thomas. He married for his second wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza Nichols. He enlisted in

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Rome, August, 1862, in Co. H, 117th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, and served twenty- two months in regimental hospital until mustered out, June, 1865. He is engaged in farming, and is very active in educational interests and town and county affairs, and was commissioner of highways for two terms.

Miller, Philip J., was born January 28, 1833, son of Peter and Margaret Miller, who were natives of Alsace, Germany. Philip settled in Oneida county in 1865, and is engaged in farming. He married Catherine, daughter of Peter Bahrr of Germany, by whom he has three children: Emma, wife of Welcome Van Buskirk; William, and Clara, who is the wife of Charles Sporie. William Miller married Mary, daugh- ter of Robert L. Prichard, by whom he has three children: Clarence, Katie and Rena. William is also engaged in farming, and like his father is interested in both town and county affairs, and takes an active part in the educational interests of his town. He is a member of the S. F. I.

Dewey, Rev. Sanger, was born in Turin, Lewis county, N. Y., March 27, 1823, youngest son of Chester Dewey, who was born in Westfield, Mass., in 1787, and came to Leyden, N. Y., in 1801 with his parents, and for several years followed the business of a clothier, but afterwards bought a farm in Turin and spent the rest of his life in that industry. He died in Turin in 1844. He was a descendant of, and the sixth generation from, Thomas Dewey, who came from England in 1633. He married Phebe Wetmore, a native of Connecticut, who died in December, 1845. The Rev. Sanger Dewey became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at thirteen years of age of which his parents had long been honored members. At twenty-one he received exhorter's license, and on March 18, 1848, was licensed to preach. The following June, after spending several years teaching, he was em- ployed as junior preacher on the Steuben circuit (which then embraced several towns) with residence in Trenton. The next year he joined the Black River Conference on probation. In 1851 he was received in full connection and ordained deacon, and two years later was ordained elder. He has been pastor in the following charges: Steuben, Oriskany, East Canada Creek, Marcy, Brackett's Bridge (now Dolgeville), Delta and Westernville (two full terms), New London, North Manlius, Jordan, Sack- ett's Harbor, Hermon, Rodman, Ogdensburg district, Antwerp, Brownville and Dexter, Martinsburg and Glendale, Taberg, Deansboro, Vernon Center, and in April, 1896, was appointed to Constableville. On November 13, 1851, he married Miss Chloe G. Williams, of Oriskany, by whom he has two daughters. She was born September 28, 1820, and died in Taberg October 16, 1883. On October 14, 1891, he married Miss Addie R. Crofoot, of Constableville, N. Y., daughter of the late Benjamin P. Crofoot. She was born December 1, 1850, and was educated at Cazenovia Seminary.

Grace, John, was born in Deerfield, N. Y., in November, 1843, son of John and Ann Grace. John was a native of Deerfield, and was engaged in farming until he died in 1867 in his eighty-third year. John Grace was educated in Deerfield, and came to Whitesboro in 1886, where he has since been engaged in farming. He has a fine farm of eighty-one acres, all under a fine state of cultivation. In politics he is a Democrat. He married Annie, daughter of Charles Ferguson, of Whites- boro.

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Morgan, John S., was born in Wales, March 25, 1866, son of David and Eliza Morgan. The family moved to New York Mills in 1869. David Morgan came here first in 1867, and returned with his family in 1869. David Morgan is employed on mason work of No. 1 Mill. John S. Morgan was educated in New York Mills, after which he learned the machinist trade, and is now in charge as boss machinist of No. 2 Mill. December 26, 1887, he married Harriet Ellen, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Watkins, of New York Mills, by whom he has one child, David Watkins Morgan. Mr. Morgan is a member of Samuel Campbell Council, Royal Arcanum, also Oriental Lodge No. 224, F. & A. M.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 126

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