Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 139

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 139

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).

Jones, Edwin E., was born June 30, 1861, in Rome, N, Y., is a son of Owen Jones, who came from Carnaervonshire, Anglesea, North Wales, about 1845, settled in New York city, whence he went to Rome, and thence in 1862 came to Utica, where he died in 1886. He was educated in the Utica public schools and at the age of seventeen entered the drug store of Williamson & Dunning, with whom he remained about four years. He was then with J. H. Sheehan & Co. about two years, and in 1884 started in the drug business for himself on the corner of South and Miller streets, in a sec- tion locally known as "Cornhill," where he still continues. He is a member of Fort Schuyler Council R. A. In January, 1885, he married Almena H., daughter of John O. Jones, of Utica, and they have three children: Laura Odessa, Catherine Anna and Edna Francis.

Knight, Charles B., was born in Scranton, Pa., October 24, 1864, and was grad- uated from the Keystone Seminary at Factoryville, Pa., in 1880, and from Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie in 1881. Following this he had charge of the books of Jermyn & Co., of Scranton, for two years, and in 1883 engaged in the wholesale produce business there. In 1884 his brother, M. S. Knight, became a partner and the firm of M. S. & C. B. Knight continued about two years, when the business was enlarged and another brother, E. W., admitted under the style of Knight Brothers. This firm dissolved in 1889, Charles B. becoming the successor and continuing until 1891, when the business was burned out. He then, through the influence of friends, came to Utica, where Albert C. Parker, his father-in-law and former business partner, settled at the same time, and in March, 1892, the two formed the present firm of Knight & Parker, wholesale dealers in soft coal and retail dealers in hard coal. Mr. Knight is a Mason, a member of the I. O. of F., and K. P., and captain of the uniform rank of the latter, a member of the Masonic Club, sec- retary and trustee of the Cycling Club, and a trustee of the Universalist Church of the Reconciliation.

O'Reilly, Patrick J., was born in Rochester, N. Y., July 5, 1855, attended Mrs. Fox's private school and was graduated from the Christian Brothers Academy in 1874 and spent two years as clerk in a large wholesale and retail crockery store in that city. From 1875 to 1879 he was bookkeeper for John Cunningham, Sons & Co., carriage manufacturers. He then came to Utica and established himself in business as an undertaker and embalmer, located at 230 Bleecker street. He at once insti- tuted new ideas and improved methods, being among the first to perfect a treatment for the prevention of decomposition of human bodies. He was treasurer of the Oneida Club during its existence, and is a prominent member of several social and benevo- lent organizations. May 17, 1883, he was married in Toronto, Canada, to Theresa M., daughter of John Sheridan, of Rochester, and their children are Edward Patrick, Genevieve Elwood and Charles Raymond (twins), Frank Sheridan, Stella Louise,

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Lois Theresa, Howard Bernard, and Theresa Lozier (deceased). Mr. Sheridan was an extensive contractor in the construction of the Erie canal, having a contract for excavating that portion between a point in Wayne county and through the Monte- zuma marshes.

Moshier, William B., was born in Martinsburg, Lewis county, in 1856, and is a son of John G., a farme :. His brother Charles was born in the town of Russia, Herki- mer county, July 15, 1853. In 1877 the two started in business selling tea on the road. In January, 1878, they established a general store in Salisbury, Herkimer county, and continued there until 1882, the firm being Moshier Brothers. Thence they came to Utica and formed their present business which consists of wholesale teas, coffees, spices, and flavoring extracts, and baking powder. Their trade extends through New York and New England and the West. Mr. Moshier is a 32d degree Mason.

Morris, Price, was born August 3, 1853, in Wales England, where he followed the butter and grocery business from a youth. He came to America in 1882 and settled in Utica, where he engaged in his present business as a grocer and provision dealer. He is a member of Skenandoa Lodge I. O. O. F. He was married first in Wales, in April, 1880, to Ellen, daughter of David Morris, who died in 1890. He married second in May, 1895, Ruth, daughter of Evan Davies, of Denbeighshire, Wales.

Smith, W. Harvey, born January 23, 1865, at Davenport, Delaware county, N. Y , is a son of J. Wallace and Susan M. (Montgomery) Smith. In 1866 the family moved to Schenevus, Otsego county, where he was educated in the union school and academy. When fifteen he began learning the trade of baker and confectioner in West Winfield, N. Y., and continued there three years. He was employed two years in Fort Plain Spring and Axle works, and returning to West Winfield resumed his trade. He married there, in 1885, Ida E. Cole, and in the fall went to Waterville and engaged one year in the bakery and confectionery business, to which in 1886 his father succeeded. In 1891 he came to Utica and entered the employ of A. L. Owens and remained with him about three years. In the spring of 1894 he started his present bakery and confectionery store in Bleecker street. He is a member of Im- perial Council No. 70 R. A., the Arcanum Club, Samuel Read Lodge No. 378, K. of P., Utica city Division No. 4 Uniform Rank K. of P. and its present second lieuten- ant, and is vice-president of the Boss Bakers' Association of Utica. He has one son, Leo C.

Patterson, John II., son of John and Mary (Grierson) Patterson, was born in Dum- fries, Scotland, November 8, 1846, and came to America with his parents in 1848, settling in Utica, where his father died in October, 1892, and his mother in May, 1892. John Patterson was a hatter and later a fur maker, being associated with the firm of George Westcott & Co. for many years. The family lived in Kentucky from 1855 to 1861. April 18, 1861, John Patterson enlisted in Co. H, 14th N. Y. Vols., and served two years, participating in the battles of West Point, Va., Hanover Court House, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mills, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, Fred- ericksburg, Chancellorsville, and others, being wounded at Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. In September, 1862, he was made corporal and placed in the color guard, and was honorably discharged at Utica, May 23, 1863. He was a clerk for J. Harter &

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Son till November, 1865, when he went to Mexico and enlisted in the Mexican reg- ular army under General Cortenuss, serving three years and becoming lieutenant. He was then engaged in the cattle business in Texas until 1873, when he returned to Utica, where he has since carried on carpentering, building, and real estate ope- rations. He was a member of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Union of Utica during its existence and is now a member of Bacon Post, No. 5, G. A. R., which he has served as quartermaster and as a delegate to State and National encampments. August 18, 1889, he married Mrs. Mary M. R. Parks, a local writer and public speaker of prominence, who died May 21, 1895.

McPherson, Henry A., was born in Utica, June 18, 1863, and is a son of John Mc- Pherson, a shoemaker, who came here from Scotland in 1852. After leaving school he was associated with his father in the shoe business until 1885, when he purchased the old Wilkinson laundry, which he still continues. His father still lives in Utica. and has always taken a prominent part in Scotch societies.

Elwood, Ernest J., son of William Elwood, a builder, was born in Stockbridge, Madison county, February 19, 1856, finished his education in the Oneida Union School, and spent five years in the office of the Oneida Union learning the printer's trade. He was then in Watertown and Syracuse two years and in 1877 came to Utica where he followed his trade in the offices of the Herald and Observer. Later he was proof reader for L. C. Childs & Son, and in March, 1894, established his present job printing business, forming with A. J. Fierstine the firm of Fierstine & Elwood. Mr. Elwood is a member of Skenandoah Lodge, No. 95, I. O. O. F., and was for seven years secretary and treasurer of the Odd Fellows Union. He is also a member of Tri-Mount Encampment, No. 24, I. O. O. F. During the years 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, and 1889, he served as supervisor of the Second ward and in 1886-87 was reading clerk of the board. He is an active Democrat and in 1893 was candi- date for member of assembly for the first district, but was defeated, although he was ahead of his ticket, the district being overwhelmingly Rupublican.

Brown, Brayton E., was born in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., October 7, 1864, received his education in Spragueville, and remained with his father on a dairy farm until the age of sixteen, when he accepted a clerkship with his uncle, Lester Munson, a general merchant in Sandy Creek. In 1882 he came to Utica and entered the employ of A. L. Owens, a wholesale milk dealer, with whom he re- mained four and one-half years. In December, 1886, he established himself in busi- ness as a wholesale and retail dealer in general dairy products and as a manufacturer of butter, etc. He is a member of Central City Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F.

Sessions, F. W., engaged in the millinery business in Utica in 1888, and has since built up one of the leading establishments in Central New York. He employs dur- ing the busy season about fifty hands, besides several traveling salesmen, has an office in New York city, and enjoys a wholesale and retail trade covering the entire State. The business was first located at 204 Genesee street, whence it was moved February 15, 1891, to its present quarters, where it has nearly tripled its original ca- pacity.

Reusswig, George A., born in Utica, November 10, 1867, is a son of Ernest H.

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Reusswig, who came to this city from Germany in 1859 and died here in February, 1895. Ernest H. was a merchant tailor in Utica for thirty years, being for seven- teen years a member of the firm of Belts & Reusswig, and eleven of Westcott & Reusswig. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, one of the originators of the Germania Industrial Association, and at the time of his death the oldest merchant tailor in Utica. George A. Reusswig, after leaving the public schools, learned the tailor's trade with his father, and for eight years followed it in Buffalo. In September, 1894, he returned to Utica to take charge of his father's business, and upon the latter's death became his successor. He is a member of the Maennechor and the Germania Industrial Association.

Taylor, Lorenzo M., son of Job and Polly (Burdick) Taylor, was born in Bergen, Genesee county, July 11, 1819, and moved with his parents to Utica in 1829. Job Taylor was first a cotton manufacturer, but in Utica kept the Farmer's Tavern, com- monly called the Bull's Head, where the store of Job Parker's Sons now stands. Later he kept the Cottage Inn on the corner of Broad and Bridge streets, another on the corner of Whitesboro and - streets, and a third on the corner of Fayette and Cornelia streets. He died about 1852, and his wife about 1870. Lorenzo M. Taylor completed a thorough education in the Utica public schools and academy in 1838. At the age of nineteen, having studied civil engineering at the academy under Prof. Prentice (later of Geneva College) and William M. Williams, he was appointed city surveyor of Utica and held that office for eleven consecutive years, being the second incumbent under the city charter. He was succeeded by his brother, and deputy, William B. Taylor, who served seven years, who was subsequently State engineer three terms, and who died in February, 1895, aged seventy-one. Since retiring from the city surveyor's office Mr. Taylor has been engaged in civil engineering and the real estate business. He has laid out and sold more than 700 acres of city building lots. Among the tracts he has developed are the Kemble, Schuyler, Seymour, Stocking and Devereux farms. In 1843 he married Susan L., daughter of Luther Rumrill, of Utica, who died March 1, 1889. They had two children: Charles S., a civil engineer and surveyor associated with his father, and Emily (Mrs. Leonard V. Beebe), who died in February, 1889.

Remmer, William M., son of Michael, was born in Utica December 5, 1865, was educated in the public and advanced schools and academy of his native city, and was graduated from the Utica Business College in 1885. He was then a clerk in a shoe store until February, 1887, when he became armorer of the 28th and 44th Separate Cos., N. G. N Y., which position he still holds, and he is also first sergeant of the 28th Separate Co. In 1889 he married Mary E. McCarthy, of Greenbush, N. Y., and they have two children, William Joseph and Clarence Edward.

Remmer, Louis, son of Michael, was born September 18, 1861, in Utica, and re- ceived a common school education. At the age of eighteen he learned the shoe- maker's trade, which he followed until 1893. He then formed a partnership with John F. Harvey, as Remner & Harvey, and engaged in manufacturing cigars in Varick street, where he still continues the business successfully. He has been a member of the 28th Separate Company, N. G. N. Y., since 1889. In August, 1895, he married Almira B. French, eldest daughter of Daniel W. French, of New Hart ford, Oneida county.

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OUR COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE.

Salisbury, Albert C., son of Noyes, was born in Killawog, Broome county, June 20, 1855, and when sixteen years old began life as a telegraph operator at Norwich, N. Y. He was afterward stationed at Waterville, and alsoat North Brookfield, where he was station agent. In the spring of 1873 he came to Utica as night train dis- patcher for the D., L. & W. Railroad. A year later he went to Waterville as station agent, and after eighteen months returned to Utica as chief train dispatcher, which position he held until 1881, when he was made assistant division superintendent. In 1892 he was promoted to superintendent. His active life has been spent in the em- ploy of the D., L. & W. Railroad Company and he has been identified with that cor- poration longer than any other man. He is vice-president of the Extension Car Step Company, which was incorporated in 1894, and is a member of Faxton Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., Imperial Council R. A., and Arcanum and Fort Schuyler Clubs. In 1876 he married Sarah A., daughter of Deloss C. Terry of Sangerfield.

Kuolt, Joseph, was born August 5, 1845, in Wurtemberg, Germany, was educated . and learned the trades of painter, decorator, and stucco worker in his native city and followed them until 1866, when he was drafted as a solder and served in Austria- Prussian war. In 1867 he came to America and settled in Utica, where he followed painting until 1869. Ile then engaged in that business himself and at times em- ployed from twelve to fifteen hands. In April, 1873, he purchased a grocery store of the late George Haenl, at the junction of Varick street and Sunset avenue, and con- tinued this business for twenty years. In 1866 he purchased the woolen cloth de- partment of the widow of Mr. Haenl, and since 1893 has been a dealer in woolen cloth and tailors' trimmings exclusively. In 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, William Rein, under the firm name of the Utica Paper Novelty Co., and since then has also carried on a large business in Deerfield manufacturing paper novelties, boxes, etc. Mr. Kuolt is president and one of the originators of the West Utica Improvement Association, a trustee and one of the founders of the Homestead Aid Association of Utica; a member of the German Lutheran Church since 1867 and one of its trustees since 18"3, and was president of the Common Council about twelve years. April 17, 1873, he married Sophie C., daughter of John Rein, of Wurtem- burg, Germany. They have three children: Eugene J., Oscar W., and Sophie A.

Breitenstein, George Frederick, was born in Rome, N. Y., January 19, 1852, and is a son of Frederick Breitenstein, a native of Germany, who came with his family to Utica in 1854 and died here September 23, 1895, aged sixty-seven. George P. was educated in the public and private schools of Utica and when sixteen engaged in the meat business with his father, with whom he continued until 1874. He then opened a meat market for himself in State street and carried on business four years. In 1878 he was appointed tillerman of hook and ladder truck number one, Utica fire de- partment, with which he has since been connected. He was promoted superintend- ent of the police and fire telegraph in May, 1895, and still holds that position. He is a member and was one of the organizers of the Firemen's Relief Association of Utica, and for a time served as one of its first trustees. August 19, 1874, he married Mary, daughter of John Heimberger, of Utica, and they have four children: Cora, Arthur, Grace and Pearl.

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Tuigg, Edward D., son of David and Julia Tuigg, was born in Ireland, December 25, 1853, and came to America with his parents in 1855, setting in Utica, where his father died in 1888 and his mother in 1895. He was educated in the Utica public schools and the Christian Brothers Academy, and was employed in the railroad shops in Utica about two years. He then learned the plumber's trade with William H. Kavanagh and later with Edward Martin, remaining with the latter for sixteen years. In 1885 he formed a partnership with William Dwyer and Patrick F. Quin- lan, as Dwyer, Quinlan & Co., and established his present business. Mr. Dwyer withdrew in 1886 and William Foley was admitted, and since then the firm has been Quinlan, Tuigg & Co. The firm does a general plumbing and gas and steam fitting business, and among the buildings in which their work appears are the residences of William T. and Thomas F. Baker, the Saturday Globe building, City Hall, Court House, the new State Armony, and many others. Mr. Tuigg is a member of the Knights of Honor.

Mason, George C., was born March 30, 1845, in Norwich, Chenango county, and is a son of Hon. William N. Mason, a prominent lawyer, and United States commis- sioner, special county judge, etc. He was educated in the Norwich common schools and academy, and first learned the printer's trade, which he followed about three years in the Chenango Union office in Norwich. He then went west and entered the employ of James S. Waterman, a prominent banker and dealer in real estate in Sycamore, Ill., with whom he remained about three years. Returning to Norwich he soon accepted a position with Walter M. Conkey, the first treasurer of the Mid- land Railroad, and about three years later engaged in mercantile business in Nor- wich, continuing till 1874. He then sold out, came to Utica and entered the employ of Owen, Pixley & Co., wholesale clothing manufacturers, and has been with Mr. Pixley in the same capacity ever since, being at present his bookkeeper. Mr. Mason was one of the organizers and is secretary and treasurer of the Kirkland Canning Company, and is a member of Faxton Loage No. 697, F. & A. M., and its master at the time of the laying of the corner stone and dedication of the Masonic Home. He is a member of Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., and of Fort Schuyler Coun- cil, R. A., and is president of the Arcanum Club of Utica. He was married June 26, 1872, to Josephine Bliven, of Norwich, and they have one son, Charles B., a graduate of Cornell University, class of 1894. He won the scholarship in the post- graduate course in 1895, and was a prominent athlete, winning the welter weight prize in boxing, and being a member of the 'Varsity foot ball team in 1894-95, play- ing in all the noted games of that year. He was also a member of the Glee Club that went to England in 1895, and is now a law student with Van Auken & Pitcher in Utica.

Maloy, John F., son of Bernard and Mary (Kelley) Maloy, natives of County Fer- managh, Ireland, was born in Utica, August 9, 1854. His father, who for about forty years was gardener for Lewis H. Lawrence, died here March 4, 1891. He was educated in the Christian Brothers Academy, and became a clerk for H. J. Holbrook & Co., wholesale manufacturers of ladies' shoes, remaining with them twelve years, or until they went out of business. He then engaged in the grocery trade for two years, and in 1884 started his present restaurant. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and president of the Liquor Dealers' Association of Utica. October 27,

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1881, he married Saral: J., daughter of William O'Reilly, of Utica, and their chil- dren are Leonard, William, John, Francis, Thomas, and Anna.

Nugent, Patrick F., was born in Ireland, March 17, 1845, learned the tailor's trade and came to America in 1863, settling in Utica. He followed his trade here as a journeyman until March, 1872, when he entered the employ of Griffiths, Roberts & Butler, wholesale clothing manufacturers, and remained with them twelve years, having charge as foreman of the manufactory. April 1, 1892, he accepted his pres- ent position as superintendent of the manufactory of Rockwell, Rhodes & Co., wholesale clothiers. In 1875 he married Mary E., daughter of Frank McHugh, of Utica, and they have four children: Agnes, Robert J., Thomas, and Frank.

Swancott, Benjamin L., son of Philip, a native of Wales, England, was born in West Branch, in the town of Ava, Oneida county, August 20, 1848. His father was a tanner and currier, and settled in Ava about 1845, where he had a large tannery for many years. He was educated in the common schools of Morrisville, Caze- novia, and Brookfield, engaged first in farming, and learned and for nine years fol- lowed the tanner's trade. In March, 1879, he came to Utica, and finally purchased a livery and boarding stable in Maiden lane, which he continued until the spring of 1894, when he purchased his present livery stable in Washington street of M. M. & P. F. Martin. He is a member of Utica Lodge, F. & A. M. In December, 1867, he married Blendelia L., daughter of Charles P. Maxson, of Brookfield, Madison county, and they have two children: Frederick Eugene, who is associeted in busi- ness with his father, and Edna Pearl, who died at the age of five years.

German, Jerome B., son of Daniel, was born in New Hartford, Oneida county, August 30, 1855. Daniel German, a native of Welsh Pool, North Wales, came to America about 1836 and settled in New Hartford, where he died in 1881. He was an overseer in the cotton mills there for many years He married Jane Jones, who was born in Newtown. Wales, March 22, 1814, and who survives him. Their children were George, of Rochester, N. Y., and David, Salome, Mary J. (Mrs. Wayne E. Gifford), and Jerome B., all residents of New Hartford. Jerome B. German, the youngest, was graduated from the Utica Business College in 1871, and for about one year was bookkeeper for Sylvester Deering, a lumber dealer. He then held a similar position for four years in the knitting factory of ex-Senator S. S. Lowery, and dur- ing another four years was a clerk in the Utica post-office under Postmasters Clark and Stevens. In the fall of 1884 he engaged in the grocery business in New Hart- ford and successfully continued about five years. In 1893 he became a partner of the commission firm of H. H. Hurd & Co., grain, flour, and feed dealers, which was started at the present location, corner of Seneca and Liberty streets, about 1865. Mr. German was treasurer of the village of Hartford three years and was chorister of the M. E. church there about twelve years, being also secretary and treasurer of its Sunday school for more than that period. 1Ie resides in New Hartford though his business is in Utica. In 1877 he married Sarah R., daughter of Joseph P. Rich- ardson, the provost marshal at Utica during the Civil war. They have two sons: Harold Richardson and Jerome Bradbury.

Thomas, Frank E., is a son of Thomas R. and the junior member of the wholesale fruit and oyster firm of T. R. Thomas & Co. Thomas R. Thomas was born Septem-

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ber 23, 1831, in Wales, England, where his father died, and came to America with his widowed mother in 1841, settling in Remsen, Oneida county. In 1849 he came to Utica and engaged in various employments until 1852, when he established a re- tail fruit business. In 1854 he started a wholesale and retail fruit and oyster establishment in Liberty street, and since about 1888 has done wholesaling ex- clusively. In 1854 he formed a partnership with David J. Evans, and from 1855 to 1858 he continued alone. He then with T. H. Jones, formed the firm of Thomas & Jones, but was again alone from 1859 to 1881. He then took in his half-brother, Griffith M. Jones, as a partner and continued till April, 1894, when Mr. Jones retired and his son, Frank E. Thomas came in as T. R. Thomas & Co. Mr. Thomas was alderman of the Second ward from 1870 to 1874, was charity commissioner about eight years, is a director in the City National Bank, a member of Utica Lodge F. & A. M. since 1856 and its trustee for twenty three years, and member of Oneida Chapter R. A. M. and of Utica Commandery K. T. May 4, 1858, he married Mary A., daughter of John Richards, of Utica, and they have had five children of whom two are living: Clara M. (Mrs. Beriah G. Williams) and Frank E., both of Utica.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 139

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