Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 142

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 142

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Fuller, Charles V., was born December 25, 1850, in Schenectady, N. Y., and is a son of Charles and Sarah A. (Lewis) Fuller. Charles Fuller, son of Ebenezer, was born in Schenectady county and was a broom maker by trade, and died in 1857. He was a lineal descendant of Ebenezer Fuller, of the Mayflower. His wife survives him. Her maternal grandfather, Sanborn Ford, was a Revolutionary soldier and was present at Fort Montgomery and the Siege of Yorktown, and witnessed the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. Charles Y. Fuller came to Utica with his mother in 1857, and received his education in the public schools of the city In 1886 he began learning the stone cutter's trade in Lockport, N. Y., where he remained about seven years. Later he was employed for eleven years on the State capitol at Albany. In 1887 he returned to Utica and in 1888 engaged in cut stone contracting, which he still successfully continues. Among the many buildings he has erected are the Oli- vet church on Howard avenue, the Church of the Holy Cross on Bleecker street (1893), and St. Patrick's church on Columbia street in Utica, the Parochial school in Little Falls; the Hieber building, Walton High School, Second National Bank build- ing, Oneida Historical building (Munson Williams Memorial), schools Nos. 20 and 21 and the Albany Street school in Utica. He has also erected many other large build- ings in Central New York, including numerous fine residences, blocks, etc. He is an active Republican and has been delegate to several local conventions. He is a member of Oneida Lodge No. 224 F. & A. M., of Samuel Reed Lodge, K. of P., and of the Knights of Honor. April 23, 1887, he married Augusta Blumenthal, of Utica, but a native of Germany, and they have three children: George L., Albert B., and Ada C.

Adams, George W., was born in the town of Marshall, Oneida county, in 1837, and

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spent his boyhood on a farm. Orphaned in early life he was left wholly dependent upon his own resources for his support and education. The eight hour law was not in force in those days, and there was much more opportunity for a boy to work than to play or study. In 1852 Mr. Adams went to the Jefferson County Institute at Watertown, N. Y., preparatory to entering college. After three years of alternate work and study he entered in 1855 the freshman class of Union College. Two years of the college term was spent at Fairfield Seminary. In 1859 he was graduated from old Union, having there won the Blatchford prize for literary and oratorical work. After teaching a private school at Brownville, N. Y., Mr. Adams commenced to study law with Doolittle & Babcock, and in 1863 was admitted to the bar. In 1864 he formed a co-partnership with Senator Richardson, which continued some fifteen years. At one time James F. Mann was a member of the firm. In 1869 Mr. Adams married Laura Crouse, who died in 1889, leaving two sons, Daniel C. and George W., jr. The former was graduated from Vale College in 1895; the latter is now at- tending school in Utica. Mr. Adams has always been a Republican and at one time was quite prominent in the councils of his party. Politics was not, however, con- genial to his tastes, and in 1867, when Congress passed a national act of bankruptcy, he turned his attention especially to that law, acquired a very extensive practice un- der it, and was connected with most of the leading bankruptcy cases in this part of the State. For some fifteen years he has been a director of the Utica, Clinton and Binghamton Railroad and is now the counsel of that corporation. He is quite a large land holder in the east end of the city and interested in all that pertains to the growth of Utica. Ile is a charter member of the Fort Schuyler Club, a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Club of New York city, and president of the Utica Art As- sociation. While Mr. Adams is a man of pronounced convictions he is liberal minded, and tolerant of the opinions of others. He has enlarged his mind by for- eign travel and is a lover of music and paintings, as many specimens of the latter which now adorn the walls of his house will fully testify. He is a devout follower of Isaac Walton, and few men know the North Woods more thoroughly than he. For over a quarter of a century he has been an attendant of the Dutch Reformed church.

Brayton, M. Jesse, son of Almond and Caroline (Schermerhorn) Brayton, was born on a farm near the Herkimer-Oneida county line July 20, 1852, attended Fairfield Seminary, and was graduated from the Clinton Liberal Institute. His ancestors were Rhode Islanders. His grandfather, Jesse Brayton, came with several brothers to Newport, Herkimer county, and Deerfield, Oneida county, very early in the pres- ent century. In 1860 his parents settled in Deerfield, where his father died in January, 1886. His mother survives. Mr. Brayton read law in Utica with J. Thomas Spriggs and later with D. C. Pomeroy, and was admitted to the bar in in Syracuse in 1876. He began the practice of law in Utica with D. E. Pomeroy, with whom he was associated for about five years. He then practiced alone until January, 1883, when he was appointed deputy county clerk, which position he held until he was elected county clerk in 1885. He served in this capacity from January 1, 1886, to December, 31, 1888. He had become interested in the Utica Electric Light Company and since the close of his term as county clerk has served as its secretary and treasurer, and has also acted in the same capacity for the Utica

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Manufacturing and Supply Company. Mr. Brayton is a member of Oriental Lodge, F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, R. A. M., Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., the Royal Arcanum, and the I. O. O. F. In January, 1885, he married Cora B., of Ilion, daughter of Joseph A. Johnson.

Bensberg, Frederick W., was born in Utica, May 2, 1852, and is a son of Fred- erick W. and Barbara Bensberg, who came from Germany to America and settled in Utica in 1850, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Bensberg, sr., was engaged in the grocery and coal business here until his death. Frederick W., his son, was educated in the public and advanced schools of Utica, graduating in 1862, and when eleven years of age commenced to learn the trade, first in the Herald office, where he was employed from 1863 to 1881, being assistant foreman during the last twelve years. In 1881 he was one of the organizers of the Utica Daily Press and has since been its foreman. When the company was incorporated in 1882 he was made a director and a member of the executive committee, which position he still holds. Mr. Bensberg is a staunch Republican, was school commissioner of Utica for three years (1891, 1892, and 1893). February 29, 1873, he married Miss Georgia A. Perkins. They have had two children: Florence P., and Frederick P. (who died aged two years).

Cranwell, Frank J., son of James, is of Irish and English descent and was born in Utica January 20, 1870. His father is one of the oldest contractors and builders in Central New York, and as such is not only well known in this State, but in New Jersey and elsewhere. He has erected many of the more notable buildings in Utica, New York city, and other points, and is still active in his lifelong business. Frank J. Cranwell was graduated from the Assumption Academy in 1889 and later from the Utica Business College. As soon as he could do anything he identified himself with his father's business, which he has always followed. In 1889 he formed a partnership with his brother, Edward H., which was dissolved in May, 1896. His first contract was the construction of the Grimes and Pelton block in Ilion in 1889- 90. Since then he has erected several factory buildings at Dolgeville, the Metro- politan Hotel in Little Falls, the Utica Carriage Factory and St. Agnes church on Blandina street in Utica, the Ilion Memorial Public Library building, the Leach building in Utica, the Frankfort High School, the Hotaling building in Ilion, the Johnson stone residence at Palatine Bridge, and many others. In 1895 he married May Anna M. Hermann, of Utica, and they have one daughter, Olive Marguerite.

Divine, Fred D., was born July 17, 1856, in Utica, in the house No. 76 State street, in which he has always lived. He is a son of Deloss Divine, who was born at Hope Factory, Otsego county, came to Utica in 1855, and died here February 14, 1892, aged seventy-slx. Deloss Divine was a roll coverer in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills and at the time of his death was the oldest employee in that estalishnient. He mar- ried Martha J. Higby, of Canoga, Seneca county, who survives him. They had two children: Mrs. Chester M. Smith, of Westfield, N. J., and Fred D. Divine, of Utica. The latter was graduated from the Utica Free Academy in 1876, and engaged in manufacturing hand-made fishing rods, which he still continues. On his father's death he succeeded to the latter's position in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills. He also does electric plating and manufactures boats, camp stools, cots, etc. He is a mem-

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ber of Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter R. A. M., Utica Commandery No. 3, K. T., and Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Masonic and Arcanum Clubs, the Onondaga Fishermen's Association, the Oneida Company Sportsmen's Club, the Michigan Sportsmen's Association, and many other sporting organizations. January 27, 1886, he married Ada C., daughter of William McDuffee, of New York city.

Davis, Charles P., was born in Alcester, England, in 1823, learned the trade of glass staining in Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire, and came to America in 1850, settling in Utica, where he spent the remainder of his life and died April 17, 1877. Here he established the stained glass works now conducted by the firm of Charles P. Davis's Sons. He was the first stained glass worker in the city and one of the earliest establishments of the kind west of New York. Being a practical workman, a skillful and artistic designer, he was successful from the start and won a wide and enduring reputation. His first work in Utica was executed on Trinity church. Af- terward he designed the windows of many of the finest churches east of the Missis- sippi, particularly those of this State, and also executed large contracts on numer- ous important buildings. He was a good nauralist and an expert taxidermist, for both of which he had a natural inclination, and at his death he left a fine and valu- able collection of birds, insects, etc. He was an active and prominent Democrat, but never sought or held public office. He was one of the original members of St. George's church. He married in England, Mary Callaway, who died in 1864, leav- ing children: Joseph P., William A., Frederick J., and Charles C. Davis, Mrs. Will- iam H. Trembly and Mrs. A. H. Richardson and Albert Davis (both deceased). Upon Mr. Davis's death the stained glass business passed to his sons Joseph P., William A., Frederick J., and Charles C., who formed the present firm of Charles P. Davis's Sons. Later Joseph P. and Charles C. withdrew, leaving the business to the management of the other two brothers. Frederick J. Davis follows his father as naturalist and taxidermist and carries on these professions in connection with the firm's stained glass business.

Daily Dennis L., was born in the town of Annsville, Oneida county, January 23, 1847, and is a son of Cornelius Daily, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1804, and died January 26, 1894. Cornelius Daily came to America about 1832, landing in Quebec, Canada. A few months later he became foreman on the construction of the railroad from Boston to Worcester, the first equipped steam railroad in the United States, which position he held for about six years. He then came to Rome, N. Y., by way of the Erie Canal, and settled on an unbroken farm in the north part of Annsville, where he lived and died. He cleared the farm, which comprised 100 acres, and lived to see the country transformed from a wilderness to a fertile section. He was one of the first settlers of that part of the town, and was active in all local affairs, a Democrat in politics, and especially interested in education, serving as school trustee for many years. He was married in Ireland in 1831 to Margaret Mahoney, who died May 26, 1893, in her eighty-third year. Their children were Mary, deceased, who married Thomas Murphy, who died in the army during the civil war; Katharine Teresa, of Lynn, Mass .; Margaret Maria, deceased; B. Amelia, of Utica, who married Lieut. Wallace Mott, who died in the army ; Ellen (Mrs. P. T. O'Toole), deceased; Jane of Utica; Dennis L., of Utica; Rose A. (widow of Martin

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Ilinton), of Utica; and George P., who resides on the homestead in Munnsville. Dennis L. Daily was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Annsville. He remained on the homestead until 1877, when he entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In the fall of 1880 he came to Utica and in 1885 established his present grocery business in Sunset avenue. In Annsville he took an active part in local politics and served two terms as town collector and one term as assessor. In Utica he has also taken an active interest in local political affairs. June 7, 1882, he married Katharine M., daughter of Daniel Sullivan, of Utica, and they have six children : Cornelius Sullivan, Margaret Maria, Ellen Jane, Katharine Teresa, Mary Loretta, and George Vincent.

Davis, George A., son of Charles S., was born in Utica December 4, 1857. Charles S Davis, son of David, was born in the town of Frankfort, Herkimer county, July 1, 1829, married Polly Brockway, a native of New Hartford, Oneida county, and came to Utica about 1856, where he still resides. He was for many years the proprietor of a livery stable and a large trucking business. When seventeen George A. Davis engaged in the manufacture of picture frames and spring beds with F. P. Baldwin but one year later associated himself with his father in the trucking busi- ness, in which he continued four and one-half years. He subsequently formed a copartnership with William N. Weaver, purchased his father's business, and still continues it under the firm name of Davis & Weaver. In March, 1889, Mr. Davis also became proprietor of the Clinton House in Bleecker street and conducted it for six years, changing its name in 1894 to New American. He was also proprietor of the Metropolitan Hotel for three years, and as a landlord in each of these hosteleries attained unusual success. In August, 1894, he formed a partnership with Charles Kilkinney, as Kilkinney & Davis, and purchased the old Wilsey brick yard and manufactory at Deerfield, opposite the New York Central freight depot. They re- fitted it, adding the most improved machinery, etc., and now manufacture about 5,000,000 brick annually. Mr. Davis is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M., Imperial Council R. A., and the Arcanum Club, and in politics is a staunch Republican. November 1, 1884, he married Mary Morgan, of Oneida, N. Y., who died September 25, 1893. He married, second, October 10, 1894, Miss Florence Bliskey, of Oneida, N. Y.

Hatfield, Richard E., one of the substantial and influential farmers of this town, has been a resident of the immediate vicinity since 1851, when the family of George H. Hatfield. hisfather, first settled here. They camefrom South Wales, and the elder, now deceased, was noted for his integrity and industry and soon became master of a com- petence and position among the most respected people in New Hartford. Richard Hatfield, like his father, tilled the soil with diligence and has become so situated as to enjoy the fruit of his labors. He was born in Wales, December 25, 1836. In 1861 he married Mary Davis, a daughter of the late David Davis, of South Clinton. He has served his town as assessor and superintendent of the poor.

Wheeler, Frank E., is the only son of Russel Wheeler, who was born in Rome, N. Y., August 7, 1820, and died in Utica January 5, 1895 George Wheeler, father of Russel, was born in Glastonbury, Conn., in February, 1791, came to Oneida county with his father, and died on the homestead near Rome September 2, 1882. He had

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one daughter and seven sons, of whom Russel was the third. Russel Wheeler came to Utica in 1838 and entered the hardware store of John Mairs, where he remained four years. In 1842 he became bookkeeper for Joel C. Bailey, who had just pur- chased the Chester Dexter foundry on Columbia street. In 1844 he formed a partner- ship with Mr. Bailey, as Bailey, Wheeler & Co., which continued until 1855, when Mr. Wheeler bought his senior partner's interest. In 1865 he secured that of S Alonzo Bailey and in 1887 he took his son, Frank E., into the business ; two years later Fran- cis Kernan, jr., became a partner, but on January 1, 1890, the Wheelers agam be- came sole owners, the firm name being Russel Wheeler & Son. They manufacture stoves, furnaces, heaters, etc., and employ from 150 to 200 men. Mr. Wheeler was alderman in 1849-50, a director in the Oneida National Bank, a trustee of the Savings Bank of Utica, for many years vice-president of the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, the Globe Woolen Mills, the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Works, and the Utica and Black River Railroad Company. He was also for many years a trustee of Colgate University. He was an extensive traveler, a man of unswerving integrity, and an influential, respected citizen. August 5, 1845, he married Amanda, daughter of Joel C. Bailey, of Utica, who died at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., August 29, 1884, leaving one son, Frank E., who was born in Utica in 1853. November 10, 1887, Mr. Wheeler married, second, Mrs. Katharine K. Anderson, of New York. Frank Wheeler was graduated from Yale College in 1876, and for several years has managed the business of the firm. In 1878 he married Louise Vanette, daughter of Hon. Cheney Ames, of Oswego, N. Y.

White, Charles N., is a son of Nicholas A. White, who was born in February. 1819, in Thetford, Vermont, and came with his parents, Noah and Frances White, to Oneida county, when he was an infant. In 1827 the family settled in Utica, and when nine years of age Nicholas A. entered the employ of George Brayton and Aaron Kellogg, proprietors of the pottery situated on the site of the present Central New York pottery, on the northwest corner of Whitesboro and Breeze streets, with which he was ever afterward connected. In 1827 Noah White entered the employ of the same firm and later made some ware on shares. He subsequently bought the estab- lishment and also leased and finally purchased the pottery on the east side of Breeze street, thus having the only important concerns of the kind in the county. About 1840 he took his sons Nicholas A. and William in as partners, under the firm name of N. White & Sons, which continued until William went west in 1856, when it became N. White & Son. About 1862, a grandson, William N., son of Nicholas A., was ad- mitted as N. White, Son & Co. Noah White died November 4, 1865, and the firm became N. A. White & Son. William N. (the son) died about 1871, when N. A. assumed the sole management. He died August 10, 1886, and since then it has been managed by Charles N. White. Nicholas A. White was alderman for two terms, member of assembly one year, a member of the I. O. O. F., and during his life a prominent and influential citizen. He married Julia Tucker, of Utica, who survives him. Their children were William N. (deceased), Mrs. Henry Roberts, Dr. Sue A: White, Mrs. E. B. Odell, Chas. N. White, and Mrs. Luther I. Foster, of Syracuse.

Wheeler, Hon. Thomas, son of George, was born in Utica, October 5, 1845. George Wheeler, a native of Ireland, came to America and settled in Utica with his father, John, when very young, and died here in 1858. He was engaged in the trucking

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business. Thomas Wheeler was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fifteen entered the Utica Steam Cotton Mill and later the Woolen Mills. August 30, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 146th N. Y. Vols .. was promoted second lieutenant, and was mustered out July 25, 1865. He was in the army of the Potomac, participated in most of the battles of his regiment, was wounded March 31, 1865, at White Oak Road, and was confined in the hospital till shortly before his discharge. Returning to Utica he followed various employments until 1870, when he was appointed patrol- man on the police force. In 1873 he entered the district attorney's office under D. C. Stoddard and remained there about eight years. He was also chief detective for the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company, having charge of their detective department from Albany to Syracuse, and held this position about eleven years. In politics he has been an active Democrat. In 1888 he was nominated and elected county sheriff, and served until his term expired December 31, 1891. March 1, 1892, he was elected mayor of Utica and served from March 8, 1892 to March 13, 1894. During his term as mayor he conducted the fight against the Warren-Scharf Asphalt Paving Company, and broke the prices for street paving, being the first man in the United States to attempt such a movement. May 1, 1894, the present coal firm of Wheeler, McQuade & Co., was formed, and on February 19, 1895, Mr. Wheeler was appointed assistant superintendent of public works by State Superintendent Aldridge, and still holds that position. He is a member of Post Bacon G. A. R., the Elks and the Arcanum Club. April 26, 1886, he married Helen Frances, daughter of Lawrence Doyle, of Utica.

Smith, Benjamin, was born March 7, 1842, in Sheffield, England, is a son of Charles T. and Sarah Smith, and came to America with his parents in 1844. The family first settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., but in 1845 came to West Utica, where Charles T. died about 1878, aged sixty-three. He was an ivory and bone turner by trade, which he followed here for about thirty years. He was also a dealer in real estate and kept a grocery store, and was collector of the Third ward two years. He was a prominent cricketer, a member of the Utica Cricket Club and its president, and took many prizes in this popular game. He was also a prominent member of St.George's So- ciety and held several offices. His wife died in May, 1891. They had ten children of whom five are living, viz. : Mrs. Anna Graham, Mrs. Emma Johnson, Benjamin Smith, and Mrs. Lydia Ann Higgins, all of Utica, and Mrs. Sarah Jane Tompkins of Chatham, N. J. Benjamin Smith was in Utica and first engaged in machinist's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1879 he purchased and has since kept the Western Hotel in West Utica. In 1864 Mr. Smith enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served until the close of the war, being on the gunboat Shawmut. He is a member of Post McQuade G. A. R. and the Veteran Firemen's Association, being connected with the volunteer fire department for about five years. In 1861 he mar- ried Mary, daughter of Levi Atherton, of Camden, Oneida county, and they have had two children : Benjamin, who died aged four, and Nellie B. (Mrs. Joseph Wilbert), of Utica.

Townsend, Walter C., is a son of Homer Townsend, who was born in Grandbor- ough, Warwickshire, England April 17, 1822, came to America in 1831, settled in Utica in 1833, and died here April 20, 1884. Homer Townsend was long a promi- nent and influential citizen and held several positions of trust and honor. He was

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alderman of the Eighth ward of Utica for eight years a member of the Board of Charity Commissioners for the same length of time, and a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association and of the Seymour Artillery. In all these positions he served with distinction and great credit, He was married in Utica, November 13, 1843, to Miss Emily Hill, and their children were Charles Henry, Grace Louisa, Homer Clemens, William Fall, Henrietta Neeley, John Adams, Mary Louise, George Ar- thur, Walter Clarkson, Fanny Camelia and Frank.

Sheridan, Simon, son of Thomas and Rose (Burns) Sheridan was born May 31, 1823, in County Meath, Ireland, and came to America in 1847, landing in New York city July 1. He had learned the carpenter trade, and coming immediately to Utica (in July, 1847,) he actively identified himself with that calling. He worked here and in Rome until 1850, and since then has lived in Utica. He followed carpentering and building during his active life, working on the Rome Acad- emy and court house and many other noted structures as a journeyman, in which capacity he was with A. J. Lathrop for eight years. He was foreman for William Metcalf about eleven years, and is one of the oldest carpenters and builders in Utica. He is a Democrat, has been quite active in local politics, and has several times been the candidate for his party for office. He joined the 45th Regiment, Emmett Guards, in 1854, and served seven years, becoming sergeant. He was a member of the old St. Vincent de Paul Society for ten years prior to its disbandment. February 9, 1854, he married Sarah A., daughter of Patrick Donally, of Utica, and they have had six children: Thomas, who died in infancy, Mary (Mrs. Edward Cal- lahan), of Utica, Rose and Ann, who died young, and James D. and Simon F., of Utica.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 142

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