Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 86

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 86

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Mr. Whiffen, at the time of his death, was the oldest butcher and meat dealer in Utica, and was known all over the State. At first he confined his operations to the retail trade. Gradually, however, an increasing wholesale business was added, the two branches being combined with unusual success. In 1886 he admitted his sons, George I. and B. Allen, to partnership, under the firm name of Isaac Whiffen & Sons, and upon Mr. Whiffen's death in 1889 they succeeded to the business, taking the present firm name of Isaac Whiffen's Sons. In 1892-93 they erected on Bleecker street, opposite Chancellor Square, a large and commodious brick block, into which they moved in April, 1893, occupying the entire lower floor. Here both wholesaling and retailing of meats are carried on extensively, and here the business, established on the corner of John and Jay streets fifty three years ago, has an appropriate home.

As a citizen Mr. Whiffen was energetic, enterprising, and public spirited, and dur- ing his long and successful career won universal respect and confidence. He was a man of unswerving integrity, true to his convictions, steadfast in his friendship, and unfailing in the discharge of his obligations. Plain, substantial and honest, he was a model citizen, and always took a just pride in advancing the welfare of the com- munity. He was one of the organizers and for many years a director of the Utica and Mohawk street Railroad Company. Early in life he became interested in farm- ing, and was a charter member of the Central New York Farmers' Club. He was also a prominent member of the Central New York Agricultural, Horticultural, and Mechanical Association, and a life member of the Utica Mechanics Association. He was one of the oldest members and at one time president of St. George's Society, long a member of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., and a member and president of the Utica Curling Club. In politics he was an active and influential Republican, but never sought and only twice accepted political office. He served one term as canal collector, and in 1885 was appointed a police and fire commissioner of the city of Utica, but after about one year resigned. Mr. Whiffen was charitable, broad- minded, honorable, and industrious, and by every one was held in high esteem.

November 25, 1841, Mr. Whiffen was married to Miss Elizabeth Seaton, who sur- vives him. She was one of the eleven persons who founded the Bethel (later the Bleecker street and now the Park) Baptist church of Utica. They had nine children, of whom six are living, viz. : Charles B., George I., B. Allen, and Edward U., of Utica; Mrs. W. H. Gibson, of Rochester, N. Y .; and Mrs. U. M. Whiffen, of Rock Island, Il1.

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George 1. Whiffen, born June 24, 1856, was educated in the Utica public schools and academy, and at the age of seventeen entered his father's meat market. He is trustee and treasurer of the Park Baptist church, a member of Imperial Council R. A., and a charter member of the Arcanum Club. November 7, 1883, he married Miss Carrie A., daughter of Charles Reed, of Utica, and they have one child, Mar- jorie G.

B. Allen Whiffen was born August 26, 1858, received his education in the Utica public schools and academy, and on leaving school entered his father's business. He is a member of Imperial Council R. A., and of the Arcanum Club. June 17, 1891. he married Miss Anna N., daughter of Henry B. Beckwith, of Utica.

Edward U. Whiffen was born August 11, 1844, was educated in the public schools and academy of Utica, and remained with his father until 1870, when he went to Canada and engaged in the lumber business, continuing successfully until 1890. He then removed to Louisiana, Pike county, Mo., and carried on a lumber trade until March, 1896, when he sold out and returned to Utica. In 1867 he married Miss Susan L. Brazie, of Utica, and they have four children: Harry I., Fannie A., Flora L., and Frank A.

GEORGE W. CHADWICK, SR.

HON. GEORGE W. CHADWICK was born in Sauquoit, Oneida county, June 16, 1825, ane died at Chadwick's, in the same county, December 4, 1885. He was of English parentage. John Chadwick was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England, January 5, 1783, came to America early in this century, and first settled in Providence, R. I,, where he married Betsey Snow. They soon removed to Toddsville, Otsego county, N. Y., where Mr. Chadwick entered the employ of the Union cotton factory. He was a practical manufacturer of great skill and gave his whole time and attention to the details of the business. In the summer of 1813 John Chadwick, Abner Brownell, and Ira Todd came from Toddsville to what is now Chadwick's, Oneida county, bought both of John Greenleaf's "powers," removed the old saw mill to the upper end of the present village and converted it into a dwelling, and founded the Eagle Cotton factory. They purchased of Benjamin Merrill and Matthew Vale a strip of land along the creek to give sufficient power and built a frame cotton mill on the site of the present stone structure. A little farther east they erected a machine shop. This plant they called the Eagle Mills, a name it still bears. Some years afterward the firm dissolved; Mr. Todd returned to Otsego county and in 1825 Mr. Brownell removed to Sauquoit and founded the Franklin factory. Mr. Chadwick remained sole owner of the Eagle mills and from time to time put in new and improved ma- chinery, this materially increasing the business capacity. In 1843-44 extensive ad- ditions were made and filled with costly machinery, and at night on June 24, 1844, when the builders were putting on the finishing touches, the plant was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The labors and accumulations of years were lost, there being not one dollar of insurance. The present substantial stone mill was soon built on the site and equipped throughout with the latest machinery and'

GEORGE W. CHADWICK, SR.

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

appliances. John Chadwick was a man of great executive ability and integrity, prompt in business, and one of the foremost pioneer manufacturers of the Sauquoit valley. Early in his career he visited England and brought back a quantity of large wooden engraved blocks, which were used in printing calicoes. Later he purchased the pioneer Coe farm, where Hon. G. W. Chadwick was born. He was kind hearted and charitable and freely aided English immigrants to procure employment. He died at Chadwicks, a place named in honor of the family, March 12, 1858; the death of his wife occurred there April 1, 1867. Their children were Sally (Mrs. Alanson A. Butler), who died in 1893; Betsey, who died unmarried; Mary (Mrs. George Fisk and afterward wife of Hon. Eli Avery), who died February 22, 1878; John, deceased, who married Jane Tarpenny; Abigail (Mrs. William Harrison Boyd), deceased; Thomas, who died unmarried; Jane, who also died unmarried; and George W.

George W. Chadwick attended Sauquoit Academy and was graduated from Caz- enovia Seminary, and during his active life was connected with mills founded by his father. He first became a partner in 1843-54, when extensive alterations were in- augurated, and after the old plant was burned down he supervised the erection of the present stone factory, to which he succeeded as owner upon his father's death in 1858, and which he successfully managed from 1844 until his own death in 1885. He brought to the management of the factory a thorough practical knowledge of every detail, and by his great business ability and native enterprise kept its product up with the times and instituted many important improvements. Energetic, progres- sive and far-sighted, he won not only success as a manufacturer, but the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Like his father, he was a man of strict integrity, prompt, sagacious, and public spirited. In 1882 the establishment was incorporated under the name of the Chadwick Mills Cotton Company, with a capital of $250,000, and with Mr. Chadwick, president; C. A. Butler, vice-president; W. H. Kershaw, secretary ; and Benjamin Groff. treasurer. Upon Mr. Chadwick's death in Decem- ber, 1885, Mr. Groff was elected president and treasurer, and on July 1, 1892, he was succeeded by George W. Chadwick, jr., who still serves in these positions, Mr. Kershaw still retains the office of secretary. (See biographical sketch of George W. Chadwick, jr.)

Mr. Chadwick was interested in various other enterprises, and always took the part of a prominent and loyal citizen. He was one of the founders of the Utica Willowvale Bleaching Company and served as its president and general manager until his death. The establishment and success of this corporation was largely due to his energy and able guidance. He was its chief promoter and was instrumental in placing it upon a sound business basis. He was one of the originators and con- tinuously a member of the board of directors of the Oneida National Bank of Utica, one of the promotors and first directors of the Utica, Chenango, and Susquehanna Railroad, and one of the incorporators of the Sauquoit Valley Cemetery Association, which he served as president until his decease. In beautifying and improving this cemetery he always took a deep interest, and contributed materially to its welfare. In politics he was a staunch Republican. He served as supervisor for several years, and represented his district in the Assembly in 1871 and 1874. On one occasion he was the nominee on the Stalwart wing of the Republican ticket for member of Con- gress, but was defeated with his associates. During the war of the Rebellion he was

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a member and treasurer of the local war committee and actively assisted in raising men for the front. In religion he was an Episcopalian, and for several years served as vestryman and warden of St. Stephen's church, New Hartford He was espe- cially the friend and an active promoter of education. He was a member of Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., and Fort Schuyler Club, Utica, and an honorary member of the Utica Citizens Corps.

Mr. Chadwick was married on November 5, 1855, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Absalom and Lucy (Scofield) Wrigley, of Oldham, Lancashire, England. She came to America with her mother in 1848, and settled in what is now Chadwicks, where she has since resided, the house she now occupies being erected by her husband in 1881. In 1890 she built and donated to the parish St. George's Memorial church, Chadwicks, at a cost of upwards of $11,000. This was given by her as a memorial to her husband. They had two children: George W., jr., and Lucy V.

GEORGE W. CHADWICK, JR.

GEORGE W. CHADWICK, JR., only son and eldest child of Hon. George W. and Mary Ann ( Wrigley) Chadwick, was born on his father's stock farm near Washington Mills, Oneida county, August 17. 1870, and came to the village of Chadwicks when seven years of age. He was educated at Sauquoit Academy , Whitestown Seminary, and St. John's Military Academy at Manlius, Onondaga county, where he won the first drill prize. He was graduated from Holbrook's Military Academy at Sing Sing, N. Y., with the class of 1885, and there received honorary mention in the prize squad. Returning home he entered his father's mills with a view of learning every detail of tbe manufacuture, which he did, acquiring a practical knowledge of both the business and operating departments. On July 1, 1892, he succeeded Benjamin Groff as pres- ident and treasurer of the Chadwick Mills Cotton Company, incorporated in 1885, which positions he still holds (see biographical sketch of George W. Chadwick, sr.) The property owned by this company covers an area of about 100 acres, of which upwards of fifteen are occupied by buildings, including some thirty residences. The motive power is both steam and water, and about 200 hands are employed in the mills, the annual output being about 5,000,000 yards of unbleached cotton sheeting, which is sold from New York city throughout the United States. It is one of the largest and most successful plants of the kind in the country, and one of the oldest manufacturing establishments in Central New York. Under Mr. Chadwick's able guidance it has continued the career so long maintained by his father and founded by his grandfather eighty years ago.

Mr. Chadwick is also president and treasurer of the Chadwick Manufacturing Company, incorporated by him and associates early in 1896, for the purpose of man- ufacturing at Chadwicks the Chadwick two-wheelers, a cart invented and patented by Charles E. Chadwick, the secretary and general manager, which has attained almost a world-wide reputation. The business was originally started in Olean, N. Y., by Charles E. Chadwick, in 1886. Since 1891 he has greatly improved and perfected these noted vehicles, which the company, the sole owner of all the patents, is manu-

GEORGE W. CHADWICK, JR.

fratemally Jesse Anthony

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

facturing on an extensive scale and in a variety of styles. George W. Chadwick, besides attending to the financial affairs of this company and managing the great cotton mills, is also president and one of the originators of the Metropolitan Medicine Company of New York city, president of the Central New York Branch of the New York Building and Loan Association, and one of the organizers and vice-president of the Utica Highland Driving Park Association. He was also secretary of the old New Hartford Leather Company, which he helped to organize.

Mr. Chadwick was for several years one of the best known athletes in Central New York, and in various contests won many gold and silver medals and other prizes. He is a member of the Syracuse Athletic Association, the Manhattan Athletic Club of New York city, the Elks Cycling Club of Syracuse, the Utica Cycling Club, and the Athletic Club of the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia. He is a member of Syra- cuse Lodge No. 31, B. O. E., Utica Lodge Knights of Honor, Jubilee Lodge Sons of St. George, and Samuel Campbell Council R. A., and is vice-commodore and one of the organizers of Oneida Division, Volunteer Life Saving Corps of New York, mem- ber Oneida County Sportsman Association, and the Triton Gun and Fishing Club of Canada. He has also been prominent in military affairs, serving at one time as adjutant of the 28th Separate company N. G. N. Y., of Utica. In politics he is an active Republican and was delegate to the State convention at Saratoga in 1894 which nominated Levi P. Morton for governor. For two years he was a county commit- teeman and during that period a member of the executive committee. He was chairman of the New Hartford town committee for three years, and has frequently sat in local conventions as a delegate.

December 13, 1888, Mr. Chadwick was married to Miss Marie Louise, daughter of Edward R. and Louise Norton, of Utica, and granddaughter of Dr. Norton, one of the early prominent settlers of Clinton, N. Y. They have one daughter, Marguerite.

JESSE B. ANTHONY.

JESSE BARKER ANTHONY, past grand master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York and superintendent of the Masonic Home at Utica, was born in Troy, N. Y., December 16, 1837, and is of English descent. His ancestors, on coming to America, settled in Rhode Island, whence his grandfather, Jesse Anthony, came with his family to Easton, Washington county, N. Y., and later removed to Troy, where with his sons he established a general wholesale and retail mercantile busi- ness and afterward engaged in the foundry line and manufacture of stoves, being among the earliest in Troy to carry on that branch of industry. John Anthony. father of Jesse B., was born in 1816, and was married in Troy to Mary Ann Gibeny, of that city. He was associated with his father in the mercantile and foundry busi- ness, and on retiring from those pursuits was engaged for several years in real estate operations in the city, being prominently identified with its business interests and prosperity and for many years a member of the city council. He removed to the State of Delaware in 1865 and died there in 1890.

Jesse B. Anthony, received a fair common school education, and when sixteen be

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came a clerk in a wholesale grocery store, where he remained until he reached his majority. In 1859 he formed a copartnership with Charles E. Dusenberry, and un- der the firm name of Dusenberry & Anthony became the successors of J. M. Bogardus & Co., in the wholesale coffee and spice trade. The firm continued until 1876, car- rying on a large, successful, and increasing business. From 1876 to 1879 it was J. B. Anthony & Co. In the latter year H. O. Dusenberry retired and Mr. Anthony continued as sole owner. Mr. Anthony was one of the organizers of the Troy Steam Heating Company, formed with a capital of $75,000 for the purpose of supplying steam for heating from a central point. He was president until 1880, when a new company was organized and he retired. He was also for many years a director of the Union National Bank of Troy. He gave close application to his business affairs, and brought to their management ability and executive energy of a high order. He was characterized for his sterling integrity, his indomitable perseverance, and his public spirit, and during a long mercantile career won both success and respect.

It is in the Masonic fraternity that Mr. Anthony is most widely known. He was made a Mason in King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 91, F. & A. M., Troy, N. Y., February, 23, 1860, and after filling the offices of senior deacon and senior warden was, in 1867, chosen as its worshipful master, occupying the position for three con- secutive years. In 1873 he was appointed district deputy grand master of the twelfth Masonic district, holding the office for two years. While serving in this capacity he was elected as the representative of the district in the constitutional convention as- sembled at Syracuse, N. Y., for the purpose of revising the constitution of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. At the annual sessions of the Grand Lodge in June, 1875, he was unanimously elected senior grand warden, in 1879 deputy grand master, and in 1880 grand master. As the head of the craft of the Empire State his administration of the affairs of this vast jurisdiction was one of ability and marked success, and he retired from the office wtih the good will of all the representatives. It was his privilege, besides officiating in other public ceremonials of a similar na- ture, to lay the foundation stone of the Egyptian Obelisk in Central Park, New York eity, October 9, 1880, delivering the address upon that occasion. During his official term occurred the Centennial of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York in June, 1881, and he delivered the historical address on that occasion at the meeting held at the Academy of Music, New York city; and the facts embodied therein have been widely copied throughout the United States by the various Grand Bodies. He re- ceived the capitular degrees in Apollo Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., Troy, N. Y., in December, 1860, and after serving as captain of the host one term and principal sojourner two terms, was elected in 1872 as its high priest, filling the position for five consecutive years and retiring therefrom at his own request. In the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of New York he was appointed grand lecturer, holding the office for two terms. He received the Orders of Knighthood in Apollo Commandery, No. 15, Troy, September 2, 1863, and after filling the office of prelate for four consecutive years was elected as its eminent commander, and after two years' service retired in 1876. He received the degrees in the Cryptic Rite in Bloss Council, No. 14, R. & S. M., Troy, March 15, 1861, and after filling various subordinate positions was elected as thrice illustrious master. In the year 1862 he received the grades of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite up to the 14th and subse-

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

quently, about 1871, in Albany Sovereign Consistory, Albany, N. Y., was made a 32 Mason. At the institution of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies in the city of Troy he became one of the charter members of Delta Lodge of Perfection, Delta Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and Delta Chapter of Rose Croix of Troy, and was for many years the presiding officer of those bodies. In 1874 the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction conferred upon him the 33 and created him an honorary member of that exalted body.

He was also for many years the grand potentate of Oriental Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland in the United States, having received the degree in May, 1878, at Washington, D. C. He is an honorary member of several Masonic bodies outside of the city of Troy, the same having been conferred not alone as a reward for special labor, but also as a mark of respect and esteem as a man and a Mason. He has been active and prominent in all the Masonic enterprises of the city of Troy, and done much toward the advancement of Masonry in that city. At the erection of the new Masonic Temple in Troy, in 1872, he was one of the most earnest workers in the completion of that enterprise, was selected as the orator on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone August 2, 1871, has been secretary of the Troy Masonic Hall Association since its incorporation in 1871, and also honored with various offices. of trust in the Masonic bodies of Troy. He is also chairman of the committee on correspondence for the Grand Lodge and Grand Commandery of the State of New York.

Mr. Anthony was appointed superintendent of the Masonic Home in Utica upon its completion, assumed his duties there in 1893, and is now in charge of that insti- tution. This home has its nucleus in a resolution brought before the Grand Lodge of the State of New York by Greenfield Pote (grand tiler), James Herring (grand secretary), and others. in 1842, when Mr. Pote contributed the first silver dollar for the purpose of "founding an asylum for worthy aged Masons, their widows and orphans." This memorial officially reached the Grand Lodge June 8, 1843. More than forty years passed before the affairs of the proposed Home took definite shape. In May, 1888, after several years spent in determining the location, the Utica Driv- ing Park, known as the county and State fair grounds, on the eastern edge of the city of Utica, was selected and purchased, the owner donating $25,000 the city $30,000, and the Grand Lodge $20,000. The tract comprises 160 acres; the West Shore railroad donated a quarter of an acre and five additional acres were purchased for 8750. In 1889 the name was changed from "Asylum " to "Masonic Home and School," and in 1890 the original cost of the proposed building was increased from $100,000 to $150,000. In 1890 a contract was let for $134,500, to which $5,000 were subsequently added. On May 21, 1891, the corner stone was laid amidst the greatest demonstrations in the history of the craft, John W. Vrooman, grand master, officiat- ing. The building was formally dedicated October 5, 1892, the addresses being delivered by Past Grand Master William Sherer and Grand Master James Ten Eyck. In June, 1893, the trustees reported that the total cost of the Home and appurten- ances to date was 8230,685.18, with a balance in the bank of $155,572.55. The first inmates, two in number, were received on May 1st of that year. At the present time (June, 1896,) the Home contains 158 inmates, and a school is being built for the

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use of the inmate orphans. Under Mr. Anthony's able superintendence the institu- tion has reached the highest aim of its promoters, and is not only a monument to the craft of the Empire State but a substantial memorial to the fraternity of Utica and Oneida county, among whose benevolent objects it will ever hold a foremost place.

Mr. Anthony has also attained a merited eminence in Masonic literature, having contributed much that is valuable to the craft and invaluable to historians. Among his noteworthy publications is a Review of the Transactions of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York from 1582 to 1852. Ile is also the author of a History of King Solomon's Primitive Lodge, No. 81, F. & A. M., of Troy, from 1842 to 1892, together with a sketch of Free Masonry in the city of Troy from 1796 to 1842. As a ritualist and worker in the various Masonic bodies he stands high in the estimation of the craft, and his earnestness and fervency impress his hearers with the beauties of the institution. He is active and prominent in all Masonic enterprises, and is one of the most illustrious members of the order.

In 1859 he married Miss Catherine A., daughter of John M. Bogardus, of Troy, N. Y., and their children are M. Alice (Mrs. William McKip Morris), of Groveville, N. J., and Jessie May (Mrs. Knowlton Mixer), of Buffalo, N. Y.

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Our county and its people; a descriptive work on Oneida county, New York;, Part 86

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