Our county and its people : a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York, Part 34

Author: Curtis, Gates
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1328

USA > New York > St Lawrence County > Our county and its people : a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York > Part 34
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > Our county and its people: a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York > Part 34

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).

A suit in equity was brought by Henry Rodee, et al., plaintiffs, vs. The City of Ogdensburg, et al., defendants, and a judgment rendered in the form of a decree, July 29, 1872, defining the rights. Under the de-

366

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

cree a run of water was defined to be equal to a flow of twenty-five cubic feet per second, under a head of nine feet, which is equal on a good wheel to twenty-five horse power. Weirs were ordered to be constructed at the bulkhead of each run using water, as follows: A copper bolt was sunk in the rock at the northwest end of the dam, to designate the height or crest of the dam. The frame of the bulkhead to each run was to extend up about four feet above the level of the bolt and downward five feet below the level of the bolt to a girt or the breast of the weir, which is to extend to the rock or about five feet below and planked tight, causing the water to flow over the breast and between the posts of the bulkhead. The gate is operated by means of a worm gear or screw, set in front of the bulkhead and moves in grooves cut in the posts on either side. The gate when lowered even with the breast of the weir, allows a free flow of water through the opening. In closing the weir or shutting off the water, the gate is raised by means of the screws to any height required, thus making every run uniform in the use of water. By the rules of the decree, both classes may run until the water in the river drops one foot below the crest of the dam, when the second class are to stop running until the water raises in the pond six inches. The first class may run until the water in the pond drops two feet below the crest of the dam, where they are to stop running until the water rises six inches. Both classes may run on Saturday afternoon until the water falls one foot below the respective limit, of each class.

The Press .- The first newspaper printed in this place or in the county of St. Lawrence was the Palladium, a two-page weekly II by 1712 inches. It was started in December, 1810, by J. C. Kipp and T. C. Strong; David Parish furnished the capital and D. W. Church the office building. The paper was distributed through the county by foot- post acting as carriers. On account of the difficulty in getting suitable paper it was occasionally printed on foolscap. It was Federal in poli- tics and denounced the War of 1812. Mr. Louis Hasbrouck, of this city, has a copy of this paper, in which an account is given of General Wil- kinson's army passing down the St. Lawrence River in November, 1813. The paper was discontinued in 1814.

S, 17 Palmer

367

THE TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE.

' The St. Lawrence Republican was commenced in Potsdam in the fall of 1826 by William H. Wyman. It was 20 by 29 inches, published weekly and distributed by post. It was the first Democratic paper in the county and published in opposition to the St. Lawrence Gazette. In the summer of 1827 it was removed to Canton. In January, 1830, Mr. Preston King purchased the paper and commenced its publication in Ogdensburg and continued it until 1833, when it was sold to Samuel Hoard. In 1834 F. D. Flanders became a partner. In the fall of that year the paper passed into the hands of M. W. and J. M. Tillotson. In April, 1839, the establishment was consumed by fire. Early in the summer the publishing was resumed and the paper enlarged. In the fall of 1841 it passed into the hands of F. B. Hitchcock and H. M. Smith, who published it until July 16, 1848, when Mr. W. N, Oswell purchased Mr. Hitchcock's interest. In December, 1857, Mr. Hitch- cock repurchased Mr. Oswell's interest and continued its publication until March 17, 1852, when M. W. Tillotson, a former proprietor, took Mr. Smith's interest. In October the office was again consumed by fire, but the paper was continued on a small half sheet for a short time, and in January, 1853, it was enlarged and its publication continued to May, 1855, when John A. Haddock purchased a one-third interest in the establishment. In April, 1856, he sold his interest to I. G. Stilwell. In November, 1858, Henry R. James and James W. Hopkins pur- chased the entire establishment, and in December, 1860, Mr. H. R. James became the sole proprietor. In January, 1874, S. P. Reming- ton and S. H. Palmer purchased a one-third interest.

The paper, being Democratic from the beginning, soon became the leading organ of the county and remained as such until the formation of the Republican party in 1855, when it became the organ of the new party in the county and has so remained since.

At the death of H. R. James in 1882, the establishment was sold to a stock company, and S. H. Palmer became its business manager.

The Northern Light .- This was an anti-Masonic paper commenced July 7, 1831, by W. B. Rodgers, and soon passed into the hands of A. B. James and A. Tyler, who published it about a year, when Mr. James became its editor. In April, 1834, its name was changed to The Times, and at the end of the fourth volume it was enlarged to six

368

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

columns, and its title changed to the Ogdensburg Times. in July, 1837, Dr. A. Tyler again became associated with Mr. James and the name was again changed to the Times and Advertiser. In July, 1838, Dr. Tyler became its sole publisher and continued until March, 1844, when it was transferred to Foot & Seely, and the name changed to the Frontier Sentinel, and sold at $1.00 per year. Mr. Seely died August 17, 1844, and the paper was continued by Henry G. Foot until June, 1847, when the name was changed to the Ogdensburg Sentinel, price $1.75 per year. In November, 1849, Stillman Foot became its pro- prietor, the price being reduced to $1.00, and he continued its publica- tion for some three years thereafter. Mr. Foot also, in connection with the weekly, published a daily paper called The Daily Sentinel, which was commenced April 14, 1848, at one cent per number, but was given up in September of that year ; it being the first effort made to print a daily paper in the village. Both papers were discontinued shortly after ..

The Meteorological Register .- This paper was published monthly and commenced January 1, 1839, by J. H. Coffin, the principal of the academy. It was devoted to scientific inquiries, but for the want of patronage was discontinued at the end of four months.

The Ogdensburg Forum .- This paper was a small tri-weekly, com- menced April 24, 1848, by A. Tyler, in support of the Whig party and in the interest of General Taylor. At the end of six months the tri-weekly was discontinued and the weekly continued until February, 1851, when the office was used for job work only until 1852, when the press was removed to Gouverneur.

The Daily Morning News .- This paper was commenced in March, 1852, by William N. Oswell, a former editor of the St. Lawrence Re- publican, and Fayette Robinson. It was neutral in politics, and con- ducted with an ability and enterprise which entitled it to a liberal sup- port. In September of that year, Mr. Oswell issued from this office a weekly paper, also neutral, by the name of The Weekly News, which soon after was temporarily suspended, but was again issued in a smaller form, but both papers were suspended soon after.

The Ogdensburg Daily Times .- This was a second trial of a daily paper, commenced in October, 1852, by William Yeaton and Warren

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THE TOWN OF 08WEGATCHIE.

Dow. It was printed at the Republican office, and was independent in politics. The paper was edited with ability, but the publication was arrested by a disastrous fire after one or two issues.

The American .- This was a weekly paper edited by E. M. Holbrook, and was started under the excitement of the " Know Nothing " move- ment, about the year 1855-6. The political sentiments advocated were that " Americans must rule America," and that no one should be elected to office that in any way held allegiance to a foreign power, king or potentate. After a few years the excitement passed away and the paper was discontinued.

The Boys' Journal .- This paper was commenced in 1856 by H. R. James, James W. Hopkins and Charles R. Foster, who consolidated two amateur boys' printing establishments and published a daily paper. A short time after they purchased a Guernsey press and started the Weekly Journal. In 1857 Mr. Foster sold his interest to James and Hopkins, who continued the publication of both papers till they pur- chased the St. Lawrence Republican. The weekly was merged into the St. Lawrence Republican, and the " Boys" dropped and "Daily " substituted in the title of the daily paper. This was the first successful daily newspaper published in Ogdensburg, The Ogdensburg Journal, which has from the beginning of the daily been connected with the weekly St. Lawrence Republican.

The Advance .- This paper was started in March, 1861, by James W. Hopkins, who ran a daily in connection with the weekly paper for a short time only. The Weekly Advance passed into the hands of the Democracy, when Mr. O'Brien and A. S. Partridge took the papers and continued their publication, changing the weekly to The St. Lawrence Weekly Democrat. In May, 1863, Mr. O'Brien was suc- ceeded by E. M. Holbrook, and the paper continued until October, 1864, when it was purchased by Ransom Skeels, who discontinued the daily and reduced the size of the weekly. In April, 1867, Mr. J. Hynes purchased the paper, refurnished it with new presses and type, enlarged and otherwise improved it and increased its circulation. In May, 1877, Mr. G. F. Darrow, the present owner, purchased the establishment and soon changed it to an eight-page paper, which is now one of the most complete county papers in the State. Recently a

370

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

commodious press room has been added to the establishment, furnished with steam power, several large presses and all necessary machines for turning out job work on a large scale, such as shearing, folding, etc. It is one of the largest and most complete printing houses in Northern New York.

The Monitor .- This was a weekly paper, started by Gardiner B. Chapin in 1869, Republican in sentiment, but representing a faction of that party only. It was said that Roscoe Conklin furnished the capi- tal to start with. The paper had a small circulation and after some two years it was discontinued.

The Critic .- This paper was started in 1878 by J. H. Nicholson, be- ing independent in politics, and issued semi-weekly. He also issued a daily for a short time. His office was burned twice within two years, and through financial embarrassment it was discontinued, and the stock sold out.

The Signal .- This was started in the spring of 1883, by Rev. N. Klock. It was commenced as an independent paper, published weekly at $1.00 per year. In the presidential campaign of 1884, the paper ad- vocated the temperance movement, but shortly after favored the Republican side of politics. In the fourth year the subscription list was sold to a Gouverneur paper, when the Signal was discontinued.

The News .- This paper was commenced in the fall of 1883, by Z. B. and H. C. Buckman, issued twice a week, and started out as an inde- pendent, and has so continued up to the last presidential election, when its influence was given in favor of Harrison. In the winter of 1890, the two issues were separated in name, the one retaining the original name (The News) and the other The Star. The two papers and presses were sold July 1, 1890, to Capt. Henry Holland, who changed one to a daily paper on February 2, 1891, and the other to the Saturday News once a week. On September 7, 1893, the papers were sold to the Og- densburg News Company, Mr. Holland as mannager.

The Courier .- A Catholic weekly paper was commenced to be pub- lished April 13, 1889; Father Conroy, editor, and Henry Holland, mannager. The paper was sold to a stock company on September I, 1892. On December 1, 1893, the concern was leased to John McCor- mic, who now continues its publication.

Henry Holland.

371

THE TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE.

Schools .- The first school taught in Ogdensburg, apart from private instructions, was held in the old French barracks about 1807, or after Mr. Ford vacated the place ; Henry Plumb, being one of the six or eight scholars who attended the school. On account of the impending trouble, the barracks was required for the use of the soldiers, and the school was therefore opened on the east side of the Oswegatchie in 1809, in what was known as "Capt. Cherry's bivouac." The number of pupils soon increased beyond the capacity of the place and a private house was used up to the first year of the war only. On the return of peace (in 1815) a school was again opened in a private building. In about 1817 a plain two story school house was built on the east corner lot of Green and Water streets (now Crescent), which served the whole village for a number of years. In 1825 the population had so increased that a stone school house was erected on the Corner of Knox and Caroline streets. In 1837 a house was rented on Main street, and three school districts were erected, two on the east side and on the west side of the Oswe- gatchie. As the population further increased school houses were built as follows : No. I, built of brick, on Franklin street, in 1850; No. 2, of brick, on Washington street, in 1854; No. 3, of brick, on Park street, in 1853 ; No. 4, of stone, on Ford avenue, second ward, 1856; No. 5, of brick, in the east part of the village; No. 6, of stone, on Lafayette street, in 1864; No. 7, of brick, on Barre street, in 1870; also No. 8, on the corner of Ford avenue and Pine street, the same year. The last two are two stories high, and two school rooms in each story. No. 9, of wood on Knox street, on the engine house lot, that was purchased in 1847; the house was erected in 1865 and remodeled in about 1889. The Grammar school building was erected of brick on Washington street about 1877 ; the Free Academy, of brick, originally the town hall, was remodeled in 1879.

The old academy was erected of stone on State street in 1834, built at an expense of $4,000, half of which was subscribed by the citizens of the village, and the balance raised by tax on the town under certain conditions, allowing credit on the tuition of any scholar from the districts of the town to the amount of the interest, on tax of said district. A portion of the building was used for town purposes. The building was burned a number of years later.

372

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

An act in relation to schools and academies in the village of Ogdens- burg, passed April 13, 1857, consolidated in a school district a'l the terri- tory comprised within the corporate limits of the village of Ogdensburg ; also those parts of school districts Nos. I and 21, of the town of Oswe- gatchie, lying without the said corporate limits. The schools so organ- ized into one school district were made subject to the control of a Board of Education, to consist of nine members, to be elected at the annual election of the village, for a term of three years each, three to be elected each year thereafter, and to serve without compensation. According to subsequent laws, the Board of Education " shall before the first day of May, in each year thereafter, determine and certify to the said village trustees, the amount of money required, over and above all other funds on hand applicable to that purpose, required for teacher's wages, and other necessary expenses for the year to come, for the maintenance of such schools ; and the trustees shall cause to be assessed the said sums so certified to on the taxable property and corporations within the said district, etc. The common schools hereafter to be kept and maintained in the district, shall be free to all the inhabitants of the same over four years of age. This act shall also apply to the city corporation the same as it did to the village." :

The quarter ending November 23, 1893, there were forty teachers employed, exclusive of the superintendent, and the salaries paid were $37,150. The ordinary running expenses, exclusive of fuel, was $515.

The number of children of school age on August 20, 1892, was 4,225. The number of children of school age who attended school part of the year was 1,752. The average daily attendance of children of school age was 1, 185. The number attending parochial schools was 800. The number of students holding the Regents' preliminary certificates was 135 ; of students in the academy, by courses, was : Classical diplomas . 16, English diplomas 17, academic diplomas 42. The number of post- graduate students, taking classical diplomas 42, academic diplomas 10.

RECEIPTS FOR THE ACADEMY.

Tuitions paid by those residing outside of corporation. $ 905.47 From Literature Fund. 432.23

From U. S. Deposit Fund .. 451.00

From Public School Fund. 776.00

373

THE TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE.

The Ogdensburg Club was organized and incorporated March 5, 1889. It is under the management of nine directors, one-third being elected at each annual meeting, which occurs on the first Wednesday of April. A president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer are elected from the board of managers. All business men within the city are eligible to membership. The entrance fee is $25, dues $1 per month. Honorary members within a radius of twelve miles, may become such (if elected) by paying an entrance fee, without dues. In the spring of 1892 the consti- tution was revised, limiting the membership to 100, and the dues were raised to $20 per year. A lot on State street was purchased and a two- story club house erected at a cost, including lot, building, furniture, etc., of $15,000. The basement is fitted up for the use of a janitor and his family. The first story has a large hall, a reading room, a drawing room and a billiard room. The second story contains a banquet hall, a gymnasium room and several smaller rooms for cards or games. A portion of the money to erect the building was raised on bonds secured by the property. The income from the billiard room and cigar stand, together with the dues, is expected to pay the running expenses, the interest on the bonds, and to liquidate the indebtedness within ten years.

Gas and Electric Light .- The Ogdensburg Gas Company was organ- ized in August, 1854, with a capital of $75,000, in shares of $50. The works were erected in the Second ward near Lake street, between King street and St. Lawrence avenue, in the summer of 1855. In 1875 the capital stock was increased to $100,000, the works enlarged and a sec- ond gasometer built on Market triangular square in the First ward. This branch of the works was abandoned a few years later, owing to kerosene oil coming into general use.

The Electric Light Company was formed in connection with the gas company in the summer of 1887. A thirty-five horse power engine was set up in the gas house, to drive the dynamo, on March 24, 1888, when a few street lights and grocery stores and hotels were lighted. The plant was enlarged by a stone building, 37 by 75 feet, a 150 horse power steam engine and boiler set up, and two full-arc dynamos added, which were started up March 5, 1889. Arrangements were made to add incandescent light, but as yet it has not been put in operation. On the early morning of December 16, 1893, the escaping gas in the puri-

374

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

fying room took fire and blowed up. About half of the stone building, together with a brick annex, were thrown down level with the ground, a mass of ruins, fatally injuring two men.

Banking-Previous to 1825 the circulating medium in St. Law- rence county consisted largely of Canadian issues, from which losses were constantly ensuing. This state of affairs led the supervisors of the county to pass a resolution setting forth the claims of Northern New York to the corporate privileges and benefits of bank issue.

On April 30, 1829, the Ogdensburg Bank was incorporated, for thirty years ; capital $100,000, in 2,000 shares. It went into operation soon after upon the safety fund principle, being the only one of that descrip- tion ever organized in the county. On December 31, 1858, it discon- tinued business ; the Oswegatchie Bank assumed its obligations.

On October 9, 1838, the St. Lawrence Bank was organized under the laws of the State, to continue 100 years; capital $100,000 in 1,000 shares, to be managed by twenty-one directors. It began to issue bills January 1, 1839. In the third year it became insolvent and its affairs were closed up.

Several banks were in operation in Ogdensburg at different periods from 1838 to 1850, mostly under the management of New York parties. Among them were the Drovers' Bank and the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank. They were banks of issue and their obligations were usually paid.

On June 13, 1853, the Judson Bank was organized under the general banking laws of the State. About June 1, 1866, a copartnership was formed under the name and style of " Judson Bank," when the business was changed to that of a private institution. Under this change John D. Judson was made president, Daniel Judson cashier. At the death of the latter in 1873, James C. Armstrong was made cashier, and in 1875 William Armstrong was made vice-president. That year David C. Judson, sr., died. He having been a guiding star of the institution, his death proved a great loss. E. N. Merriam was soon afterward made cashier of the bank, but could not keep the credit up to its former standing. January 1, 1878, its doors were closed and the institution declared insolvent, by which many of the depositors lost their money.

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375

THE TOWN OF OSWEGATCHIE.

On November 19, 1854, the Oswegatchie Bank was chartered and went into operation. The first officers were A. Chapman, president ; J. G. Averell, vice-president ; and E. N. Merriam, cashier. On June II, 1866, it was changed to a private banking firm, under the name of Averell & Chapman. On December 1, 1875, James S. Bean became associated with the firm, and the name was changed to Averell, Chap- man & Bean. On January 15, 1879, the institution was chartered under the name of "Ogdensburg Bank," with a capital of $100,000. The officers were James G. Averell, president; James S. Bean, vice-presi- dent ; W. H. Averell, cashier, in place of E. N. Merriam resigned. At the death of Mr. Bean, in 1883, Wm. J. Averell was made vice presi- dent. On January 15, 1888, H. A. Egert was made cashier, and at his death, January 15, 1887, Samuel W. Leonard acted as assistant cashier, and was chosen cashier January 1, 1889, which place he has since con- tinued to fill. The bank, for the past forty years, has been one of the solid institutions of the place, having a good working capital, and carries a line of deposits of about $400,000.

In 1874 C G. Egert & Co. opened a banking house on Ford street, in Ogdensburg, with a capital of $50,000. After doing business for about three years it closed up its affairs.

On June 1, 1880, the First National Bank of Ogdensburg was organized, under the banking laws, with a capital of $100,000, and commenced to issue its currency. The officers were James R. Bill, president; Sidney Brown, vice-president; E. N. Merriam, cashier. The directors were J. R. Bill, S. Brown, A. B. James, E. N. Merriam, Chas. Ashley, Chas. G. Egert, John Hannan, Chas. G. Myers, D. N. Crouse, John Thorn, H. A. Chapman, L. G. Proctor and E. S. Crapser. The officers of 1893 are J. R. Bill, president ; J. M. Kellogg, vice-president ; and R. J. Donahue, cashier, who was appointed shortly after E. N. Merriam's death, which occurred in April, 1893. The present directors, including the president, are Wm. L. Proctor, J. H. Brownlow, John Hannan, Geo. F. Darrow, E. A. Newell, H. B. Howard and H. D. Northrup. This bank has a good working capital, has the confidence of the people, and carries a line of deposits of nearly $300,000.

Manufactures .- For a number of years after the settlement began at this place, the water power was principally used to manufacture lumber

376

HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

for a foreign market. After the Oswego Canal was opened the industry was greatly stimulated, and the best of the timber in the surrounding country was cut off. Since that time two saw mills have been kept in use in cutting the leavings and second growth for home consumption. After the opening of the Northern Railroad, a large share of the timber handled in the New England States passed through Ogdensburg, besides considerable quantities exported south over the two railway lines, the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg, and the Utica & Black River. This point, situated at the foot of lake navigation, and at the terminus of several important lines of railway, affords extraordinary facilities for handling this important product, obtained from Canada and Michigan. Companies, with large amounts of capital, have been organized for that purpose, of one of which Wm. L. Proctor is now manager, which is doing a large business in both rough and dressed lumber, having erected steam planing mills for the latter purpose. J. Hannan & Co. are also doing an extensive business at present in that same line.

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Our county and its people : a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York, Part 34

Author: Curtis, Gates Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1328

Author: Curtis, Gates
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1328