Our county and its people : a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York, Part 94

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 94
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > Our county and its people: a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York > Part 94

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).

Smith, James, Madrid, was born in County Manahan, Ireland, May 1, 1840, and was only fourteen years of age when he took up his residence in this country, landing in New York in July, 1854. In August of that year he came to Madrid, and began an apprenticeship at shoemaking with Smith & McCall. He was with his cousin, Captain Smith, until 1857, when he went to Potsdam and was employed with Clark, Walker & Co., and afterward with Zenas Clark, and later with Theo. Clark and N. S. Elderkin. In 1860 he returned to Madrid where he was employed by Henry McCall until 1868. That year he established the manufacture of boots and shoes, and the same year put in a stock of ready-made goods. During the years of Mr. Smith's venture for himself he usually employed two or three men besides himself. He is now located on the west side of Main street. His stock is composed of the finest as well as the most serviceable of goods. Mr. Smith has always taken an active interest in politics and was a support- er of the Republican party until 1872, when he joined the liberal Democrats. In 1893 he was elected excise commissioner. He is a member of St. John the Baptist church, of which he has at various times been a trustee. He married, May 13, 1875, Dora, daughter of Ruther Hargrave of Waddington.

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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

Simmons, Philander, Potsdam, was born on a farm in Potsdam, November 24, 1832. Stillman Simmons, the father of our subject, was a native of Vermont, born in Wood- stock, August 16, 1800. He was reared in his native State and learned the shoemaker's trade. About 1825 he emigrated to St. Lawrence county, living one season at Morley. He then came to Potsdam and located at Yaleville, where he followed his trade for a few years, and then engaged in farming, which he followed a short time, when he re- sumed his trade. He died in July, 1877. He married in Vermont, Sophronia Walker, a native of Bridgewater, Vt., and they had ten children, three now living: Mrs. Fidelia Harris of Potsdam; Volney, working in lumber mills at Antigo, Langlade county, Wis .; and Philander. Mrs. Simmons is still living at ninety-two years of age. The whole life of our subject has been spent in this town. He was educated in the common schools and when of age he learned the shoemaker's trade. About thirty years ago Mr. Simmons engaged in the mercantile business in West Potsdam, where he has ever since conducted a store. Under Lincoln's administration Mr. Simmons was appointed postmaster, and held the office of constable two years, also justice of the peace eight years. He married in 1857, Margaret, daughter of William Benson, a native of Eng- land, whose daughter was born in Norfolk. Mr. Simmons has one son and a daughter : Frank Leslie, a partner in the store; and Clara L., wife of William Wilcox, a farmer of Potsdam, His beautiful residence was erected by him in 1882, after the old home- stead was burned. Frank L. is a cheesemaker by trade, but is now in partnership with his father. He is justice of the peace of West Potsdam.

Skinner, Rev. W. F., Gouverneur, was born in Kingsbridge, N. Y., April 13, 1856. He received his college education at the State University of Iowa, and his theological education at Princeton Seminary. He graduated from college in 1881, and was or- dained in 1887. In this year he came to Gouverneur as pastor of the First Presby- terian church, and since he took charge the congregation has built a magnificent church on Main street of the village. Mr. Skinner's father, Cortland Skinner, was a farmer. His mother was Rhoda (Sherman) Skinner.

Shaw, Eli M., Stockholm, was born in Williston, Vt., June 7, 1838, a son of Hon. Daniel Shaw of that town, born in 1811. He was educated in the schools of Williston, and engaged as clerk at sixteen years of age. After four years he went to Enosburg Centre, Vt., and engaged in the mercantile business four years. In 1846 he came to Stockholm and engaged in farming for three years, and then acted as clerk for Curtis Holmes at Stockholm Centre. After two years he came to Stockholm Depot, and had charge of the Union store for two years, when he and J. W. Sterns bought out the store and continued until 1865. They then sold to our subject and Frank Hulburd, who, the next year, closed out the stock to H. M. Hubbard. In February, 1866, Daniel Shaw, J. W. Sterns and E. M. Shaw formed the new company of Shaw, Sterns & Co., and were in business for three years when Mr. Sterns died and his wife took his place until 1873. The stock was then sold to O. P. and S. H. Sterns, and then Daniel and and his two sons, Eli M. and John B. Shaw, engaged in business in the building now occupied by E. M. Shaw. Daniel Shaw, the father, died in 1884, John B. died in 1875, and E. M. Shaw has since carried on the business alone. Daniel Shaw

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was twice married, first in 1836 to Sarah Murray of Williston, Vt., by whom he had one son, our subject. Mrs. Shaw died in 1838, and he married, second, Eunice B. Bar- num, a distant relative of P. T. Barnum, and they had one son and two daughters. Mrs. Shaw died in 1888. Mr. Shaw was a Democrat in early life, but later was a Republican. He was supervisor for a number of years, justice of the peace for about twelve years and collector for one year. He represented St. Lawrence county in the Assembly in 1866, served two years and was re-elected. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. at Stockholm Depot. Eli M. was eight years old when he came to Stockholm with his parents. He was educated in the common schools of the town, and engaged in the mercantile business as mentioned above, having first served as clerk. He is now the oldest merchant in Stockholm. Mr. Shaw has been twice married, first to Abbie Eldridge, a native of Brasher, by whom he had one son, John E. Mrs. Shaw died in April, 1884, and in 1885 he married Florence Wheeler of Madrid. Mr. Shaw is a Republican, and was clerk in the postoffice during the Buchanan administration. In 1866 he was appointed assistant postmaster under J. W. Sterns, and held that position until the death of Mr. Sterns, when he became postmaster until 1874, and then his father held the office until his death and our subject was assistant. Mr. Shaw was then appointed postmaster and held until Cleveland's administration, when he again became assistant under H. H. Mullarney, and at the close of his administration Mr. Shaw was appointed postmaster and has since held that office.

Selleck, Truman M., Stockholm, was born in Parishville. June 18, 1836. He is a son of Josiah Selleck, a native of Vermont, who came to Parishville when a young man. He drove the stage route from Parishville to Ogdensburg and to Plattsburg, for a Mr. Thompson for sixteen years. Mr. Selleck married Sophia Hogle, by whom he had two sons and two daughters. He resided in Parishville, and then went to Brandon, where he lived about twenty-three years, and then went to Chateaugay, Franklin county, and there spent the remainder of his days. He was killed by a horse in May, 1891, and his wife died September 3, 1877. Truman M. Selleck was reared in Parishville and educated in the common schools. He married Ellen Berdrow, December 11, 1861. She was a daughter of Francis Berdrow and Adalaide Love of Canada. Mr. Selleck and wife have had eight children : Herbert F., Fred L., Hattie E. (deceased), Lottie S., George J., Albert H., Warren W., and Emma E. Mr. Selleck has always followed farming, and except three years in Franklin county. has always resided in St. Lawrence county. He purchased the farm he now owns of 138 acres in 1888, and follows general farming and dairying. He is a Republican and member of the G. A. R, No. 421, Capt. Gibson Post, Bick- nellville; also a member of P. of H. No. 638 of Winthrop. Mr. Selleck enlisted in the 11th N. Y. Cavalry, Co. M, August 28, 1862, and was discharged June 12, 1865, at Memphis, Tenn. Mrs. Selleck is a member of the First Congregational church at Winthrop.

Stephens, David, Ogdensburg, was born in Ontario, Canada, December 14, 1843. His parents moved to St. Lawrence county when he was eleven years of age. They settled

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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

at Black Lake'and engaged in farming. David when seventeen years of age began learn- ing the painting industry, and prior to becoming a member of the firm of Bowen & Stephens, was in the employ of Mr. Bowen twenty-three years. David Stephens mar- ried in 1871, Emily Jane Collins of Black Lake, and they have a son and one daughter. Mr. Stephens is a Knight Templar Mason, a deacon in the Congregational church, and one of Ogdensburg's most highly regarded and substantial citizens. The firm of Bowen & Stephens of which he is a member, is the leading one engaged in this brancli of in- dustry in St. Lawrence county, and has executed most all of the fine work done in Ogdensburg and vicinity. They furnish employment to a considerable force of work- men.

Spencer, Capt. James M., Gouverneur, was born in Gouverneur, Jannary 23, 1845. He studied with Dr. A. J. Wade and graduated D. D. S. in 1872 in the Philadelphia Dental College. Captain Spencer is one of the best known veterans of the war in St. Lawrence county, and has a record as one of the bravest. In 1861 he enlisted in 16th New York Infantry, and subsequently became captain of Co. H, 20th New York Cavalry, which gained renown for its fighting qualities. Captain Spencer is a member of the G. A. R., is a Mason of high degree, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery, and is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

Smead, Oscar H., Madrid, was born in Lawrenceville, December 4, 1826. His father, Walter, was a native of Vermont, born June 1, 1801, and came to this country when a young man just after his marriage, and with a very small start. He brought all his goods and his wife on a pair of bob-sleds from his native State, and took up a tract of land in the town of Lawrence, becoming one of the prominent farmers of that town, of which he was a great many years justice of the peace. He married in Vermont, December 21, 1825, Mary M. Osgood, and they had four sons: Nelson of Washington ; Darwin D. of Leeds, Dakota; David M., a carpenter of Madrid; and Oscar, the oldest son and our subject. Walter Smead died December 22, 1874, and his wife October 31, 1872. The early life of Oscar was spent in the town of his birth. He was educated in the common schools and remained on the old homestead farm until about thirty-two years of age. In 1858 he, with his parents, moved into Potsdam, where they remained but a year. In 1859 Mr. Smead bought a farm of 144 acres, where they spent the bal- ance of their days. Madrid Springs twenty years ago was very popular, but a lack of development has weakened their use. In 1887 Mr. Smead bought the forty acre farm on which the springs were located, and here he died January 20, 1892. Mr. Smead was always interested in church work and was connected with the Baptist society. He mar- ried in 1885, Maggie, daughter of John White, a farmer of Lisbon, who still survives him.

Tracy, Family, Massena. Samuel Tracy was born January 30, 1789, in Windham, Conn. He came to Oswego, N. Y., in 1815, and a year later to Massena, where he bought seventy-three acres of land. He then returned to Connecticut and brought his wife and three children, traveling with a span of horses and wagon, which latter was said to be the only one in the town at the time. He was a successful farmer and to his original purchase he added 300 acres. Mr. Tracy married Theda, daughter of Levi and

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Lydia Snow of Becket, Mass. She was born December 3, 1788. Their children werc : Eunice C., Eliza, Sybel, Diah, Lydia L., Samuel, Kingsley, Daniel, Edward and Flavia C. Daniel was born October 3, 1824, in Massena, was educated at Potsdam and Ogdensburg, and taught school for several years. After this he removed to Boston and entered the wholesale milk trade, remaining there about four years. From there he went to Australia in search of a fortune in the gold fields of the country, remaining eighteen years, and was successful in the mining business but lost the most of his money in other business enterprises. He returned to his native town in 1870. He then en- gaged in farming on the old homestead, and remained there till his death, June 6, 1892. He was supervisor of Massena in 1880-81, in politics was a Republican, and was deacon of the Congregational church at the time of his death. He married Eleanor, daughter of James and Mary (Doran) Carton of this town. Mrs. Tracy is still living on the old homestead.

Tracey, James D., Canton, was born in Cornwall, Ont., January 29, 1834, and came to Potsdam at the age of sixteen, where he entered a printing office and completed his apprenticeship, after which he went to Canton and for a brief period published the St. Lawrence Democrat. He subsequently worked in various printing offices in New York and other States, and was one time foreman of the Chicago Republican, now the Chicago Inter- Ocean. In 1873 he established the Commercial Advertiser at Norwood, and in 1877 removed the office to Canton, where he has since conducted it. Charles E. Hall was associated with him from 1873 to 1886. In 1871 Mr. Tracey married Lida Conrad of Berlin, Pa. The father of James D. was James Tracey, also a native of Canada, who married Catharine Smith of Cornwall, Ont., in 1830. Mr. Tracey is a member of the Episcopal church, of which he is also vestryman, and is one of the man- agers of the St. Lawrence State Hospital located at Point Airy.

Tate, Thomas B., Ogdensburg, was born in England in 1814, and came to this coun- try when three years of age with his father, Robert Tate, C. E. Robert Tate purchased a farm in Madrid, on which he lived some years, although he followed his profession. He afterwards located permanently in Lisbon. Thomas B. received his education in schools of Madrid and Ogdensburg High School, and studied civil engineering with his father. When a young man he bought an interest in an iron mine in Hermon, which he conducted eight years in company with others, manufacturing bar iron. He ran the first line of railroad through Canada, called the St. Lawrence and Lake Huron railroad. He also constructed the Brighton and Marman line in 1854, was chief engineer of the railroad from Potsdam Junction to Potsdam, of the railroad from Tardins Junction to Ogdensburg, and many others. In 1834 he raised a uniformed company of light artil- lery, of which he was elected captain by the company and commissioned by Gov. W. L. Marcy. He was major one year and two years lieutenant-colonel of the 153d N. Y. Regiment, 49th Brigade, 29th Division, Infantry. He was president of the court- martial of the 153d Regiment when only twenty-two years of age. His company was first known as the Grass River Company and was organized May 22, 1834. His com- mission of lieutenant-colonel is signed by Gov. William H. Seward. Colonel Tate has been twice married, and has two children by his first wife. He is a most profound civil

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HISTORY OF ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY.

engineer, a brilliant mathematician, and a gentleman of unbounded energy and perse- verance, whose skill, ingenuity and thoroughness will long be remembered in this vicinity, where he has so long lived, esteemed and respected by all.

Thompson, John S., Stockholm, was born in Pittstown, Rensselaer county, May 28, 1821. His father was Anthony Thompson, son of Samnel Thompson. The latter was many years a resident of Dutchess county, but spent his last days in Rensselaer county. His wife was Rebecca Thompson, by whom he had eight children. Anthony Thompson was born in Dutchess county in 1792. He was tlirice married, first to Miss Warren, second to Sallie Lampson, born in 1800, died in 1833, by whom he had two children : John S., and Esther, born in 1819. The third wife of Mr. Thompson was Mrs. Bicknell of Stockholm. In 1821 Mr. Thompson came to Stockholm, and settled on a farm now owned by Elisha Bradley. Here he lived eight years, and then took up the farm now owned by subject, where he lived until his death in 1880. Mr. Thompson was early in life a Whig, but afterwards a Republican. He held the office of justice of the peace and assessor a number of years. Esther, daughter of Anthony Thompson, was twice married, first to Philander Sarvin, by whom she had two children ; and second to A. H. Andrews, by whom she has one son, Charles. John S. Thompson was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools and St. Lawrence Academy at Potsdam. . He is a general farmer and dairyman, owns 450 acres of land and keeps thirty-five cows. He has been salesman for the Riverside butter factory since its organization. In 1851 Mr. Thompson married Eliza M. Welch, a native of Rensselaer county, born in 1828. She is a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Welch, he of Vermont and she of Rensselaer county. Mr. Welch died in Rensselaer county, and Mrs. Welch in Stockholm in 1876. They had three children, of whom only Mrs. Thompson survives. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are : Howard E., who married Gertrude, daughter of J. W. Culver of Bicknellville, is practicing law at White Sulphur Springs, Montana, has one daugh- ter, Jeane. Florence E. married David McCharles and resides at Tustin City, Cal. They have one son, Carl, and a daughter, Edith C., who married James McNaughton, a journalist of Manistique, Mich., and has one son, John E. Mr. Thompson is a Republi- can, and has been supervisor of the town two years and justice of the peace two terms. He is a member of P. of H. Potsdam Lodge No. 39.

Tallman, William H., Canton, one of the trustees of the First Presbyterian church, was born in Oswegatchie, a son of John E. Tallman, a native of Troy, who settled in this county in 1820. William H. came to Canton in 1876, and settled on the farm where he now lives. His great uncle was Major-General John E. Wool, who ranked next to General Scott in the Rebellion. John E. Tallman married Elizabeth Rose- grant, a native of Herkimer. She was a niece of General Herkimer, also of General Rosegrant. William H. Tallinan married Margaret Doran, a native of this county, and daughter of Jacob I. Doran of Morristown. They have nine children : Charles F. is a hardware man. He learned the trade with R. H. Sackrider of this place, then formed a partnership with Spohnenberg & Sterling of Watertown, also with E. F. Tupper. He was for five years of the firm of Tallman & Howe of this place. Jacob I. graduated at the St. Lawrence University and commenced teaching, read

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law with Nelson Robinson, then with Beck & Botsford of Plattsburg. William J. was educated a Canton Union School and Eastman's Business College of Pough- keepsie. Frederick T., who was also educated at Canton Union School, is at home. Harriet E. married Carlos Gulley of the firm of Conkey & Gulley. Hannah M. married Merton H. Farmer of Canton. Fanny M. married Frank E. Everett of Potsdam. Ida Elnora is at home. Katie May is attending the St. Lawrence Uni- versity.

Tait, G. P., Gouverneur, was born in Rossie, March 9, 1839, and has been in the dry goods business since seventeen years of age. In 1858 he came to Gouverneur, and now has one of the largest establishments of the place. In 1864 he married Lucre- tia Barnes, and they had three children : Mrs. J. O. Sheldon of Gouverneur, Mildred and E. D. Tait, who has been a partner with his father since 1890. His first wife died in 1887, and in 1889 Mr. Tait married Helen Mosher. He is a member of the Presby- terian church, and one of the leading men of Gouverneur. He enlisted in July, 1862, in Co. B, 142d Regiment, N. Y. Vol., was elected first lieutenant and served with the company until he was taken with a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism which compelled him to resign his commission.

Taitt, James D., Gouverneur, was born in Rossie, August 5, 1848. His father, James Taitt, was a farmer, and James D. worked on the farm until twenty-one years of age. He was then for two years a colporteur for the Presbyterian Church, after which he entered mercantile business in Stanley, and afterward at Spencer, Mass. He also spent some years out west, being located in Cherokee county, Ia., where he was quite active in politics. Two years ago he came to Gouverneur. In 1874 he married Mary E. Bryant, of Paxton, Mass. He is superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday - school, and an elder in the church. In 1819, John Tait the projenitor of this family, came from Scotland, but the family date their lineage back to one Normand Tait, of of the twelfth century.

Timerman, M. W., Hammond, was born in Orleans, Jefferson county, September 14, 1853, and has followed farming most of his life. In 1879 he married Lizzie W. Cooper, of Theresa. Mr. Timerman has always taken an active part in politics on the Democratic side, and May 22, 1893, he was appointed deputy collector and inspector of customs at Oak Point. He is a member of the Foresters and was past chief ranger two years. His father was William H. Timerman, of Jefferson county. The family is of Mohawk Dutch descent.

Thompson, Robert, Waddington, was born at Brockville, Canada, March 8, 1845. His father, John Thompson, was born in Paisley, Scotland, of Irish parents. In 1833 he emigrated to Brockville, Canada, and in 1846 removed to Dundas county, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was by occupation a farmer. He married in Brockville in 1841, Mary Ross, of Highland Scotch parentage, and they had ten sons, nine of whom are now living: John, George, Edward, Sidney and James, farmers in Dundas county, Canada; Hugh, who resides in Princeton, Cal., and David and William, general merchants in Black River Falls, Wis. John Thompson, father of Robert, died in 1881. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a common school education.

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Beginning at sixteen years of age as a clerk, he in early life gained a good knowledge of his business. He was at one time clerk for Morris Rosendorff, also Lord & Taylor, of New York. In 1869 he went to California, where he remained one year, afterward coming to Waddington, where he engaged as salesman with the late Robert Dezell, April 1, 1870, and after six months as salesman was admitted as a partner, the firm name being Dezell & Thompson, and continued until the death of Robert Dezell in 1874. At this time Mr. Thompson engaged in business by himself, his trade having grown until he now occupies a two-story building eighty-six feet deep, carrying a stock of about $20,000. In 1890 he became proprietor of the Clark House, and his reputation for hotel keeping has grown rapidly. A Republican in politics, he has served as village president three years and justice of the peace eleven years, being re-elected in 1893. He has also been notary public for a number of years, and a warm friend of the soldiers, assisting many of them in receiving pensions. Mr. Thompson married Charlotte J. Parlow, daughter of James and Ann Parlow, of Waddington, in September, 1873, and they have two sons, Raymond W., a graduate of Union Free School, of Waddington, class of '93, and Ross H., both of whom assist their father in his business. Mrs. Thomp- son died October 18, 1881.

Tuck, Andrew, Lisbon, was born in Lisbon, November 9, 1833. He was educated at the public schools, and has been engaged in farming all his life. In 1865 he married Maria Lynch, and they have five children : Andrew E., Charles H., William F., John B., and Mary Agnes, wife of Mr. Lucy, a lawyer, of Ogdensburg. Mr. Tuck is promi- nent in Lisbon in every way, was supervisor of the town for years and held a seat in the Assembly in 1885 and '86, and was loan commissioner from 1882 to 1893. His father was John Tuck, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1832.

Taylor, P. R., Hammond, was born in Granville, Quebec, December 25, 1832. At three weeks of age he came to Hammond. His father was John Taylor, and his mother Helen (Smith) Taylor. July 8, 1858, he married Janet B., daughter of Andrew Shiell, and they have five children: Helen Smith, Henry P., George R., Mary C., and Lotta B. Mr. Taylor was a trustee of the Presbyterian church for twenty-six years.

Usher, Luke, Potsdam, was born in Herkimer county, April 22, 1830, a son of Bloomfield Usher, a manufacturer of Herkimer. Luke was the youngest of nine chil- dren, and was educated at Little Falls Academy. His first position was as civil engineer on the enlargement of the Erie canal. In 1851 he came to Potsdam where he became the cashier of the old Frontier Bank and continued as such until in 1866, when that in- stitution was succeeded by the National Bank of Potsdam, and he became its cashier. January, 1890, he was elected president by the board of directors, a position which he now holds. During all this time he has been prominent in forming the policy of the bank and in the general management of its business. He is a manufacturer as well as a banker, being the head of the Potsdam Lumber Company, located at Hewittville, in connection with which he owns large interests in the forest lands of the Adirondacks. He married in 1856, Hannah E. Small of Little Falls, and they have three children : Frank L., superintendent of the lumber company ; Mrs. N. R., wife of Lieut. N. R. Usher of the U. S. N .; and Miss Susan S. Usher.

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Our county and its people : a memorial record of St. Lawrence County, New York, Part 94

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