USA > New York > Onondaga County > Syracuse > Syracuse and Onondaga County, New York : pictorial and biographical > Part 16
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In 1847 Jacob Amos, Sr., wedded Mary Ann Kipplen, a native of Alsace, Germany, who was born in 1824 and was a daughter of Sebastian Kipplen. The year following his marriage he began the operation of a mill at James- ville, continuing there until 1852, after which he conducted a mill at Dewitt, manufacturing flour, split peas and farina. He was thus engaged until the period of the Civil war, during which time the mill was burned. Again taking up his abode in Syracuse, he purchased three stores in the Raynor block and once more engaged in the milling business, which proved profitable, so that he enlarged his plant to double the original size. He carried on mill- ing operations until 1877 and during that period purchased property and erected a mill at Baldwinsville, New York, where he also conducted an exten- sive business. The Amos mill in Syracuse and the one in Baldwinsville were the largest in the county and Mr. Amos was numbered among the most suc- cessful men of the city. Although he started out in life empty handed, strict integrity, unfaltering persistency of purpose and unwearied industry gained him notable prosperity and won for him a host of friends. He remained one
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Jacob Amos
of the prominent and honored residents of Syracuse up to the time of his death, which occurred April 26, 1883.
Jacob Amos, whose name introduces this record, was the third in a fam- ily of seven children and acquired a public-school education in Syracuse but put aside his text-books at an early age to assume the management of his father's flour mill at Baldwinsville. It was his intention to leave school only temporarily but he became so interested in and imbued with the spirit of business that he set about to master every detail of the milling industry and under his guidance the business developed and prospered. He later became owner of the famous Amos mill in Syracuse in connection with his brother C. L. Amos upon the death of their father in 1883 and continued as the most prominent representative of milling interests in this part of the state for a number of years. Eventually, however, Mr. Amos sold his mills to the Standard Milling Company of New York. His business interests are large and varied and he is financially connected with many enterprises and is one of the best and most favorably known of captains of industry in Syracuse. He is vice president of the Third National Bank, a director in the Commercial National Bank and a trustee in the Syracuse Savings Bank, so that he figures prominently in financial circles. He is likewise president of the Paragon Plaster Company, a gigantic concern; vice president and treasurer of the Louisiana Improvement Company of New Orleans; president of the St. Lawrence Trolley & Electric Light Company; vice president and director of the New York Brick & Paving Company, of Syracuse; director of the Syracuse Independent Telephone Company; president and director of the Buffalo Auto Station Company; and vice president of the C. L. Amos Coal Company of Syracuse.
While his success alone would entitle him to distinction as one of the representative men of his native city, he is perhaps equally well known because of his excellent service as the city's chief executive. He was elected in 1892, defeating George Penn, and in 1894 was victorious over two candi- dates, Jay B. Kline and Duncan Peck, in a memorable contest. His second election was the expression of popular approval of his former administration. During his tenure of office he was instrumental in securing more public improvements than any previous or subsequent mayor. Nominated against his wishes by those who recognized his splendid business capacity and execu- tive force, when elected he bent his energies to the performance of his official duties with the same thoroughness that characterized his business career. He immediately set to work to secure needed reforms and improvements and more substantial improvements were made duing his term of office than in any other like period. He caused the New York Central to pave the entire length of Washington street, was instrumental in securing the over crossing at West Genesee street of the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and in securing the new
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depot. He established the Gray system of sewerage and during his first administration completed the city hall. He secured the new central rail- road station and turned on the Skaneateles water that now supplies the city. He believed in giving the people full value for the taxes which they paid and his administration won the endorsement of all fair minded citizens of progres- sive public spirit. He is and always has been a stalwart republican but par- tisanship never warped his official service and he commanded the respect of his political opponents as well as those of his own party. Mr. Amos likewise served as commissioner in 1898 from the state of New York to the Trans- Mississippi Exposition at Omaha and was commissioner to the Pan American Exposition at Buffalo from New York state in 1901.
Mr. Amos was married to Miss Florence E. Wells, of Baldwinsville, New York, who died January 28, 1906, leaving a daughter, Christine, who was born in 1883.
Mr. Amos belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and in Masonry has attained the Knight Templar degree. He also affiliates with the Mystic Krewe and is a member of the Century, the Citizens' and the Onondaga Golf and Country Clubs. The marvelous development of Syracuse is due to such men as Mr. Amos, whose indomitable energy and progressive spirit have overcome all obstacles and reached the goal of success. He is one of the strong because one of the best balanced, the most even and self-masterful of men, and has acted so well in his part in both public and private life that Syracuse has been enriched by his example, his character and his labor.
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Michael Ryan
M ICHAEL RYAN, who was one of the best known and most popular citizens of Syracuse, departed this life on the 20th of December, 1895, at the age of fifty- six years. He was born on the old Rust farm or "Rust garden," in what is now known as West Onon- daga street, in March, 1839, and was a young lad when his parents removed to Onondaga Hill, then the county seat, where he spent his youth. His early educational privileges were supplemented by study in Onondaga Academy and when about twenty years of age he came to Syracuse to make his home here and entered the employ of Marsh, Dillaye & Rogers, druggists. His elder brother, John Ryan, had by that time firmly established himself as a very successful undertaker in Syracuse, and Michael Ryan, after working for some time in the drug business and not finding it to his liking, decided to learn the undertaking business. He accordingly entered into that business with his brother and for many years the firm of Ryan Brothers, undertakers, was known all over the state. Both brothers were remarkably successful in business, conducting undertaking parlors on Salina street. In 1873 John Ryan died, after which Michael Ryan formed a partnership with A. K. Hoyt, under the firm style of Ryan & Hoyt. After a partnership of about three years the firm was dissolved and Mr. Ryan continued alone in business on East Jefferson street, near Salina, whence he afterward removed to No. 434 South Salina street, while the business is now located at 514 South Salina street, being now conducted by Charles Ryan, the only son, who was admitted to a partnership by his father, under the firm style of M. Ryan & Son.
Mr. Ryan was not only successful in business as the result of his enter- prise and capable management but was also prominent in public life of the city and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him supervisor of the sixth ward in 1893. He capably served until his death and was deeply mourned by the board. This office was the only public position he ever filled, yet he was always a stalwart champion of every movement for the public good and gave his cooperation to many measures that have proved of benefit in promoting the city's, welfare. His political preference was for the republican party.
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michael Ripan
Mr. Ryan was married to Miss Laura Ward Griffin, who died January 14, 1907, and the children of the family are Irma and Charles Phelps, the latter the father's successor to the business. In his fraternal relations Mr. Ryan was a past master workman and an ex-trustee of Central City Lodge, A. O. U. W. He likewise belonged to the Odd Fellows society and was a member of the Onondaga Historical Society. He held membership in the Presby- terian church, of which Mrs. Ryan was also a member, and he had a very wide acquaintance in this county, where his entire life was passed. While he did not seek to figure prominently in public life or to win public atten- tion in any way, he nevertheless gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, geniality and deference for the opin- ions of others. As the circle of his friends was almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance his death was the occasion of deep and sincere regret throughout Syracuse.
سعدة
سعد
Mrs. Kate M. Cullen
M RS. KATE M. CULLEN, principal of the Townsend school of Syracuse, came with her parents to this this city at the age of six years and has since made her home here. Her education was acquired in the public schools and she was graduated from the high school as the youngest pupil of the class of 1862. Immediately following her graduation she was ap- pointed a teacher in the old No. 12, now the Town- send school, and with the exception of three years has taught continuously since in the same school, of which she has been principal for twenty-three years. She has succeeded in gaining the lasting love and gratitude of the thousands of pupils who have come under her care and instruction to a remarkable degree. She is constantly alert in study- ing out new and advanced methods, and in the work has made continuous progress.
Mrs. Cullen's vacations have been spent in travel in this country and abroad and her letters have been read with deep interest whenever published. She is particularly interested in all that pertains to the advancement of women, especially the public-school teachers and those who are numbered among the world's workers. Her proudest achievement is the assistance which she has given in accomplishing the passage of the teachers' pension law, a law giving the public-school teachers one-third of their salaries on their retirement after a certain period of connection with the schools. She is a broad reader, her library containing hundreds of volumes, many of which are upon history and travel. She is also interested in current events and is a reader of the newspapers and magazines of standard repu- tation for veracity in noting the great questions of the day. Mrs. Cullen belongs to the Professional Woman's League, to the Political Equality Club and to the Women Principals' Association. She is extremely frank and sin- cere, loyal to her friends and regardful of the feelings of all those with whom she comes in contact.
Mrs. Cullen's success is for the most part due to her indomitable energy and perseverance. In anything that she undertakes no effort on her part is too great to carry it to a successful completion. When the Syracuse pension for teachers was under consideration, she worked among the teach- ers to create sentiment in its favor. By writing and personal interviews
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she influenced those upon whom its success depended, until it was finally passed at Albany. Mrs. Cullen has had charge of some of the most success- ful entertainments for the benefit of the pension. Her work in its behalf is disinterested, as she is a woman who by her own efforts and ability will have ample to take care of her when she retires. The teachers and principals, when working for an increase in salary, always sought her counsel. No per- son has ever done more individual and successful work for increase of sal- aries. Mrs. Cullen is optimistic in all her views and a willingness to help in any cause for the advancement of all makes her a force for good among the teachers of Syracuse.
Drought. Fr. morss
Captain Dwight F. Morss
C APTAIN DWIGHT F. MORSS, who, during an active life was regarded as one of the most influ- ential business men of Syracuse, was born in Wind- ham, Greene county, New York, October 7, 1818. His father, Foster Morss, was the first tanner that settled on the west side of the Catskill mountains. He came to this state from Massachusetts in 1802 and passed away in 1835, being survived by eleven of his fourteen children. Of this number only one is now living, Mrs. William H. Richmond, of Scranton. Captain Morss was reared in his parents' home and is indebted to the district-school system of the state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He was captain of a militia company in 1840. In early life he acquainted himself with the tanning trade and in 1850 went to Wayne county, Pennsylvania, where he built a tannery in connection with his half-brother and also founded the town of Leg- edale. After two years, in 1852, he was married to Miss Marion B. Steele, a daughter of Colonel Stephen Steele, a farmer of Windham, New York.
Captain Morss remained in Pennsylvania for several years and in 1860 took up his abode in Williamstown, Oswego county, New York, where he was engaged in the tannery business and in mercantile pursuits, lumbering, milling and farming. He thus became an active factor in the business development of that locality, where he continued to reside until 1873, when he came to Syracuse and soon afterward engaged in the oil business, becoming the senior partner of the firm of Morss, Tuller & Potter, this firm being the predecessor of the pres- ent Syracuse Oil Company. In later years he was engaged in lumbering in Delaware and Sullivan counties and in farming in Oswego county. He was a man of marked enterprise and unwearied industry and could not content him- self without some active occupation or business pursuit. When his own private interests did not claim his attention he willingly gave his time to aiding his friends, of whom there were many, and at his death he was executor of the William Ballister estate of Oswego county. In his own business life, through his careful management, keen foresight and judicious investment, he was successful. His business judgment was seldom at fault and his counsel was valued by his many friends. For many years he was considered a valuable authority on stocks and other investments.
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Captain Dwight F. morss
Captain Morss was married in 1852 to Miss Marion B. Steele, a native of Windham, Greene county, New York, where she was born February 15, 1828, dying at her home in Syracuse January 31, 1906. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian church from the time that they became residents of Syracuse in 1873, and was an earnest, energetic woman of great strength of character, interested in many charities, but devoted to the best good of her family and a helpmeet to her husband. This noble Christian woman was highly respected and much loved by those who knew her. Her seventy-eight years rested lightly upon her, not robbing her of her characteristic cheerful- ness, activity and enthusiasm, neither bringing silver to the dark locks nor dim- ness to the bright eyes. She never grew old and enjoyed extensive travel until overtaken by illness. Captain and Mrs. Morss are survived by a son and three daughters: Arthur B., of Syracuse; Lucy B., Marion S. and Nellie L., the three sisters residing at the old family homestead at No. 607 West Genesee street.
Something of Captain Morss' personal popularity is indicated by the fact that while in Williamstown he was twice elected supervisor by the unanimous vote of both parties. He was never an office seeker, however, yet he stood as a stanch defender of all those interests and measures which tend to promote general welfare or advance the interests at large of the community. His life was one of activity crowned with success. His years were fraught with honor- able purposes and kindly motives and wherever he was known he gained the esteem and friendship of the great majority of those with whom he came in contact. His salient personal qualities were such as gained for him favorable regard and cause his memory to be cherished, although he has passed from this life. His death occurred March 2, 1886, after an illness of two days.
Index
PAGE
PAGE
Abel, W. A 167
Listman, Charles 169
Allewelt, E. M. 173
Loughlin. F. H 49
Alvord, E. B.
115
Lyman, John 151
Amos, Jacob
191
McChesney, Ensign 103
Andrews, Charles 7
Mercer, Alfred 13
107
Bartlett, E. T.
61
Morss, D. F.
199
Beauchamp, W. MI
37
Mundy, E. W
21
Brown, A. T.
97
Nicholson, D. W
141
Brown, J. A.
155
Northrup. 1. J
23
Burt, O. T.
101
Chapman, L. S. 125
Chase, F. H.
83
Poole, T. L.
63
Cogswell, W. B
73
Purington, W. S
59
Comfort, G. F.
27
Randall, W. B
121
Conover, Eugenia C. 147
Rubin, M. D 143
Ryan. Michael 195
Ryder, F. P 35
Ryder, P. S. 85
Sayre, J. C. 71
Shinaman, C. E 47
Smith, H. W 133
Dunfee, John
89
Smith. L. C. 17
Eckel, Peter
165
Gallup, W. H.
113
Goodelle, W. P
9
Smith, W. L 69
Thayer, Joel 187
Walch, Frederick 185
Hoyt, E. B.
53
Whedon, G. D 153
Lathrop, D. N
139
White, H. S. 39
Yale, J. W. 117
Leach, T. J. 129
179
Dey, J. G. S.
189
Dey, Robert 79
Smith, M. C. 183
Smith, W. H. II 157
Graves, M. A. 135
Ilall, Francis 175
149
Curtis, Ralzamon
145
Dawson, E. S.
Cullen, Kate M 197
Curtis, J. P
Otis, I. C .. 123
Pierce, W. K 55
Bardeen, C. W. 161
Mills, C. de B
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