The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 150

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098

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ALMIRA LULL.

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time that branch of the business prospered. Late one fall they had several rafts of oak timber in the river on their way to Montreal, and Mr. Lull went along to transact the necessary business. In the Lachene rapids one of the most valuable rafts went to pieces, and the exposure he was subjected to in try- ing to re-claim his scattered timber, resulted in an attack of acute pneumonia, and Mr. Lull came home to Theresa only to die. He died December 8, 1827, in his 29th year.

The misfortunes which befel these rafts compelled the firm of Lull & Walton to go into bankruptcy, a fate that would probably have been avoided had Mr. Lull lived, for every one felt kindly towards him, and his credit was practically unlimited.

His death left his young wife almost penni- less, with three little children upon her hands. She knew but little about house- work, for she had been a school-teacher, not a house-keeper. But she had a determined spirit and a hopeful soul, and trusted in that God who had promised to care for the widow and the fatherless. Gradually she adapted herself to her surroundings, and reared her children respectably. One of her daughters, Mary F. L., is now the beloved wife of the author of this History. Mrs. Lull passed over 20 years of her life, an honored and beloved member of that family, where her presence was looked upon as a benediction. Old age at

last claimed her as one fit to depart, and she died in Philadelphia, Pa., February 15, 1887, in her 90th year, full of Christian hope, be- loved and honored by all who were so fortun- ate as to enjoy her acquaintance.

So much was she attached to her home in Philadelphia, and to her daughter's children, that at her own request, she was buried in the family plot in Monument Cemetery in that city, close by the side of a beloved grandson, who was drowned in the Brandy- wine at Wilmington. She had been a con- sistent Christian for over 60 years, having been one of the first to join the M. E. Church at Theresa. The older Methodist ministers of the Black River Conference will remember her repeated hospitality-her house having been for years their favorite stopping-place in their itinerary.

Though she had lived so long away from her old home, Theresa was ever in her affection- ate remembrance. Its people were dear to her, and her memory was filled with recol- lections of their kindness and neighborly appreciation. Having lived a life of useful- ness and honor, it was not hard for her to die, because she had no fear of the future.

Mr. and Mrs. Lull's two other children were Maria and Hiram. Maria married Mr. Bearup, at Theresa, and Hiram went early to Middletown, Conn., where he married and reared a family. He is yet living.

ABRAHAM MORROW

WAS born in Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1794, and was one of the earliest settlers of

ABRAHAM MORROW.

Theresa, and the first tailor, which business he followed many years. When Mrs. Lull was left by the death of her hushand with three little children to support, it was with Mr. Morrow that she learned to be a tailoress. He married Lucinda Parker in 1823, and three children were born to them : Jane A. (Mrs. Van Olinda), James H., who married Jane A. Stewart, and Jason C. Mrs. Morrow died May 7, 1886, and her husband died at Theresa, April 27, 1875. He was one of the charter members of the Presbyterian Church in Brownville, where he resided a couple of years. From there he removed to Cape Vin- cent before he removed to Theresa. During the gold excitement he went to California, and was moderately successful. Mr. Morrow was a most exemplary citizen. Himself and wife were charter members of the Theresa Presbyterian Church, with Nathan M. Flower and wife and the Bodmans. Mr. Morrow left a name peculiarly sweet, for he illustra- ted every Christian virtue.

Jason C., the second son of the above, was born in Theresa, in 1837, and had the benefit of the excellent schools of that town. He started out in business life in 1855 by going to Chicago. He soon returned and accepted a position in Jason Clark's office at Plessis, where he remained three years, and then came to Theresa, his native place. In 1872 he accepted a position in Yost's bank, where

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he remained 221/2 years. In October, 1863, he married, for his first wife, Miss Cyrena O. Ellis, of Plessis. Two children were born to them : Helen E. and C. Maud. Their mother died in October, 1869. For his second wife he married Miss Ada Chapman, daughter of W. D. Chapman, of Theresa. Two children were born to them, William D. and Florence.

Mr. Morrow has held many offices of public trust, and was supervisor of the town in 1871 and 1872. Like his father before him, he has always born an excellent reputation, and has commanded from his youth up the respect of the entire community. He is yet in the prime of life, and good for many years of active service.

HON. GEORGE E. YOST.

ONE of the leading business men of Theresa, and its present supervisor, was born in that town April 7, 1838, and is the son of Nicholas D. and Magdaline (Hanson) Yost, early settlers in the town of Theresa, where they took up a farm in 1837. George E., the sub- ject of this sketch, is of German descent, his parents coming from Johnstown, Montgomery county, in 1837, and he is one of six children. Nicholas D. Yost died in 1870, and is buried in the new cemetery at Theresa. His widow still survives.

In the fall and winter of 1854, George E. attended Prof. Goodnough's Academy at Theresa, paying his board by sawing wood, taking care of the horse and cow and build- ing fires for Mr. Anson Ranney, the mer- chant. In the spring of 1855, after attending another term of school, he graduated, and be- came a clerk in the store of Atwell & Hoyt. In 1858 he went West to Janesville, Wis. Having contracted a malarial fever, he was obliged to return to his native town. After purchasing and conducting a planing mill one year, he purchased the stock in trade of Silas L. George, in the fall of 1859, being then 21 years of age. He disposed of his stock in 1863, which was his last mercantile venture. Having been reared on a farm, he is considered good authority on cattle and horses. He conducted an extensive business, buying and selling Canadian stock and butter and cheese, until 1872, when he commenced banking, in which he is at present engaged. He has a well-stocked farm in Antwerp, over a mile square, also a large cheese factory.

The village of Theresa shows, in many in- stances, the result of Mr. Yost's business en- terprise. He has built his own house, bis mother's house, his brick block (the latter in the center of the village, in which is bis bank), and the brick church, which Governor Flower and his brothers paid for, as well as other improvements. The substantial aid received from his father's estate after his death in 1870, materially aided him in estab- lishing his banking business. Success seems. to follow whatever enterprise he undertakes, One of them has been the introduction of a car oiler, which left a large margin in his favor. Mr. Yost has also found time to in- terest himself in politics, as every public- spirited and truly enterprising citizen should. While one of the Board of Education of Theresa, he was active in his efforts to re- model the old school house, and adopt the

Union Free School system, which was estab- lished in 1870. He was also instrumental in obtaining a charter for the village of Theresa in 1871, and was elected its first president, which office he held two terms. In 1873 and 1874 he was supervisor of the town, and member of Assembly in 1875, and has been on the Board of Supervisors continuously since 1889, until the present time. The ex- tension of the railroad through the town of Theresa was in a measure due to his influence, and after the panic of 1873 he paid off its floating debt-advancing the money from his own means. The stock is now worth $1.40 on the dollar, a saving to the town, which he helped to procure. In fact he has always been ready and willing to help any business enterprise that would be a help to his native town.

His wife's maiden name was Evaline J. Stockwell, who was born January 21, 1840. They have been blessed with three children : Charles G. Yost, who married Annie Kim- ball, daughter of Henry Kimball, residing in Watertown, and has two beautiful little girls ; Fred D. Yost, who is unmarried, and a cashier in his father's bank, and Miss Grace E. Yost, aged 11 years, the beloved of them all. He also adopted a daughter, Florence M. Irwin, who married one of the leading business men of Johnstown, N. Y. Although a young man, Mr. Yost has made his mark in his native county, and may be claimed among the leaders in the community where he resides, a fact due in a great measure to his whole-souled, generous disposition.

HON. ELIHU C. CHURCH, one of the early, though not the earliest settler of Theresa, was born in 1803, in Fulton, Worcester county, Mass., and died at Theresa village, January 27, 1868. He was in many respects an able man, a sincere Christian, and almost a life-long member of the Methodist Church. His popularity and ability were so great that he was three times elected to serve his district in the Legislature, 1842-3, and again in 1858. Having been deprived of the bene- fits of an early education, he took good care that his own children should not be left behind in that respect. Two of his sons have been long in the Methodist itinerancy, able Christian ministers. The influence of Mr. Church was always on the side of good citizenship. He died suddenly, much la- mented.

HON. GEORGE E. YOST.

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FAMILY SKETCHES.

WILLIAM DRESSER, one of the most useful and valued citizens of Theresa, died at that place April 15, 1881, at the age of 68. He was horn at Pamelia Four Corners, and at the age of nine years removed to Theresa, where he resided for the greater part of his life. and where he was identified as one of the foremost in the promotion of the general welfare of the community, and in his death a void was left which was hard to fill. He was for many years a justice of the peace, and in this capacity was kuown for his ex- cellent judgment and for his firmness in de- cisions. He was a man of great firmness of character, and under all circumstances " dared to do right." In his youth he em- braced the cause of Christ, and for many years was a leading member of the M. E. Church. In politics he was a stanch Re- publican of much influence, and for years was chairman of the Republican town com- mittee, and an active member of the county committee. In 1839 he married Miss Eliza A. Griffin, of Oswego, who survives him. The children are Mrs. Dexter Swan, of Washington, D. C., who died in 1885, and Mrs. Joseph Fayel. Another daughter, Miss Alice, died in the very flower of her youth, much lamented.

AARON, the father of William Dresser, was one of the first settlers of Theresa, com- ing into the town from Pamelia, when the Military road was being built. He began clearing land and making black salts, then about the only thing the earlier ones relied upon to keep the wolf of hunger from their doors. He was a man of extraordinary energy and physical endurance. His son, Aaron, Jr., was one of those foolish Patriots who were captured in the Windmill, near Prescott, in 1838, and was sent to Van Die- man's land, where he remained seven years.

JEREMIAH R. STURTEVANT, M. D., is the son of Peter and Laura (Howard) Sturte- vant, and was horn at Sandy Hill, N. Y., May 1, 1847. At the age of five he re- moved to Pierrepont, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and received his preliminary edu- cation in the common schools, and in the St. Lawrence Academy at Potsdam, N. Y. He taught school several years, and after- ward studied medicine with Dr. J. C. Pres- ton, of Canton, N. Y., and with Henry R. Haskins. of Albany. He graduated at Albany Medical College, December 23. 1872. He commenced practice in Theresa, Febru- ary 3, 1873. He married Clara, daughter of B. Palmer Cheeseman, of Theresa, Janu- ary 27, 1876. They have four children : Howard R., Rupert P., Laura A. and Mir- iam L. Dr. Sturtevant stands high with the people of Theresa, for he is an ahle and discreet practioner, and a most agreeable and courteous gentleman-inviting friend- ship by being friendly. We predict for him a brilliant future, for he is a faithful

student and keeps well up with the medical literature of the day. He has an interesting family. No man can live 22 years in Ther- esa without becoming very much attached to the place.

ISAAC L. HUNTINGTON, EsQ., is the son of George and Mary (Clark) Huntington, and was born in Society Land, Hillsborough county, N. H., June 24, 1810 He moved to Alexandria in 1826, and to what is now Theresa, in 1828. He was married, January 24, 1836, to Sally Leonard, of Fullerville, N. Y., who died in Theresa 54 years later. They had four sons: Gilbert, who died at the age of 10; Isaac L., Jr., of Watertown, who was lieutenant in Company F, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and afterwards captain ; George B., a lieutenant in Capt. Houghton's Company, 14th N. Y. Heavy Artillery ; Nathan, who served in the navy in the North Atlantic squadron during the Civil War, aud Ahner, now of Watertown. The subject of this sketch is one of the few living who saw Theresa in her early struggles for existence. He was a cabinet-maker and painter by trade. He has always stood high in the es- teem of his neighbors, and for 32 successive years was justice of the peace, and three terms Justice of Sessions. He still lives, at 85, and in good health. The author of this History obtained some knowledge of the law from Esquire Huntington in the year he spent at Theresa trying cases in Justices' court.

JESSE S. DOOLITTLE was born in Water- town in 1805, and in 1819 removed to this town (then Alexandria), and located on road 24. He married Maria Cummings, of Rut- land, and they had four sons and one daugh- ter, of whom one son, Jesse, died February 19, 1864, aged 19 years, and four survive, viz : Mary M. and Charles T., who reside on road 42, in this town; Liberty C., of Watertown, and Edwin A., of Clayton. In the summer Mary M. and Charles T. occupy their summer hotel on road 20}. Their mother died in 1860, aged 47 years, and their father in 1885, aged 80 years.

GIDEON SNELL, SR., one of the oldest resi- dents of the town of Theresa, was born in Manheim, Herkimer county, August 21, 1807. His early days were spent in procuring such an education as the scattering schools afforded and in drawing and marketing pro- duce in Albany. While at school Gideon proved an apt student, showing many char- acteristics which he still retains. At the age of 20 he married Katie Shults, of his native town, and began a married life which con- tinued 67 years, Mrs. Snell dying February 4, 1894. Eight children were born to them, viz: Ann Eliza, Ellen, Anna, Amanda, and Jacob, Gideon, and George Snell, all of whom are living except Ann Eliza and Ellen. During the construction of the Erie canal and the New York Central railroad Mr. Snell

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acted as superintendent over a portion of the work. The family having acquaintances in Jefferson county, and hearing of the advan- tages there, decided to remove, and in 1837 settled in the town of Orleans. They re- mained here but three years, moving back to Brocket's Bridge (now Dolgeville) in 1840. However, they again moved to Jefferson county in 1842, where they have since resided. Mr. Snell is a man of marked personality, very decided in his opinions and not easily turned from his belief, an ardent Republican and a true Christian, although he belongs to no church. He is now in his 89th year, and is remarkably well preserved in both body and mind. He is a great reader and takes much interest in the leading topics of the day. The author of this History well re- members Mr. Snell as an industrious, perse- vering and successful farmer. His mind is yet clear, and he delights to renew old friend- ships, for he is and always was a friendly man. His two sons are worthy of their an- cestry. On p. 696 an error in the type makes us say that at their fine roller-mill they could flour 15 barrels a day. It should have read 115 barrels.

SYLVESTER BODMAN was born in Williams- burg, Mass., about 1781. February 10, 1810, he married Relief, daughter of Martin Burt, and they had born to them, while in Williamsburg, five children, namely ; Mir- anda. Martin Luther, Martin B., Sophronia and Sylvester. In 1820 they removed to this town, where their youngest son, Atwood R., was born, near where is now the village of Theresa, then a wilderness. Mrs. Bodman, Atwood R's. mother, attained the extreme age of 104 years, and died in this town. In 1858 Atwood R. married Fanny, daughter of .Jacob Chrysler, of Theresa, and the same year built a new residence on the old home- stead farm, where they have since resided.

WILLIAM D. CHAPMAN (son of Dudley Chapman, who was one of the early settlers of Theresa), was born in that town in 1820, and has been a resident of Theresa all his life. He learned to be a carpenter and joiner, but afterwards his natural ingenuity led him into watch repairing; then into the jewelry trade, and finally to become an extensive manufacturer of fishing tackle, in which he was engaged for over 30 years. He is still active and well able to repair watches and clocks. Mr. Chapman has been a much re- spected citizen of Theresa for many years. In 1844 he married Mary Ryan, and they reared six children, four of whom are living. His life-partner is yet spared to share his earthly pilgrimage.

JOHN D. DAVISON, long a practicing physi- cian at Theresa, was born in 1793 in Otsego county. He had the benefits of the common schools of that vicinity, graduating in 1822 from the Herkimer County (Fairfield) Medi- cal College. He first came to Pamelia, but soon took up Theresa as his permanent loca- tion, where he practiced medicine most suc- cessfully until his death in 1865, a period of

over 40 years. He was elected to the Legis- lature in 1846, and served to the entire satisfac- tion of his constituency. In 1824 he married Miss Elizabeth Helmer, and they reared five children. Dr. Davison was a popular man, quite an extensive Democratic politician, and one of the most industrious and persevering practitioners of medicine in the county. During his long service as a physician many young men graduated from his office, all of whom became successful practitioners.

HORATIO STILL, now in his 85th year, was born in Pamelia in 1810, coming to Theresa in 1824 with his parents, among the earliest settlers of that town. He was a prosperous and most persevering farmer. In 1842 he married Miss Minerva Maltby, and they reared two children. Mr. Still has resided con- tinuously upon the farm where his early life was passed. He was a very determined Whig in politics, though never an office- seeker.

ZALMON POOL was born in Russia, Her- kimer county, in 1793. He married Harriet Prindle in 1815, by whom he had 11 children, four of whom died in infancy and seven attained maturity, viz: Freeman J. (de- ceased), Charles, Betsey E., Zalmon, 3d, Har- riet, Zerviah (deceased), and Clarissa. Mr. Pool, about two years after his marriage in 1817, moved from Trenton, Oneida county, to this town and built a log cabin on a farm near Moose Lake, which farm is now in the possession of his descendants. Charles Pool married Mary Ann Timerman, of LeRay, and they have had two daughters, Ada L., who died at the age of 13 years, and Mary.

JOHN MOAK came into Theresa in 1841, a carriage maker by trade, and became a re- spected and very useful citizen. He married for his first wife Miss Nancy Davison, and after her death he married her sister, Miss Charlotte. They reared four children, who were all faithful members of society. Mr. Moak was Master of Theresa Lodge for many years, his son was a Master, and his son's wife's father was also a Master. Mr. Moak died in 1873. His wife died in 1883, thus ending an honorable and industrious family.

REV. JOSEPH A. CANFIELD .- Limited in his friendships only by the number that have known him, this worthy divine merits a prominent place in the history of Jefferson county. For over half a century he has been prominently associated with the relig- ious and moral interests of the people, and I doubt if there is a man living in Jefferson county who is more universally beloved by all classes than Mr. Canfield. He was born at East Haddam, Conn., April 11, 1813. His father was Ira Canfield, a sea-captain, who perished by shipwreck in the memorable gale of September 23, 1815, when Joseph was not yet three years old. His mother was Melinda Buckingham, cousin of Hon. W. A. Buckingham, ex-governor of Con- necticut and ex-United States Senator. She was left a widow with eight small children and with but scanty means of support, but

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hey all lived (excepting one who died oung) to bless their mother by honorable areers. May 10, 1843, he married Harriet ane Gates, whose companionship was to im an ever-present blessing, and who was adeed an help-meet, not only in the sanctity f their own home, but in the life-work in which he proved to be so successful. She ied November 4, 1891, at Antwerp. Mr. 'anfield was educated at Essex and Madison Lcademies, Conn., Oneida (N. Y.) Institute, nd at Andover Theological Seminary. Sep- ember 1, 1845, he became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Chaumont, continu- og thus for 21 years, during which time the ociety grew from a mere handful of wor- tippers to a thriving church. It was during is pastorate and largely through his efforts hat the present church edifice was erected. Je also preached at the LaFargeville, Depau- ille and other towns. September 1, 1863, e was appointed chaplain of Clinton prison, which position he filled with signal ability or nearly six years. In May, 1869, he vas called to the Congregational Church at Antwerp, where for five years he was equally uccessful and during which time the pres- nt handsome church edifice was erected and edicated to the worship of God. His pas- orate then was marked by a large and sub- tantial growth in the membership and nfluence of the church. From 1874 to 1876 le was chaplain of Sing Sing prison.

April 22, 1877, he began his labors in Theresa Presbyterian Church as stated upply. He found the church in debt, and epending in part upon synodical aid to pay he minister's salary. Upon the promise of ts members to try and pay the debt and also o be self-sustaining he accepted an engage- nont and set about at once the accomplish- nent of the objects sought for. It was uring the beginning of this struggle that Ir. John Flower, visiting Theresa, observed he situation, and conceived the idea which ulminated two years later in the erection of he beautiful Flower Memorial church. After the dedication of this church Mr. 'anfield was installed as its pastor, remain- ng as such five years longer. He then re- ired on account of ill health, and although n more or less active service up to the pres- nt time, has not since accepted the pastorate f any church. He now resides with his dopted daughter, Mrs. Myers, in Elmira. n his pastoral work he has ever sought to reach the gospel of love; to make religion he most attractive thing upon earth, and mong those converted to God under his reaching may be counted hundreds of the nost substantial residents of this county. n his prison work he was a blessing to the unfortunates under his care, and many erring nes have gone forth again into the world in- pired by his words of encouragement to ead better lives.

JESSE D. MOAK .- Among the business men f Theresa, and especially among Free Masons, the name of Jesse Moak will be long

and pleasantly remembered. He was born in Danube, Herkimer county, N. Y., June 17, 1831, and was the son of John Moak, who was also an esteemed citizen as well as an eminent Mason, and who, like the son, was for many years the chief officer of the Masonic bodies in Theresa. The subject of this sketch, at an early age, became an active Christian and was a member of the Presby- terian Church. He married Mary Jane, daughter of Dr. John D. Davison, who prac- ticed medicine in Theresa for 45 years, and was also well known in Masonic circles as well as in medicine. Mr. Moak became a member of Theresa Lodge and Chapter when quite young. He rapidly rose to the occu- pancy of the highest office in the gift of the lodge, which he filled to the delight of its members for 11 years. He afterwards be- came the beloved High Priest of Theresa Chapter, No. 149, R. A. M., and held the office by the continued unanimous choice of its members for 17 consecutive years until his death, which occurred November 27, 1886, without a moment's warning, while conversing pleasantly with his wife at their home. He was by occupation a carriage- maker, and held several offices of public trust. He was buried with Masonic honors. In his social nature there was much sunshine and wit, which always brought happiness and often peals of laughter. His pleasantry was always of the purest character and he was respected by all. His children were the late Mrs. G. P. Evans, and Mrs. George P. Breen, of this village.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 150

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823- Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company Number of Pages: 1098

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098