The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 164

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

USA > New York > Jefferson County > The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894 > Part 164

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of impaired health, for more than 30 years. Subsequently, for some years, in company with Orlin Holcomb, he carried on a general banking business until his 70th year, when a stroke of partial paralysis closed his active business career. He lived for six years after this, attending to his private business until his death, December 27, 1880.

In early life Mr. Horr identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church. For more than 40 years he was an official member of the Carthage church, attending scrupu- lously its services and contributing largely of his means for its general expenses, and towards the building of two church edifices. He believed steadfastly in the doctrines and discipline of that church, but was wholly free from bigotry, and rejoiced in the pros- perity of the churches of all names. He was a man of very positive convictions in both religious and political affairs, but was chari- table towards the opinions of others. As a business man he was universally respected and honored. He was indefatigable in his devotion to his business interests, never allowing anything but the claims of his re- ligious life to engross his time or claim his attention, giving himself almost no recre- ation, but finding his pleasures in his work. He was a man of unusual balance of facul- ties, his judgments seldom needing revision. During the more than 40 years of his aetive business life, he passed through three serious financial panics, with untarnished honor and unweakened credit. He never took any active part in polities, other than to do his simple duty as a citizen. From the organization of the Republican party, he was identified with its interests, and thoroughly believed in, and endeavored to promote its policies. The evening twilight of his long and useful life was calm and beautiful. He rested in the border-land, quietly and in hope, after the unremitting toils of a busy life. His last words, as his soul went out into the unknown. were: "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." The family consisted of nine children, all living until the youngest was over 21 years of age, viz: John Wesley, who died March 31, 1875; Walter Ashley, of Great Bend ; Hannah, wife of C. E. Francis, of Carthage ; Sarah, widow of Rev. Spencer R. Fuller, who died September 16, 1870: Rev. Elijah, D.D., of Woreester, Mass .; Albert Vedder, who died July 26, 1882; Gertrude, wife of John T. Connell, of Grand Island, Neb .; Louise Stewart, who died March 10, 1872, and Charles Abner, who resides at Carthage.

JOHN WESLEY HORR.

THE subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Elijah and Gertrude Horr. He was born May 26, 1831, and was educated at the Carthage Academy. From very early life, in intervals of attendance at school, he clerked in his father's store. He was a natural salesman. From boyhood he mani-

fested a love for adventure, which led him into many hair-breadth escapes, some of which left their scars upon him ever after. When about 21 years of age he went to Ohio, where, for about two years, he was employed as a clerk in the store of his cousin, A. V. Horr. Irresistibly moved by the spirit of adventure that always pos- sessed him, he then went to California, where, after about a year and a half spent in the mines and in San Francisco, he em- barked with 86 others in the ill-starred Nicaragua expedition, under Gen. Walker. The adventures and escapes he had, the suf- ferings that he endured while in Central America, would fill a volume that would be as strange as fiction. He, with many others, sick and wounded, was faithlessly deserted by the cruel and ungrateful Walker in Grenada, to be massacred by the Costa Rica forees, but they were protected by the United States government, and finally brought with the survivors of the expedition to New York, in the frigate Wabash. He was one of six of a company of 86 that left California, who returned. His family had received no tid- ings of him for over a year. He came to Carthage as one raised from the dead-a walking skeleton-weighing only 90 pounds, just one-half his weight when he left Cali- fornia. This was before the horrors of Libby and Andersonville, and no such looking per- son had, perhaps, ever been seen outside of fever hospitals. Physicians came long dis- tances to see him and professionally examine his case. Contrary to all expectations, he fully recovered his health, and upon the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he raised a company of cavalry, of which he was made eaptain. The company was dis- banded after nine months of service. Upon returning home, he went, after a few months, to St. Joseph, Mo., where he was en- gaged in mereantile pursuits until his death, March 31, 1875. In 1859 he married Miss Nancy M. Root, of Deer River, who for some years survived him.

He was a man of generous impulses, brave almost to rashness, with a natural love of ad- venture that sometimes outran his judgment, but few have been better loved by those who knew him. His grave is in the family lot, in the cemetery in Carthage.

WALTER ASHLEY HORR

WAS the second son, born October 26, 1833. He was educated at the district school and the Carthage Academy, and for several sea- sons taught in Wilna, LeRay and Carthage. He spent some time in 1854-5 in Chicago and Michigan ; suffering then and subse- quently from fever and ague, he returned to Carthage, in greatly impaired health. After the partial recovery of his health, he assisted his father for a time in his store ; and later, for several years, he was associated with Noyes Tuttle in milling and in the sale of flour and feed, and was engaged in this busi-

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ness at the time of the breaking out of the war. He was inclined to enlist in the begin- ning of the conflict, for he was, from the first, alive to its serious and critical char- acter, but was dissuaded, for a time, on ac- count of the claims of his young family ; and it was urged that as two brothers had already gone into the army, it was his duty to remain at home. But, finally, in the sum- mer of 1862, while serving as a member of a war committee, appointed by Gov. Morgan for Jefferson and Lewis counties, for raising a new contingent of troops, he enlisted as a private in the 10th N. Y. Artillery, and shared the fortunes of that regiment, in which so many Carthage boys and those of contiguous towns had enlisted, until broken health compelled him to resign in the winter of 1864. He was elected lieutenant upon the organization of the company, and acted in that capacity during his period of service. No one ever doubted but that he enlisted purely from motives of patriotism. He had from boyhood taken a deep interest in the anti-slavery struggles, and in his deepest heart believed that this was God's battle, and that the future salvation and prosperity of the country depended upon its right settle- ment; clearly discerning the magnitude and issues of the conflict, he was ready to con- tribute his part to its solution. He has always been a man less controlled hy im- pulse than by fixed principle and steady pur- pose. There is no part of his life that he looked back upon with so much satisfaction as his army experiences. They cost him more than most persons, for he had scarcely known a well day since he left the service. While he had never held political office, he was ever an active politician. He has been a con- scientious Republican, almost since the or- ganization of the party ; gladly contributing his time and means to further its measures. It was characteristic of him to give his whole energies to whatever he believed to be right, in principle, and expedient in policy ; he never believed in, or advocated half-way measures. He was married in 1857 to Miss Lovania Ware, of Champion. They had two children, Jennie G., who was married to Truman A. Thayer, and who died in 1872. and Flora M., who died in 1879. He has been, for some years, a resident of Great Bend, where he was a merchant and post- master for many years. He died there sud- denly February 6, 1895, much regretted. His widow survives him.

REV. ELIJAH HORR, D. D.,

WAS the third son and fifth child of the family. He was born April 20, 1841. In early life he was very frail, and for some years it was doubtful whether he would grow to manhood. He early evinced a desire for an education, and availed himself of every opportunity for reading and study. At the age of 15 he began to attend the Gouverneur Seminary. Here he fitted for an

advanced standing in college, teaching winters from the time he was 16, and attend- ing the fall and spring terms. Circum- stances prevented his completion of the col- lege course, upon which he had set his heart, and after some time spent in teaching at Evans Mills and West Carthage, he entered what is now the Theological Department of Boston University, from which he gradu- ated in 1863. He at once entered upon the work of the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church, having successive pastor- ates in Ilion, Syracuse and Auburn. While in the latter city, at the instance of the Presbyterian pastors, Hamilton College con- ferred upon him the degree of M. A., in recognition of his scholarly attainments. The same degree was also conferred, a few years after, by Syracuse University, which was founded while Dr. Horr was pastor in that city, and in which he has always taken a great interest.

Until 1882 he was a member of the Central New York Conference, taking the most im- portant appointments within its hounds, and serving for years as Conference Secretary, an office entailing great responsibilities and affording large influence. In the fall of 1882 he was called to Walnut Street Church, Chelsea, Mass., in the New England Con- ference. Here he at once took high rank, and was greatly in demand as a platform speaker and lecturer.

One of the elements of Dr. Horr's popu- larity in the various cities in which he has labored, has been his interest as a citizen, as well as a public teacher and clergyman, iu all public questions. These he has discussed in the pulpit and on the platform freely and fearlessly. During his pastorate in Chelsea he was unanimously invited by the city gov- ernment to give the oration at its memorial service for General Grant.

In 1886 the Maverick Congregational Church of Boston gave him an unanimous call to he- come its pastor, and he remained with them hetween seven and eight years, when he was called to Piedmont Church, Worchester, Mass., where he now (1894) resides. The Boston Herald, on the eve of his departure from that city, said : "Without the slightest sensationalism he discusses all the topics of the day, and subjects that alike interests old and young. His popularity is hy no means confined to his own congregation, or even to Boston. He is possesed of considerable repu- tation as an after-dinner speaker, and de- livered many addresses in the late conflict on the school question. He is broad-minded and has a fine command of language, and as an extemporaneous speaker he has few superiors in Boston. He is especially popular with young people, in whom he takes a great in- terest, and he has addressed from the plat- form members of the Young People' Society of Christian Endeavor in all parts of the State."

His denomination has shown their confi- dence in his judgment and business sagacity

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

REV. ELIJAH HORR, D. D.

by placing him upon some of the most im- portant of their boards of trust. He is a cor- porate member and upon the prudential com- mittee of the American Board ; is a member of the executive committee of the American Association ; also of the Sunday School and Publishing Society, and a director of the American Congregational Association.

In 1864 he married Miss Bessie Winslow, daughter of Hon. John Winslow, of Water- town, N. Y. They have three children, viz : Dr. Albert Winslow, of Boston ; Katharine Pease, wife of Frederick B. Lovejoy, of Bos- ton, and John W., now a lad of 15 years.

ALBERT VEDDER HORR

WAS the fourth son, born February 18, 1843. He was a sturdy, mischievous boy of an un-

usually happy disposition. In boyhood he was little inclined "to take account of stock " before engaging in any of the ex- peditions and escapades, so often character- istic of enterprising boys in a country village. He was a recognized leader, though inelined, in his early days, to be somewhat reckless of consequences, still he was always fertile in resources, and if his thoughtless daring some- times led his young companions into scrapes, his steady bravery and persistence always helped to extricate them. He attained his growth very early, and with it seemed to have unusual maturity of judgment. He enlisted in his brother Wesley's company at the age of 17, and when the regiment was disbanded, after nine months of service, he was an orderly sergeant. He remained in Washington for several months in the service

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of the government, and then returned to Car- thage, where he remained for part of a year, when he began to recruit a company for the 20th New York Cavalry. He was commis- sioned a second lieutenant, and when the regiment went into camp at Sackets Harbor was promoted to a first lieutenancy before it left the State. When the regiment first went to the front it was employed in several long cavalry raids, which tested the quality, pluck and endurance of the men and hard- ened them for the service that was to follow. The rare executive ability of Captain Horr was soon recognized, and during much of the time that he was connected with the 20th Regiment, he was on detached service, acting as assistant provost marshal of East- ern Virginia, with headquarters at Great Bridge, and as aide-de-camp on the staff of different generals in the Army of the James. In this capacity he was among the first white men of our army who entered Richmond, being on the staff of General Kautz, who was in command of the colored troops on that eventful morning. On the next day he was one of the escort of President Lincoln on his visit to the captured city, but a few days before his assassination. He remained in the army until the close of the war. Soon after, he removed to St. Joseph, Mo., where for ten years he engaged in mercantile pursuits, in company with his brother. In 1876 he re turned to Carthage and engaged in business until his death, July 26, 1882. Capt. Horr was twice married-in 1863 to Miss Emma D. VanNess, of Carthage, who died in 1864, and in 1872 to Miss Imo Cheney, of Mechan- icshurg, Ohio, who survived him a few years, dying July 6, 1891. An only son,

Elijah, survives the family. This young man is now away, a student in school.

Albert had the happy faculty of making strong friends and holding them. He was a man of unusual energy of character and execu- tive ability. He readily won the respect and easily held the confidence of associates, whether in business or army life. Quick of perception and fertile in resources, he was fitted to lead and command men by the con- fidence with which he inspired them. The old soldiers who knew him in camp and field loved and honored him. He is buried in the Carthage cemetery in sight of the home of his childhood.

CHARLES ABNER HORR,

THE youngest son and child, was born just outside of the limits of Carthage, upon a farm, which his father owned for some years, and at this time, on account of impaired health, was occupying, October 19, 1850. He attended school in Carthage and pursued a business course in a commercial college in Syracuse, N. Y. After clerking for some years in his father's store, he went to St. Joseph, Mo., engaging in business with his brothers, Wesley and Albert. In 1874 he re- turned to his native place, forming a partner- ship with his brother Albert. He is a man of amiable characteristics, popular with his fellow-citizens, a prominent member of the Methodist church and of several local or- ganizations.

In 1871 he was married to Miss Jennie A. VanPelt, of Carthage. They have three children, Louisa Stewart, Wilma Gertrude and Charles Albert.

WILLIAM ALLEN PECK

WAS the son of Allen and Ann (Gilbert) Peck, who came from Connecticut quite early in the settlement of Carthage. William was educated in the common schools of Carthage, completing his scholastic education at Caze- novia, N. Y. After receiving his education he entered the store of Elijah Horr, and there he received a part of his mercantile educa- tion, completing it at Mobile, Ala. When about 25 years of age he commenced business as a merchant with the late Hon. D. C. West, and the firm of West & Peck continued until Mr. West removed to Lowville. Mr. Peck then continued in trade on his own responsi- bility until 1861, when he retired from active business. He sold his goods to Horace Hooker. In 1850 he married Susanna C. Budd, and they reared two children, William A. and Allen G., the latter being the popular cashier of the First National Bank of Car- thage.

Few men passed through a long mercan- tile career in their native town and left be- hind them a memory so sweet and lasting as William A. Peck. He was in all respects a

companionable man-one who invited friend- ship by being always friendly. He was per- haps more universally mourned than any one who ever lived in Carthage, for he grew up with the town and knew all its people. He died in his 40th year, a young man.

THE BUDD FAMILY.

JOSEPH C. BUDD, one of the celebrated firm of Budd & Bones, the iron masters, who ran the blast furnace at Carthage for many years, was a resident of Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, where the family is well re- membered. His first employment in Car- thage was as a clerk in the laud office of Mr. LeRay. While there employed his attention was attracted by the fine opportunities then presented for manufacturing charcoal iron, which then commanded a high price, but is now an almost unknown factor upon the market. In 1820 he married Susanna Coffeen, and about that time, in company with his brother-in-law, William Bones, he began to manufacture iron, thus continuing for a

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WILLIAM ALLEN PECK.

number of years. Joseph Budd built the series of five bridges connecting the islands with the main land, long since destroyed.

Mr. Budd had three brothers : Dr. Benj. S., Samuel A. and Paul. His own family were Miriam, who married Abner Gilbert (de- ceased); Susanna C., wife of William A Peck ; John C., who died in Brooklyn about 1888; Joseph P., who is now living in the State of Washington ; Thomas R., now living in Carthage; Caroline P., who died in 1863, and Rebecca L., who died in June, 1894.

In person, Joseph C. Budd was of com- manding height, erectand dignified. He had the hearing of a gentleman of the old school, courteous, affable, but not inviting familiarity. He enjoyed the confidence of the people, having once been a Representative in the Legislature. He died in Carthage in 1868. His wife died in 1880, respected by all.

Miriam S., daughter of Joseph Budd, who married Abner H. Gilbert, was a life-long resident of Carthage. They had three child- ren. Miss Susanna is the last representative of her father's family in Carthage. Wm. A., her brother, died in Gouverneur in 1891, aged 31 years. Mrs. Miriam Gilbert died April 23, 1894, aged 70 years, surviving her hus- band over 20 years.

One of the aged persons of the county was Samuel A. Budd, who lived to be over 90 years of age. He was a well-known charac- ter in Carthage for many years, and was a soldier of the War of 1812. Another aged person was Mrs. Lavinia Budd, wife of Sam- uel A. Budd, long a resident of Carthage, where she died at an advanced age. They were both a very long-lived and industrious family, as their record shows, and they are well remembered in Carthage.

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MARCUS P. MASON,

ONE of the most intelligent, progressive and amiable citizens of Carthage, was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, in 1835. His father was a manufacturer, who came into New York from Massachusetts early in the twenties. Marcus P., therefore, became possessed of mechanical ideas by natural in- heritance, which may explain his inclination toward productive industry. He received a fair primary education in the common schools of his neighborhood, supplemented by a year and a half in the best schools of Battle Creek, Mich., where he made his home with an uncle, a manufacturer of that city. Returning East, he next attended the New York Conference Seminary for Young Men, at Charlottsville, N. Y. This completed his scholastic education.

His devotion to mechanical pursuits had its first practical application in his father's manufactory. A young friend of bis had heen up in the Black River country, and was somewhat enthusiastic in his account of the desirable advantages of Carthage as a business centre. This induced young Mason to venture into this Northern section, his capital being $200 in cold cash, and with it he began the manufacture of broom handles on a small scale, afterwards increasing the business. His father then became a partner, under the firm name of H. Mason & Son, his father still residing at Amsterdam, N. Y. They rented the saw-mill of Samuel Davis and Samuel Myers, and added the manufac- ture of wood pumps with iron fixtures. They kept peddlers on the road selling

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pumps in the counties of Albany, Montgom- ery and Fulton, Mr. Mason, Sr., giving that portion of the business his personal atten- tion. After running the pump business several years, the firm sold that branch, and M. P. Mason bought his father's interest. In addition to his Carthage business, he bought a mill at Deer River, and carried on the manufacture of broom-handles, window- shade rollers and slats. He then converted his Carthage mill into a manufactory of map- 'rollers and mountings for mounting maps, and for 25 years has made all that class of goods consumed in the United States. He

turning out about 150 dozen per day of gentlemen's merino and wool hosiery. Mr. Mason attended to his own sales, visiting nearly all the large cities of the country, and coming in direct contact with the jobbing trade. This business he continued for many years, giving employment to about 100 hands. A few years ago he sold his knitting- mill machinery and business to a concern at Pullman, Illinois, and it was transferred to that point.

About 1882 he turned bis attention to in- vestments in real estate, in the leading cities of the West and Northwest, including Kan-

RESIDENCE OF MARCUS P. MASON, WEST CARTHAGE.

soon afterward removed his works to West Carthage, purchasing the plant and water- rights of the Lathrop property. Here he largely increased his business, adding the manufacture of feather-duster handles, which he still continues, and makes the larger portion of such goods used in this country.

In 1873 he built a knitting-mill, and began the manufacture of knit underwear, in addition to his other branches of business. After the failure of Jay Cook and the attend- ant panic, the underwear business became somewhat depressed, and be converted his underwear mill into a hosiery manufactory,

sas City, Omaha. Minneapolis, Duluth and Chicago. His plan was to purchase prop- erty, plot and grade it, putting through streets, and sometimes building upon it. In most of these ventures he has been remark- ably successful, and he is still owner of landed property in several of the largest cities of the West, bis judgment upon land values being frequently solicited by other dealers in real estate.

Mr. Mason is eminently democratic in his manner aud easily approached. He is popu- lar as a citizen, having represented the town of Champion on the Board of Supervisors,

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though his general plan has been to decline all political honors. He comes of a long- lived family, his mother, who was Miss Abigal Adams Wheelock, died at the resi- dence of her son, in West Carthage, in 1893, in her 85th year, and his father, Horace Mason, died in Amsterdam, aged 80 years.

Mr. Mason was married to Miss Hattie M. Angel, daughter of Edwin Angel, of Car- thage. Three children have been born to them, two of whom are deceased, and one, a beautiful boy, Clinton, gives great promise of being a comfort to his parents.

Mr. Mason has been a successful man, but he has earned all he has of this world's goods. In West Carthage stands his elegant mansion, shown upon another page, and it is

literally filled with unique and elegant furni- ture, beautiful statuary and many works of art which have been selected with wise dis- crimination in the art centres of Europe, and it is doubted whether another dwelling in Northern New York can show more elegant fittings or greater taste in their selection.

The Mason family in America descended from two brothers, who came from England early in the 16th century. One settled in Virginia, and the other in Massachusetts. At the burning of Medfield, Mass., in the King Philip Indian War. but one Mason child was saved from that massacre, and from him have sprung all the Masons in this country. Lowell Mason, the distinguished musician, is one of these descendants.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 164

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