The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 169

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 169

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

cent LeRay de Chaumont, whose affairs have been settled under Mr. Goodale's administra- tion. He represented them for about 30 years. As counselor he has been ap- pointed executor and administrator in the settlement of several estates. Since the or- ganization of the Carthage Savings Bank he has been its president and also a director. He is familiar with the early development of the region about Carthage. Mrs. Goodale died in Carthage, April 30, 1891. She was a lady of decided independence of character, possessing many. excellent qualities, and her decease, after a short illness, was a grief to her friends.

LEWIS CHAMBERS came to Carthage in 1850. Both he and his brother Hiram were carpenters, and took the contract for the first M. E. Church on State street, of which they were official members. Polly, wife of Lewis, was a sister of Christopher Poor, and for over 40 years a resident of Carthage. She died May 12, 1893. Hiram Chambers went to Washington, as a nurse, during the war in 1864. He married Nancy Johnson. Both of the brothers and their families have left a blessed memory.

DEACON JONATHAN OSBORN, on the 11th day of May, 1842, came with his family to North Wilna, where he lived until his death in 1856. He was born at Scotch Plains, N. J., in 1790. In 1815 he was married to Amelia VanDeemen in New York city. The father of both John B. Osborn and Abram VanDeemen served in the war of the Amer- ican Revolution. Jonathan Osborn's family was as follows: Amelia E., wife of Dr. George Hubbard, deceased ; Ann Judson, Mrs. Slater; Spencer C., Abram C., a dis- tinguished clergyman of the Baptist church ; Gen. Thomas W., and Mary E., decased wife of Dr. Samuel Merrill. Jonathan Osborn was a man of much learning and broad in- formation. His habits of thought tended toward ecclesiastical subjects and literature, and from his superiority in these he acquired prominence in church circles. In 1817 he united with the Baptist church at Scotch Plains. and a few years after was ordained deacon. He was elected to minor offices, both in New Jersey and Jefferson county. Directly under his guidance and influence the North Wilna Baptist church was organ- ized, and through many years he was its main reliance and support. In all ways, in integrity. morally and intellectually, he was among the foremost men in the eastern part of the county.

DR. HORATIO S. HENDEE, for many years a resident of Carthage, was born in Greig, Lewis county, in 1829. He graduated from Castleton (Vt.) Medical College. In the sum- mer of 1860 he visited England and France, and spent some time in Edinburg, Scotland, and at Paris. In September, 1862, he was appointed acting surgeon of volunteer ar- tillery, and was assigned to the 15th New York Heavy Artillery. In 1872, while re- siding in Carthage, he was elected Member

of Assembly, and served with ability. His first wife was Miss Sarah E. Myers, daughter of James Myers, of Denmark, who died in Carthage. He married, in 1872, Miss Ella, daughter of James Ward, of Carthage. Two children were born to them. His present wife has a daughter, Miss Ruth. Dr. Hendee died in Lowville in 1892, aged 63 years.

ISAIAH WOOD .- Not to be lacking in any modern development, Carthage has her own centenarian. Mr. Isaiah Wood was born in 1794, and his 100th birthday was commemo -. rated at the residence of his son, July 21, 1894, by kindly visits from many ap- preciative friends. Mr. Wood came of good old Scotch parentage, and seems to have in- herited the sturdy characteristics of that race. His parents removed from Albany county shortly before his birth to Canetuck, Canada, 12 miles above Brockville, where his boyhood was spent. Returning to this country with. his parents, they settled in St. Lawrence county, and there he grew to man's estate and married. He lived in the vicinity of Hammond and Morristown until 1857, when he moved to Michigan. After four years he came to Deer River, to reside near his son, Mr. John B. Wood, now of Carthage, who from that time has made him the recipient of the most constant care. His health is fair, though sight and hearing are much impaired. His mind is yet bright and active, but he is very deaf.

DAVID D. WHITAKER has been a resident of Carthage over 40 years, having opened a jewelry store in 1851. He is one of the few remaining who were thus early identified with the earlier business of this place. He was born in Holland Patent in 1831. He built the block he now occupies, which is near the C. & A. track, and stands on the site of the old Strong Hotel. Mrs. Whitaker's maiden name was Martha N. Hubbard, daughter of Samuel Hubbard, of Champion. They have two daughters, Mrs. Geo. Blake, of Carthage, and Mrs. W. E. Major, of Brooklyn. Mr. Whitaker is a skillful work- man, and esteemed by the public.

JOSEPH CROWNER was born in Champion, near Limburg Forks, in 1809. He was the son of Philip Crowner. Joseph Crowner built the first frame house on the Alexandria road, 55 years ago. At one time he owned Tannery Island, and manufactured pumps, ploughs and furnaces. After raising a large family he died, January 8, 1839, aged 85 years. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic lodge.

ZELOTES SIMS has been a business man of Carthage for over 20 years. He was born in Antwerp in 1835, and is the son of Robert and Jane Sims, and one of four children. He was a partner with J. B. Wood in the grocery business. He conducted the Coburn mill in West Carthage one year, and is now proprietor of a grocery store near the depot. He married Eliza A. Webster, of South Hammond, who died January 2, 1894, aged 54 ycars. He has two sons, George and Arthur.

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SANFORD D. HUNT has been a resident of Jefferson county nearly all his life. He was born in Rodman, the son of H. S. Hunt, one of the oldest residents of that town, who was at one time post-master at Rodman. He married Harriet Bailey, of that town. They had four sons in the Union army : Sanford D., the subject of this sketch. who was an orderly sergeant; De Witt C., who served in the 35th N. Y. Vol. Infantry ; Horace S., also of the 35th, and its esteemed historian ; and Theodore L. Sanford D. came to Car- thage from Antwerp in 1876. He is a tailor, secretary of Carthage Masonic Lodge and Chapter, and past commander of Steele Post, G. A. R. Mr. Hunt is a meritorious citizen, and himself and his brothers performed good service to their country during its hour of greatest need.

LYLE B. BENCE, son of Nicholas and Susan, was born in Wilna in 1835. He re- ceived the usual education in the common schools and afterwards attended the best schools at Carthage, and one year in the Antwerp Academy. He was a school-teacher in this northern region when he entered the store of Horace Hooker, where he was a trusted clerk for seven years. He went to New York city and became a commercial traveller for his brother. Subsequently he went to Chicago and became a broker in cigars. In 1891 he returned to Carthage, re- siding upon his farm, and removed in 1892 to the village of Carthage, where he is now an honored resident, having inherited a com- fortable fortune from his brother, who died in 1889. Mr. Bence served in the 186th N. Y. Vol. Infantry.

SAMUEL J. DAVIS came to Carthage from Utica in 1832. He was the son of William Davis, and was of Welsh parentage. He was chosen to fill many offices of trust in the village of Carthage, was deputy sheriff six years, supervisor one term and Member of Assembly in 1846-47. In 1833 he was mar- ried to Laura Thayer, the daughter of Ben- jamin Thayer, who came to Wilna in 1824. The children are as follows: Mary Ella, de- ceased; William, Emily J. (Mrs. William Cooper, of Felts Mills), Mary Ella (Mrs. Nor- man Foot Mills, of Lowville), and Samuel J. Davis, Jr., deceased. Mr. Davis was an estimable citizen, an enterprising, upright man. Although a straightforward Demo- crat, he was liberal in his views and kind and obliging. Mrs. Davis survives her husband at the age of 82, a remarkably intelligent lady, as her husband was an unusually in- telligent man.

JAMES H. DAWLEY was born in the State of Maine in 1824, the son of William Dawley, who removed from Montgomery county, N. Y., in 1819, to the town of Wilna .. James H. was brought up on a farm, and had the benefits of the common school education of his native town, attending for one term the academy of Prof. Wilbur at Carthage. He taught school for several years. In 1847 he married Miss Orphelia M. Olds, daughter of

John Olds, of North Wilna. They have had three children born to them, two boys and one daughter. In 1878 he removed from North Wilna to Carthage. He has held the office of justice of the peace in the town of Wilna for 33 years, and has been police jus- tice of the village of Carthage for the past 12 years. Mr. Dawley took an active part in enlisting men for the Union army and has in many ways shown himself to be an honor- able, high-minded, conscientious citizen. He has never been defeated when a candidate for office. When last named as candidate for justice of the peace, he declined to run, con- fining his time to the discharge of his duties as police justice.

JOHN CALEB FULTON was born in the town of Wilna in 1843, and was the son of James and Caroline (Nichols) Fulton, pioneers of that neighborhood. John was brought up on a farm, He attended the Lowville Acad- emy, and afterward taught 17 terms. He read law with Starbuck & Sawyer, of Water- town, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1868. He was married, November 3, 1869, to Miss M. L. Woodward, of Phila. delphia, N. Y. Three of their five children are living. Mr. Fulton came to Carthage in 1878 and entered into a law partnership with Mr. Forbes, and after a few months became a partner of Hon. A. E. Kilby, which firm was dissolved at the expiration of three years. Mr. Fulton practiced law in Carthage until his death, September 8, 1889, and was considered a wise counselor and faithful friend. His widow and family reside in Carthage.

COL. ORLIN HOLCOMB was born in the town of Champion in 1815. He is a son of Lyman and Sally (Dorwin) Holcomb, who came from Granby, Conn., in 1789. In 1840 he was married in Carthage to Maria Mac- omber, daughter of John M. Macomber, of Evans Mills, and widow of Mr. Abel P. Col- lins, of South Carolina. Mr. Collins left one daughter, Helen, now the wife of Hiram Houghton, of Carthage. Previous to his marriage, Mr. Holcomb was engaged in the tanning business, just west of Champion village, and subsequently resumed the same linc of business at Carthage, entering into partnership with Ambrose H. Spencer. They owned and conducted the tannery on what is known as Tannery Island, as well as a general store. At the end of three years the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Holcomb then moved to Buffalo and dealt in ready- made clothing, but returned in a short time to Carthage. In 1867, in company with Elijah Horr, was established the Horr & Holcomb Bank in Carthage, which was a reliable and popular institution for 10 years. On the death of Mr. Horr it was discontinu- ed in 1876, all its indebtedness having been liquidated. Mr. Holcomb once more turned his attention to the tanning business, and bought out Noyes Tuttle in West Carthage, and finally sold to Thomas Revell and L. H. Dunlap. His son, Henry O. Holcomb,

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died in 1854, aged 10 years, Mrs. O. Hol- comb died February 1, 1886, aged 71 years, and was a noble, Christian woman. In 1887 he married Miss Cordelia Tamblin, of Water- town, since which time he has resided in that city. They have one child, Ida Grace, aged four years. Mr. Holcomb is a well-remem- bered citizen, better known than many of his contemporaries. He is past 80 years of age, but is seen upon our streets nearly every day.

JONATHAN WOOD came from Oneida county in 1833, settling in the northern part of Wilna, at what is now known as Wood's Mills, where he built a grist and saw-mill, the place taking its name from him. He was proprietor of these mills for many years, dying there in 1879, aged 87 years. He mar- ried Miss Betsey Davidson, and one of his sons (Franklin), was his assistant in the mill. He was supervisor of Wilna for one term, assessor for many years, and a justice of the peace. The postoffice at Wood's Mills is known as "Woods."

WALTER N. WRAPE was born in Carthage, August 27, 1867. He is the son of Patrick and Angelia (Mathews) Wrape. His grand- father, Pitt Mathews, was a business man of Carthage in its early days, and his quaint good humor and worthy traits of character are still remembered by the older residents. Walter Wrape has been for several years the trusted bookkeeper of the First National Bank, and cashier for the Carthage Savings Bank. He is also secretary of the water com- missioners of the village of Carthage, and made Noble Grand of Carthage Lodge No. 365, I. O. O. F., for 1895. This rising young man has many friends and the confidence of his townspeople. He married Miss Myra Cowan, of the town of Wilna.

THE COULSTON BOYS .- In speaking of the fact that Maj. Jno. A. Haddock, of Water- town, and Hon. Charles L. MacArthur, of Troy, were, in 1839 and 1840, apprentice compositors in the "Carthagenian " office at Carthage, no mention has heretofore been made of the "Coulston boys," who were in the office with these two older ones just before they left Carthage to engage in the news- paper business upon a larger scale. The Coulston boys were the sons of a leading builder and carpenter, who died leaving a widow and these two boys. They were a united and very intelligent family. The boys learned the art of printing as the found- ation of their life-long vocation-journalism. Edwin was one of the proprietors of the Utica Herald at the time of its birth, and re- mained with that paper some time. He afterwards went to New York, and was suc- cessful as a faithful worker upon the daily press of that great city. He died some 10 years since. Henry W. was born in Car- thage in 1827. He received a good English education, and in 1852 was taken upon Mr. Greeley's New York Tribune. He was a trusted reporter, and his straightforward honesty soon attracted the attention of that veteran editor, who often sent him upon im-

portant missions. In 1863 he was sent to the front as war correspondent, and did valiant service as such until the conflict ended. After over 50 years of work he is still active and vigorous, and much beloved by all asso- ciates, old or young. He has been furnish- ing New Jersey news for the World, Tribune, Times, Sun and other New York and New Jersey papers, and at 65 is hale, sound and hearty, a hard worker, and a friend to all newspaper men.

JOHN SMITH was one of the oldest and best remembered citizens of Wilna. He came from New Jersey, and located on a farm about 1823, on road 63. The old stone house which he built still stands, around which cluster many pleasant memories of the gener- ous hospitality of the host and of his good wife. John Smith married Susanna Ryneer, . and they had 11 children. Larissa, Eveline, Julia, Elmira, Madeline, Susanna, John, Jr., Alonzo and Joseph reached maturity. John Smith died in the old house, aged 84 years. The children of John Smith married, and be- came prominent citizens in the town of Wilna.

MRS. MARIANNA SMITH, widow of Alonzo Smith, was the daughter of Jean Disere Balmont, who was one of the original Cas- torland settlers. He was born in the suburbs of San Antoinne, Paris, about 1776, and wit- nessed some of the awful scenes at Paris, when 1,400 of the best blood of France passed under the guillotine in one month. He came to America in 1796, and in 1797 he was followed by his father and mother. There were only 41 buildings in Utica when he passed through that city. He took up land at Utica, and remained there his first year. In 1798 he came to Castorland, where so many French emigrants had settled. Pre- vious to the removal of the Balmont family from Paris they were well-to-do people, and had means of their own to be comfortable wherever they might have settled. But a residence of several years at Castorland nearly exhausted their means, and in 1803 Mr. Bal- mont came to Carthage. His aged mother died in 1802, and the friendship of the In- dians who were then remaining in the county was evidenced by their attendance at the funeral and taking a respectful interest in the burial. One of the Balmont family was an intrepid traveller, being the first man who ever ascended Mt. Blanc, for which he re- ceived due credit in the history of that world-known mountain. The first mill ever brought to Castorland was brought from France by this same J. V. Balmont. Noadiah Hubbard, of Champion, a contemporary of Balmont, was known to travel from Cham- pion to Castorland to get his corn ground in that mill. The sufferings of the people of Castorland, most of them Parisiennes, coming into that almost unbroken wilderness, were often pitiable, and particularly hard upon the women and children. Many tales are told of homesickness and destitution. [See article upon Castorland, page 113]. These Castor- land emigres, for tea used the "evanroot,"

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and for coffee they used the plant known as "maiden hair." Their main dependence for meat was upon the game they could kill. The mill named above could only grind corn to a consistency which the old settlers desig- nated as "samp." The children of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Smith are John D., Alexis L. and Louie A. They are all living. Mrs. Smith resides on the farm where her husband, Alonzo, died, January 4, 1892, after 40 years of happy married life.

GEORGE O'LEARY was born in Skibbereen, in Western Ireland, in 1813 His father was a shoemaker. At 19 years of age he came to America, via Quebec. The first work he did was for old Joshua Babcock, at Felts Mills, father of H. H. Bahcock, of Watertown. In 1836 he married Alice Wood. They reared five children. In 1837 they removed to Car- thage, and established a shop for manufac- turing shoes. He was prospered, remaining three years, when he removed to Sterling- ville, where he remained 14 years, being postmaster and justice of the peace and deputy sheriff. After his long residence there he removed to Carthage, where he was a police justice, and has resided many years. He is quite hale and hearty in his 81st year -- a genial old gentleman. Miss Antoinette Sterling, the distinguished singer, writes from England that she received her first in- clinations towards literature and voice cul- ture from Mr. O'Leary-a most graceful tribute from a lady whose musical ability has found recognition both in America and in England.

HUGH DUNLAVA, a soldier of the War of 1812, came to Carthage at an early day. Thomas, his son, and one of seven children, was for many years a reliable, skillful work- man in McCollom's nail works, and other machine shops of Carthage. He married Melissa Butts, of Wilna, and they reared five children. Both are still residents of Carthage, he at the advanced age of 83, and quite feehle. Edward, another son of Hugh, followed the same business as his brother Thomas, and served in the late war in Com- pany I, 94th Regiment. He was acciden- 'tally killed while at work. Edward's widow survives him.

MRS. ANDREW B. CARTER, a native of Wilna, is descended, upon the father's side, from the Keyes family, her father having been William Henry Keyes. On her mother's side she is descended from the old Redfield- Sykes-Mansfield families, all of them much respected and well-remembered citizens of Watertown. Her husband, Mr. A. B. Car- ter, has been for many years a messenger of the American Express company, and is a native of Watertown. The old homestead was burned in 1885, the year President Ben- jamin Harrison was elected, and Mrs. Carter resolved to build a log-house, on the site of the old Keyes house, commemorative of Gen. Harrison's election. Her dwelling is unique and commodious. She is a lady of much refinement and ability, and her mind

is well stored with historical and local inci- dents. The late William Wirt Sykes was her relative, which makes her a connection, hy marriage, with the distinguished Olive Logan.

JOHN JAMES DEVOIS emigrated from Paris, France, with his wife and one son, Francis, about 1797, and located at Beaver River, Lewis county, N. Y., where he died about 1803. In 1808 Francis Devois came to this town with his mother and located on a farm. He married Margaret Daley, hy whom he had eight children. Charles died on the old homestead March 8, 1892. His mother, Mrs. Devois, died in February, 1893, aged over 80 years. His second wife, Maria (Fulton) Devois, died March 2, 1895, aged 40 years.

AUGUSTUS KESLER has for many years been closely identified with the growth of the village and its business interests. He was horn in Carthage, July 22, 1857. His father was a boot and shoe merchant, and two sons, George and Augustus, succeeded him. The latter retired and purchased the L. H. Mills saw-mill property, which was afterwards destroyed by fire. He soon rebuilt and still owns it, manufacturing large quantities of lumber. He built and placed upon the river the steamboat L. J. Goodale, which is used as a pleasure-boat in the summer. By his determination and perseverance he was instru- mental in having a law passed declaring Fish and Alder creeks on Beaver river a public highway for floating logs. These streams had been previously controled by one party, who required a consideration for the accom- modation of floating down logs. Mr. Kesler has been largely interested in building and dealing in real estate. He has erected 51 private residences and one hotel. He was twice elected trustee of the village of Car- thage, serving four years, and has been water commissioner.

LEVI CLARK HUBBARD was born in Cham- pion, October 5, 1836. His father, after whom he was named, was one of the early settlers of Champion. His mother was Polly R. Clark. They had seven children. L. C. Hubbard, as a boy, had a great desire to re- ceive an education and become a professional man. But his father with a large family could not bestow the advantage he coveted. The old adage in this case proved true, "Where there's a will there's a way," and Levi Clark, through many discouragements, cultivated his love for books and developed a talent for writing, becoming a contributor for newspapers, sometimes in the form of verse. His mother died in Lewis county in 1846. In 1857 he married Harriet L. Gilbert, of Farmersville, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., who died within a year. When the War of the Rebellion broke out, he was active in raising volunteers for the 35th Regiment in Carthage. The hardships of a soldier's life and a disability contracted in that climate rendered him finally unfit for field duty, and he was appointed messenger in charge of the

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

mail, which position he held until his dis- charge, June 11, 1863. He was then married to Jerusha M. Cooley, by whom he had one daughter, Miss Pearl, who has kept house for her father since her mother's death, May 12, 1886. Mr. Hubbard entered Albany Medical College in 1880, and graduated with the class in 1882 with a high rating, receiv- ing his degree of M. D., also A. B. He was elected poet of his class. He is now a resi- dent of Carthage and practicing his pro- fession.

HORACE HOOKER, for many years a prom- inent merchant and leading citizen of Car- thage (where he was born in 1824), was the son of Seth and Calista (Nimocks) Hooker. His brother Ralph was his partner for several years. The father, Seth, came from New Britain, Conn., to Carthage about 1817, and opened a general store and was also post- master. He kept the toll-gate on the bridge and was an inventive genius. He died in 1882, and his wife in 1888. Horace and the rest of the family were born in the old house near the bridge, and later resided in the well- remembered stone house which formerly stood on the site of the Hotel Elmbirst. Horace married Ellen A., daughter of Rev. Elisha Sawyer, who died in 1868, leaving three daughters. In 1876 he married Pamelia, widow of William C. LeFever, of Carthage. At the time of his death Mr. Hooker was the oldest merchant in Carthage, antedating Mr. Frederick one year. He was an active and highly respected citizen, holding many posi- tions of trust in the town. He died in West Carthage November 12, 1891, aged 67 years, leaving a memory which is free from re- proach, and the world is better for his hav- ing lived in it. His widow and three daughters survive him.

NELSON D. FERGUSON, M. D., a resident of Carthage almost continuously for more than four decades, has since early manhood heen identified with its social, business and politi- cal interests. Hc is a physician and surgeon of acknowledged ability, and considered au- thority in difficult cases. In the fall of 1861 he entered the army as a surgeon, and for more than three years was in active field service. Was taken prisoner and in Libby Prison for four days, at the expiration of which time he was exchanged. For 16 days he was in charge of the prison hospital at Richmond. He is a past commander of Steele Post of Carthage. In 1865 he was Member of Assembly, and for three years was county clerk. He and his amiable wife are highly respected and have many friends both in Carthage and at their summer home on the St. Lawrence.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 169

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