The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 51

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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JASON MASSEY FAIRBANKS. youngest son of Jasan and Mary M. Fairbanks, was born at Watertown, N. Y., Sept. 19th, 1829, edu- cated at the Montreal French College and at Hobart College, Geneva, graduating in 1851. He received the degree of A. M. in course from Hobart College in 1885. He practiced civil engineering and surveying for many years ; re-traced the western boundary of Arkansas from Fort Smith to the Red river, and ran the 98th meridian from the Red river to the Canadian river; also the parallel of 36 degrees 8 minutes from Cimaron river to 100th meridian, this parallel being now the north boundary of the Oklahoma Terri- tory. He also ran the line between the Seminole and the Creek nations. While making the survey between the Seminoles and Creeks, in the new country to which these tribes were transferred, the sur- veyors were constantly menaced by the Comanches, and the survey was at last tem- porarily abandoned, the surveyors rendez- vousing at Fort Arbuckle, glad to escape with their lives. He was an assistant engi- neer in the public works of the State of New York, under W. J. McAlpine, State engi- neer ; was also admitted to practice as at- torney and counselor of the Supreme Court of New York. He died at Watertown, Jan. 22, 1894. in his 65th year, much lamented.

That judicious critic who reads history by his own limited lights will perhaps wonder why we have given so much space to the history of the Fairbanks family, now nearly all passed away, and with only one of the original descendants now living in Water- town. If nothing else, the inborn and unique democracy of this family, shown in the first settler here as well as in all his des- cendants, endears them to every true citizen. Jasan Fairbanks and all his refined and edu- cated sons have never been seriously in- timidated by that glamor of wealth which is only to be laughed at, never envied. They have gone steadily along, observant, silent, efficient. Three of Jasan Fairbanks' sons were fated to lose property by both armies during the civil war, in the South regarded suspiciously as Union men, and in the North criticised because they deprecated the shedding of blood. The author saw so much while in the service that was harrow- ing and disgraceful, that he never felt any- thing but pity for many Southern people who often saw their stock driven off, their houses burned or their families insulted.

J. A. H.

232s

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

COL. ORREN G. STAPLES

WAS born in Watertown, N. Y., October 14, 1838, and was raised in that town, receiving the advantages of the common schools of those times. When only 17 years of age he started into the patent-medicine business at Watertown, and continued in that line for a number of years, finally selling out his in- terest to a druggist in Albany, N. Y. His next venture was in real estate, at a time when Watertown was passing through one of its favorable booms. He built 57 dwell- ings, which were superior in construction, and are to this day ornaments to the city, as is shown in the residence of Hon. L. Ingalls, 17 Mullin street, built by Mr. Staples prior to 1873.

At the close of the war, and perhaps as one of the results of the great concentration of money in the hands of so many who had stayed at home and accumulated while the soldiers were doing the fighting, there was a decided movement towards beautifying the Thousand Islands Archipelago. The first movements in that direction were observable at Alexandria Bay, which is right at the centre of that delightful section, and nearly all of the islands were owned at the Bay by one firm. There was but one hotel

there then - the Crossmon House, which had grown into a prosperous business, and was at times crowded to overflowing. The astute mind of Mr. Staples readily perceived the advantages of a first-class summer hotel at that point, and in the fall of 1872 he began preparations for constructing the largest and most complete hotel upon the river. By July, 1873, he had the Thousand Island House ready to receive guests, and it was capable of caring for 650 to 700. He had consumed only six months' time in building that large hotel, which is yet a monument to his energy and capacity. Here he re- mained for ten years, but "onward and up- ward " was his cry. Having heard that Willards, at Washington, was in the market, he disposed of his Thousand Island House and purchased Willards, so well known and popular for 45 years, and particularly re- membered by so many thousands of our Northern soldiers during the "late un- pleasantness." Here he removed his family in 1883, and Washington has since been his home, though he makes a visit to Water- town every season, where he is well remem- bered, and where so many take an honest pride in his success upon so large a theatre.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

In 1891 he purchased the Riggs House, at Washington, and both hotels are kept by him. He is Treasurer of the Washington Board of Trade; the largest stockholder in the Columbian National Bank, and is a large real estate owner in Washington, and actively engaged in many enterprises at the capital. His wealth is given by those who know at nearly a million.

When young Staples left home he had only $16 in his pocket. In addition to his possessions in Washington, he owns the Valley Stock Farm, and the Brown farm, where an important skirmish with the British occurred in the war of 1812.

Mr. Staples is a man in the prime of life, readily approached and makes friends easily. Although remarkably successful, he by no means regards his life as rounded out, or, as having reached a point where he may step

out from active pursuits and enjoy what he has earned. He is very charitable, his Christmas distribution of gifts at Willard's Hotel being one of the institutions of Wash- ington, eagerly looked forward to by the poor of that city. Nor has he forgotten Trinity Church here, which is the object of his special regard.

Taking him all in all, his many business reverses and his way of overcoming them, his tenacity of purpose after he has struck a business for which he had a liking, and the democracy of his manner under great suc- cess-he must be regarded as an exceptional character. There has never been another like him within the remembrance of the writer, and his successful career may be pointed out for the encouragement of the young men of our time. and as demonstrat- ing the value of persistency.

LEVI L. PRATT

WAS the third son of Thomas Pratt, of Northampton, Massachusetts, born March 18, 1818. He was educated in the common and select schools of the day, and at the age of 14, having far advanced in the English branches, entered the Courier office there to learn the trade of printing. At that time Mr. Beman Brockway, a native of the ad- joining town of Southampton, was oldest ap- prentice and virtually foreman of the office. It was then and there that a friendship was formed between them, which existed life- long. Mr. Willard Mckinstry, now one of the proprietors of the Censor, an old and very respectable weekly paper at Fredonia, Chau- tauqua county. N. Y., was also an apprentice.

Young Pratt served his apprenticeship ac- ceptably to his employer, who was a Cam- bridge University. bred printer, and most of his term of five years he was oldest appren- tice and foreman.

At 21 years of age he was called to be fore- man of the famous old Worcester Spy, one of the ablest and most prosperous weekly journals in New England. After an arduous service as such, he unfortunately resigned the position to become one of a party to go to the Island of Jamaica, W. I., to establish a silk-growing enterprise, projected by Samuel Whitmarsh, a rich and visionary capitalist of Northampton.

With others, Mr. Pratt returned to North- ampton. There he met Mr. Beman Brock- way, who was then on a visit from his pros- perous location at Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he had re-established and was editing and publishing the Sentinel, a Democratic weekly, the organ of the party in the county. It was an easy negotiation which induced Mr. Pratt to accompany Mr. Brockway to his Mayville home.

The Fredonia Censor was, in 1842, the next year afterward, offered for sale. It was a Whig paper, but very virulent in its edito- rials. Mr. Brockway thought then that he "saw his opportunity." His cousin, Mr.

Willard Mckinstry, whom we have men- tioned before, happened to be in Chautauqua county. Mr. Brockway, to aid him to a business situation, and get a modifying in- fluence, proposed that the Censor be bought for him and Pratt, and thus the latter being always a Whig, could edit the paper, while Mr. Mckinstry, being a Democrat by birth and education, would manage the business matters of the concern. The project was carried out. Mr. Pratt was the principal editor for seven years, at the end of which time he was appointed postmaster by the Taylor administration, and relinquished his connection with the Censor. Under the name of Fredonia Advertiser, a new paper was established in 1851, and Mr. Pratt was its editor for about thirteen years, mean- while supporting the Whig party until its disruption, then the American party, and finally allying itself to the Democratic party, into which merged most of the Conservatives of the country.

In April, 1871, Mr. Pratt came to Water- town and became one of the Times' corps. From that time to this, most of which was under Mr. B. Brockway, he has been em- ployed as an assistant in some capacity in the editorship. In his editorial writings for the Times, which have always been on sub- jects outside of political references, he has acquired some reputation for the dignity, grace and force of his articles.

He has won some credit also for his daily weather observations and occasional trea- tises thereon. He began work in this de- partment 22 years ago, under the favor of the late distinguished Chief Signal officer, Gen. Albert J. Meyers, and has faithfully kept up the delicate but laborious task all through this changeful period of time.

Besides being postmaster at Fredonia, he served several years as village trustee, and he was one of the board under whose auspices the splendid Normal School at Fredonia was erected in 1869, for the State.

232u

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

EDWARD M. GATES.

MR. GATES has been for many years one of Watertown's foremost citizens. He is a native of the city, born in 1843, son of Mr. Silas Gates, who kept the Lamon Hotel be- fore taking charge of the Harris House, where he was the landlord for several years. Edward M. was the first postmaster to oc- cupy the new post-office building, which was built under his direction, and the act authorizing its construction was largely due to his exertions, he having taken a lively interest in the matter from the start.

He was first appointed postmaster in 1882. His appointment was opposed as purely po- litical. But he had not held the office long before the whole community was glad he

was there. The old post office was dirty and inconvenient, and delivery windows were closed two hours a day while mails were be- ing distributed. Mr. Gates cleaned up, pro- cured repairs to be made by the landlords at a cost of $2,200, and kept the office open every minute, and the employes attending to business. Then he said this town ought to have a free delivery. He asked for it and got it. That pleased everybody. This was in 1883, and he started with five carriers, having first planned their work so accurately that there was not a noticeable blunder from the first. After the election of 1884, Mr. Gates was succeeded by Mr. John C. Streeter. In the choice of that official's Re-

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

publican successor, no other name was men- tioned but that of Mr. Gates. He immedi- ately began further improvements. The town had grown rapidly. With a good deal of difficulty Mr. Gates procured the allow- ance of more carriers, and of a mounted carrier to give more prompt service to the numerous manufactories in the outskirts of the city.

Again, this town growing so rapidly. the office had outgrown its quarters, where, besides, there was great exposure to destruc- tion by fire. The net income was large, and Mr. Gates said there ought to be a neat gov- ernment building. A statement of the needs of the town and the business of the office was drawn up. He interested Con- gressman Parker and Senator Hiscock, and the result was an appropriation of $75,000. It is a needed building, and the business of the office warranted it. Mr. Gates had charge as superintendent, etc., and the re- sult is that the building is honest through-

out: perfectly adapted to its purpose, and there was never a shadow of scandal con- nected with its construction. Every dollar ap- propriated has been honestly expended and the cost is inside the amount appropriated.

It may interest our people to know that the chief architect of the United States (now superintendent of public works in the city of Philadelphia), who designed the Watertown postoffice, was once a poor boy who graduated from Girard College. The granite eagle over the front door cost $1,000.

Mr. Gates, is, as we have said,ta promi- nent citizen. In company with the Rem- ingtons, he aided in erecting the opera house, a beautiful and artistic front, and an interior second to no building of its like in the United States. These two fine struc- tures are certainly evidence of Mr. Gates' devotion to the interests of Watertown, and, therefore, worthy of public gratitude. He is yet a young man, with many years of usefulness before him.

THE CHURCHES OF WATERTOWN.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

Had its origin in 1823, it being one of the oldest religious organizations in the county. It was legally organized in October, 1827. Its early records were imperfectly kept, and up to 1850 they were never systematically preserved. The legal organization paper is signed by Seth Smalley and Henry Farring- ton, and acknowledged before Egbert Ten Eyck, the presiding judge, March 14, 1828, The first meeting house was built on Fac- tory street, north side, and afterwards sold to the French Catholics, though it is at present occupied by the Free Methodists. In 1837 a neat church was erected on the corner of Mill and State streets, fronting the Public Square, the locality of the pres- ent noble structure. This church has had a steady though gradual growth, and has ever been a landmark in our city.

The church edifice has been twice de- stroyed by fire- in 1838 and in 1846. But the structures were soon rebuilt, each time increasing in size, but adhering to the same locality. In 1872 the church building was thoroughly overhauled and many improve- ments made. That is the edifice shown on the following page.

Up to 1857, all the baptisms in the Baptist church took place in Black river, in winter as well as in summer. Deacon J. G. Har- bottle was thus immersed near Whittlesey's Point on November 18. 1838.

The following named pastors have served this church in the order named, but the pre- cise period of their ministrations could not be ascertained: Norman Guiteau, Seth Smalley, Jacob Knapp, John Miller, Charles Clark. L. F. Ford, W. J. Crane, J. A. Nash, J. S. Holme, H. A. Smith, I. Butterfield, C. N. Chandler, L. J. Matteson, John Peddie, L. M. S. Haynes, James W. Putnam, H. C.

Townley, L. J. Dean, C. E Maxfield, and the present pastor, Rev. Edward Faxon Osborne.

Rev. C. O. Maltby was long an earnest member of this church. An active man of business for years, he finally felt it his duty to give up his commercial life and engage in the work of the ministry. It is not often that a man who is once settled in trade leaves it to preach the Gospel of Christ. This Deacon Maltby did, and, after a two years' course at the theological semi- nary, he accepted the pastorate of the Bap- tist Church in Madison, Wis. His means were used in strengthening the church, and he won a high position among the Baptist churches in that State. He is now a resi- dent of Philadelphia, Pa., and doing church work there during a portion of the year.

Avery Thomas was for many years a mem- ber of this church.

At the last meeting in the old church, Col. Shaw feelingly concluded his remarks as follows:

"The rising tide of necessity is about sweeping away this well-known and useful structure, so long the scene of devoted work in the Master's service, Faithful and zealous servants of the Lord Jesus Christ have long ministered within these walls. Many of them have gone to their reward, and others are standing, with expectant faith, on the borders of the better land. What an influence for good has had Its source and centre in this place since this edifice was dedicated to the service of Almighty God in 1847."

This church replaces the old church, which was built in 1846, and in its design and arrangement is entirely different from any other church building in the city. There are two stores in the build- ing facing on Public Square. The tower runs up from the corner of State street and Public Square to a height of 135 feet, and is 140 feet from its base to the

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CITY OF WATERTOWN.

as is

225

THE NEW BAPTIST CHURCH.

top of the weather-vane, crowning the whole. The Sunday-School room is located over the stores, and occupies the west end of the build- ing It has two entrances from the street by way of the tower, and is a room 36x55 feet. Around the south, west and north sides of this room is a gallery divided into five separ- ate class-rooms, which can be opened into one by means of sliding partitions.

The audience room occupies that portion of the church between the parsonage and Sun-

day-school room, and is reached by two entrances leading from the big arch on State street. It is 45 feet square and has a seating capacity of about 600, including the gallery. The stairways from the State street main entrance lead into vestibules on either side. Either of these vestibules has entrance into the audience-room, and stairways leading to the gallery.

The pulpit has an open baptistry with carved white marble curb, the gift of Mrs.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Harbottle, in memory of her husband, Deacon John Guy Harbottle, The baptistry is entered behind cherry panels on the pulpit platform, and has robing rooms on either side. The organ loft, or choir gallery, is located directly above the pulpit, and is sup- ported by handsomely carved brackets, which in turn are supported by turned posts with carved capitals, all making a background for the pulpit.

The Sunday-school building of the old church has been made into an elegant parson- age, connecting with the church. Its front elevation on State street has a Queen Anne style appearance. The porch is 15 feet wide.

The parsonage, like the church, is heated by hot water, illuminated hy gas and incan- descent electric lights and ventilated by flues.

On November 1st. when the bids were opened, it was found that Patrick Phillips, of thia city. was the lowest bidder, and in Feb- ruary, 1891, the contract was executed with him for the erection of the building of native limestone for $19,540, and on the first day of March following, the old building was turned over to him, and the demolition of it beguu.

Early in the spring, work on the walls be-

gan, and went forward so well that ou June 26, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies.

This church building as it stands to-day, heated, lighted, carpeted and seated, with the organ included, has cost $31,000 in round figures. This includes the two stores and a comfortable parsonage, well arranged and furnished with all the modern improvementa, heat and light, both gas and electric, and hot and cold water. Of this sum all is provided for but about $5,000.

PRESENT CHURCH OFFICIALS, 1894 .- Paa- tor, Rev. Edward Faxon Osborn; Deacons, Gustavus Cook, Phineas Page, John Pool, Henry J. Brimmer, Fred V. Bush, William A. Teele, B. E. Gardiner. Trustees, Fred V. Bush, George L. Davis, Gustavus Cook, Henry J. Brimmer. Society Trustee, Wm M. Weston; Treasurer, Henry J. Brimmer; Clerk, O. H. Beardslee.

SUNDAY SCHOOL .- Superintendent, Wm. A. Teele; Assistant Superintendent, B. Frank Hodges; Secretary, Ervine C. Wells; Treasu- rer, Fred L. Tompkins; Librarian, Miss Emma Huntley.

TRINITY CHURCH, WATERTOWN.

235

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

TRINITY CHURCH is the oldest Church of England (Episcopal) organization in the county, and is one of the oldest in Water- town. In the winter of 1812, when the dread echoes of war were reverberating along this northern border, when Watertown numbered but from 300 to 400 inhabitants, when this now grand church had no existence, nor was there any place of worship, the good mission- ary, "Father " Daniel Nash, first introduced in Watertown the Episcopal service. But it is not known that then, or for years after- wards, there was a single churchman residing here.

The Parish of Trinity Church was organ- ized in May, A. D., 1828, under the rectorship of Rev. Joshua M. Rogers. The first regular place of worship was the Court House, 1827 to 1833.

The first church edifice, of wood, was erected on Court street, and consecrated by

LL.D., D.C.L., January 23, 1851. Its di- mensions were 120 feet by 54 feet, with tower annexed. Richard Upjohn was the architect. This was under the rectorship of the Rev. Levi W. Norton, who was also the rector when the previous church was burned. The last service held in this church was on Easter Day, April 6, 1890. [See picture of this edifice elsewhere in this History.]

Trinity House, located on Trinity Place, was begun May 16, 1887. The corner stone was laid on the 20th of the following June, by Rt. Rev. F. D. Huntington, D.D., LL.D, by whom also the house was dedicated on Shrove Tuesday, February 14, 1888. Its dimensions are 95 feet by 67 feet. It was erected mainly by the generous gifts of Anson R. Flower and the Hon. Roswell P Flower, supplementing the efforts of the parish and the Sunday School. The ground upon which it and the new church edifice stand was

TRINITY HOUSE,

the Rt. Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk, D. D., September 18, 1833. Its dimensions were 60 feet by 40 feet. Its exterior design and tower were taken from the mueh celebrated church at Cambridge, Massachusetts, which was built before the Revolution. Towards the building of this church the corporation of Trinity, New York, gave the sum of $1,000, afterwards adding $500 to help meet expenses. The church was burned to the ground on the morning of Sunday, May 12, 1849, in the great fire. The town clock, located in the tower, struck the hour of 4 while the spire was enveloped in flames, and within 30 minutes thereafter the steeple fell.

The second church edifice, of wood, had its corner stone laid May 14, 1850. Trinity Church, New York, again showed her helpful interest in the parish by giving towards the building of this church, $600. It was conse- crated by the Rt. Rev. William H. DeLancey,

mainly given by Anson R. Flower, who, moreover, gave his untiring personal atten- tion to all the details of the construction of both these buildings. To furnish a drive way in the rear of the church, a private citizen generously gave a portion of his land. Mr. W. P. Wentworth, of Boston, was the archi- tect, Smith & Allen, of Middlebury, Vt., were the builders, and Mr. Thomas W. Rogers was the foreman.

The present rectory was first occupied as such, July 22, 1887, and was the gift of Anson R. Flower.

The new Trinity Church was begun April 1st, 1889. The corner stone was laid July 11, 1889, by Bishop Huntington, and the com- pleted structure was consecrated by him on Tuesday, September 9th, 1890. It has been wholly erected by Hon. Roswell P. Flower and Anson R. Flower, and is a monument of rare generosity, crowing a series of rich gifts,

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

THIS .CHURCH .WAS .ERECTED . BY. : ROSWELL : P : FLOWER: .AND. : ANSON : R : FLOWER:

A.D . 1889 .

. AND.PRESENTED .TO.THE.CORPORATION.OF .

TRINITY.

CHURCH

WATERTOWN . NEW - YORK.

YO"ON CONDITION THAT SAID CORPORATION SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME SELL, CONVEY OR ENCUMBER THE SAID STRUCTURE OR ANY PART THEREOF OR ANY PEW THEREIN " 2001021800101

THE MURAL MEMORIAL TABLET.

while it far excels them all. A description of its many architectural beauties, adaptations, rich ornamentation, furnishing and general imposing effect can not be attempted here, and are very imperfectly depicted by our en- gravings.

Mr. W. P. Wentworth was the architect, Mr. Clinton F. Smith, of Middlebury, Vt., the builder, and Mr. Thomas W. Rogers, the foreman. J. & R. Lamb had charge of all the interior decoration.

The corporation of Trinity parish received the church from its donors "on condition that said corporation shall not at any time sell, convey or encumber the said structure, or any part thereof, or any pew therein."

Trinity Parish, Watertown, has been the recipient of signal gifts. May she have grace

always to use them to the glory of God " from whom all blessings flow."

It will thus be seen, that in addition to aiding in the erection of a fine Presbyterian church at Theresa, in memory of their parents, the Messrs. Flower have testified their personal interest in the cause of religion by erecting these noble edifices in Watertown.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 51

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