The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 59

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 59

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273

CITY OF WATERTOWN.

HON. PARDON C. WILLIAMS.

THE biography of a genuinely successful man is not only interesting but instructive; and when real success is attained logically as the result of character self-developed, a moral impulse of the highest value is awakened in the young.

Such a lesson is taught in the career of Mr. Williams. Judge Williams was born July 12, 1842, in the town of Ellisburg, in Jefferson county. His father's name was William Williams, and his mother's name was Jerusha Plummer.

His father always followed the occupation of a farmer. He was a man of moderate means but of unsullied character, and pos- sessed the respect of his neighbors during a life of about eighty years. While he was

ready to do all in his power to aid, yet, owing to a large family, Pardon C. Williams fortunately had to rely mainly upon his own efforts to make a career for himself in life. Eager in the pursuit of knowledge, and in- tensely ambitious, Young Williams made rapid progress in the excellent common schools of those days at Pierrepont Manor, and became a student successively at Belle- ville Academy and at Clinton Liberal Insti- tute, Clinton, in which schools he thoroughly prepared for the classical course in college; and then he entered college at St. Lawrence University, where he remained two years. Every one knows that the two first years in college cover the better part of truly disciplin- ary studies.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

Mr. Williams commenced teaching in the common schools at the age of fourteen years and taught winters for six terms. Thus it will he seen that he acquired the best sort of an education, theoretically and practically. He was compelled, as a teacher, to reduce to practice what he had acquired in the Acad- emy during the spring and fall terms.

In the spring of 1862, Mr. Williams com- menced the study of law in the office of Hammond & Bigelow, at Watertown. Upon passing the required examination he was ad- mitted to the bar at a General Term of the Supreme Court held at Watertown in October, 1863. He immediately became a member of the law firm of Hammond & Williams, and in that firm and in the firm of Hammond, Winslow & Williams, he remained until 1867, when he practiced law for seven years with- out a partner. In 1868 he was elected dis- trict attorney of Jefferson county, and volun- tarily retired from that office at the termina- tion of his second term of service, January 1, 1875.

In March, 1874, the strong and successful law firm of McCartin & Williams was formed, and continued until the election of Mr. Williams to the office of Justice of the Supreme Court, in the fall of 1883. 'June 1, 1884, he entered upon the performance of his duties as a justice of the Supreme Court, and his term of service ends in 1898.

Mr. Williams was married to Sarah E. Hewitt, an adopted daughter of the late Clark Hewitt, of Watertown, N. Y., Septem- ber 9, 1868. Their family consists of one son and two daughters. The eldest daughter is now a senior in Vassar College, and his son is preparing for Yale College at Andover, Mass.

Judge Williams' chief rest from his intense labors as a judge consists in the enjoyments of his home life. The happiness and culture of his children seem his great desire, and he freely hestows upon them the counsel that ex- perience can give, and every advantage that his wealth affords.

This is a brief outline of the chief bio- graphical facts in the life of Judge Williams to the present time. But to outline in brief space his life as a lawyer and judge is is more difficult. As district attorney he de- veloped and exhibited distinguished ability as a criminal lawyer. So thorough was his preparation of his cases as district attorney, so acute his knowledge of criminal law, that he rarely failed to secure the conviction of the guilty, however ably defended. The cele- brated Adams Bank burglary cases and the Smith murder case gave him full sweep for the display of all his abilities as a criminal lawyer. The facts were very complicated in both cases, and the defendants were defended by the best legal talent in the State.

After he retired from the district attorney- ship, so great was his reputation as a crimi- nal lawyer, that he was engaged frequently for the people in murder trials in this and neighboring counties till he was elected judge. In his civil practice he was engaged

on one side or the other in the most impor- tant cases in this section of the State.

His method as a lawyer was: first, a thorough analysis of the facts of the case and a logical and systematic analysis of the evi- dence. Then an exhaustive preparation of the law as applicable to the case. In every case when called for trial, he was "semper paratus." As an advocate he was more dis- tinguished by a logical and clear presentation of the case to the honest convictions of the jury than by an oratorical appeal to their feel- ings and prejudices.

Judge Williams' career as a justice of the Supreme Court, best illustrates his intellect- ual and moral character. His industry and capacity for work are remarkable. His con- sideration of the cases tried before him is ex- haustive, and the decision is, in all important Cases, almost always accompanied by an opinion showing a thorough examination of the evidence and the law. So careful is he in this respect that it has become proverbial in the profession that it is very difficult to re- verse his decisions. No one will dispute the fact that during his occupancy of the judicial office no other judge on the bench in this State has excelled him in the extent, impor- tance and variety of his judicial work.

Many of his decisions in civil cases have been original in jurisprudence, and his opinions have been adopted by the Court of Appeals. The famous Wilkinson cases, and his interpretation of the statutes as to prefer- ences in assignments (though opposed by de- cisions of judges in New York city at the time, was adopted by the Court of Appeals), may be given as illustrations of his powers.

But it is in the trial of criminals that Mr. Justice Williams is easily the most eminent judge in the State. He presided at the trial of Roxalana Druse, for murder at Herkimer; at the trial of Calvin McCoops at Utica, for the killing of Theresa Johnson; at the trial of Frank Mondon, for murder at Herkimer; at the trial of Morrity Richter, for the murder of Professor Smith. at Herkimer; at the trial of Susan Hart, charged with killing her child at Evans Mills; at the trial of Clement Arthur Day, for murder, at Rome; at the trial of Frederick Life, for murder, at Rome; at the trial of Morris Congdon, for murder, at Cortland (which trial was not in Judge Williams' district, and he presided at the special request of Justice Smith, of El- mira); at the trial of Roselle William Mitch- ell, for murder, at Utica; at the trial of Louis Layes, for murder, at the same time; and also at the same time at the trial of Samuel T. Newell, for murder; at the trial of James A. Platts, at Herkimer; and at the trial of Nor- ris Pebles, at Lowville.

In the trial of criminals, Justice Williams is careful that every right the law affords is given the prisoner; yet so masterful is his conduct of the trial that it is not known that any guilty one has escaped the just punish- ment for his crime.

Mr. Justice Williams' reputation for fair- ness and thoroughness in criminal trials had

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become so well astablished throughout the State, that Governor Flower specially desig- nated Justice Williams for the trial of Bar- tholomew Shea, at Troy, this last summer. This was a perilous position for any judge, owing to the political prejudices and intense feelings existing in Troy, and, for that matter, throughout the State.

Judge Williams conducted the trial with such distinguished ability and fairness as to greatly increase, not only his reputation as a judge in criminal trials, but to win the praise of all parties who participated in or were ob- servant of the trial.

It is no encomium, but the simple state- ment of a fact, to say that Judge Williams to- day is the most eminent Justice of the Supreme Court in this State, to preside over criminal trials. Time has proved the fact that Judge Williams has realized the advice of Lord Bacon on swearing in Justice Hut- ton, when he said: "Fear no man's face, yet turn not stoutness into bravery. Be a light to jurors to open their eyes, not a guide to lead them by the nose."

In closing this sketch, it may not be im- proper to express a few reflections, and to peer through the veil of the future with pro- phetic vision. The writer believes in the old classical system of education, and he was once delighted to hear Judge Williams say: "In my work as judge, I find by digging to unravel the intricacies of the Latin and the subtilties of the Greek, I prepared myself for the patient study that the consideration of cases requires."

It is well known that philosophical phi- lologists, from the study of language alone,

discovered that the race which made the literature of India was of the same race that has made European civilization; both are branches of the old Asyrian race.

In the same manner the philosophical au- thropologist can discover from the name of Judge Williams' father, (to wit: William Williams), that he was of Welsh origin -- from a people that defied Roman power, the Nor- man conquest and the Saxon invasion, and is honored by England's royalty in naming the male heir-apparent to the throne, the Prince of Wales. This brave Welsh people gave to America Thomas Jefferson and many another illustrious name, and in modern times that race has given to the world and to Gladstone that noble woman whose fidelity, devotion and wealth made possible the marvelous career of William E. Gladstone. Who will dare to define the exact influence of the Welsh blood in the making of the character of Judge Williams?

The vision of the prophet is always entranc- ing; but there is a concatenation of causes in the affairs of men and nations, so certain that the philosopher can be a prophet if he will take to himself the imagination of the poet.

Judge Williams is now at the zenith of all his powers. In him centre the vigor of youth and the discretion of wisdom and age; and so wise and strong in body and mind is he that the writer turns prophet and predicts that in the next eighteen years Pardon C. Williams will attain to an eminence in the judicial office second to none in the long and honored history of the jurisprudence of the Empire State.

TALCOTT HALE CAMP,

WHO was born in Utica, N. Y., in 1817, is now in his 76th year, but he would pass anywhere as under 60, being remarkably well preserved in every respect, mentally as well as physically, attending each day to his vari- ous duties as the country people's general financial adviser, and president of two banks. He came to Sackets Harbor with his father when an infant, and remained there in his father's family until the time of his majority. But the Harbor had begun to show evidences of a decline in its business prospects, and Mr. Camp, as well as many others of its bright young men, left that historic town for a more promising field. Providentially he was di- rected to Watertown, where he came in the spring of 1840. He opened a drug and paint store in the Paddock block, fronting the Square, and his engaging manners and spirit of friendly accommodation soon made him customers and fast friends, In this store he grew into the confidence of the community, and earned a fair fortune, which has been in- creased by judicious investments. His liber- ality and public spirit are well known. For the past 30 years the business he established has been managed by Mr. George B. Massey

and Mr. Camp's son, Walter Hale, under the firm name of Camp & Massey.

Mr. Camp has been identified with numer- ous enterprises and corporations, which have been influential in advancing the material, educational and moral growth of Watertown. At an early day he advocated and assisted in building the long-needed railroad from Rome to Cape Vincent, and in 1863 was chosen one of the directors of the road, which office he held about 25 years, during 7 of which he was its vice-president. The office of the treasurer of the corporation was located in Watertown, and its financial transactions were largely under the care and direction of Mr. Camp. and were so well supervised by him as to meet the hearty approval of the directors and stockholders. He has been connected with several manufacturing enterprises, but more intimately associated with the Watertown Steam Engine Company, continuing as one of its trustees for many years, and has aided in its growth until it has now become a large and flourishing concern, with one of the most extensive plants in the United States.

The Black River Literary and Religious In- stitute, founded in 1837 by the Presbyterians

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

and Congregationalists of the county, and for many years affording advanced educa- tional advantages to the youth of both sexes, found in Mr. Camp a reliable friend and sup- porter For 40 years he has been one of its trustees.

He has been connected with the Jefferson County Savings Bank for about 30 years as one of its board of trustees, and is now presi- dent of the institution. His services, like the services of every member of the board, have been rendered without compensation, their sole aim being to build up a strong and safe institution, where depositors could leave small sums of money to accumulate for future use in time of need.

He has been president of the Jefferson County Bank, the oldest bank in the county, since 1856. This bank, since its removal to Watertown in 1821, has never closed its doors for a single business day, nor ever failed to pay all it owed. An extraordinary record, credible to its long line of distinguished presi- dents, including Orville Hungerford, Robert Lansing, N. M. Woodruff and Talcott H. Camp.

Mr. Camp has not been desirous of political preferment. As a citizen lie has always sus- tained the institutions of his native land; but in no sense has he been a narrow-minded partisan. Although eminently qualified, by business and executive ability and unimpeach- able integrity, to fill any position of trust or

responsibility within the gift of the people, he has left the race for office to others. From the time of his coming to Watertown he has been a member of the first Presbyterian Church, a Christian institution long recog- nized for its beneficient influence and gener- ous charities, to which Mr. Camp has been a liberal contributor. On June 3, 1847, Mr. Camp was married to Ann Elizabeth Sewall, daughter of Henry D. Sewall, a man noted for his public spirit and mental ability. Her mortal life ended June 3, 1888, just 41 years from the day of her marriage, and her mem- ory is cherished by her devoted husband and three worthy sons, namely: Fred Sewall, who resides in Norwich, Conn., and is inter- ested in a large cotton-mill there; Walter Hale, who resides in Watertown. and is of the firm of Camp & Massey; and George Van- Santford, who also resides in Watertown, and is connected with the Jefferson County National Bank.

Mr. Camp is still not only active and engaged in many business pursuits, but is also prominent in social and literary circles. He is a charitable and kind-hearted Christian gentleman, ever ready to offer counsel and substantial aid to the numerous deserving ones who seek his advice. His physical and mental activity warrant the belief and hope that he has many more years of usefulness before him.

SOME FAMILY HISTORIES.

STILLMAN MASSEY was born in Vermont, April 10, 1800, and came to Watertown with his father, Hart Massey, in 1801. He was a farmer. He married Almira Ingalls, and they had two children, one of whom, Sarah A. (Mrs. Timothy Smith) survives, and resides in this city at 221 Arsenal street. Mr. Mas- sey died June 10, 1882 His widow, who was born February 19, 1806, is still living, and resides at the old home, No. 6 Massey avenue.

Joseph Kimball came to Watertown from Massachusetts, about 1806. After a few years' residence hore he removed to Sackets Harbor and served as an officer in the war of 1812. He was a contractor and builder, had a distillery and kept a store, and after the close of the war received the contract for building the barracks at Sackets Harbor, where he remained a few years, finally return- ing to Watertown. He married Prusenda Huntington, of this city. Their son, Joseph C., resides here, and has been a directory pub- lisber since 1864.

Stephen Boon was born in Manchester, Vt., in 1804, and in 1819 he settled in Watertown. He married Miss Mary A. Wilcox, and they had three sons and one daughter. MT Boon was largely interested in real estate, and owned about forty houses in this city. He built the City Hotel, on Court street, and for ten years was a director of the old Union Bank. In

1856, in company with other persons, he organized the Quincy Bank, of Quincy, Ill . and was president of that institution in 1860 and 1861. He died in 1890.

Samuel Adams was born in Jaffrey, N. H. After the close of the war in 1812, in which he did faithful service for his country, he bought a farm in Watertown, and here re- sided several years, dying Dec. 18, 1854.

Elisha Harvey came to Watertown from Connecticut about 1826, and here followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner. He

married Esther Rogers, of this city, and they had two sons and two daughters. In 1832 he located at No. 8 Mechanic street. He died March 12, 1874, and his wife March 22, 1880.

Benjamin Jackman, a native of New Hamp- shire, located in the town of Philadelphia in 1818, and was a hotel-keeper there and else- where in Jefferson county for 55 years. He had six children, four sons and two daugh- ters. Miss Abi S. Jackman, daughter of Daniel, was born in Champion, May 29, 1868, and when 16 years of age showed a decided talent for literature. and wrote her first book, A Silver Ray. She has since written Evening Star, A Golden Sunset, Fatima, a book of essays, and Dreams and Fancies of a Twilight Hour. Benjamin Jackman died in Water- town, Sept. 4, 1889, aged 87 years.

Chauncey D. Morgan came to Watertown about 1825, and settled upon a large farm in

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the southern part of the town. He was sub- sequently employed by the R. W. & O. Rail- road several years. He was a faithful mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was deacon a number of years. He had two sons, Homer Bartlett and Lothario Donald- son. He died April 24, 1872, and his wife, Almena Bartlett, Aug. 10, 1877.

Harry Mann, son of Curtis, was born in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1798. In 1802 be re- moved with his parents to Rutland, and in 1827 located in Watertown, where he built the first house on the north side of the river, which is still standing.

James R. Ryther was born in Whitestown, N. Y., December 8, 1803. He learned the blacksmith and machinist trades, and in 1830 settled in Watertown, where he married Clarissa Dean. Mr. Ryther died Oct. 30, 1870.

Peter Haas was born in the city of Hobil- gheim, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, whence he emigrated to this country, and in 1830 settled in Watertown. He was a brewer. and carried on that business here for 38 years. He married Nancy Failing, and they had six sons and six daughters. He died in 1868.

Augustus J. Peck, son of Rev. Phineas, was born in Lyndon, Vt., September 29, 1805. He came to Watertown in 1831 and opened a store on Public Square. In 1839 be built two stores, which were burned in 1849. After the fire he built three stores on Court street, and there carried on business about four years. He married May Eliza Utley, of Wil- braham, Mass.

Dr. John Binsse, of French parentage, was born in New York city, November 14, 1808. He was educated at the Bancel Lyceum, in New York, and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that city, with high honors. He practiced his profession in his native city until 1837, and in 1838 located in Watertown, where he had charge of the LaFarge estate. He died January 7, 1879.

Rev. Gardner Baker was born in Minden, N. Y., September 11, 1802. He was a Metho- dist clergyman and preached for 50 years, and was presiding elder for 35 years. He died at Thousand Island Park in 1877, and the Black River Conference bas endowed a chair in Syracuse University, known as the Gardner Baker professorship. Mr. Baker's was the first death to occur at that place after the organization of Thousand Island Park. Mr. Baker owned at Utica and sold to John A. Haddock the first cylinder printing press run in Northern New York, for the Democratic Union.

A Palmer Smith was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in 1824. He married Mary A. Smith, also of Oneida county, and in 1848 settled in Watertown, on the farm where he now resides. He served as alderman of the Third Ward two years, and as assessor five years, and has been an extensive dealer in real estate. He is a farmer, and raises about 10,000 pounds of hops per year. Timothy A. Smith, brother of A. P., settled on the farm he occupied until 1846. Timothy 4, is now dead.

William Rouse came from Utica, locating in Clayton in 1815. He was a member of the Legislature three years, and a justice of the peace about 20 years. He helped to organize the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and some time was its president. He was a deacon of the Freewill Baptist Church, and superintendent of its Sunday-School for more than 40 years. He died in 1886, aged 93 years. Collins Rouse, brother of William, came on in 1818, and settled on an adjoining farm. He married Dolly Sexton, and they had nine children. He was a successful far- mer, and was one of the first six men in Orleans who voted the abolition ticket. He was a man of influence and ability in the community in which he lived, and was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church. Four of his sons are now successful business men in California. His son George was brigade inspector under General Rosecrans, and was killed by a shell. Abner enlisted at the age of 17 years, was captured in the battle of the Wilderness, and starved to death in Libby prison. Daniel Rouse, brother of William and Collins. was sheriff of Jefferson county, general of State militia, and a justice of the peace for many years. The Rouse family was a much respected one in this county.

Frederick T. Story was born in Cherry Val- ley, Otsego county, November 30, 1825, and in 1844 he located in Watertown, and estab- lished a wholesale and retail crockery store, and was quite extensively engaged in import- ing crockery. Here he continued until 1852, when he organized the Watertown Gas Light Company, in which business he has since continued.

Hiram Becker came to Watertown from Rochester, N. Y., about 1849. Previous to that time he had sold nursery stock for Ell- wanger & Barry, thus obtaining a thorough knowledge of the business. He established the Jefferson county nurseries. He was superintendent of the laying out of Brookside Cemetery, and put out most of the shrubbery and ornamental trees in this city. He died in 1865.

Samuel North was born in Leeds, England, August 24, 1820, and has been a resident of Watertown since 1849, and during a great part of that time has been foreman of the works of Bagley & Sewall. He owns five houses in this city, and is an industrious and enterprising man.

De Witt C. Middleton was born in Rutland, April 11, 1850, and educated in the Water- town High School. For four years he was clerk in the store of J. & A. Bushnell, and has since been engaged in the shoe business in this city. He was mayor of Watertown in 1884-85, and was a member of the Board of Education two years. In 1885 he organized the Watertown Electric Light Company, of which he is now the President.

Elisha Andrus came from Kinderhook, N. Y., to Rutland, about 1803. He mar- ried Mary Fish, and they had three children. His son, Merrit Andrus, was

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born in Rutland, December 9, 1823. In 1842 he came to Watertown and studied law with Joseph Mullin, and in 1846 was admit- ted to the bar, although he never engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1848 he opened a grocery store, with W. N. Woodruff as partner, under the firm name of Woodruff & Andrus, which continued until 1851, when the firm was dissolved. Mr. Andrus then took as partner Francis R. Lamon, and for three years continued the business at No. 8 Woodruff House block, under the firm name of Lamon & Andrus. After 1854 Mr. Andrus has carried on the business alone. He married Ella F. Dickinson, and their children are Ella, Grace, Sherwood, Seward and Maud. Mr. Andrus died in 1892.

C. L. Schuyler was born in Canton, St. Lawrence county, in 1849. In 1866 he entered the employ of R. S. Rhodes, photo- grapher, in Gouverneur, and in 1868 engaged in that business at Parish, Oswego county, where he remained until 1879, when he entered the employ of the Davis Sewing Machine Company, in this city. In 1889, with his brother, G. D., under the firm name of Schuyler Brothers, he engaged in the sale of musical instruments, and as agent for Davis Sewing Machine Company. In Janu- ary, 1890, his brother withdrew, and he has since continued the business alone.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 59

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