The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 87

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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In February, 1869, he was detailed as engineer in charge of the U. S. sloop Narra- gansett, which was being fitted out for a cruise in the West Indies.

In June, of that year, the yellow fever having broken out among the officers and crew of the Narragansett, D. M. Greene be- ing one of the victims-the ship was ordered to proceed to Portsmouth, N. H., where the officers and crew were removed to a hospital on the Isle of Shoals, and after a detention of two weeks in quarantine, were detached. In September, of that year, he was detailed as engineer in charge of the port admiral's steamer Frolic, in New York Harbor. He reported for duty, and at the same time tendered his resignation-having tired of the service.

While on duty in Washington, he was ap- pointed, by the Secretary of the Treasury, a member of a government commission which was charged with the examination and test of

various devices, intended to secure the collec- tion of the revenues on distilled spirits.

Immediately after resigning, he proceeded to Troy, N. Y., where he resumed the general practice of his profession of engineering.

In 1870 he was appointed engineer to the State Commission which had been created by the Legislature, and charged with the test of such devices as might be presented for the substitution of steam for animal power on the canals of the State. A prize of $100,000 was offered for the best device which, in the opinion of the commission, should be an effective and economical substitute for animal power, as applied to the propulsion of canal- boats.

In January, 1874, he was appointed divis- ion engineer of the eastern division of the State canals, and in July of that year was made deputy State engineer, and filled this position until January, 1878, when he resumed his practice in Troy.

In September, 1878, he was appointed director of and professor of geodesy, etc., in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy. This position he occupied during a period of 13 years, and resigned in June, 1891. During all of this period he had been actively en- gaged in the practice of his profession, and was consulting engineer to the board of county commissioners of Berkshire county, Mass.

After severing his connection with the Polytechnic Institute, he was at once made the consulting engineer of the Arnold Print Works, at North Adams, Mass., which position as well as his connection with the Berkshire County Commission, he still retains. He also acts as general consulting engineer.

He has been for many years a director of the Troy City National Bank; also of the Citizens Steamboat Company; a director of the Glens Falls Brick and Terra Cotta Com- pany, and a director and vice-president of the McDonald Stone Company, of Watervliet, N. Y.

He is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States; of the Sons of the American Revolution; of the United Service Club of New York city; of the American Society of Civil Engineers; of the American Society of Naval Engineers; of the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers; and a Fellow of the Geo- graphical Society.

He is chairman of the Committee of Public Safety, of Troy, N. Y., an organization which sprang into existence in March, 1894, after the brutal murder of Robert Ross at the polls, on March 6. This committee has for its object the conviction and punishment of offenders against the election laws, and especially of those who participated in the murder of Ross. Already the murderer of young Ross has been convicted and sentenced, as has also the assailant of the brother of Robert Ross. And the end is not yet. The committee consists of 100 picked citizens, and D. M. Greene was elected, unanimously, as their chairman.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

HON. HARRISON FULLER

WAS the son of William Fuller, who, with his father, Samuel Fuller, emigrated from Vermont in 1830. William settled on the farm where his son now lives, about two miles east of Adams Centre, on what is known as the Old State Road. He became a thrifty farmer, owning a goodly number of acres, and accumulated a comfortable fortune for those days. In early life he married a sister of the late Henry Keep, and four children were born to them. Two girls died, one at five and one at twelve. Harrison, the subject of our sketch, was an only son, and first saw the light on the farm where he now lives in 1845. By the will of Mr. Keep, Mrs. Fuller inherited a munificent legacy, which shows the high estimation in which she was held by her brother, and indicates also the strong ties of kindred that existed between the brother

and sister. Toiling, like all farmers' wives, to assist her husband in gaining a competence, she proved herself equally capable in main- taining the even tenor of her way when she became the possessor of a large fortune. The son, Harrison, must have inherited to a large extent his mother's good sense, for when he became an inheritor of her wealth, instead of seeking a home in a large city, and living in what might be termed "magnificence," be still remains on the paternal farm, living a life devoted to his farming pursuits, ready at all times to give aid to such improvements as in his judgment will bring the largest amount of good to the people of his native town and county.

Mr. Fuller was educated at the public schools, and later at the Union Academy of Belleville. In 1865 he married Miss Ella

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Snell, who is eminently fitted to preside over his home, which is more than an ordinary one. A glance at his beautiful residence, nestled down amid the shade of ancestral trees, whose age is double that of the owner, reveals a home where, without the slightest ostentation, one finds every appointment that can be brought to a country house to render it an abode of peace and domestic happiness; and, while plenty reigns, thrift and frugality also ahide.

By untiring industry and wise investments, Mr. Fuller has added farm to farm, until 1.400 acres of rich and productive land ad- joining his residence are his. One hundred and fifty cows roam over his pastures, whose milk is daily carried to a neighboring cheese factory, while his fertile and well-cultivated fields and meadows furnish sustenance through the long winter months incident to this climate, for his large amount of stock. Mr. Fuller also owns a farm in the town of Orleans, constituting him one of the largest holders of cultivated lands in the county of Jefferson.

Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have one daughter, Miss Nannie, 13 years of age, whose pleasant manners and winning ways lend an added at- traction to their home. Mr. Fuller has one sister living, Mrs. John A. D. Snell, who re- sides at Adams Centre, and who, with her brother, shared the legacy bequeathed to their mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are known for their hospitality; their eminent social qualities render them favorites among their friends.

Mr. Fuller is vice-president of the Farm- ers' National Bank Adams, and a director of the Watertown National Bank. He has al- ways been an active and leading Republican in his town, and prominent in the manage- ment of the Republican politics of the county,

but never held office until January, 1892, when he took his seat in the Assembly of the State, having been elected the preceding November. This position he has held three successive terms, the duties of which he dis- charged in a most creditable manner and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. During his first term the most important measure he introduced was a bill providing for the compulsory education of children, which had the support of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and of the chief edu- cators of the State. This bill was also largely applauded by the people, and the beneficent result of this action is well known. He also introduced a bill making the repairing of armories a State charge, thus relieving the counties where armories are located from a large expense. He introduced local bills pro- viding for the restoration of water diverted from Black river for canal purposes, and making an appropriation for carrying out this object; also a bill to regulate the speed of the Watertown street railway.

In the session of 1893, Mr. Fuller intro- duced bills making an appropriation for the construction of a bridge over Black river, a bill declaring Black river a public high way, and a bill enlarging the scope of investments of savings banks.

In the session of 1894 he was chairman of the Committee on Banks, a member of the Committee of Ways and Means, and of that on Trade and Manufactures. He introduced bills regulating the fees of medical examiners, establishing a fish hatchery at Clayton, to tax the capital of foreign corporations doing busi- ness in this State, concerning mortgages, and in relation to the water power of Black river. Mr. Fuller's re-election in 1894 completed his fourth term in the Assembly. J. A. C.

ROYAL FULLER.

AMONG the many successful farmers of Jefferson county, perhaps none are better known and more highly respected than Royal Fuller. Being a man of indomitable perse- verance, and believing that " where there's a will there's a way," he has seldom failed to accomplish whatever he planned to do.

He came of good old New England stock, and at the age of 11 years removed with his father, Samuel Fuller, from Vermont, in 1830. He remained at the paternal home until December, 1847, when he married Miss Sally Fuller, a lady bearing his own name, remotely, however, if in any way connected with her husband's family.

With this estimable lady Mr. Fuller spent many happy years, Toiling together upon the farm where Mr. Fuller still resides, they accumulated, by thrift and industry, large possessions. Mr. Fuller is enabled to look upon a well-earned heritage, where he can sit beneath his " own vine and fig tree," and en- joy the good of his labors.

This beautiful farm lies about two miles east of Adams Centre, and embraces 400 acres of fertile, well-cultivated land. Fifty cows, with other valuable stock, graze upon its hills, and its valleys are well watered. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, but ouly one grew to manhood, Mr. Millard Fuller, who, with his wife and young daugh- ter, reside upon an adjoining farm.

Mrs. Fuller died in 1889, and a few years later he married Mrs. Cordelia Sawyer, widow of Orman Sawyer, a lady highly valued by her acquaintances for her many desirable traits of character, and for rendering her husband's home one of genial hospitality.

For three years Mr. Fuller acted as presi- dent of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society, and for six years was one of the town assessors. He was also supervisor of the town of Adams three years.

From the date of its organization, in 1868, Mr. Fuller was president of the Adams State Road Cemetery Association, which lies mid-

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

ROYAL FULLER.

way between the old State road and Adams Centre, a description of which has been given elsewhere. In reference to this cemetery, in the addition of land and its various improve- ments, lies one of the many instances where Mr. Fuller displayed that remarkable perse- verance which has characterized his entire life.

About 1866 it was found necessary to en- large the grounds then occupied, and the owner of adjacent land refused absolutely to sell at any price, although a large sum was offered. Mr. Fuller, however, did not aban- don the idea of enlarging the grounds, and he drafted a bill empowering the Association to increase its boundaries, and L. J. Bigelow, then a representative of the first Assembly district, introduced it in the Assembly, but it failed to pass.

Again, when Hon. Jay Dimick was a mem- ber, the same bill was introduced, and again

it failed. While the Hon. Norris Winslow was Senator, he introduced the same bill, which passed both houses, but was vetoed by the Governor for the alleged reason that it was a local bill. It was then chauged to one of general application, was re-introduced and passed both houses, and was signed by the Governor.

After several years of determined persever- ance, he was enabled to make amicable terms with his neighbor, securing the desired land.

Many other cemetery associations in this State, similarly situated, are indebted to Mr. Fuller for the passage of this bill, relieving them from like embarrassments. In politics Mr. Fuller was originally a Whig, and re- verts with pride to having cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840. Since the formation of the Republican party, he has been an active member and a consistent repre- sentative of that organization. J. A. C.

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ADAMS.

JOHN R. VAN WORMER.

JOHN R. VAN WORMER was born in Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., March 14, 1849. He was educated in the schools of his native town and in the larger school of worldly experience. At 16 years of age he learned telegraphy. For many years he worked at the business and travelled exten- sively. He was studious, industrious and ambitious. When Hon. George B. Sloan was speaker of the Assembly of this State, Mr. Van Wormer was his private secretary. In January, 1878, he became private secre- tary to Hon. Roscoe Conkling, and clerk of the Committee on Commerce of the United States Senate, of which Mr. Conkling was chairman. Later, Mr. Van Wormer became intimately associated with Hon. Thomas L. James, in the management of the New York

JOHN R. VAN WORMER.

postoffice. In 1881, when Mr. James became Postmaster-General in President Garfield's cabinet, Mr. Van Wormer became his private secretary, and was chief clerk of the Postoffice Department throughout Mr. James' tenure of office. During the investigation of the "Star Route " frauds and the reorganization of the postal service which ensued, Mr. Van Wormer, as the executive officer of the de- partment, developed business capacity, fer- tility of resources, judgment of men and things, courage of conviction and capacity for work, which commanded generous and general recognition, and which have charac- terized his career since he left the department. In 1882 he became connected with the newly- organized Lincoln Bank in New York city. For many years he has been secretary and

general manager of the Lincoln Safe Deposit and Warehouse Company, and prominently connected with numerous enterprises, public and private. In 1892 and 1893 he was secre- tary of the Union League Club.

Mr. Van Wormer has been an active Republican, and a believer in the doctrine of protection to American industries, since 1871. He has been a prominent and effective speaker for the Republican party.

HON. CALVIN SKINNER.

HON. CALVIN SKINNER, eldest son of Levi and Polly (Chapin) Skinner, was born at Vernon Centre, Oneida county. New York, January 22, 1801. His early education was acquired at Fairfield Academy, Fairfield, New York. He entered Hamilton College in the fall of 1819, and was graduated in August. 1823. He pursued the study of law at Utica, N. Y., under the instruction of Greene C. Bronson, who afterwards was Attorney Gen- eral and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Mr. Skinner was admitted as an attorney of the Supreme Court at Albany, in February, 1826, and settled at Adams, N. Y., the same year. He was married to Miss Mary Bronson, daughter of Deacon David and Nancy (Dun- ham) Bronson, at Vernon Centre, N. Y., March 9, 1826. He was appointed commis- sioner of deeds in November, 1827, and held the office ten years; in 1829 he was appointed examiner in Chancery, holding this office 16 years; also held the office of master in Chancery 10 years. In 1845 he was ap- pointed first judge of Jefferson county, con- tinuing in this office until the extinction of the old Court of Common Pleas, being the last judge appointed by the Governor. For two years he officiated as surrogate. Judge Skinner was a judicious and able lawyer, a wise counsellor, and, as a judge, he brought to the discharge of his duties a mind strength- ened by thorough study and a wide experi- ence, and maintained on the bench a character pure and unsullied, commanding, by the intelligence and unswerving impartiality of his judicial action, the confidence and respect of his colleagues and of the community in general. He was always deeply interested in the village of Adams-being its president, and for several years a trustee.

During the pastorate of the Rev. W. W. Ninde, Judge Skinner identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and re- mained a devoted member. While on a busi- ness trip in the West he became ill, and died at Chicago, Illinois, March 31, 1859, and his funeral occurred April 5, 1859, at the Metho- dist Episcopal Church at Adams, N. Y., Bishop W. X. Ninde, then pastor of the church at Adams, officiating.

Judge Skinner is well remembered by the author of this History as a most industrious and conscientious lawyer and public officer. As a citizen he had no superior.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

THE SALISBURYS.

AN ancient marble monument in Rural cemetery, Adams village, bears the following inscription:

"Edward Salisbury, a native of Rhode Island, moved to Western, Oneida county, New York, in 1793, and to Adams in 1802. He was the father of twelve children: Nicholas, Edward, Duty, Enon, Smith, Lodo- wick, Alexander, D'Estaing, Levina, Sarah, Charlotte and Abigail.

" He was a first lieutenant in the French and Indian war, serving from 1755 to 1758. Was in several battles, and at Ticonderoga, a severe engagement, his brother was killed by his side and several balls pierced his own clothes. He was in the battle on the Plains of Abraham, when Wolfe fell. He served in the Revolutionary war, and died March, 1829, aged 104 years, and in full possession of all his faculties."

Other centenarians are buried in the ceme- teries here, but none showing so rare an American record as that of Lieut. Salisbury. Smith Salisbury, a son of the former, spent his entire life in Adams. In 1813 he married Miss Catherine Caulkins, of Lorraine, who still survives him at the advanced age of 98 years. He was one of the patriotic citizens who helped to carry the cable overland to Sackets Harbor during the war of 1812.

Charlotte Salisbury married Mr. David Smith, whose ability as a business man was early demonstrated in the new settlement which first bore the name of Smith's Mills.

D'Estaing Salisbury, the youngest son of this large family, married Miss Elizabeth Adams, of Amherst, Mass., soon after they moved to Adams, Jefferson county. In the midst of a prosperous business his health failed him, and he died the 11th of February, 1813, in his 34th year. He left four children. Caroline Salisbury, the eldest, became the wife of Mason Curtiss, who was at one time a prominent citizen of Adams. Lorinda mar- ried the Rev. John Covert, who was associa- ted with the Rev. James R. Boyd, of Sackets Harbor, in the Black River Literary and Re-

ligious Institute, at Watertown. Mrs. Covert was a remarkable student, and of great as- sistance to her husband in after life.

Hiram Salisbury was for many years a successful merchant in Adams. He was a man of irreproachable character, industrious and enterprising. He married Miss Sarah, the eldest daughter of John H. Whipple. Later in life they removed to Blairstown, Iowa. In 1885 Mrs. Salisbury died very sud- denly of heart failure, and two years later Mr. Salisbury followed her, leaving a daughter without parents, brothers or sisters. Her uncle, Bishop Whipple, was deeply interested in her welfare, and other friends as well. The family enjoyed much social prominence, and were regarded with affection and respect by all who knew them.

Lucinda, the youngest daughter, now in her 83rd year (1894), resides in Detroit, and is the sole survivor of her family. She married Henry Smith, son of Jesse Smith, whose bi- ography appears elsewhere in this History. She was the mother of six children, three of whom are still living: Milo A. Smith, of Den- ver, Col., and two in Detroit, Jesse Merrick Smith and Mrs. Millard T. Conklin.

A branch of the Salisbury family resided for many years in Theresa; others found their homes in more distant lands, while yet a few remain in this vicinity, among them the wife of Rev. Dr. Osgood Herrick, Mrs. Henry Brimmer, Mrs. Norton, Mrs. Fred. W. Streeter, all of Watertown, and Mrs. Dr. Manville, of Adams. There were also two highly respected citizens who bore the name of their ancestor, Edward Salisbury. They were cousins. The eldest was at one time a representative in the Legislature of New York. The other was a man of fine presence, and often seen in command of military com- panies. He was the father of Mrs. Albert Earl, now of Lansing, Michigan. Both were valuable citizens. The genealogy of the Salis- bury family might form a long and interest- ing chapter in the history of Adams, did space permit.

THOMAS P. SAUNDERS.

PERHAPS no resident now living, has done more to promote the growth and interest of Adams than Thomas P. Saunders. He was the son of Isaac and Matilda (Wells) Saun- ders, who were born in Rhode Island. His ancestors were English, some of whom settled in Schenectady and others in Rhode Island. The original name is Saunders, although other descendants of the same family spell the name Sanders.

Thomas P. was born in Petersburg, Rens- selaer county, N. Y., in 1821, and removed with his parents to the town of Adams at the age of 13, where his father purchased a farm a mile below the village. He was one of a

family of seven sons and two daughters. During his boyhood he attended the public schools, and afterwards received an academic education at Belleville Union Academy. At the age of 21 he entered the law office of William C. Thompson at Adams village. In 1850 he was admitted to practice, and the same year married Lorana D., only daughter of Andrew Blackstone. During all these years Mr. Saunders has practiced his profes- sion, at the same time he has given a large share of attention to the erection of publie and private buildings, which have increased the growth and prosperity of Adams, adding greatly to its beauty and wealth.

ADAMS.

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THOMAS P. SAUNDERS.

Every public enterprise has always found a ready helper and sympathizer in Mr. Saun- ders; every improvement that could benefit the laboring classes has had his hearty co- operation. The business blocks and private dwellings erected by Mr. Saunders, have cost over $150,000-a much larger amount than has ever been expended by any one individual in Adams for such purposes. He was active in securing the incorporation of the village in 1852, and besides often being one of its trus- tees, has been elected ten times its president, oftentimes without opposition. During the terms of his presidency, the electric light plant and the waterworks were established. The village has 12 miles of concrete side- walks, much of which was laid during his administration.

In 1890, through his efforts, the boundaries of the village were enlarged, adding 100 to its population. Adams is one of the cleanest and

most beautiful villages in Jefferson county, and might be classed with "Sweet Auburn- loveliest village of the plain " Not withstand- ing its improvements the village has never heen in debt. Mr. Saunders, with others of its citizens, always insisting on paying for every improvement as soon as completed.

In 1864 Mr. Saunders purchased a large tract of timbered land in Redfield, Oswego county, on which he erected a saw mill, which has furnished a large amount of the lumber used in his buildings.

Although it cannot be truthfully said of Mr. Saunders that he was ever an office- seeker, he was nominated and elected by the Democrats to the office of special county judge, being the first incumbent after the office was created. Under President Polk's administration, Mr. Saunder's held the office of village postmaster. At one time during an unfortunate division in his party, he was

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nominated by a portion of them for the office of surrogate, but to avoid unpleasantness he withdrew his name. While Mr. Saunders has held responsible positions in the Demo- cratic party as State and local committeeman, he has never asked his party friends for place or position.

Mr. and Mrs. Saunders have no children,

but Rena Louise, the motherless daughter of Dr. W. G. Saunders, is theirs by adoption. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders are renowned for their hospitality. They have resided on Church street since their marriage in 1850, and their home is among the beautiful resi- dences that adorn its entire length.

MISS MARRIETTA HOLLEY,

THE subject of this sketch was born three miles south of Adams village. Her father, John M. Holley, was a farmer residing on the road leading from Adams to Pierrepont Manor, and Marietta was the youngest of a family of six children. She received the rudiments of an English education at a neighboring school, and later, with the excep- tion of teachers in music and French, she pursued her studies at home.

Endowed with quick perception, ready wit, and being a close observer, with an ability to describe whatever she saw or imagined, she

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 87

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