The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 91

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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beings, clothed in rags, in the act of catching frogs,-not with rod, line and hook, tempt- ingly baited with red flannel; but, after the style of primitive man, they were using their hands only. I saw at once that these men were either desperately placed or were un- skilled in the art of frogging. I became wakeful, interested; I turned to the title page. The* pamphlet recounted an adventure- thrilling adventure-of an aeronant named LaMountain, accompanied by, one John A. Haddock. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, I read that pamphlet through, from cover to cover, returning to civilization just in time for breakfast. I had read " Robinson Crusoe," and I have since accompanied Jules Verne on his perilons flight to that Mysterious Island in an unknown sea, and was his con- stant companion Five Weeks in a Balloon, but there is wanting in these products of the imagination the flavor of reality which ren- dered the Haddock and LaMountain adven- ture so fascinating. It was thrilling, and yet I wanted those two adventurers carried farther -not much short of the North Pole; and how I did wish they had had more sand-not "grit," but sand-to throw out; I even hoped that the one would throw the other out into some soft tree-top and go sailing np and away, thereby making their return more complicated, giving greater variety to the ad- venture. And the frogs were not lively enough; they were too easily captured; I suspected they had been " loaded." And how I did want that man Haddock dropped among a band of fierce Indians and sealped for his temerity-I didn't want him to lose all of his sealp, but just enough to make him contented to remain at home among eivilized people. I have often wondered what became of those adventurers; living, if the spirit of adventure in them were quelled, or if still rampant. I have always wanted to thank them for the exquisite pleasure they unwit- tingly afforded me,-but it must now be too late; they cannot live, as they had their ad- venture so long, long ago-before I was born, and I am-growing bald."

But to get back, after progressing from one degree of learning to another, he was a ma- triculate at the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of the city of New York. But that was only a part of his education, for he had learned to see and think and write for him- self, and when a young man has reached that point his friends may conelude that he is upon a road that will lead to fame or mediocrity.

Medioerity was not in Mr. Miller's vocabu- lary, for he has written many beautiful things. The love of literature inspired a love of travel. Young Miller has seen all the leading countries of the world. Like Bayard Taylor, he crossed the Alps afoot. lingering amid the glorious foothills of Italy, and becoming familiar with that land which grew up from the she-wolf's suckled infants. He traversed Syria, saw Jerusalem and Damascus and swam the Jordan. He was an omniverous, observant and cool-headed travel- ler, and has since been able to depict in words

the scenes he saw abroad and sees at home. His writings bear evidence of an educated mind, and he has the bearings and character- isties of a cultivated gentleman. Some of his articles, when sent to the magazines liave, like the household cat, returned. Ralph Waldo Emerson writes that that was precisely his experience when he was unknown to fame. Mr. Miller has never written an artiele over his own name, choosing seclusion rather than notoriety, and the peace which comes with contentment-using his literary ability as a means and not as an end. Being unmarried, he has a free foot. Alexandria Bay may be prond of a young author of established liter- ary ability. The writer of this History regards him as the most promising young writer of his acquaintance.

SOLOMON MAKEPEACE, one of the early pio- neers of Jefferson county, died at his resi- dence in Alexandria, January 24, 1869, in his 87th year. He came into Jefferson county in 1804, from Worcester, Mass., in the company of his parents, settling in Brownville, where he married and reared a large family. He was a sincere Christian, a type of the better class of emigrants to the Black River country, who "first explored, through perils manifold. the shores and mountains, the valleys and plains of this new land; who levelled forests, cleared fields, made paths by land and water and planted common wealths."

LEONARD BICKELHAUPT, farmer, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. He came into Alexandria in 1853, with his parents. He lives on the first place his father bought in this eounty. At the age of 23 he was married to Miss Susan Betz. Their family consists of Maggie, (wife of Adam Hofferberth); Henry, (husband of Catherine Hofferberth); Eliza- beth, (wife of Henry Haas); Emma (wife of Philip Hofferberth); Rosetta (wife of John Stein); Mary, Adam and Leonard remain with their parents. By steady industry and careful management Mr. Biekelhanpt has become the possessor of two of the finest farms in the town of Alexandria, comprising 450 aeres. The family are all communicants of the Lutheran Church, and are highly respected by all with whom they are ac- quainted.

LEVI A. BUTTERFIELD, 69 years of age, un- married (retired farmer), was born in Ant- werp, Jefferson county. His father was Francis Butterfield, who married Polly Me- Allaster in 1817. His early youth and man- hood were spent in sneh employment in the store and counting-room and on the farmer as developed the fair minded man, and wherever engaged, he became popular for those traits that mark the earnest worker for the better- ing of mankind. When the Civil War got "settled down to business," Levi enlisted as a private in Company F, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and was immediately advanced to a 2d lientenant. With that company he re- mained about a year. The impression that the 10th would remain at or near Washington during its entire service, caused no little rest- lessness among the men as well as officers,

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and because of such opinion Levi resigned. No officer in the company was more esteemed than Lieut. Butterfield. At the close of the war he engaged in farming near Omaha, Nebraska, where he continued until eight years ago. In then returning to Jefferson county, he has made his home in Alexandria continuous, excepting the time spent in travelling throughout the Northern and Cen- tral States.

JACOB ZOLLER, born in the town of Alex- andria, February 15, 1857, has had a life full of adventure, yet he retains all the character- istic traits of his father's family-they are genial, generous, whole-souled people. They settled in Jefferson county 66 years ago, coming to Alexandria from Pamelia. The father's farm was near the St. Lawrence, at the head of Goose Bay. The history of events transpiring on this bay are related on a previous page. Very many of these events Jacob readily recalls to mind. The get-rich- quick spirit broke out in him nine years ago, when he shouldered his belongings and went to Arizona and New Mexico. Before return- ing to Jefferson county he visited very many of the Western States and Territories, gather- ing a vast fund of information. He was mar- ried in 1880 to Marion Jewett, daughter of Hon. M. C. Jewett, once a representative man of Alexandria. Guy and Glen, their children, are home-children as yet. Mr. Zoller has been engaged in the hotel business nearly seven years, coming to Redwood three years ago with Mr. Cornelius Springer, buying the lease of the old Dollinger Hotel, and by zealous attention to duty, and having an ex- tended acquaintance, has increased the pat- ronage of the house to the extent that the pro- prietors have added to the already com- modious house another story, making 16 large rooms, and put in a hot-water heating arrangement second to none in use. Mr. Zoller is a Republican in politics.

MARCUS J. JEWETT, was born April 21, 1855, at the old homestead, about a mile and a-half north of Redwood, built by Hon. M. C. Jewett, his father. In 1846 M. C. Jewett and wife came from Vermont, bought the Chaffey farm, then mostly a wilderness, and commenced their new life in a very comfort- able log house, in which many a belated traveller found rest and refreshment; the road from Jewett's Corners being somewhat danger- ous over the crossway, and it was many miles to go around. M. C. Jewett was Master of Alexandria Masonic Lodge No. 297 for many years; and he advanced to the Theresa Chap- ter in due time. M. J. Jewett retains the old farm, and is following in the steps of his re- spected father, whose life was blameless. Moses C. Jewett was member of Assembly in 1859-60.

The early life of Mr. J. developed an accu- rate knowledge of the fur-bearing animals of the Northern forest, and he receives consign- ments of furs from all sections of Canada and the United States. He married Libbie M. Markley, September 10, 1879. To these parents have been born five children, Frank

G., Morris H., Ina C., Carl J. and Ray L., all of whom are at home with their parents, a much-respected family.

JOSEPH PICKERT was born in the town of Harrisburg, Lewis county, New York, in 1822. He settled in the town of Hammond in 1838, was married, in 1844, to Samantha Franklin, of the latter town. To these pa- rents were born seven children, four of whom are yet living. Abel, farmer and mechanic, residence, Hammond; Viola, wife of Martin Ripley ; Manuel, a mechanic; Gertrude, wife of Wells Dygert, of Clayton. Pickert lost his first wife in 1875. A few years thereafter he removed to Redwood, leaving his farms in the town of Hammond to be worked by his sons Abel and Manuel. For his second wife he married, in 1879, Mrs. Ann LaFavre, widow of Joseph LaFavre. Mr. Pickert is one of the landmarks of this northern country; ever, by his example, teaching industry, sobriety and contentment, with a gradual accumulation of a competency to satisfy all of his needful wants.

NELSON R. COOK was born in the town of Alexandria, in 1821, his parents having found their way through the almost trackless wilder- ness some years before. With the exception of about a year in the West, Nelson R. con- tinued to reside in the towns of Theresa and Alexandria. His early life was spent on the farm. In 1854 he was married to Miss Lydia Ann Marshall, daughter of Romeo Marshall, one of the earliest settlers of Alexandria. Mr. Cook thought to better his worldly condition by removing west with his family some 20 years ago; not finding the expected benefits, he returned to Redwood, where he has since resided. Purchasing the saw mills in Red- wood, he with Mr. Levi Suits, converted the upper mill into a planing, sash and blind mill, keeping the lower one in good repair as a custom saw mill, and also for manufactur- ing shingles. Mr. Cook is also engaged in the flour and grist mill business at Dexter. The children are Misses Helen L., Ada L. and Harris V., John M., Benton M. and Clarence N. With one exception, these are all living in Redwood, and have contributed much to the happiness of that community, the young ladies in church music, and the young men in organizing and keeping up one of the best cornet bands in the county,

MICHAEL W. FARLEY was born in Plain- field, New Hampshire, May 22, 1850. When two years of age his parents moved to Granby, province of Quebec, where his father now re- sides. Up to the age of 17 he remained with his parents on the farm. A desire to know more of the world took possession of him, and becoming fascinated with railroad busi- ness, he engaged with the Central Vermont Railroad Company at St. Albans, Vt., and re- mained with them 20 years, filling many im- portant positions. Thence he went to Syra- cuse, engaging with the West Shore Company, where he remained until he came to Redwood in May, 1891. He married Miss Mary A. Clark in 1873, at St. Albans, Vt. Mr. F.'s living children are Cora M., now engaged as

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assistant teacher in the Redwood graded School; Ada A. and Edna C. are yet pupils. Mr. Farley took possession of the hotel in Redwood, known as the American, in May, 1891. He has made various changes therein, adding to the many pleasant and homelike rooms, thus making it one of the most com- fortable hotels on the border for a week's stay or for a permanent home.

DR. MARTIN J. HUTCHINS was born Novem- ber 7, 1825, in Schuyler, Herkimer county, N. Y. He was educated at the common and select schools, and read medicine with Drs. Davison & Brewster, of Theresa, with whom he continued three years, attending medical lectures at Castleton Medical College, of Ver- mont; and in May, 1846, he commenced the practice of his profession at Plessis; remaining there until 1853. In May, 1846, he was granted a license to practice by the Jefferson County Medical Society, and in 1852 he re- ceived an honorary diploma from the Burling- ton Medical College. Being a pronounced Democrat and party leader, he received the appointment of custom house inspector in June, 1853, and removed to Alexandria Bay, where he assumed the responsibility of that position, the duties of which he continued to exercise with satisfaction to the " powers that be," as he held the office under both Presi- dents Pierce and Buchanan until 1861, in all eight years. He then settled at Redwood and resumed the active practice of his profession, where he has continued up to the present time, having practiced for 44 years in the town of Alexandria. He is still hale and hearty, and we trust he may yet be spared for many years. He is an example to the younger members of the profession, as one who has lived and toiled to elevate the standard of medical practice. He has always been con- sidered one of the most active and useful members of the county society, and has con- tributed many papers to its archives. He was elected county superintendent of the poor, serving three years, and has held many posi- tions of honor and usefulness in his town, and as a representative of the re-organized Jefferson County Medical Society. He was president of that Society in 1873, and at the close of his official term delivered an interest- ing lecture upon " Medical Etiquette," which elicited much praise and extended comment. The Doctor has two talented sons, the eldest of whom, Martin J., Jr., was educated at Hamilton College, and has chosen journalism as his life-work. The younger, Frank F., re- ceived his professional education at the New York Medical University, and is now in active practice.

LEWIS CASS WATSON, son of Alonzo M. Watson, was born June 14, 1836, at Water- town. His father, Alonzo M. Watson, was a student with John Clark at the time James F. Starbuck, Levi Brown, L. Ingalls, L. J. Dor- win, John A. Haddock and others, were stu- dents in Watertown. Samuel Watson, the father of Alonzo M., was one of four brothers who came to Jefferson county at an early day. Samuel Watson kept an hotel on the

Pamelia side of the river in Watertown for many years, removing from Watertown to Cape Vincent, where he died at a good old age. Alonzo M. Watson became a convert to Fourierism in the forties, and attempted to prove the social problem at Cold Creek, two miles east of Watertown. A year's trial proved a failure. From Cold Creek he went to Sodus Bay, in Wayne county, to take charge of a society organized on the Fourier plan, remaining there a year; thence he went to Rochester, where, in about two and one- years, he died.

On the death of A. M. Watson, his family returned to Theresa, where Lewis Cass attend- ed the High School, conducted by W. T. Good- nough, O. L. Haddock and one or two Flower boys being his contemporaries. There he commenced the study of medicine with John D. & Nathan Davidson, and when the Civil War broke out he immediately went to the front, and was placed on a transport hospital boat, where he remained until 1863. when he enlisted as hospital steward of the 20th N. Y. Cavalry, with which regiment he remained until the close of the war-in all, about four and a half years of continuous work with the sick and wounded. The clinics of no medical college could present such a variety in surgery or disease.

Before his discharge from the service, he was promoted to lieutenant in the 20th Cavalry. Immediately after his discharge he entered the Medical College at Geneva, whence he graduated. He entered upon the practice of medicine at Alexandria Bay, where, with the exception of one winter (1892-3), he spent in Chicago, he continued to practice medicine until his death, in the fall of 1893. He left a wife and two children.

The author of this History knew the father of Captain Don A. Watson, and the Doctor Watson named above. They sprang from good stock, and have "justified the honors they have gained " in many ways-as patri- otic and able soldiers, as professional men of decided ability, and as high-minded and ex- cellent citizens. In any community they would have come to the front, for they were men who made friends by showing themselves friendly, and have honored their callings by giving to it honest service.

DON ALONZO D. M. WATSON was born at Evans Mills, March 5, 1835. The peculiar name given the subject of our sketch dates back to the 18th century, and within the knowledge of the writer has never loaded down more than three separate individuals. The name seemed to affect them differently- for some of the men who bore it were poor, while others were rich. Two of them died at Rochester, N. Y., including the father of our subject, who departed nearly 45 years ago.

The youngest Don M. (now the old one), spent the most of his early life in Watertown, attending school in the old stone school house at the corner of Jay and Sterling streets. His father had died and left a large family, and the children were deprived of collegiate advantages. But when 20 years of age, Don

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M. commenced attending W. T. Goodnough's school at Theresa, where he had a fellow- student in Orison Lull Haddock, the boy orator. Continuing in Mr. Goodnough's school several terms, he at the same time began to study law, and then, when his money was exhausted, taught school to recuperate his finances. He taught for the second year at the Ox Bow, giving good satisfaction.

During the second year of the Rebellion, he enlisted as a private in Company F, 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to be commissary sergeant, then to be lieutenant. He was recommended for promotion by Major Campbell, on the field, for bravery at Peters- burg.

Here is a little incident which shows how green troops were regarded by some of the regular army officers. Lieutenant Watson's company was one of those in the front line whose duty it was to aid in making the first charge upon Petersburg. The 10th's boys looked rather gay, for they had been in gar- rison and kept their clothing neat and clean. One Gen. Brown, a fussy little martinet, who commanded a brigade right in the rear of the 10th's line, was heard to say to some of his officers: "If those greenhorns in our front break or run, push them forward on your bayonets." When the word came to "ad- vance," General Brown must have been astonished as he saw the line in his front move forward as one man, preserving its alignment after having passed through underbrush for a distance of perhaps 30 rods. The 10th reached the low rifle pits, halting as the skir- mish line rallied, and passing around in the rear of the fortification, quickly scooped the garrison, and were marching the Confeder- ate prisoners away as Gen. Brown's line came out of the underbrush 80 rods distant. They didn't push anybody forward on their bayonets that day.

At the close of the war, Mr. Watson entered the law office of Hubbard & Wright, in Watertown, and in 1868 was admitted to the bar. He was at a later day also admitted to practice in the National Courts in South Dakota.

Since being admitted to the bar he has taught schools at intervals, and holds a State certificate. He was first elected justice of the peace of the town of Alexandria, in 1873, and has since continuously held the office, with the exception of about five years-three of those years being spent in Dakota, where he was also justice of the peace during all the time of his residence there. He returned to Redwood in 1884, where he has since resided. He married, for his first wife, Miss Julia Has- kell, whose parents came from Vermont. His second wife was Miss Nancy Cosgrove. He has two sons, John G. and Arthur M., both bright young men, giving promise of unusual usefulness.

Lieutenant Watson served three years as school commissioner of the third district of Jefferson county, and his labors in behalf of the higher elevation of the common school system of the State has been constant and ef-

fective. He enjoys the unchallenged respect and regard of his fellow-townsmen, as a good soldier, a just judge, an exemplary man.

AZARIAH WALTON, born in Chesterfield, N. H., August 20, 1784, was of English descent. He emigrated to Jefferson county previous to the War of 1812, and superintended the con- struction of the cotton-mills at Brownville, as an expert mechanic. In 1824 be removed from Brownville to Theresa, where he was a merchant until 1828, when he received the ap- pointment of deputy collector of customs for the port of Alexandria Bay, which office he held for nearly 19 years, and lived there until his death, June 10, 1855. Mr. Walton became owner of a large part of the American islands in the St. Lawrence river, and through life was a prominent man of the town and county. Although Mr. Walton passed away nearly 40 years ago, his personality was so marked that he is yet well-remembered in Alexandria and many anecdotes are told of him.

WILLIAM P. WESCOTT was born in Alex- andria Bay, April 28, 1859. He attended the graded school until 17. In September, 1887, he married Miss Jane A. Crabb, and they re- side in Alexandria Bay. Mr. Wescott is pro- prietor and captain of the steamer Minnie.

ALFRED A. HOLMES came to Redwood in the year 1864. He had formerly resided at Philadelphia and Theresa, in which places he was engaged in the general merchandise busi- ness. He bought out M. W. & G. T. White, and M. W. White's residence in Redwood. Mr. llolmes' parents came from England, and settled in Schenectady county, where relatives now live. He has been a hard working man, never lacking enterprise and industry in what- ever he undertook.

In politics, a Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp. He met with reverses at his start in business, which he overcame by close at- tention to the little things pertaining thereto, and he soon took a position ennabling him to reach out and gather in the grain left by the wayside. He was thrice elected supervisor of the town of Alexandria, the last time without opposition. In building the Morristown and Black River Railroad, from Morristown to Carthage, from its inception to completion he was one of the foremost, and upon the road's completion, was chosen secretary and treasu- rer of the company. Since the completion of the railroad his entire attention has been given to his merchandise. Some 10 years since he received into partnership his eldest son, Fred T., upon whose shoulders the indoor work is now carried; while the father indulged in speculations outside, in which he was successful to such a remarkable degree that the competency gathered allowed him to turn over his share of his store interest to his second son, W. W. Holmes. In the fall of 1892 he concluded to see a little more of the world, and to learn of the business way of Antipodeans. In company of his wife and daughters, Misses Ada and Sarah, he made a trip to Australia and Tasmania, spending the winter abroad and returning in the following summer.

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Notwithstanding the many drafts upon his energies, Mr. Holmes looks much younger than he really is. He has three farms, upon which he keeps 90 cows; the Redwood grist- mill, which he purchased of H. S. White some years ago, and much other real estate and personal property. Fred T., the eldest son, is a young man of great perseverance and remarkable executive ability. Five years he has served the town on the board of supervisors, and was accounted one of the most active in that body. The future for him is certainly bright.

ADAM BICKELHAUPT, one of the principal merchants of Redwood, is deserving of a good record in the History of Jefferson county, for he is one of those toilers who commenced his career as chore-boy with Holmes & Reed, 28 years ago. Notwithstanding the funny jokes and side thrusts at his verdancy, he kept right on climbing to the top. Before leaving the employ of Holmes & Reed, his capacity was recognized. The business problems of this firm he took a deep interest in, and sought a proper solution, not only for the welfare of his employers, but as safe guides when he began carrying on the same kind of business for himself. In the year 1872 he formed a co-partnership with Byron Briggs, in general merchandise. That part- nership continued four years. Since 1876 he has continued the mercantile business alone, adding such outside business as his means allowed, until now he is conducting 12 cheese factories, three of which he owns. In those 12 factories he manufactures into cheese the milk of 1,500 cows.

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 91

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