USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 34
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 34
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 34
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 34
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 34
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Edwin Starr Riggs and his wife were of New England ancestry.
After attending the public schools, James Gilbert Riggs entered Pots- dam State Normal School, where he received a thorough foundation in teacher training methods. He entered Amherst College, from which he was graduated in 1888 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, later receiving the degree of Master of Arts from the same institution. He taught school for several years and during 1891-92 was principal of the high school at Watertown. He became superintendent of schools at Plattsburgh in 1893 and served in that capacity until 1900, when he accepted an offer to teach in a private school at Dobbs Ferry on the Hudson. He satisfactorily filled that position until 1905, when he was elected superintendent of schools at Orange, N. J. Mr. Riggs held that important office for six years,
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and during that time his methods of teaching evoked favorable comment. He resigned to become principal of the Oswego State Normal School.
The Oswego State Normal College conferred upon Mr. Riggs the honorary degree of Doctor of Pedagogy. He was appointed by Gov. Alfred E. Smith as a member of the Board of Managers of the Rome State Nor- mal School. His great knowledge and love of history have qualified him for the position of president of the New York State Historical Society, and he is also president of the Oswego Historical Society.
Mr. Riggs is the third principal of Oswego State Normal School, which is one of the oldest teacher training schools in the country. Having been educated in a normal school, Mr. Riggs is particularly adapted to his work as principal, and his efforts to build up the Oswego institution have met with the highest praise from his associates on the faculty, members of the board of trustees, and his fellow townsmen generally.
On January 9, 1900, Mr. Riggs married Miss Elizabeth Spencer of Dobbs Ferry, N. Y., who died in February, 1915. He was married (second) on Dec. 23, 1918, to Miss May Jones, of Ridgeway, Mich.
Mr. Riggs is a Republican, and is an advocate of administrative meas- ures for the relief of educational agencies. He holds membership in the Presbyterian Church, Fortnightly Club, Theta Delta Chi fraternity, and Oswego Country Club. He is also actively identified with numerous edu- cational societies.
David D. Long .- As president of the Oswego Candy Works, Inc., of which the Long Chocolate Works, Inc., is a subsidiary, Mr. Long is one of the pioneer candy manufacturers in this section of the country, and is a representative business man of the North Country. He was born in Oswego, June 22, 1857, the son of James and Margaret (Irwin) Long, of Oswego.
James Long and his wife were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. Their marriage took place in Oswego in 1852, and they spent the remainder of their lives in this city. Mr. Long was a stationary engineer and died in March, 1922, and his wife died in 1866.
David D. Long acquired his education in the public schools of Oswego and began his career as a candy manufacturer in the employ of Jerry Haggerty, a well known candy manufacturer, of Oswego, who died in 1930. Mr. Long was identified with that business for three years, after which he purchased a small candy shop in Oswego. Under his wise man- agement the volume of business increased greatly, and about 1900 Mr. Long was recognized as the leading candy manufacturer in this section. The marvelous growth of the plants of the Long Chocolate Works and the
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Oswego Candy Works, and the good will enjoyed by these concerns, have their foundation in the humble beginnings and basic principles laid down by Mr. Long.
The Oswego Candy Works, Inc., a parent plant of this organization, was founded in 1900. Its specialty is bulk chocolate candy, which is sold wholesale throughout the entire East and Middle West. The plant has a capacity of 80 tons of chocolate candy per week, or approximately 15 tons daily. Five tons of peanut butter are also manufactured daily. The prod- ucts of this well known concern are sold under its trade mark, "Ox-Heart." In 1915 Mr. Long's four sons became associated with the business, which continued as a partnership until 1921, when the business was incorporated, the stock being held by members of the Long family exclusively.
Additions to the plant were made in 1915, 1921, and 1924, and the present plant, located at 275-281 West First Street, occupies 70,000 square feet of space. Over two hundred people are employed. Officers of the Oswego Candy Works are: David D. Long, president and treasurer ; Harold D. Long, vice president; and James M. Long, secretary and manager.
The Long Chocolate Works, Inc., is located at West Second and Utica Streets, Oswego. It was organized by David D. Long as mentioned above, and is now operated by Raymond M. Long, as manager; and David D. Long, Jr., as secretary. This subsidiary of the Oswego Candy Works, Inc., manufactures chocolate coatings and chocolate specialties, the base of its products being the raw cocoa bean which is shipped in great quantities to the local plant from New York City. The plant was enlarged in 1916 and now occupies 50,000 square feet. This business had been established in 1911 by David D. Long, and was successfully managed by him until 1916, when it was operated by his sons. This business was also incorporated in 1921, the entire stock being owned by members of the Long family.
On June 20, 1883, Mr. Long married Miss Emma J. Chatterton, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine Chatterton of Oswego. To them were born five children: 1. Grace, married Charles W. Linsley, lives at Oswego, and they have a daughter, Mary June. 2. Harold D., born Sept. 28, 1887, is vice president of the Oswego Candy Works, Inc. He married Miss Ruth Radway, and they have two daughters, Grace Isabel and Jane Radway. He is a member of the Masonic and Elk Lodges, Fortnightly Club, and Oswego Country Club. 3. James M., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history. 4. Raymond M., born March 6, 1891, is vice president of Long's Chocolate Works, Inc. He married (first) on April 14, 1913, Miss Irene G. Buck, the daughter of William W. and Jennie M. (Hagenbruch) Buck, of Oswego. She died in 1928, and Mr. Long married (second) Miss Gladys Warner, of Syracuse. They have a son. Mr. Long is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Fortnightly Club, and Oswego Country Club. 5. David
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D., Jr., born Nov. 21, 1892, is secretary of Long's Chocolate Works, Inc. He was married March 1, 1920, to Miss Edna Snell, who died in 1929. Their children are: Lucille, David D. III and Emily Jean. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Fortnightly Club.
David D. Long, the subject of this sketch, was elected mayor of Oswego on the Republican ticket in 1911, his victory at the polls being a remark- able tribute to his popularity and worth as a citizen, for it was achieved in a section which is normally a Democratic stronghold. His pleasing personality, vigorous character, and genial manner are strong assets in his favor, both in his business relations and in his associations with people in other channels of endeavor. He has been a director of the First Na- tional Bank, now known as the First National Bank and Trust Company, of Oswego for 20 years and is a trustee of the Oswego Savings Bank. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, former trustee of the Y. M. C. A. and a member of the Oswego Board of Charities. He is a trustee of the Congregational Church and belongs to Aeonian Lodge, F. and A. M .; B. P. O. Elks; City Club; Fortnightly Club; Pleasant Point Club; and Oswego Country Club.
Harry C. Boardman is an energetic and progressive business man of Oswego, and is widely known as the manager of the New York Telephone Company. He was born at Biddeford, Maine, Aug. 19, 1878, the son of James Francis and Carrie N. (Boynton) Boardman.
James Francis Boardman was a native of Ipswich, Mass., and died in Worcester, Mass., in December, 1911. He spent his early life in Massa- chusetts and later lived in Maine, being the superintendent of a foundry and machine shop. For many years he was interested in the manufacture of cotton machinery. His family was identified with the sea and his father was a master mariner between the East Indies and America for many years. Mr. Boardman was a life long Republican, a member of the Con- gregational Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also served throughout the Civil War, as did his two brothers. To Mr. and Mrs. Boardman two children were born, a daughter, who died in infancy, and Harry C., the subject of this sketch.
Carrie N. (Boynton) Boardman was born in Maine, Jan. 12, 1832, and died at Oswego, N. Y., in April, 1930, at the age of 98 years. She is buried at Biddeford, Maine. She was a member of the Daughters of the Ameri- can Revolution, and the Boynton family's coat of arms is registered in the College of Heralds in London, England. She was the daughter of Joseph D. Boynton, whose father was Samuel Boynton, and the latter's ancestors
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were William and John Boynton, brothers, who came to New England in 1635. William was a school teacher and was the 23rd generation from Bartholomew de Boynton, who was seated at the Manor of Boynton in the ancient village of Boynton in the eastern part of Yorkshire, England, in 1066. William Boynton was born in Knapton, England, in 1606, and settled at Rowley, Mass., after coming to New England in 1635. John Boynton was born at Knapton, England, in 1614, and came to New Eng- land in 1638, and settled at Rowley.
Harry C. Boardman, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the public schools of Biddeford, Maine, and attended Bowdoin College. He spent two years in a bank at New Bedford, Mass., and then became identified with the Southern Massachusetts Telephone Company, which was later merged with the New England Telephone Company. In 1912 Mr. Boardman was transferred to the New York Telephone Company and three years later came to Oswego as manager of the Oswego district, which comprises four exchanges, besides the Oswego exchange. Territory under his management and supervision covers 350 square miles.
In 1904 Mr. Boardman was united in marriage with Miss Nina Parker, of New Bedford, Mass., the daughter of Herbert and Laura E. (Linscott) Parker. Mr. Parker died in March, 1930, and his wife died in 1923. Both are buried in Woodfords Cemetery at Portland, Maine. In 1922 they came to Oswego, N. Y., where they resided with Mr. and Mrs. Boardman. Mr. and Mrs. Boardman have no children.
Mr. Boardman is a Republican in politics, a member of the Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club, Oswego Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Fortnightly Club, Knights of Pythias. He also holds mem- bership in the Telephone Pioneers of America. Mrs. Boardman is a mem- ber of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Joseph A. Bohn is one of the progressive and highly successful busi- ness men of Oswego, where he is vice president and general manager of the Ames Iron Works Division of Pierce, Butler & Pierce Manufacturing Corporation. He was born at Dunkirk, N. Y., March 3, 1889, the son of Nicholas and Caroline (Bird) Bohn.
Nicholas Bohn, who retired in 1928, is a well known resident of Dun- kirk, N. Y. He was born in that city and in early life was the proprietor of a meat business. In 1899 he became interested in the hotel business and was the owner and manager of the St. Nicholas Hotel until his retire- ment in 1928. Mr. Bohn is a Republican, a member of the Catholic Church, and a charter member of B. P. O. Elks, Dunkirk. His wife died in 1914.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Bohn were born three children: 1. Joseph A., the subject of this sketch. 2. Julia, lives at home. 3. Frances, married Eugene Mur- phy, lives at Dunkirk.
After his graduation from the parochial schools of Dunkirk, Joseph A. Bohn attended Canisius College, Buffalo, and Bryant & Stratton Business College. He spent a year in the employ of the New York Central Railroad, two years with the South Shore Natural Gas Company at Dunkirk, and ten years with the United States Light & Heat Corporation at Niagara Falls. Mr. Bohn came to Oswego in 1919 as cost accountant for the Ames Iron Works, later became production manager, and in 1929 was elected vice president and general manager of the company.
In 1919 Mr. Bohn was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Ma- honey of Niagara Falls, N. Y., the daughter of James J. Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney, deceased, was Democratic State Committeeman for many years and was popularly known as "Big Jim" Mahoney. Mr. and Mrs. Bohn have a daughter, Mary Ann, born at Oswego, May 12, 1929.
Mr. Bohn is a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Fortnightly Club, Oswego City Club, and Oswego Yacht Club. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce.
The family residence at 143 East Seventh Street, Oswego, was built in 1930. Mr. Bohn's greatest recreation is riding and he is the owner of several fine saddle horses, one of which took first prize at the Fort Ontario Horse Show in 1930.
Arthur A. Dorr, who is district manager for the Union Central Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Woolworth Building, is well known in insurance circles in Watertown. He was born at Clayton, N. Y., Feb. 3, 1885, the son of Peter and Harriett Jeannetta (Deans) Dorr.
Peter Dorr was born at Clayton and his wife was a native of Alexan- dria, Jefferson County. He attended Bellville Academy and Fulton Semi- nary, and until his retirement in 1911 successfully engaged in general farming and stockraising, being the owner of a farm of 332 acres. Mr. Dorr now lives retired at Clayton. He is a Republican and an active member of the Methodist Church of Clayton. His wife died in February, 1926. To Mr. and Mrs. Dorr were born six children: Lowa M., lives at Brooklyn, N. Y .; Emma E., lives at New York City; Roy; Florence, de- ceased; Arthur A., the subject of this sketch; and Charles, deceased.
After his graduation from Clayton High School Arthur A. Dorr went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he was identified with the engineering depart- ment of the Westinghouse Electric Company. From 1909 until 1912 he
ARTHUR A. DORR
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was connected with the Western Electric Company, and in the latter year returned to Jefferson County to take over the management of his father's farm near Clayton. In 1919 he became manager of the tractor and farm implement department of B. M. James Company. Mr. Dorr began his career in the insurance business in December, 1922, as an agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society, with whom he was identified until Jan- uary, 1929. He has since been located in Watertown in charge of the Northern territory of the Union Central Life Insurance Company.
In 1913 Mr. Dorr was united in marriage with Miss Bertha George, the daughter of James George, who lives retired at Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Dorr is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and be- longs to Clayton Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 296, and New York State Archaeological Society.
In 1926 Mr. Dorr served as president of the Northern New York Asso- ciation of Life Underwriters. He is now secretary and treasurer of that organization.
M. D. Ewell, who is superintendent of highways in Oswego County, has an outstanding record in engineering work. He was born in Wyoming County, N. Y., April 15, 1884, the son of Rudell and Alice (Smith) Ewell.
Rudell Ewell and his wife were natives of Wyoming County. He attended the district schools and was a graduate of Middlebury Academy. He taught school for several years and later engaged in farming. Mr. Ewell was a Republican and held the office of county assessor. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He died in 1891 and his wife died in 1921. They were the parents of two sons: 1. Earl, who lives on the old home stead in Wyoming County. 2. M. D., the subject of this sketch.
The boyhood of M. D. Ewell was spent on his father's farm and after his graduation from Wyoming High School he entered Lafayette College at Easton, Pa., from which he received a degree in Civil Engineering in 1907. He began his professional career with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at New Castle, Pa. Later he was connected with the state de- partment in New York and engaged in canal construction. In 1914 Mr. Ewell accepted a position with the Concrete Steel Engineering Company of New York City, and while identified with that organization he was in charge of the construction of the following bridges: Lafayette Street Bridge, Ogdensburg; Oswego River Bridge at Minetto, N. Y .; Grass River Bridge, at Massena, N. Y .; Court Street Bridge, at Watertown; and four bridges over the Racquette River at Potsdam, N. Y. In 1924 Mr. Ewell located in Watertown where he was associated in business with Donald H.
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Breen. After a year he returned to the employ of the Concrete Steel Engineering Company and was sent to West Virginia by that firm. Later he was in charge of contracts at Port Ontario and Texas, N. Y. In February, 1929, Mr. Ewell assumed his present duties as superintendent of highways in Oswego County. In this position he has been in charge of the building of numerous bridges throughout the county.
In 1908 Mr. Ewell was married to Miss Eudora Johnson, of Phillips- burg, N. J., the daughter of John W. and Mary (Yauger) Johnson, natives of New Jersey. Both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ewell have a daughter, Alice, born Sept. 17, 1917. She is a student at Fulton High School.
Mr. Ewell is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Hiram Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 144, Fulton Chapter, R. A. M. No. 167, and Fulton Council, No. 150. He and his family live at 307 Cayuga Street, Fulton.
Fred W. Plank, who is superintendent and general manager of the Oil Well Supply Company, is one of the progressive business men of Oswego, having been identified with this concern for more than 30 years. He was born in this city, March 6, 1879, the son of Milo H. and Mary A. (Taskett) Plank.
Milo H. Plank was a native of Bennington, Vt. As a young man he came to Oswego and entered the employ of the Kenyon Company, with whom he learned the tinner's trade. For a number of years Mr. Plank successfully engaged in the hardware business at Oswego. He died here in 1900, and his wife, who was born at Carthage, died in 1898. Both are buried in Oswego. Mr. Plank was a Republican and held membership in the West Baptist Church. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Plank: Edward A., who died in 1921; and Fred W., the subject of this sketch.
After his graduation from Oswego High School, Fred W. Plank took correspondence work in mechanical engineering at the International Corre- spondence School. He spent two years as a bookkeeper in the Kingsford store, and served in the same capacity for three years in the employ of Jules Wendell & Son. In 1900 Mr. Plank became associated with the Oil Well Supply Company as a mechanical draftsman. He served in various factory and office positions until 1915, at that time being made superin- tendent. In 1926 he became superintendent and general manager.
On Jan. 1, 1901, Mr. Plank was united in marriage with Miss Laura E. Carrier, of Oswego, the daughter of Charles H. and Edna M. (Murdock) Carrier. The former died in 1919 and the latter Aug. 1, 1908. They are buried in Riverside Cemetery, Oswego. Mr. and Mrs. Plank have two sons:
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1. Edward M., born Jan. 4, 1911, a graduate of Oswego High School, class of 1931. 2. Fred W., Jr., born Aug. 1, 1914.
Mr. Plank was a member of the New York National Guard for 26 years, being retired in 1919 with the rank of captain. During the World War he served with that organization and was on patrol duty on the waterways of Western New York.
Politically Mr. Plank is a Republican, and he has served as president of the Oswego Civil Service Commission since 1923. He and his family are members of the West Baptist Church, and he belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The J. E. Hawley Company, who are retail distributors of anthracite and bituminous coal, with offices at 69 East Bridge Street, are recognized as the leading coal dealers in Oswego County. The business, established in 1924, became affiliated with the Niagara-Hudson System in April, 1931, and they are exclusive distributors of Niagara-Hudson coke in this terri- tory, having assumed the business formerly conducted by the Peoples Gas & Electric Company.
At the date of the organization of this company Mr. Hawley realized that all business, in order to be successful, should be founded on an ideal. His ideal was to deliver to the public the best fuel which money could buy, and to follow this purchasing program with a personnel that would be efficient. The success of Mr. Hawley's plan has been evident from the beginning.
With offices on East Bridge Street, the company maintain a storage plant at the new harbor front. It is the largest coal storage system in the city.
J. E. Hawley was born in Oswego, the son of Charles E. and Jane (McCauley) Hawley. The former was born in Canada and came to Oswego at the age of 21 years. Throughout his business career he has been inter- ested in the coal and shipping business and has offices in Oswego. His wife was born at Cape Vincent, N. Y.
In 1918 Mr. Hawley married Miss Zeta Babcock of Fulton, N. Y., the daughter of Edwin P. and Helen (Craver) Babcock. Mr. Babcock was born at Fulton and died in 1923. His widow, who resides at Oswego, is a native of Warners, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Hawley have no children.
Mr. Hawley has an attractive country home on the East River Road, where he owns eleven acres. The estate is well landscaped and is one of the beauty spots of Oswego County.
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John Tiernan .- One of the most influential figures in professional circles in Oswego County is John Tiernan, who as a successful lawyer, is also a prominent citizen of Oswego. He was born in this city, the son of Michael and Anna (Hannon) Tiernan.
Michael Tiernan and his wife were natives of County Sligo, Ireland. He was a farmer and became an extensive land owner in Oswego County. He died at the age of 96 years.
John Tiernan, the subject of this sketch, attended the public and parochial schools of Oswego. He read law in the offices of Francis E. Hamilton in Oswego and was admitted to the New York bar in 1897. His entire professional career has been spent in Oswego. He served as city attorney from 1904 until 1906, his first term being under Mayor James E. Mansfield, and although a Democrat, Mr. Tiernan was retained by the incoming Republican mayor, John K. Smith. In 1928 he was appointed special surrogate judge of Oswego County by Gov. Alfred E. Smith.
On Nov. 10, 1910, Mr. Tiernan married Miss Carrie Hackett, the daugh- ter of Patrick and Mary (Doris) Hackett, of Oswego.
Mr. Tiernan is a member of the Catholic Church, and is active in the affairs of the Knights of Columbus, having received the Fourth Degree, and is past grand knight.
Mr. Tiernan has always been interested in the early history of Oswego County and has gathered much first hand information concerning the life and habits of the early pioneers of Northern New York.
Jay B. Kessler .- One of the most prominent of the younger attorneys of the North Country is Jay B. Kessler, who is established in practice at Oswego, with offices at 217 West First Street. He was born at Fulton, N. Y., March 10, 1902, the son of James H. and Bessie B. (Barker) Kessler.
James H. Kessler was born March 9, 1876, in Mexico, N. Y., and his wife was born in Fulton, N. Y. They are well known residents of Mexico, N. Y., where Mr. Kessler is engaged in the retail grocery and meat busi- ness. He is a Republican and has held the office of mayor for a number of years. He is an elder of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler are the parents of five children: 1. Betty Elizabeth Lyman, lives at Gary, Ind. 2. Ida Magioudis, lives at Gary. 3. J. B., the subject of this sketch. 4. James H., Jr., who is principal of the high school at Theresa. 5. Mary G. Bisbo, lives at Mexico, N. Y.
Jay B. Kessler obtained his early education in the public and high schools of Mexico, and in 1920 was graduated from St. John's Military
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Academy, at Ossining, N. Y. He then entered Hobart College, at Geneva, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1924. Mr. Kessler received the degree of LL. B. at Albany Law School in 1927, and during his law work at Albany he was identified with the offices of Attor- ney General Albert Ottinger for three years. In 1927 Mr. Kessler located at Oswego in association with Avery Wright, but since July, 1930, he has engaged in private practice. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
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