USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 6
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 6
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 6
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 6
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 6
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storage reservoirs for the regulation of the flow of the Black River and its tributaries. Mr. Cullings is recognized as an authority on this type of work and has written numerous reports, which have been published by the New York State Conservation Commission, and which include much information of great value concerning the water power resources of the State. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is past president of the Jefferson County Fish and Game Protective Asso- ciation.
On Jan. 12, 1912, Mr. Cullings was united in marriage with Miss Ethel Sprague, the daughter of Arthur E. and Clara A. Sprague, natives of New York, both deceased. Mr. Sprague was a well known funeral direc- tor of Poland, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Cullings have a son, John Richard.
Mr. Cullings is a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church, and belongs to Phi Kappa Alpha and Tau Beta Pi fraternities, Black River Valley Club, and Jefferson County Golf Club.
Dr. Edward S. Willard, deceased, was born Sept. 2, 1853, near the town of Fairfield, Herkimer County, N. Y. He was born on the estate of his father, Charles W. Willard, and his mother's name was Theresa Ann Turtelot Willard.
On his father's side of the family, Dr. Willard was of colonial descent. His histories of both his father's and mother's families have been traced back to the 15th century. Dr. Willard was a member of the ninth gen- eration, from Major Simon Willard, who came to this country in 1634. His mother was of French Huguenot descent.
Joseph Willard, great grandfather of Dr. Willard came to Herkimer County in 1790 and there took up a large tract of land. Joseph Willard was a Revolutionary war hero. Colonel Charles Willard, who was Dr. Willard's grandfather, was a veteran of the War of 1812, and for some time he was on duty at Sackets Harbor, N. Y.
Dr. Willard was educated in the Fairfield Academy, and upon com- pletion of his studies there he went to Albany Medical College. He war graduated from that institution in the class of 1880. He first went to Adams, N. Y., where he practiced for a time. He then moved to Fair- field, where he took over the practice of his brother Dr. Isaac N. Willard. He practiced there until 1889, when he moved to Watertown. Dr. Willard built up a large practice both in Watertown and in the rural districts. In 1893 he was appointed health officer, and continued successfully in that position until 1914 when he resigned. He was one of the organizers of the
DR. EDWARD S. WILLARD
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Watertown City Medical Society and served as its president. He also served as president of the Jefferson County Medical Society.
Dr. Willard served the city through the typhoid fever epidemic in 1903-4. He carried out his duties in the public office without any assist- ance. He was instrumental in getting the milk legislation for the city of Watertown.
On Jan. 3, 1878, Dr. Willard married Miss Clara Rasay. She was born July 5, 1857, in the town of DeKalb, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., the daughter of Silas and Mary (Parham) Rasay. She died Oct 16, 1923. Through her father she traced her ancestry to the Macleod clan of the Isle of Rasay, Scotland, and on the mother's side the Ashleys and Mer- riams as her forebears. Thus she was of colonial ancestry. In 1874 she graduated from a musical and literary course, and in 1876 taught in the Fairfield Seminary, in which work she continued until she married Dr. Willard in 1878. She was one of the most active women in the North- ern Federation of Women's Clubs. For several years she was the his- torian of the Morning Musicales, Incorporated. She was president of the Women's Musical Society; president and pianist of Women's Orchestra; member of the Piano Club; a charter member LeRay de Chaumont Chap- ter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Educational Secretary of the Women's Auxiliary of Trinity Church, honorary member of "Old His- torical Society ;" member of the Board of Women's Auxiliary of the City Hospital; and a past president of the Visiting Nurse's Association. She was also an instructor of a class in current topics from 1912 until 1922.
To Doctor and Mrs. Willard three children were born: 1. Ralph C. Willard, Utica, N. Y. 2. Mrs. Rae Willard Moore, Watertown. 3. Charles E. Willard, Buffalo, N. Y.
Dr. Willard and his family were members of the Trinity Episcopal Church.
Frederic Halsey Taylor, who is president of F. H. Taylor, Inc., is a leading figure in aviation circles in Watertown, and a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, June 2, 1894, and received his early edu- cation in the public schools. He attended Fessenden and Hotchkiss School in 1913, and Yale University from 1913 until 1917.
At the outbreak of the World War Mr. Taylor enlisted in the Signal Reserve Corps, Aviation Section, U. S. Army, and attended the Cornell Ground School, at Ithaca, N. Y. He was later transferred to Kelly Field No. 2, Texas, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant with a pilot's rating. Subsequently, he was sent to Lake Charles, La., and attached to Gerstner Field, where he was graduated from the aerial gun-
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nery school. He then became an instructor at that school, but was later transferred to the Dorr and Carlstrom fields, Arcadia, Fla., where he was attached to the pursuit schools as an instructor. He was discharged from the service on Jan. 2, 1919, and now holds a commission in the Officers Reserve Corps, Air Service.
Upon his return to Watertown, Mr. Taylor became associated with the Northern New York Utilities Corporation, and resigned later as assistant secretary of the company. He had the local agency for the Lincoln automobile for a time, and has since been identified with F. H. Taylor, Inc., commercial aviation, sales, and instruction. It was largely through the efforts of Mr. Taylor that the community municipal airport was developed in Watertown.
Mr. Taylor was married (first) to Miss Catherine Carlisle, who died in 1923. She was the daughter of John N. Carlisle, who is president of the Northern New York Utilities Corporation, Watertown. To Fred H. and Catherine (Carlisle) Taylor were born three children: Fred Halsey, Jr., Sallie, and Catherine C. Mr. Taylor was married (second) in 1924 to Miss Ruth Bill, the daughter of J. R. Bill, deceased. He was a well known flour manufacturer in New England.
Mr. Taylor holds membership in Trinity Episcopal Church, Black River Valley Club, Jefferson County Golf Club, Crescent Yacht Club, Thousand Island Country Club, Thousand Island Yacht Club, New York Athletic Club, Aviation Club of Long Island, Quiet Birdmen, Rainbow Fish and Game Club, Yale Club of New York, Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and Elks Lodge.
Mr. Taylor is a director of the Jefferson County National Bank, of Watertown. He also held a position for about one year in the bond depart- ment of this bank.
James Henry Davison .- Prominent in the business life of Watertown is James H. Davison, who is vice president of Marcy-Buck & Winslow, Inc. He was born in this city, Nov. 9, 1875, the son of James and Mary E. (Windover) Davison.
James Davison was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to this country with his parents when he was a boy of 12 years. The family located in Watertown, where Mr. Davison spent the remainder of his life. For several years he was employed by Daniel Frink. The latter's business was taken over by the Richard Marcy Company and later the business be- came known as Marcy, Buck and Riley. Mr. Davison remained in the company's employ until his death. His wife was born in Canada and is also deceased. Both are buried in North Watertown Cemetery. Mr.
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Davison was a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To Mr. and Mrs. Davison were born six children: James Henry, the subject of this sketch; Ruth, deceased; Rev. Bert J., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, lives at Brasher Falls, N. Y .; Bertha May, twin sister of Bert J. married (first) to Norman Taylor and later Eli Sheitz; Arthur W., lives at Watertown; and Florence, married John C. Rarrick, lives at Watertown.
James Henry Davison attended the public schools of Watertown and after his graduation from high school he was employed in the printing plant of Brockway Co. for three months. He then went with the Marcy- Buck & Riley Co. as an office boy, and later was promoted to the position of bookkeeper. He attended night school while in the company's employ and at the death of Mr. Riley, the business was reorganized, and Mr. Davison became an officer of the company. In 1928 the Winslow Trucking Company was merged with the Marcy-Buck Company, and Mr. Davison was made vice president of the new corporation.
In 1898 Mr. Davison was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Jeanette Appenzeller, the daughter of Frederick and Amelia (Loomis) Appenzeller. The former, born in Zurich, Switzerland, was a representative citizen and prominent business man of LeRaysville, N. Y., where he was a hay broker. He also conducted a grocery business at that place. His wife was born at Ingalls Crossing, Oswego County. Both are deceased and are buried at Calcium, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Davison have a son, Rev. Leon A., who is a Presbyterian minister at Blairstown, N. J. He is a graduate of Water- town High School, Hamilton College, and Auburn Seminary. During the World War he served in the Student Army Training Corps.
Politically Mr. Davison is a Republican. He is an active and promi- nent member of the First Presbyterian Church, and president of the board of trustees. He also belongs to the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and is president of the North Watertown Cemetery Association.
Ray Waldo Merrill .- Over a quarter of a century of practice in general phases of the law, marked by strict adherence to justice as well as to the interests of his clients, and resulting in signal success, has given Ray W. Merrill, of Watertown, N. Y., state-wide prominence in his profession. He was born at Carthage, Jefferson County, N. Y., Jan. 28, 1878, the son of Capt. Erurn M. and Ellen M. (Gates) Merrill.
Erurn M. Merrill was born in Jefferson County, at Antwerp, Oct. 16, 1836. He taught school for a while before enlisting in the Union Army in October, 1861. He was a member of Company I, 94th Regiment, New
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York Volunteer Infantry, in which he was elected a second lieutenant. He fought at Bull Run. He was depleted in health and strength by the rigors of the campaign and was advised to resign in order to recuperate. Though he did so, he continued preparing himself for a military career, and studied at General Casey's School of Military Tactics, in Philadelphia, and was graduated with the grade of colonel. He was anxious for service and made application and was commissioned a captain in the regular United States Army by President Lincoln, on June 6, 1864. Stationed with his command, Company K, 17th Regiment, U. S. Infantry, in Nashville, Tenn., he unexpectedly found himself near his brother, Dr. S. L. Merrill, and had as his commanding officer, Colonel William R. Shafter. Captain Merrill had a brilliant record both as a fighter and as a disciplinarian. His own habits were temperate, his sense of responsibility keen, and of fair play strong. For a year after the war he was retained in the service, part of the time straightening out affairs in occupied territory. Though urged to remain in the Regular Army, he resigned and returned to Car- thage, where he was for a time part owner of a drug store, and he also engaged in other activities. He died in September, 1901, at Carthage. His wife, Ellen M. (Gates) Merrill, was a descendant in the ninth genera- tion of Cornelius Waldo.
With this excellent heritage, Ray Waldo Merrill had also the advan- tage of a liberal education in the public and high schools of Carthage, at Union University, and at Albany Law School from which he was gradu- ated in 1901 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He read law for a time in the office of E. A. Kilby, and was admitted to the bar in 1901. He began the practice of law at Carthage, and met with success. In 1912 he went to Gouverneur, N. Y., where he practiced for three years. It was in 1915 that he established his law offices in Watertown, first in partner- ship with E. V. Bloodnough, then alone, where he has since continued to prosper. His offices are in the Otis Building.
Politically, Mr. Merrill is a Republican. He is a member of Carthage Lodge, No. 158, F. and A. M .; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles ; and is a charter member of the Carthage Club. He is a first lieutenant of the Sons of Veterans, Carthage. Mr. Merrill is a member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to the Jefferson County Bar Association.
In 1906 Ray Waldo Merrill was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle A. Collinson, of Seeley's Bay, Province of Ontario, Canada, the daughter of E. C. and Mary (Chapman) Collinson. To Mr. and Mrs. Merrill five children have been born: 1. Ellen W., married Kenneth Marmon, and lives at Alcoa, Tenn. 2. Erwin C., born in 1909, is a medical student at Syracuse University. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. 3. Samuel M., a student at Alcoa, Tenn. 4. Malcolm R. 5. Reginald A. Both students.
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Joseph Watson Taggart .- The name Taggart is well known to the man- ufacturing and general mercantile interests everywhere for its associa- tion with the manufacture of paper of a standard quality; and Joseph W. Taggart, vice president of the Taggart Brothers Company, Inc., is an expert in that industry, having been practically interested in all branches of paper manufacture and its distribution from the beginning of his busi- ness career. Mr. Taggart has rendered a service to all industry by his personal attention to the product of his plant, which was one of the first to manufacture paper from wood pulp. He is a son of Joseph B. Tag- gart, of Watertown, who died in 1908, aged 85 years, and of Margaret (Benoit) Taggart, who died in 1875.
Joseph B. Taggart, son of Henry and Julina (Dighton) Taggart, was born July 13, 1823, in LeRoy, where he received his education and for a time engaged in farming. He then went West, where he remained three years, and on his return settled in Evan's Mills, where he opened a gen- eral store. After conducting this business for some years he moved to Erie County, N. Y., where he again became the proprietor of a general store, and after his return to Jefferson County he continued in agricul- ture for seven years. He had for some time been engaged in general business about the Taggart Brothers paper mill until he retired. They were the parents of the following children: Joseph W .; George H .; and Susie, who married W. C. Jones.
The progenitor of the race in the United States was Henry Taggart, a Scotchman, who emigrated from the Isle of Man before the middle of the 18th century. His son Henry was born in Le Ray, where he became a prominent farmer. He married Julina, daughter of John Dighton, who was one of the early settlers of Pamelia, whose father had come to Amer- ica as a soldier in Burgoyne's army, but after the battle of Saratoga had become a citizen of the United States.
Joseph Watson Taggart was born Dec. 6, 1862, in Jefferson County, where he attended the public schools. He has been engaged in the manu- facture of paper and paper bags from the time of his graduation from school, and with one concern, Taggart Brothers Company, Inc., and he has been vice president of the firm since 1906. The firm was established in 1866 by B. B. Taggart, Sr., and was located on what is known as Beebee Island. Later on, in the same year, Mr. Taggart received as a partner, O. R. Davis, and the title then became Taggart & Davis, and the business was removed to the present site, on Main Street, in 1867. Mr. Davis died in 1886, and the business was incorporated under the name of Taggart Brothers Company, with B. B. Taggart as president, and W. W. Taggart, as vice president. Gradually, at the demands of the business, the plant was enlarged, and at the present time it covers several acres. Having started
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with equipment of only one hand press, it has grown to be one of the leading manufacturies of manila paper bags in the country, employing up- wards of 250 people, and distributing the product throughout the United States. The firm manufactured paper for newspapers up to 1893.
A Republican in his political views, Mr. Taggart supports the principles of that party with his vote and influence. He shared in all activities in the World War, and was prominent in the Liberty Loan drives. Fra- ternally, he is affiliated with Watertown Lodge, No. 49, F. & A. M .; Wa- tertown Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M .; Watertown Commandery, No. 11, K. T .; Central City Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R .; Media Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; and he is a member of the Rotary and Masonic clubs.
On Nov. 28, 1894, Mr. Taggart was united in marriage with Miss Car- rie L. Richardson, of Watertown, daughter of Robert B. and Susan (Phil- lips) Richardson, both deceased.
Corwin Terrill Jewell .- As a leading manufacturer and business man of Watertown, Corwin T. Jewell has had a career of steady progress, starting with its early inception in the paper industry and passing through constantly advancing stages to his present position as general manager of the St. Regis Paper Company. Thoroughness has been an outstanding characteristic of Mr. Jewell in his business methods, and his consistent attention to the details of his work, coupled with an astute mind capable of looking into the future, has brought him both great responsibilities and success. He is also connected with important banking interests of the county.
Rev. Charles E. Jewell, father of Mr. Jewell, who died in 1919, was for many years a well known clergyman, holding charges in Syracuse and elsewhere in Onondaga County, N. Y. Mr. Jewell's mother, Hope (Terrill) Jewell, lives in Geneva.
Corwin T. Jewell was born Sept. 16, 1878, at Woodward, Onondaga County, N. Y. He received his education in the public and high schools of Syracuse and Auburn. During his later school days he showed a marked propensity for athletics, and then and through his young man- hood gained unusual local prominence because of his skill in out-door sports. His serious interests, however, soon turned to business, and from his introduction to it in the Champion Paper Company of Carthage, on through years of work with the paper mills at Carthage, he gained steadily in experience and understanding of business principles. In 1905 he came to the St. Regis Company's mills at Deferiet, and advanced rapidly from the shipping to the sales department. From this grounding in the funda-
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mentals his executive work began as superintendent of the Henings Box Board Company, and after two years he became assistant manager. Upon the death of his immediate superior in 1922, Mr. Jewell was made general manager of the St. Regis Paper Company.
Although his life is so closely linked with business interests, Mr. Jewell finds time to indulge some of his one-time zest for athletics, and takes much pleasure in the activities of the Black River Valley Club; the Jefferson County Golf Club, and the Crescent Yacht Club. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Politically he is a Republican.
Fraternally, Mr. Jewell is a member of Lodge No. 158, F. and A. M .; Watertown Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M .; Watertown Commandery, K. T. No. 11; and Media Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
Mr. Jewell has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Minnie Bush. On Sept. 20, 1913, he married Frances K. Kested, the daughter of Archibald Kested. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have two children: Corwin and Donald.
Howard Newton Cooper, M. D .- Among the highly successful surgeons of Watertown is Doctor Cooper, who has offices in the Woolworth Build- ing. He was born at Springville, Erie County, N. Y., Jan. 4, 1895, the son of Rev. H. C. and Alice (Eaton) Cooper.
Rev. H. C. Cooper, who is well known as pastor of a Baptist Church in Carthage, N. Y., was born at Melrose, Mass. He received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts at Rochester University, and was ordained as a minister of the Baptist Church at Rochester Seminary. Reverend Cooper is a Republican in politics, and belongs to Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Upsilon fraternities. His wife was born at Springville, N. Y. To Reverend and Mrs. Cooper were born three children: James, who is superintendent of the Utica Gas Company, Utica, N. Y., is a World War veteran, having served with the rank of lieutenant in the chemical war- fare service; Howard Newton, the subject of this sketch; and Alice, mar- ried R. Wilton Hoover, lives at St. Louis, Mo.
Howard Newton Cooper obtained his early schooling at Little Falls, N. Y., and following his graduation from high school in 1912 he entered Colgate University, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1917. He was graduated from the School of Medicine, Cornell Univer- sity, in 1920, and spent the following two years as an interne in Bellevue Hospital, New York City. During 1922-23 he engaged in practice at Lake Tahoe, Calif., and the following year was an instructor in surgical path- ology in the Cornell Medical School in New York City. Doctor Cooper came to Watertown in 1924, where he has since successfully engaged in
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the practice of surgery as a member of the partnership of Gardner & Cooper.
Doctor Cooper was married in 1922 to Miss Katherine Hahn, the daughter of Charles and Ivah Hahn, who were natives of Sweden and prominent citizens of Minneapolis, Minn. Both are deceased. Doctor and Mrs. Cooper have two daughters, Mary and Jeanne.
Doctor Cooper is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to Phi Delta Theta and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities. He is identi- fied with the Jefferson County Medical Society, New York State Medical Society, American Medical Association, and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. During the World War he was an apprentice in the U. S. Navy hospital service, and now holds a commission in the 13th Fleet Division of the U. S. Naval Reserve. He belongs to the American Legion and Army and Navy Post.
Doctor Cooper is attending surgeon of Good Samaritan and Mercy hospitals. He belongs to the Cornell Club of New York and Jefferson County Golf Club.
Melvin F. Kinkley .- A lawyer with great natural alertness and keen- ness of mind, well educated on general subjects and in the technique of his profession, Melvin F. Kinkley has been connected with important liti- gation in Watertown, New York, and is a constructive political leader there. He was born at Orleans, Jefferson County, N. Y., Aug. 30, 1884, the son of Shirley P. and Josephine (Fults) Kinkley. His father, a native of Napanee, Canada, a farmer, was so ardent an advocate of freedom and progress that he fought for the Union side in the Civil War, as a member of Gen. Phil Sheridan's cavalry. Both he and his wife are deceased.
Melvin F. Kinkley attended the public schools of his neighborhood and pursued his legal studies at the famous Albany Law School, from which he graduated in 1911, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Ad- mitted to the bar the year of his graduation, 1911, Mr. Kinkley began to practice law in association with Henry J. Crawford, of Albany. The fol- lowing year he established an independent practice in Watertown, where he has secured a large and appreciative clientele. In May, 1925, he formed a partnership with Mr. Lamon, under the firm name of Kinkley and Lamon, caring for all sorts of general litigation and equipped to engage in greatly increased business. Mr. Kinkley is a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association. His political advancement has accompanied his professional progress. A member of the Republican party, he was United States Com- missioner from 1917 to 1921, was chosen assistant district attorney in 1921 and served until he was elected district attorney in November, 1927,
MELVIN F. KINKLEY
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and served until Jan. 1, 1931. He has served as chairman of the city Re- publican organization. During the World War he served on the local Draft Board. He is a member of Watertown Lodge, No. 49, F. and A. M .; Watertown Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M .; as well as the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Lincoln League. Thus he has a hand in all angles of community life and gives wholehearted support to genuine progress.
Melvin F. Kinkley married (first) Lulu Haynes, now deceased, the daughter of William Haynes, now of Orleans, N. Y. He married (second) Adele Miller, of Albany, N. Y., the daughter of Charles E. and Laura S. (Lossee) Miller, both deceased.
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