USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 7
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 7
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 7
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 2 > Part 7
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 7
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Ross Adair Wetterhahn .- Fortunate in being well educated and well trained particularly in banking, and being manager of a branch of the Jefferson County National Bank, Ross A. Wetterhahn has been able to devote himself intelligently and constructively to a fine civic position, the development of every phase of community progress on the North Side of Watertown, N. Y. His chief work has been the North Side Improve- ment Society, which he helped to organize and to which he has since devoted much time and energy.
Ross A. Wetterhahn was born in Jefferson County, May 20, 1887, the son of Henry F. and the late Mary Ella (Easton) Wetterhahn. His father, a machinist, is a native of Jefferson County, while his mother was a native of Canada. Ross A. Wetterhahn attended the public and high schools and took a special course at the International Correspondence Schools. His business career began with a fifteen year connection with the highway department as foreman of construction. In December, 1922, he found his real opportunity for effective service as assistant manager of the new branch of the Jefferson County National Bank, located on the North Side of Watertown, and so valuable did his services prove that he was, in November, 1925, made manager. This branch has succeeded admirably. Though established only nine years it has grown in leaps and bounds, and no small part of its success is due to the wide acquaintance- ship and popularity of Mr. Wetterhahn and his unceasing labor in behalf of the bank and of the district in general. With a view of developing his section, he was a principal in the organization of the North Side Improve- ment League, of which he was president in 1922 and 1923, and which for several years he served as chairman of the board of trustees. In politics a Republican, he was supervisor of the Tenth Ward for eleven years, 1911- 1922, and was one of the five commissioners of the city of Watertown till Jan. 1, 1930, having resigned as supervisor in August, 1922, to accept
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the appointment of commissioner to fill out the unexpired term of Wil- liam H. Auyer (deceased). In November, 1923, he was elected for a two year term and reelected in November, 1925, for a four year term.
Mr. Wetterhahn is a veteran of the World War, having entered the service in February, 1918, and served overseas in the 308th Infantry. He saw active service in the Baccarat sector, Vesle sector, Oise-Aisne offen- sive, and the Meuse-Argonne offensive. He was wounded at Oise-Aisne, and honorably discharged at Camp Upton, May 9, 1919. He is a member of Watertown Lodge No. 49, F. and A. M .; Watertown Chapter, No. 59, R. A. M .; the Loyal Order of Moose; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 496; and the North Side Improvement League. He is also enrolled in the patriotic societies, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. He is a member of the Methodist Church.
On Sept. 17, 1924, Mr. Wetterhahn was united in marriage with Miss Matie E. Bellinger, of Watertown, the daughter of Ezra D. and Augusta (Kelsey) Bellinger.
Gary M. Jones .- As principal of Watertown High School, Mr. Jones is widely and favorably known in educational circles throughout northern New York. He was born at Steuben, Oneida County, N. Y., May 20, 1866, the son of Seymour and Julia (Miller) Jones.
Seymour Jones was born at Steuben, N. Y., and his wife was a native of Trenton, N. J. In early life he engaged in farming and for a number of years owned and operated a general store at North Western, N. Y. At the time of his retirement in 1912 Mr. Jones was living an a farm. He died in 1923 and his wife died in 1898. He was a Republican and held mem- bership in the Methodist Church. Their children were: Gary M., the sub- ject of this sketch; and Anna, married C. J. Freeman, lives at North Western, N. Y.
Seymour Jones was the son of Hugh and Sally (Smith) Jones, who were natives of Steuben, N. Y., and prominent citizens of that section. Julia (Miller) Jones was the daughter of Saul U. and Catherine (Adams) Miller, who were natives of Trenton, N. J., and Steuben, N. Y., respec- tively.
Gary M. Jones grew up on his father's farm and received his early education in the district schools. He also attended school at Holland Patten and Boonville, N. Y., and spent three years at the Rome Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1882. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Hamilton College in 1888, and in that year came to Watertown as a member of the high school faculty. Three years later he began the study of law in the offices of John Lansing, and was admitted
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to the New York bar in 1893. Mr. Jones was associated in practice with Mr. Lansing until 1897, at which time he became a partner of Elon R. Brown. He was appointed city clerk of Watertown in January, 1898, under Mayor J. B. Wise, and in the same year, September, accepted the appointment as principal of the Watertown High School. Mr. Jones held the office until 1906, and then entered the offices of the Bagley & Sewall Company. From December, 1907, until April, 1908, he served as editor of the Watertown Standard, and then became a traveling representative of the Silver, Burdette & Company. In September, 1910, Mr. Jones again assumed the duties of principal of the high school and has since served in that capacity. He belongs to the Jefferson County Teachers Associa- tion and the New York State Teachers Association.
In 1891 Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Mc- Kinley, the daughter of William and Jane (Waites) Mckinley, who were natives of Scotland, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born two sons: 1. Seymour Mckinley, a graduate of Watertown High School, is a World War veteran, having served in the U. S. Navy on the U. S. S. Rochester. 2. Robert Waites, a graduate of Watertown High School, attended Union University, also a World War veteran.
Politically, Mr. Jones has always been a Republican.
Monsignor M. R. Burns .- No Watertown clergyman ever won to a greater extent the esteem of the people of the city of all creeds and de- nominations than Monsignor M. R. Burns. Broad in his outlook on life and in his estimate of other creeds, active always in civic affairs, inde- fatigable in his fight against evil, he is a great force for righteousness in Northern New York.
An orator of exceptional ability and wide renown, his voice is lifted in behalf of all commendable city enterprises. Particularly he takes a great interest in the Community Chest and each year he is present at the luncheons and his influence is a vital one in its history.
Monsignor Burns was born at Port Henry, N. Y., on March 30, 1861, a son of the late John and Margaret (Sheran) Burns. His father was a native of Ireland, and his mother was born in England. They were mar- ried in Manchester, England, and came to the United States shortly after and settled in the Lake Champlain region, later locating at Port Henry. Mrs. Burns died at Ticonderoga, N. Y., in 1893, while her son was serving as pastor at Brushton. The father died in 1902.
Monsignor Burns was educated in the Port Henry grade and high schools. He took and passed the first state Regent's examination ever
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held in New York State during his last year at the Port Henry High School, when he was 17 years of age. It was during his high school career that he decided to become a priest in the Roman Catholic Church, and following his graduation he attended Nicolet University, Montreal, Can- ada, for one year, and then went to Joliet College, also in Montreal, for two years. He took a course in philosophy and theology in the Grand Seminary of Montreal the next two years.
Because of his age, he was only 21, he could not be ordained to the priesthood that year so he was named secretary to Rt. Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams, then Bishop of Ogdensburg diocese. The following year, on Feb. 2, 1884, he was ordained. For a time after his ordination he acted as secretary to Bishop Wadhams. Then he was assigned to Rouses Point for a short pastorate, but soon transferred to Brushton. Here he served suc- cessfully and was much beloved by his parishioners, until in June, 1895, when he was appointed pastor at Watertown. There was no church and it was necessary to rent the auditorium of the Old Washington Hall where the Y. M. C. A. building now is located.
Following the initial service the congregation remained and steps were formulated to organize and incorporate the parish to be known later as the Holy Family parish. The following Sunday Dennis E. Guilfoyle was elected treasurer, and Mathew Zimmerman and George H. Burns, trus- tees. In 1903 plans were made for the erection of a larger and more modern church, and in 1904, the new edifice, one of the most beautiful in this section of the country or state was built of Gouverneur marble.
The church had an initial membership of 400, and today it has over 3000 members. A rectory was built in 1906.
Monsignor Burns later established a parochial school and Catholic High School, located in old Sterling Park, one of the finest estates in the diocese. The schools are in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
In 1918 a new marble altar, constructed of fine Italian marble, was installed. In 1919 a new gold chalice, studded with precious stones, and especially created under the direction of Monsignor Burns, was placed in the church.
In April, 1915, Father Burns was appointed Dean of Jefferson County, to succeed the Very Rev. Father Devlin.
June 2, 1925, with all the dignity of the church, Father Burns was invested with the scarlet robes of a monsignor at an investiture service held at the Holy Family Church. The honor was conferred by Bishop Joseph H. Conroy, of Ogdensburg. The title of monsignor was conferred upon the then Dean Burns by Pope Pius XI, and was brought back to this country and conferred by Bishop Conroy, who had made a visit to Rome that year.
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Monsignor Burns' first assistant is Rev. Joseph P. Heslin, and Rev. George T. Donnelly is second assistant.
Monsignor Burns is a member of Watertown Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree.
Hon. DeWitt C. Middleton, prominent business man and capitalist of Watertown, N. Y. has been a factor in the organization of numerous cor- porations in Northern New York, in many of which he serves as an offi- cer or director. Banks, trust companies, various other financial institu- tions and industrial or manufacturing enterprises of varied character are included among the companies with which he now is or has in the past been identified.
DeWitt C. Middleton is a son of the late Hon. Andrew C. and Nancy (Butterfield) Middleton. The father, long a resident of the town of Rut- land, Jefferson County, was a farmer. He served efficiently in a number of important town offices and was a member of the New York State Sen- ate for one term. DeWitt C. Middleton was born at Rutland, April 11, 1850. He received his education in the district school of Black River and attended the Watertown High School.
Mr. Middleton organized and was president of the Middleton & Buck Shoe Company, retail boots and shoes, at Watertown until the World War when the company was liquidated. He helped organize the Water- town Electric Light Company and served as president of the corporation from 1885 until 1905; he was president of the Northern New York Trust Company, Watertown, from 1910 until 1915, and is now vice president and director of that institution; he was president of the National Union Bank, Watertown, at the time of the merger with the Northern New York Trust Company; president of the Northern Acceptance Corpora- tion, Watertown. He is a director of the following corporations: The Agricultural Insurance Company ; the F. L. Carlisle Company, Inc .; the Citizens' Bank, at Cape Vincent ; the Hygienic Dairy Company ; the North- ern New York Securities Corporation; the Northern New York Utilities Inc .; the St. Regis Paper Company; and the Power Corporation of New York.
Despite the pressure of his many business interests, Mr. Middleton has found time to serve the people of Watertown as a member of the Board of Education, in the office of postmaster, and as mayor of the municipality for two terms, and from 1900 until 1905 he was a member of the Forest, Fish and Game Commission of the State of New York. Mr. Middleton is a communicant of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with Watertown Lodge, No. 49, F. and A. M., of which he was
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Master, and a member of the Central City Consistory, 32nd degree, A. A. S. R .; and a member of the Black River Valley Club, and the Lincoln League.
On June 17, 1897, at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, Mr. Middleton was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Almeda Tuttle, the daughter of Nelson and Lucy (White) Tuttle. Mrs. Middleton died July 4, 1926, and is buried in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown.
John C. Purcell .- One of the leading members of the Jefferson County bar is John C. Purcell, who is a member of the firm of Purcell, Cullen & Reynolds, of Watertown, with offices in the Woolworth Building. He was born in this city Jan. 28, 1884, the son of Henry and Cecelia R. (Neary) Purcell.
A sketch of Henry Purcell, deceased, appears elsewhere in this history.
John C. Purcell obtained his early schooling in Watertown. He at- tended Hotchkiss School and studied engineering at Yale University. In 1904 he took a course in law at the University of Virginia. While at this university he was a member of the football team, playing the position of half back. In 1908 he received his degree from the New York Law School. After his admission to the bar Mr. Purcell became associated in the practice of law with his father under the firm name of Purcell & Pur- cell. Later, it became Purcell, Cullen & Purcell, and then Purcell, Cullen & Pitcher. The present firm of Purcell, Cullen & Reynolds has as its senior member Francis K. Purcell, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history.
In 1920 Mr. Purcell married Miss Elizabeth Hathaway, the daughter of J. O. and Helen (Mansfield) Hathaway, who were natives of Jefferson County, both now deceased. Mr. Hathaway was well known in Watertown as the cashier of the Citizens National Bank, and later was identified with the Jefferson County National Bank. To Mr. and Mrs. Purcell have been born five children, as follows: John C., Jr. and Elizabeth, twins; Helen; Jean; and Henry Purcell, III.
Mr. Purcell is a Democrat and has served as secretary of the city committee and as a member of the Democratic County Committee and is the executive director of the Democratic Union for Jefferson County. He is past treasurer of the Jefferson County Bar Association, and belongs to the New York State Bar Association, being a member of the committee on admissions of the 5th Judicial District. Mr. Purcell has been a mem- ber of the Sacketts Harbor Board of Education and has also served as police justice. He holds membership in St. Andrew's Catholic Church, and
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belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge. He also is a member of the Black River Valley Club, Jefferson County Golf Club, Crescent Yacht Club, and Lakeside Country Club.
George M. Smith .- As vice president and treasurer of Smith & Percy, Inc., Mr. Smith ranks among the dependable and widely known merchants of Watertown. He was born at Deseronto, Ontario, Canada, June 7, 1889, the son of James M. and Ella L. (Wiltsie) Smith.
James M. Smith was born at Morton, Ontario, Canada. As a young man he learned the cabinet maker's trade, but later was associated with the undertaking business of his uncle, Theodore G. Stevens, of Athens, Ontario. He subsequently studied hydraulic engineering and was identi- fied with Alfred Struckt, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Amberson Sayles Hydraulic Construction Company, being superintendent of these com- panies. Mr. Smith now lives retired in Watertown. His wife died in 1919 and is buried in this city. He is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Church, and a 32nd degree Mason. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children: 1. Edith, married Rev. F. E. Loan, who is pas- tor of the First Methodist Church, Oswego, N. Y. 2. Inez, married Albert E. Lawrence, lives at Pulaski, N. Y. 3. George M., the subject of this sketch.
George M. Smith attended the public schools of Watertown and was employed as an office boy in the offices of the New York Air Brake Com- pany. He was also employed by A. Bushnell & Company for many years, having entered the company's employ in 1903. He became assistant man- ager, and when the store was sold in 1925 to Michael J. Leo, Mr. Smith was retained as manager. Three years later, in partnership with Harold S. Percy, he purchased the store of Charles H. Anthony, which had been established 37 years before. During its entire history the business has been located at 104-6 Washington Street. Smith & Percy, Inc., known as "The Quality Store," has a wide patronage throughout Jefferson County, and handles high grade merchandise exclusively. They are dealers in women's wearing apparel and accessories. Harold S. Percy is president, with Mr. Smith vice president and treasurer, and Florence L. Ingalls, sec- retary.
On Feb. 3, 1909, Mr. Smith was married (first) to Miss Florence M. Easton, who died April 15, 1923. She was the daughter of Charles W. and Catherine (Munro) Easton, who were born in Canada. Mr. Easton lives in Watertown, and his wife is deceased. To George M. and Florence M. (Easton) Smith were born six children: Margaret Frances and Lyle Wil-
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liam, both deceased; Catherine Florence, of Watertown; Malcolm Charles; Dorothy L., deceased; and George M. Jr., of Watertown. In 1925 Mr. Smith was married (second) to Miss Martha Dickson, the daughter of William and Margaret (Munro) Dickson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter a native of Canada. They are residents of Winchester, Ontario.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the First Methodist Church, and is affiliated with Watertown Lodge No. 49, F. & A. M., Central City Consistory, 32nd degree, Media Temple, and Rotary Club. He also belongs to the Watertown Chamber of Commerce, and Y. M. C. A.
James B. Wise .- As founder of the J. B. Wise Company, Inc., Mr. Wise, deceased, was numbered among the prominent pioneer manufacturers of Watertown. He was born at Branford, Conn., in 1858, the son of T. J. Wise.
At the age of 11 years James B. Wise came to Watertown with his father. As a boy he carried papers for the Watertown Times and also sold papers on the old Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad. He later conducted a newsstand on lower Franklin Street. His father owned and operated a locksmith shop and this small enterprise was the inception of the extensive business which was later founded by the son and now known as the J. B. Wise Company, Inc. Both gained a reputation for manufac- turing goods of durability and their trade enjoyed a steady growth. In 1886 the father died, and at that date the business was well established and in a prosperous condition. A new plant was built in 1892 at Mill and Moulton streets and it was there that the company continued the manu- facture of brass and plumbing fixtures. Later, the plant of the Water- town Marble Company on Water Street was purchased and a hydro-elec- tric plant was built at a cost of $150,000. When the World War broke out in 1914 Mr. Wise conceived the idea of manufacturing munitions of war and immediately set out to secure contracts. He carried out his plan of using the old mill of the marble company and also built a cartridge factory upon the foundation that had been built for a new marble plant. The car- tridge plant was finished, an auxiliary steam plant was constructed and put into operation, a smelter for the manufacture of brass to be used for cartridges and plumbing goods was fitted up and equipped, load houses were erected, and it was decided to manufacture smokeless powder. The munition plant was also completed.
Mr. Wise died in Atlantic City, N. J., June 7, 1916, and is buried in Watertown. He was a lifelong Republican and in 1895 was elected mayor
James B. His
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of the city. At that time the term of office lasted but one year and he was re-elected for four successive terms, serving his last year in 1898. It was under his administration that the city hall was built. Mr. Wise was always a man of broad ideas and never feared to carry them out. He possessed an energy far beyond that of the average man and he employed that en- ergy in the upbuilding of industries and municipal undertakings in the city of Watertown. His real industrial service began when he entered the manufacturing business and ultimately developed the large lock and plumbing supply business which now bears his name.
In 1881 Mr. Wise was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Willard, the daughter of George and Sylvia (Bentley) Willard, natives of Jefferson County, both now deceased. They are buried in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown. To Mr. and Mrs. Wise were born two sons: 1. Charles Ralph, who died February 26, 1919. He was married to Miss Blanche Harbottle, of Watertown. 2. Earl Willard, who is assistant treasurer of the J. B. Wise Company, Inc.
Mr. Wise was affiliated with Watertown Lodge F. & A. M. No. 49; Watertown Chapter R. A. M. No. 59; Watertown Commandery, K. T. No. 11; Media Temple; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Corona Lodge; Lincoln League; Black River Valley Club; and Watertown Chamber of Commerce, of which he served as president.
Mr. Wise was an ardent football fan and in 1902 managed the old Red and Black Team, which was not scored against during that entire season. He conceived the idea of a great tournament, which was staged in Madi- son Square Garden, New York City, for one week. Sixteen teams com- peted, with prizes of $2,100, $1,300, and $700, the latter being offered by Mr. Wise personally.
John Henry Newman .- Widely known among the substantial citizens .of Watertown is John Henry Newman, who is station master in this city for the New York Central Railroad Company. He was born at Cape Vin- cent, Jan. 6, 1885, the son of Robert J. J. and Emma J. (Mosier) Newman.
Robert J. J. Newman was born at Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Dec. 27, 1863, and died Feb. 6, 1924. In early life he was well known as a painting contractor in Cape Vincent. He also conducted a general mercantile busi- ness in the old Algonquin Hotel at Cape Vincent. He owned and operated the "Guide," a freight boat, and also was interested in the passenger service. Mr. Newman was a Democrat, a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Elks Lodge. He was one of the organizers and first Noble Grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cape Vincent and belonged to Watertown Encampment. His widow, born at
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Cardinal, Ontario, Canada, resides at Cape Vincent, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Newman were born two sons: John Henry, the subject of this sketch; and Robert Frederick, who is identified with the Board of Public Works, Watertown.
John Henry Newman attended the public schools of Cape Vincent and was a private tutor after his graduation from high school. He came to Watertown in 1903 and spent one year in the employ of the Woodruff Hotel. In May, 1905, he entered the service of the New York Central Railroad as baggageman. After five years he was promoted to baggage master and during the summer months was in charge of the department in the Clayton, N. Y. yards. He has held his present responsible position as station master since 1924.
In June, 1905, Mr. Newman was united in marriage with Miss Florence A. Cramer, the daughter of Lewis M. and Mary (Devoe) Cramer, of Wa- tertown, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have a son, Harold R., who is identified with the New York Air Brake Company. He married Miss Belva Berkley, and they have a son, John R.
In politics Mr. Newman is a Republican. He holds membership in the Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, being a trustee of same, he is Past Sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is president of the New York Central Athletic Association of Watertown and has been identified with local sports for many years, having served as manager of Y. M. C. A. and New York Central teams.
In November 1931, Mr. Newman was elected a member of the city council of Watertown.
Hon. Henry Purcell .- The history of Jefferson County will record Judge Purcell as one of the highest types of men, one of the ablest law- yers, finest judges, and most useful and public spirited of its citizens. Many honors went to him during his long years of active life. He was twice a member of the Supreme Court of the Fifth Judicial District, and served as county judge, district attorney, city attorney, president of the Watertown Board of Education, and president of the Jefferson County Savings Bank for many years. He was president of the Jefferson County Bar Association, Democratic presidential elector from the 32nd Congres- sional District, member of the board of the Northern New York Trust Company, 32nd Congressional District representative in charge of the raising of the million dollar fund as a memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, and identified with many other activities.
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