USA > New York > Franklin County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 61
USA > New York > Jefferson County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 61
USA > New York > Lewis County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 61
USA > New York > Oswego County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 61
USA > New York > St Lawrence County > The north country; a history, embracing Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewis and Franklin counties, New York, Volume 3 > Part 61
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connections with the William Colgate interests, and at that time took into partnership his son, Thomson, and with him organized the business of T. Kingsford & Son, which later became known as the largest starch manufacturing plant in the world.
Thomson Kingsford was especially fitted to supply the necessary machinery and many labor saving devices for the new factory, which the firm erected at Bergen, N. Y. In 1848 the young business had crowded itself out of its New Jersey quarters by its rapid increase in business, and the machinery was then removed to Oswego. This served as a nucleus for the establishment which made Oswego famous throughout the world as the center of the starch making industry. The inventive talent of Thomson Kingsford was very useful, as mentioned above, in the steady and rapid growth of the business in its new location. For a period of 20 years the business lives of father and son were interwoven, an effect being produced which might never have been attained by either single handed. Gradually, the management of the business was handed to the son, and upon the death of his father in 1869, Thomson Kingsford found himself at the head of one of the largest manufacturing establishments in the country. The 65 workmen in 1848 had been increased more than tenfold, and the capital from $50,000 to $500,000.
Mr. Kingsford's ability as a financier and manager received recognition both at home and abroad in his appointment to positions of honor, trust and confidence. He was a trustee of Colgate University and also of Wells College. He was president of the Oswego Starch Factory, and chairman of its executive committee, a director and subsequently vice president of the National Marine Bank of Oswego, and was active in the management and affairs of the First National Bank. He was a promoter of the Oswego Water Works, a director of the Oswego Gas Light Company, and one of the original incorporators of the Home for the Homeless, a local charity of widespread influence, originated by the women of Oswego in 1879.
Mr. Kingsford was a Republican and was a member of the convention in 1879 which nominated Governor Cornell at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and again three years later was active in the nomination of the Hon. Charles J. Folger to the same office.
With his father, Mr. Kingsford was one of the founders of the West Baptist Church of Oswego. He was a public spirited citizen, a great manu- facturer, and a financier of comprehensive views and executive force. Throughout his life he was a philanthropist of deep seated religious views.
Thomson Kingsford was married on July 1, 1851, to Miss Virginia J. Pettibone, the daughter of Augustus and Mary Pettibone, of Oswego. Two children were born to them: Thomas Pettibone, and Virginia M., deceased, was the wife of Hon. John D. Higgins, former mayor of Oswego, and now a resident of Connecticut.
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Joseph B. Riley .- As proprietor of a well established bakery in Oswego, Mr. Riley has a wide acquaintance in that city, where he was born, Feb. 28, 1875. He is the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rafferty) Riley.
Bernard Riley and his wife were natives of Ireland. He was a baker by trade and for many years was employed by the Works Company, bakers, of Oswego. He died in 1894 and his wife died in 1922. They are buried in Oswego. To Mr. and Mrs. Riley were born five children: 1. Nellie. 2. Mary E. 3. Joseph E., the subject of this sketch. 4. John H., a sailor on the Great Lakes. 5. William F. All live in Oswego.
Joseph B. Riley attended the Oswego public schools and after his graduation from high school he was employed as a shipping clerk by the Works Company. Later he became a salesman for the same firm and was thus engaged until 1911, when he engaged in business for himself. His plant and store are located at 42 West Bridge Street.
On Nov. 10, 1904, Mr. Riley married Miss Mattie Sewell, of Oswego, the daughter of Leroy and Marcia (Thorpe) Sewell. Mr. Sewell died in 1905 and his wife died in 1925. They are buried in Riverside Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Riley have no children.
Mr. and Mrs. Riley are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Chamber of Commerce. Politically he is independent.
Grant Farrington .- One of the most progressive business men of Pulaski is Grant Farrington, who is identified with Grant Farrington & Son, coal dealers. He was born at Frankfort, N. Y., Sept. 22, 1868, the son of Horace G. and Erzelia (Christman) Farrington.
Horace G. Farrington died in 1903 and is buried in Pulaski. His first wife died a year or two after marriage, leaving a daughter, Mary, who died in 1930. He was later married to Erzelia Christman, who died in 1868. They had two children, Elmer, deceased, and Grant, the subject of this sketch. Horace G. Farrington was married (third) to Elizabeth Wright, who died in 1923. They had no children. Horace G. Farrington was always a farmer and lived near Herkimer, N. Y. He was a resident of Pulaski at the time of his death.
Grant Farrington attended Pulaski Academy, being 15 years of age when his parents located here. He assisted his father in farming for several years and subsequently became the owner of a well improved farm on the Centerville Road, near Pulaski, which he still operates. Since 1924 Mr. Farrington has been interested in the coal business at Pulaski, and he is associated with his son, Horace. They are also dealers in
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cement, gasoline and kerosene. From 1928 until 1930 Mr. Farrington was also proprietor of the Park Auto Service, which was located on Broad Street.
On Dec. 12, 1889, Mr. Farrington was united in marriage with Miss Carrie L. Balsley, of Pulaski, the daughter of Alburn M. and Mary (Trumble) Balsley. The former died in 1901 and the latter in 1923. Both are buried at Sandy Creek, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Farrington were born three children: 1. Florence C., married Leon Hutt, who is superintendent of schools at Hoosick, N. Y. 2. Ethel, married Earl Dexter, lives at Mexico, N. Y. 3. Horace G., who is associated in business with his father. He received the degree of Bachelor of Science at Syracuse University in 1923.
Politically Mr. Farrington is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Church and belongs to the Grange and Farm Bureau. From 1915 until 1921 he was a director of the Dairymen's League, which has since been reorganized as the Dairymen's League Cooperative Association.
Harold Jay Richardson .- Outstanding among the representative citi- zens of Lowville and Lewis County is Harold Jay Richardson, who is active in the business, civic and fraternal life of the community. He was born at Lockport, N. Y., April 1, 1883, the son of S. Brown and Mary Frances (Dickey) Richardson.
S. Brown Richardson was born at Martinsburg, Lewis County, Dec. 12, 1852, and died Sept. 1, 1928. He was prominent for many years in the business affairs of Lowville, being for 43 years identified with the cheese manufacturing business in this section of New York, and he played a most important part in the upbuilding of community spirit and progress. Mr. Richardson was a graduate of Lowville Academy and the University of Rochester, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1878. He became associated in business with his brother, R. J. Richardson, who had established a cheese business at Lowville in 1859, and they became extensive distributors of agricultural products. An elder brother, L. B. Richardson, sold his interests to S. Brown Richardson in 1883, and the business continued as the R. J. Richardson Company until 1917, at which time R. J. Richardson died. The company was then continued by S. Brown Richardson and his sons and was known thereafter as Richardson & Com- pany. S. Brown Richardson was president of the Lowville Cold Storage Company, one of the leading storage plants in the cheese industry in the United States, and in 1928, prior to the death of S. Brown Richardson, the business was merged with Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company, Inc. Mr.
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Richardson was also one of the founders of the National Exchange Bank of Carthage, and served as vice president and director until his death. He was a director of the Northern New York Trust Company, of Watertown, and a director of the Lewis County Trust Company, of Lowville. For 17 years he was assistant commissioner of agriculture for the State of New York. He was a Republican in politics and was president of the village of Lowville for several terms. He also was affiliated with Low- ville Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 134; Lowville Chapter; Watertown Com- mandery, K. T .; and Media Temple, Watertown. He held the office of District Deputy Grand Master for several years, and was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Club.
In 1881 S. Brown Richardson married (first) Miss Mary Frances Dickey, of Lewis County, the daughter of John H. and Cornelia (Chapin) Dickey. She died July 3, 1908, leaving two sons: 1. Harold Jay, the sub- ject of this sketch. 2. Raymond Spencer, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this history. Mr. Richardson was married (second) in 1913 to Miss Sarah Bell, of Heuvelton, N. Y., and they have two daughters, Frances A. and Julia Bell.
Harold Jay Richardson came to Lowville in early infancy. He attended the public schools here and is a graduate of Lowville Academy. In 1905 he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts at Cornell University and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. Upon his return to Lowville, Mr. Richardson became identified with his father's numerous business interests and in 1917 became a member of the firm. As mentioned above, the com- pany was merged with the Kraft-Phenix Company, Inc., in 1928. The Miller-Richardson Company was set up as a subsidiary of the Kraft- Phenix Cheese Corporation and under its control was placed the various bulk cheese production units of the latter in New York State, all buying operations as well as selling activities throughout the country. Mr. Rich- ardson became vice president and sales manager of the Miller-Richardson Company. Shortly thereafter he was elected to the directorate of the parent company, whose headquarters are in Chicago. In January, 1931, he retired from the Miller-Richardson Company, still retaining his connec- tion with Kraft-Phenix Cheese Corporation. He is a director of the Lewis County Trust Company, director of the Northern New York Trust Com- pany, of Watertown, and since 1921 has been identified with the New York Dairymen's Association. He is also closely identified with the New York State Fair Association.
In 1913 Mr. Richardson married Miss Catherine Hesler, of Lowville, the daughter of William D. and Jennie Hesler. Both are deceased and are buried in Lowville Rural Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have two daughters, Harriet Jane and Bethany Marie.
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Mr. Richardson has the honor and distinction of being the only 33rd degree Mason in Lewis County, and during 1926-28 was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., in the State of New York., and holds membership in Lowville Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 134; Lowville Chapter, R. A. M., No. 234; Watertown Commandery, K. T., and Central City Con- sistory. He is also a member of Media Temple and Past Potentate. He is honorary member of several temples.
Mr. Richardson also is identified with Lowville Club, Jefferson County Country Club, Carlowden Country Club, Black River Club, and Cornell Club of New York City. He is a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and is active in local Republican affairs. He is a trustee of Mercy Hospital, Watertown, N. Y.
Ralph P. Wells is president and manager of the Rossie Iron Ore Paint Company; president and manager of the James M. Wells Company, also the Ogdensburg Brick & Sand Company. Mr. Wells was born in this city, Nov. 28, 1882, the son of James M. and Ella (Partridge) Wells.
James M. Wells, deceased, was one of Ogdensburg's leading business men for many years. He was born at Morley, N. Y., May 30, 1850, and died in Ogdensburg, April 11, 1919. As a young man he was employed in the iron ore mines at Keenes, St. Lawrence County, where he remained for several years. He came to Ogdensburg in 1860 and in that year organized the Rossie Iron Ore Paint Company, with which he was identi- fied until his death. He was president of the James M. Wells Company and Rossie Iron Ore Paint Company. Mr. Wells was a Democrat and served as city clerk, member of the board of supervisors, member of the board of council, and as water commissioner. He was also a member of the board of managers of the St. Lawrence State Hospital, and was chair- man at the time of his death. He was a charter member of the Century Club, of which he served as treasurer for many years, and he was affiliated with Ogdensburg Lodge, F. & A. M. For more than 40 years he was a trustee of the Presbyterian Church. Ella (Partridge) Wells is a native of Parishville, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells were born two children: 1. Ralph P., the subject of this sketch. 2. Elsie Elizabeth, who died in 1921. She was the wife of Rives Malby, of Ogdensburg.
Ralph P. Wells is a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy. He was identified with his father's numerous business interests here until his enlistment for service in the Spanish-American War. He served with Col. Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. After his discharge Mr. Wells spent three years as statistician in the offices of the Denver, Rio
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Grande & Western Railroad at Denver, Colo. He then returned to this city as his father's business partner, and has since been connected with the above named enterprises. He also owns and operates an iron ore mine at Fruitland, N. Y.
On Nov. 19, 1913, Mr. Wells married Miss Jane Burrill, of Manson City, Iowa, the daughter of Wilbur J. and Josephine (Cook) Burrill, natives of England and Ogdensburg, respectively. Mr. Burrill died in 1930 and his wife died in 1917. They are buried in Ogdensburg.
Politically Mr. Wells is independent. He is a member of the Presby- terian Church, Rotary Club, Ogdensburg Country Club, Ogdensburg Sportsmen's Association, and Chamber of Commerce. He is also affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Chapter, Commandery, and Shrine, and is a member of the board of directors, Boy Scouts of America, of which he has served as county treasurer.
Thomas Adams, Jr .- Prominent in the business and civic life of Malone and Franklin County, Mr. Adams, who died Oct. 27, 1920, was recognized as a representative citizen. He was born at Huntingdon, Quebec, May 5, 1843, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (McLean) Adams.
Thomas Adams was born in Ireland in 1809. He died Feb. 8, 1892, and his wife, who was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1807, died April 25, 1878. Both are buried in Huntingdon. Thomas Jr., the subject of this sketch, was one of six children born to his parents.
After his graduation from Huntingdon Academy, Thomas Adams, Jr., came to the United States in 1864. He spent a number of years at Trout River, in Franklin County, where he was employed in the general store of E. A. Webster. In 1870 Mr. Adams came to Malone and established a shoe business here, which in later years became one of the city's leading commercial enterprises. After several years H. S. House became asso- ciated in the business with Mr. Adams, and the firm of Adams & House continued for several years, after which Mr. Adams again became sole owner of the business. He retired in 1898.
Throughout his active business career Mr. Adams also was prominent in local Republican politics. He became candidate for county treasurer of Franklin County in 1897 and served successfully for two terms. He also was treasurer of the Franklin County Agricultural Society for 28 years. His death in 1920 was the result of an automobile accident in Malone. He is buried in Morningside Cemetery.
On May 27, 1868, Mr. Adams was united in marriage with Miss Martha E. Cowan, the daughter of Moses and Jane (Creighton) Cowan, of Trout
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River, N. Y. Their daughter, Harriet, was born Jan. 20, 1876. She was educated in Franklin Academy, and married Perry Benchley Warner, who died Nov. 4, 1903. He is buried in Morningside Cemetery, Malone. To Mr. and Mrs. Warner was born a son, LaVerne A. Warner, born at Malone. He attended Franklin Academy and was graduated from the Bliss Elec- trical School, Washington, D. C., in the class of 1917, and is now a licensed transport pilot, identified with the Curtis-Wright Corporation, St. Louis, Mo. He was married on April 24, 1928, to Miss Esther M. Everett, of Malone. Since the death of her husband, Harriet (Adams) Warner has lived with her mother at Malone. The family residence is located at 44 Park Street.
The family is identified with the First Congregational Church of Malone.
Paul J. Woodard, who is supervisor of Sandy Creek, has taken a promi- nent part in public affairs in this section of Oswego County, and is recog- nized as a leading citizen. He was born here, Sept. 4, 1898, the son of John and Maud (Bishop) Woodard.
John Woodard was a native of Oswego County, born on a farm near Sandy Creek, March 4, 1861, and died Dec. 17, 1931. He was recognized as one of the most progressive farmers in the county, and for a number of years owned and operated a saw mill near Lacona in partnership with his father, Melvin Woodard. His wife was also born at Sandy Creek. Their children are: 1. Arthur B., junior project leader, located in Ontario County, N. Y. 2. Paul J., the subject of this sketch.
Paul J. Woodard spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the public school of Sandy Creek. He was employed for two years by the Osborn & Darland Feed Company of Sandy Creek, after which he spent one year in the mill of George O'Brien. He then was located in the gen- eral store of Ross A. Wagner, at Lacona, for three years, and in 1926 purchased the business of W. P. Muchmore, with which he was identified for three years. Mr. Woodard had been elected town clerk in 1925 and served in that capacity until 1929.
In 1929 Mr. Woodard was elected town supervisor of Sandy Creek, being the first Democrat to hold that office in 40 years. He was elected by a majority of 287 votes. In 1931 he was reelected for the same office for a term of two years.
On Sept. 10, 1921, Mr. Woodard was united in marriage with Miss Louise Cook of Sandy Creek, the daughter of Joseph and Fanny (Peck) Cook. Mr. Cook is owner of Maplehurst Farm, one of the best known farms in Oswego County. It is located near Sandy Creek. Fanny (Peck)
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Cook died in 1928 and is buried at Sandy Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Woodard have a daughter, Pauline Pearl, born in 1926.
As mentioned above, Mr. Woodard is a prominent Democrat. He holds membership in the Baptist Church, of which he is Sunday school superin- tendent, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He and his wife take an active part in the Grange, both being lecturers throughout the state.
Robert John Dundon is one of the enterprising young business men of Watertown, where he is successfully engaged in the real estate business with offices in the Woolworth Building. He was born at Diana, Lewis County, N. Y., May 20, 1895, the son of Edward A. and Elizabeth M. (Whalen) Dundon.
Edward A. Dundon was born at Diana, as was his wife. He attended Ives Seminary and in early life was identified with the Sterling coal inter- ests at Lewisburg. He held the offices of supervisor of the town of Diana, and was superintendent of highways. He also was engaged in general farming and was the owner of a hotel and general mercantile business at that place. Mr. Dundon died in 1911 at the age of 45 years. His wife died in 1916. Both are buried at Lewisburg. He was a Republican and held membership in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and the Independent Order of Foresters. To Mr. and Mrs. Dundon were born the following children: James M., lives at Harrisville, N. Y .; Robert E. and Edward, both deceased; William Edward, who is identified with the W. W. Conde Hardware Company, Watertown, served in France during the World War as a member of the 305th Field Artillery ; Robert John, the subject of this sketch ; and Leo J. B., lives at Watertown.
Edward A. Dundon was the son of Patrick and Margaret (Quinn) Dun- don, who were natives of County Wexford, Ireland. Elizabeth M. (Whalen) Dundon was the daughter of Patrick and Mary (Pierce) Whalen, natives of County Cork, Ireland.
Robert John Dundon is a graduate of Harrisville High School, class of 1914. He taught school at Tyler Corners, near Harrisville, and later at- tended the University of Ottawa in Canada. During the World War he served with the Bureau of Ordinance in the office of General Crozier, at Washington, D. C., during 1917-18, and in the latter year was transferred to the U. S. Shipping Board, Emergency Fleet Corps, in Philadelphia. He traveled throughout the United States in the interest of this work. In 1920 Mr. Dundon came to Watertown as a salesman in the offices of Phil- lips & Ellis, real estate operators. Later Mr. Dundon purchased the inter- ests of Mr. Phillips. His activities extend throughout the northern part of New York. He is sales representative for the United States Housing Cor-
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poration, the International Paper Company, and the International Hydro- Electric Company, and is president of the State Street Land Company in Watertown, who are owners of a large tract of land on upper State Street, known as the Eastern Boulevard Subdivision.
In 1927 Mr. Dundon was united in marriage with Miss Emma H. Baxter, the daughter of Philip Sheridan and Millie Baxter, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Baxter is deceased and his widow lives in Watertown. Mr. and Mrs. Dundon have a son, David Fawdrey.
Mr. Dundon is a Republican and is county committeeman from the Third district. He is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and be- longs to the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Kiwanis Club, Black River Valley Club, and Watertown Golf Club. He and his family live at 217 East Park Drive.
Edward John Yops .- One of the enterprising young business men of Saranac Lake is Edward John Yops, who is proprietor of the Alpine Hotel. He was born at Malone, Jan. 27, 1897, the son of Joseph T. and Emma (Prue) Yops.
Joseph T. Yops, born at Malone in 1875, is the son of Antwine Yops, who came to New York from Canada with his parents and settled at Malone in 1847. Antwine Yops spent many years in the employ of the Thomas Hines Company, foundry and machine shops, and died at Malone in 1927. He is buried in Morningside Cemetery. His son, Joseph T. Yops, has been identified with the woolen mills of J. O. Ballard & Company at Malone for 45 years.
To Joseph T. and Emma (Prue) Yops were born the following children: 1. Edward John, the subject of this sketch. 2. Robert Ralph, born in 1899, met with an accidental death in 1919. 3. Arthur Frank, born in 1902, lives at Malone. 4. Chester, born in 1906, is identified with the department of conservation, State of New York.
Edward John Yops attended the parochial schools of Malone and spent three years at Franklin Academy. He was employed for a time in the store of George S. Clark, and later became identified with Flannigan Brothers, owners of the Howard & Flannigan Hotel. Mr. Yops remained with these hotels for a period of 14 years. He then spent one year as a salesman for a Texas oil company, and on July 1, 1928, became proprietor of the Alpine Hotel at Saranac Lake.
Mr. Yops was married on April 30, 1919, to Miss Mary G. McAuley, the daughter of James and Ellen McAuley, of Albany, N. Y.
Mr. Yops is a Republican, a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, and belongs to B. P. O. Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, and Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club.
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Dewitt Clinton West .- Connected with both the financial and business interests of Lowville, where he is president of the Black River Bank and vice president and secretary of the Asbestos Burial Casket Company, Dewitt Clinton West has aided greatly in the business life of his native city. He was born April 7, 1864, the son of Dewitt Clinton and Emma Helen (Easton) West.
Dewitt Clinton West, Sr., was the son of Hon. Eli West, M. D., who for nearly half a century was a prominent citizen of Jefferson County. Eli West was born at Hampton, Washington County, July 26, 1792. He prac- ticed medicine in Canada for a time and in 1816 settled at Carthage, N. Y., where he practiced until his death. He was chairman of the board of supervisors for nearly 14 years, superintendent of public schools, president of the board of trustees of the village, commissioner of deeds, school com- missioner, and justice of the peace for 40 years. He received his original commission from Governor Clinton as brigade surgeon and for a long period was master of the Carthage Free Masons. He was a Democrat and was elected twice by that party to the General Assembly, in 1834 and in 1844. He was chairman of the first war meeting held in Carthage on May 4, 1861. Doctor West died June 23, 1866, having retired three years before his death.
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