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HISTORY

OF

ONEIDA COUNTY'

NEW YORK

From 1 700 to the Present Time

ILLUSTRATED

VOLUME II

CHICAGO

THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1912

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BIOGRAPHICAL

ABRAM GILES BROWER.

The extent and importance of Abram G. Brewer's connections in the world
of commerce placed him in a leading position among those whose business
activities constitute a most forceful factor in the growth and development
of the cities in which their labors are expended. To have instituted and con-
trolled mammoth business interests in the attainment of notable success entitles
one to more than passing notice and the life work of Dr. Brower contains many
valuable lessons which may be profitably considered and followed. His life
was never self-centered for while he attempted many things and accomplished
what he attempted, his success never represented another's losses but resulted
from his own efforts intelligently applied. He was born in Schenectady, New
York, May 18, 1840, a son of Giles and Helen (Vrooman) Brower. The an-
cestry of the family can be traced back in America to Willem Hendrickse
Brouwer, who owned property in New Amsterdam, now New York, in 1655.
In 1657 he was residing in Beverwyek, now Albany, and in 1662 he and his
elder brother, Philip Hendrickse Brouwer, took up land at Schenectady, num-
bering among the original patentees of the town. It was in Albany that Willem
II. Brouwer was buried on the 3d of August, 1668. His son, Hendrick Brouwer,
settled at Schenectady, New York, and was married, March 26, 1692, in Al-
bany, New York, to Maria Peterse Borsboom. His will was proved February
16, 1708. Peter Brouwer, of the third generation, was baptized November 10,
1697. He married Helena Fonda, of Schenectady, March 6, 1742, and died
June 3, 1758. Giles Brower, who changed the spelling of the name from its
original to its present form, was born August 1, 1747, was married December
7, 1770, to Maria Bradt in Schenectady, and died August 14, 1800. Their
son, Peter Brower, born March 3, 1780, was married August 25, 1808, to Ann
Catherine Stevens at Elizabethtown, (Elizabeth) New Jersey, and died Octo-
ber 8, 1852. Giles Brower, the father of Abram G. Brower, was born Novem-
ber 5, 1815, was married in Schenectady November 5, 1833, to Helen Vrooman,
and died April 23, 1861.

Abram G. Brower prepared for college at the Schenectady Lyceum and
at a boarding school near Albany. He afterward entered Union College from
which he was graduated with the bachelor of arts degree in 1859. He then
took up the study of medicine under Dr. Alexander Vedder, of Schenectady,
and later in 1859 entered the Albany Medical College from which he was grad-
uated with the M. D. degree in 1861. Subsequently he continued his studies
in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city. In

6 BISTORT? OF ONEIDA COUNTY

L863 at the opening of the Civil war Dr. Brower passed the examination for
armj surgeons and volunteered his services to his country hut was never called
upon for active duty.

Be entered upon the practice of medicine in Qtica in the same year but
abandoned his profession in 1m>:; to take up the management of the business

interests of his father-in-law, Nicholas P. Vedder. He was long a dii tor of

the Utica i: Black River Railroad Company and its vice president, and for
many years was officer and director of the [Jtica Gas Company, lie became
largely interested in the Utica Waterworks Company, succeedii as Bop-

per a- its president, three of the reservoirs south of the city heing built under
his administration. He was also president of the company when its property
was sold to tin- Wesl Canada Water Companj and tie- presenl Consolidated
Water Company was organized. Dr. Brower remained on the advisory board

■ ■ time after the sale and his labors were an effective element in securing
for the city an adequate supply of pure water. Extending his efforts into
other directions be became president of the Utica steam Cotton .Mills and was
elected a member of iis executive hoard. For about twenty years he was a
director of the Oneida National Bard: of Utica hut resigned in l n|l "> on account
of failing health. He \ of the organizers of the United States Trans-
portation Company in 1899 ami was vice president from the organization
until his death. One of the firs! boats of the fleet, the A. (1. Brower, was
named in his honor. Dr. Brower was also president of the Brower & Love
Brothers Company, a concern owning cotton mills at Indianapolis, Indiana.
remaining as its chief executive officer until his death. Few men more quickly

ed a business opportunity or utilized it to better advantage. He was
likewise a large holder of property in the western and southern states, the larg-

■ ■ these holdings being Brower plantation, a tract of some ten thousand acres
lying in Grenada and Carroll counties. Mississippi.

On the 30th of October, 1861, in Utica, New York. Dr. Brower was united
in marriage by tic- Etev. Dr. Fowler, to Miss .Jennie Helen Vedder. a daughter
of Nicholas F. and Cornelia Blandina (Veeder) Vedder, of Utica. The chil-
dren by this marriage were: Jennie Cornelia, who died November 11. 1871;
Belena Vedder, who died August 7. W2: Jennie Florence; Abram Vedder
and Egmont Oil -

Dr. Brower was a lifelong republican but never accepted political office.
Be belonged to Utica Lodge. No. 47. 1-'. & A. M.. and was prominent in various
social organizations including the St. Nicholas Society of New York city, the
Holland Society of New York. Port Schuyler Chapter of the Sons of the
Revolution, New York Yaeht Club, the Atlantic Yacht Club, the Adirondack
League Cluh. ami a charter member of the Fort Schuyler Club of Utica and
the Yahnumlahsis Coif Cluh of Ftiea. The active and helpful part which he
took in church work marked him as a man of high principles and of unfalter-
ing devotion to advanced ideals. He held membership in the Dutch Reformed
church at Schenectady and upon removing to Utica placed his membership
in the church of the same denomination in this city. He took a most active
part in the affairs of the Utica church and was chairman of the building com-
mittee of the trustees when the presenl house of worship was erected. He

HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY 7

died at his cottage at Saranac Lake, New York, November 8, 1907, at the age
of sixty-seven years, and thus closed a most honorable and upright career.
At all times he manifested a habitual regard for what is best in the exercise
of human activities and at all times displayed the confidence and courage that
come of conscientious personal ability and the right conception of things. His
life was marked by successful achievement in every field of operation and
characterized as well by a devotion to duty that recognized every obligation
of manhood and of citizenship.

CHAUNCEY LOOMIS ALLEN.

Of resourceful ability and marked initiative spirit Chauncey Loomis Allen
has carefully formulated and executed plans that have brought him into promi-
nent association with street railway interests throughout New York and he
is also vice president and general manager of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Rail-
way Company. He was born January 16, 1870, in Syracuse, New York, his
parents being George Richmond and Mary (Brown) Allen. He attended the
common schools of Syracuse and the district school of Cicero, Onondaga
county, New York, before entering the Alfred University of Allegany county,
which he attended from 1886 until June, 1889. He was also a student in
Syracuse University during the fall term of 1889 and in June, 1905, Alfred
University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Science.
After leaving school he became connected with railway engineering and since
making his initial step in the business world his progress has been continuous,
rapid and substantial. For a time he was employed as axeman, chairman,
rodman and inspector of masonry for the Norfolk & Western Railway Com-
pany from 1890 until April, 1892. On the 15th of the latter month he entered
upon the private practice of his profession as a member of the civil engineer-
ing firm of Mather & Allen, in Syracuse, the relationship thus continuing until
the 15th of April, 1895. On that date he became civil engineer of the Syracuse
Street Railway, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company, acting in that capacity during the
electrification of the horse roads in Syracuse, or until March 1, 1898. He next
became assistant general manager of the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Company, capably filling that position until the first of October following. He
was acting general manager for the company from the 15th of October, 1898,
to the 1st of April, 1899, when he was made general manager and so continued
until the close of the year. On the 1st of January, 1900, he became general
manager of the Lorain Street Railway Company of Lorain, Ohio, serving until
the 1st of August, 1901, when he resigned to accept the position of engineer
and assistant to the general manager of the Utica & Mohawk Valley Railway
Company and its constituent companies, acting in that capacity until the 15tft
of April, 1902. It was on that date that he was made general manager for
the Utica & Mohawk Valley Railway Company, the Oneida Railway Company
and the Rome City Street Railway Company. He is also vice president of these

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

three companies, to which position he was appointed on the 6th of December,
and al the same time was made vice presidenl and general manager of
the S; id Transit Railway Company. He is also presidenl of the

Syracuse & Suburban Railway Company, to which office he was elected on
the 19th of January, 1909; also is vice presidenl of the New York State Rail-
pany. He is financially interested in practically all of these com-
panies ami more particularly in the Syracuse and Suburban railroad.

on the 11th of October, 1894, in Syracuse, New York, Mr. Allen was mar
ried to Miss Florence R. Wbrster, and unto them have been horn two children,
Alfred Gi d Mary Brown Allen. Mr. Allen gives his political support

republican party. He belongs to Central < ity Lodge, No. 305, F. & A.
M. Central City Chapter. No. 50, R. A. .M.. the Delta Kappa Kpsiloii fra-
ternity, the Onondaga Golf and Country Club, of Syracuse, New York.
ami the Automobile Club of Syracuse. He is likewise identified with various
other social and scientific organizations, including the Technology Club, of
Syracuse, and the Century Club of that city, the New York Railroad Club,
of New York city, the Fort Schuyler Club, of Ctica, New York, the Fori
Orange Club, of Albany, New York, the Transportation Club of New York
city, the Engineers Club, of New York city, and the American Society of
Civil Engineers, and is an associate member of the American Institute of
Electrical Engineers. Scientific attainments and broad experience in the prac-
ield have gained him success and prominence in railway circles. Nature
endowed him bountifully and he has wisely and conscientiously utilized the
talents which were given him. As the years have passed on he has never been
heedless of anj opportunities open to him but has seen and utilized all such
and has combined with scientific knowledge, keen insight and splendid executive
ability, qualifying him for the onerous duties which have devolved upon him
in railway management.

GEORGE ALBERT FRISBIE

George Albert Frisbie, of Utica, who may be designated as a worthy rep-
resentative of the modern type of the successful business man and is promi-
nently identified with various textile manufacturing concerns, was horn at
Camden. New York. November 14, 1872. He is a son of Willard James and
Emma Stevens Phelps) Frisbie, both of whom were horn at Camden. The
father of our subject, an only son of James and Julia A. Frisbie, was horn
April 11. 1848, his parents being of English descent. His father died in 1864
and his mother in 1895. He received his early education at Camden Academy
and then entered the hanking house of A. Curtiss & Carman at Camden and
for seven years tilled various positions in that institution. He began business
on his own account by associating with William II. Stansfield. as Frisbie &
Stansfield, in the dry-goods husiness at Camden from 1873 to 1884. In the

" 'as! nai 1 they sold out to C A. and A. C. Phelps. The firm of Frisbie

,v Stansfield began the manufacture of knit goods in 1883 and in 1891 Charles

■^r^?^c/t^

HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY 11

F. Kendall was admitted to partnership and the title of the firm was changed
to the Camden Knitting Company, manufacturers of ladies' and children's
ribbed underwear. This company became one of the largest of its kind in
the country and its trade extended throughout the entire United States. A
branch known as the Syracuse Knitting Company was established at Syracuse,
New York, in 1893. In 1895 the Kendall Knitting Company was incorporated,
the officers being: Charles F. Kendall, president; William H. Stansfield, vice
president; George A. Frisbie, secretary; Willard J. Frisbie, treasurer; and
Charles A. Byington, resident manager. Mr. Frisbie was one of the originators
of the Camden Opera House in 1893 and one of its most liberal supporters, be-
ing a generous promoter of all worthy enterprises. Two children, George Al-
bert and Ruth, came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frisbie.

George A. Frisbie attended the public schools and was graduated from
the Camden high school in 1887. He entered Colgate University in the class
of 1S89 and discontinued his college course to enter the mills with which his
father was connected. He applied himself diligently until he became ac-
quainted with every detail of the business and was admitted as a partner in
the Camden Knitting Company. He is now treasurer of the Frisbie & Stans-
field and several other allied companies, all of which are flourishing concerns.
He is also connected with various other manufacturing enterprises of Utica
and elsewhere in the state and is a member of the board of directors of the
Utica City National Bank.

On the 14th of October, 1896, Mr. Frisbie was united in marriage to Miss
Alice Owen, a daughter of James P. Owen of Syracuse, and two children have
blessed this union, Owen Phelps and Helen. Mr. Frisbie is a member of the
Arcanum Club, the Yahmmdahsis Golf Club, the Fort Schuyler Club, the Utica
Automobile Club and the Sadaquada Golf Club. He has been highly energetic
and competent in the discharge of many responsibilities and as he possesses
good business judgment, his efforts have been rewarded with an abundant
measure of success. Starting at the foot of the ladder, he has reached a posi-
tion of eompai'ative independence and ranks as one of the prominent factors
in the textile manufacturing trade of the country. He is public spirited and
progressive and his influence can ever be relied upon to further any movement
for the general good.

ARTEMUS BARNARD SHELDON.

Artemus Barnard Sheldon, a member of the firm of Moore, Sheldon &
Company, of Utica, was born in this city, October 2, 1880. He is a son of Ar-
temus Henry and Mary (Rhodes) Sheldon. The father was born at Burling-
ton Flats, New York, August 30, 1836, and came to Utica with his parents in
the early part of 1845. He and his father, whose name was Ebenezer Sheldon,
engaged in the manufacture of harness, trunks and horse furnishings at Utica,
a business with which the family has ever since been identified. The grand-
father, Ebenezer Sheldon, retired from active labors in 1862 and his son, Ar-

12 BISTORT OF ONEIDA COUNTY

ii-miis. associated with Le Grand Moore in the same line of business under the
title of Moore & Sheldon. Mr. Sheldon took an active part in polities and was
a stanch adherent of the repuhlican party. He served as supervisor and for
many years was prominent in business and public affairs in Utica. He died
January 8, L899. There were three children in the familj : Artemus Barnard,
of this review; Minnie Moore; and Mabel Rhodes, the latter of whom became
the wife of I-'. B. Merritt, of New Hartford, New York.

Artemus B. Sheldon attended the puhlic schools and was graduated at the
Free Academy in 1897. After leaving school he entered his father's store
and has ever since been closely connected with the business. He is recognized
as one of the wide-awake and progressive young men of the city — a man who
quickly grasps opportunities and has the ability to profit by them. He is
a worthy representative of a family which, for three generations, has been
honorably known in the community, its members manfully performing their
part in advancing the common good. Mr. Sheldon, by his pleasing manners
and high persona] character, has attracted a large- circle of friends and ac-
quaintances, who prophesy for him many years of increasing prosperity and
usefulness.

FRANK D. WESTCOTT.

Frank D. Westcott, meeting with sm-n^s in the management of the West-
cotl Laundry, and well known as a representative of some of the leading fra-
ternal organizations of Dtica, was born in Oneonta, Otsego county. New York,
September 7. 1858. His parents were Stephen S. and Philinda (Brown West-
cott, who removed to Clinton, Oneida county, in l.^GT. so that the subject of
this review has spent the greater part of his lite in the county which is
still his home. At the usual age he entered the puhlic schools and passed
through consecutive grades until qualified to enter Hamilton College. He was
a member of the class of 1881. After leaving college he came to Utica in
the same year, engaging in the coal business. A considerable period was devoted
to that line of activity, but in 1896 he established the Westcott Laundry which
he has conducted with profit to the presenl time. He has a well equipped
plant and a competent corps of employes and in his work demands a high
standard of excelli ace, ever recognizing the fact that satisfied customers are
the best advertisements. His trade has grown along legitimate lines and his
success is well deserved.

On the 21st of February, 1882, Mr. Westcotl was married to Miss Libbie
Cronkhite, a daughter of James W. and Elizabeth Appleton (York) Cronkhite,
of Little Falls. New York. Their only child, a son. William Carlton West-
cott, was graduated from Hamilton College with the class of 1911. Mr. West-
cott has taken an active interest in various fraternities. He belongs to Fax-
ton Lodge, Xo. 697, F. & A. M.. and Oneida Lodge, No. 70, I. 0. 0. F. He is
very prominent in the Royal Arcanum, which he has represented as grand
trer of tie state organization for the past fourteen years. He is also a

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 13

member of the Arcanum Club of Utiea, of which he was the first president.
A cordial disposition and attractive social qualities have won him many friends
and the secret of his success in business is found in his energy, determination
and straightforward dealing.

ROBERT HENRY REID.

Canada has contributed many of her promising sons to the United States
and thousands of them have here found home, friends and a competency.
Among the number may be named Robert Henry Reid who is prominently con-
nected with the manufacturing business of Utica. He was born in Canada
August 1, 1854. He received his school education in his native country and
believing that more favorable opportunities for young men were presented in
the United States than at that time could be found in the British Isles, he
came to Rome in 1877 and engaged in the grocery and general store business
with his brother. Three years later he arrived in Utica and entered the employ
of Moore & Sheldon, manufacturers of harness, trunks and horse furnishings.
He proved to be thoroughly active and efficient and in 1882 was admitted as
a partner to the firm, the title of the house being changed to the Moore-Sheldon
Company. The business was established in 1845 by Ebenezer Sheldon and is
one of the well conducted concerns which yields handsome returns for the
time, money and labor expended. Mr. Reid is also a member of the board
of directors of the Capron Knitting Company and the George ( '. Wood Ire
Company.

On the 20th of June, 1882, he was married in this city to Miss Mary
Sheldon Moore, a daughter of Le Grand and Amanda Dummock (Sheldon)
Moore. Socially Mr. Reid is connected with the Arcanum Club. He has made
his home in Utica for thirty years and is one of its most valued and useful
citizens. As an intelligent and patriotic man he takes an interest in all move-
ments aiming to promote the general welfare and to make Utica more popular
as a business center and more pleasing as a place of residence.

WALTER GEORGE HOLLINGWORTH, 1). V. S.

The practice of veterinary surgery finds a capable and progressive repre-
sentative in Dr. Walter George Hollingworth, who ranks as a leader among
veterinarians of New York state. He was born at Utica, August 24, 1861,
a son of John Henry and Mary (Lowe) Hollingworth. The father located in
Utica from Hackensack, New Jersey, in 1856. He was a veterinary surgeon
by profession and became one of the best known practitioners in central New
York. He established a veterinary hospital in Utica, which today is one of
the largest in New York state. He died in 1899.

1 i BISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

Walter George Bollingworth attended the public schools of this city and
later matriculated in the veterinary department of New York University. Aiter
taking the regular cuius.- at thai celebrated institution he was graduated with
the degree of I'- V. S. in 1884. Be returned at once to Utica and beca e

iciated with his lather in practice. Be succeeded his father in this city
by his energy and the application of up-to-date methods has buill up a
large and profitable clientage. In L91] \h-. W. A. Young was admitted to
partnership and the title of the firm is now Bollingworth & Young. 'I

of l>r. Bollingworth have been appreciated by his brethren and he
is ex presidenl of the New York State V. i,nnar\ Association, president of
the Central New fork Veterinary .Medical Association and of the Oneida County
Veterinary Association; he is also president of the Stevens Swan Society. Utica
district, lie is a member of the American Veterinary .Medical Association
an honorary member of the Passaic Veterinary Association of Jersey City.
New Jersey, sine,- 1909 he has served as resident lecturer for the veterinary
department of Cornell University and in Hill he established an honorarium
at Cornell University for researches in pathology and bacteriology, this be
ing the only one of its kind in the United States.

On the L'4th of April. 1893, Dr. Bollingworth was married to Miss Grace
.M. Butcher, a daughter of William and Helen Butcher, of I'tiea. One daughter,
Hannah M., has come to Mess this union. The family resides at No. 24 Sum-
mit Place. Possessing every desirable advantage of training for his life work,
Dr Bollingworth started under most favorable circumstances and ins labors
have redounded to his credil as an individual and to that of his profession.
In the practice of veterinary surgery lie has found a field of great useful-
ness and one that gives promise of many years of continued growth and activity.
Being deeplj interested in his vocation, he is always found in the advance
rank and he dues not hesitate to apply new methods as soon as their practicability
has been full v demonstrated.

FRANK A. COAKLKY

A representative of a family well known in Oneida county, Frank A. Coakley
has possessed every desirable advantage of education and training and is
regarded as one of the highly promising young men of New York state. He
was born at I'tiea August 12, 1887, and is a son of Timothy and Mary (Murphy r
Coakley. the former of whom was born in Ireland in 1848. Mr. Coakley. Sr.,
came tu America in his boyhood and established his home at I'tiea, New York,
where In' engaged for a number of years in various lines of business. In 1890
he started coal yards at Conkling avenue mi the Wist Shore Railway, and
through the application of energy and special ability built up an extensive
patronage, lie became one of the leading men in I'tiea. exercising a large
influence for good on the community not only on account of his acknowledged
high standing hut because of his reputation as a public-spirited citizen who
labored for improvement in every department of activity. He was especially

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 15

interested in assisting the unfortunate and was an active worker on the com-
mittee of public charities. Fraternally he was identified with the Knights
of Columbus and the Knights of Honor. He died April 24, 1908. There
were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Coakley, Mary M., Frank
A. and Josephine.

Mr. Coakley of this review received his preliminary education at Assump-
tion Academy and later attended Manhattan College at New York city. He
early gave indications of good business capacity and since the death of his
father has been conducting the Timothy Coakley estate. He is a valued mem-
ber of the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Arcanum. He is unmarried and
makes his home with his mother. Possessing the characteristics of ambition,
energy and perseverance which are the leading traits of the successful modern
business man, there is no doubt in the opinion of his friends that he will dis-
charge the responsibilities now resting upon his shoulders in a way that will
reflect credit upon himself and all witli whom he is associated.

LAUREN M. FITCH.

Lauren M. Fitch, proprietor of the Fitch Gear Company of Rome, is an
acknowledged leader in his chosen specialty. He was born at Born at Brook-
field. Madison county, New York, September 3, 1849, a son of Julius 0. and
Harriet (Lyne) Fitch. The father was for more than forty years a promi-
nent manufacturer of Brookfield and engaged in the carriage-manufacturing
business very successfully. After receiving his preliminary education in the
public schools Lauren M. Fitch entered his father's carriage-making establish-
ment and learned the trade. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he showed
great interest in his work and became thoroughly proficient. In 1875 he came
to Rome upon the invitation of R. M. Bingham & Company to make gears in
order to save freight on the same from Brookfield. He continued with this
company about six years and then, desiring to engage in business on his own
account, organized the Rome Spring "Wagon Works of which he was the
head for a short time when he disposed of his holdings. In 1881 he began in
the business to which he has since applied himself, manufacturing all kinds
of gears for carriages. The reputation of the house grew from year to year
until it now disposes of its products to carriagemakers and to the hardware
trade in all the principal parts of the United States and each year witnesses
a gratifying increase in its patronage.

Mr. Fitch has been three times married. He was first married in 1868, at
the age of nineteen, his wife dying one month later. In 1870 he was married
to Miss Frances Moore, who died in 1886, leaving a daughter. Blanche N., now
Mrs. Frank W. Hixson, of Hot Springs, Arkansas. On May 23, 1895, Mr.
Fitch married Miss Christine Starke, a daughter of George and Mary Starke,
of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Mr. Fitch is essentially a business man and, therefore, has never taken an
active interest in politics or aspired to the emoluments of public office. He is

10 II1STOKY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

prominently identified with the Masonic order and is a member of Roman
Lodge, No. 223, P. & A. M.j Fori Stanwix Chapter, No. L53, li. A. .M. ; Rome
Commandery, K. 'I'.. No. 15; ami Ziyara Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. He is
also a valued member of Rome Lodge, 1. 0. 0. F., and the Lodge of Knights
of Pythias al Rome. His record is evidence of what may In- accomplished by
a man who lias the courage to trust in his own judgment and the perseverance
to continue unflinchingly in what he undertakes. He is known as one of the
substantial mm of the community, whose honor is unquestioned and whose in-
fluence is always to be counted upon in forwarding the general good.

HON. EUGENE ANDREWS ROWLAND.

Hon. Eugene Andrews Rowland, who met a sudden, untimely and tragic,
death by drowning on the 19th of June, 1911, had been a practicing attorney
of Rome for twenty-four years and was numbered among the leading and rep-
resentative citizens of the town. His birth occurred at Boonville. New York,
on the 29th of February, 1861. his parents being Samuel S. and Alice J. (Barton)
Rowland, lie was graduated from the Rome Free Academy in 1880 and in
1884 won the degree of bachelor of arts from Madison (now Colgate i University,
graduating as salutatorian of his class. In the university he was a member of
the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Phi Beta Kappa society. Later the
degree of master of arts was conferred upon him. In preparation for a legal
career he studied law with the firm of Johnson & Present t, of Rome, and was
admitted to the bar in 1887. Throughout the remainder of his life he was a.
active and successful representative of the legal profession at Rome, enjoying
a well merited and constantly growing clientage. In 1890 he was appointed
United States commissioner for the northern district of New York, holding that
position until his death and discharging its duties with ability and fidelty. He
had a large practice and had the confidence of the community and of his fellow
practitioners. For some years and at the time of his demise he held the position
of attorney for the Farmers National Bank. In his profession he was a man of
great industry and perseverance. No amount of work was too great for him to
do in the interests of his clients. He would sacrifice his own interests to those
of his clients, and worked for them as faithfully and loyally as any man could,
lie was a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Oneida County
Bar Association and the Bar Association of the City of New York.

Mr. Rowland did not confine his attention to the law alone but took an active
iuteresl in the affairs of the city and county in which he lived. He was a very
charitable man and in 1905 served as president of the Rome board of charities.
In the winter of 1907-08, when the movement for the campaign against tuber-
culosis began, he identified himself therewith and served on the committee
throughout the remainder of his life. He was a director in the Central New
York Institute for Deaf Mutes, had been for years a member of the Rome
Young Men's Christian Association and was one of the most liberal contributors
to its cause. In 1910 he was chosen one of the school commissioners of Rome

HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY 19

and his learning and ability were recognized when he was chosen president of the
board at once. In this position he served ably and well, doing with all his might
that which he found to do. In 1903 he was chosen a trustee of Colgate University
and served the institution until called to his final rest. He was oue of the best
orators and after-dinner speakers in the county and gave his time and talent for
the advancement of Rome. He was a director in the Rome & Clinton Railroad
Company and in the Church Insurance Association, which has its headquarters
at Rochester.

In politics Mr. Rowland was a republican but never an office seeker, believing
that he who serves his country best, serves his party best. He acted as president
of the Rome Republican Club in 1906-1908 and did what he could to promote its
best interests. He was a man of the highest civic ideals and had long been a
member of Gansevoort-Willett Chapter of the Empire State Society of Sons of
the American Revolution. Since his early manhood Mr. Rowland had been a
member of the First Baptist church of Rome, and he took a deep interest in
its welfare. He was likewise a member of the Rome Country Club, the Te-Uge-Ga
Golf Club and the University Club of New York city.

The sudden and lamented death of Mr. Rowland was the result of a fatal
accident at Trenton Falls. The party of which he was a member and which in-
cluded his wife and daughter and John Burroughs, the famous naturalist, were
walking through the gorge when he slipped and fell into the West Canada Creek,
being drowned while endeavoring to swim ashore. Though eventually rescued
from the turbulent stream, attempts to resuscitate him proved vain. Detailed
accounts of the accident appeared in the local papers and many were the ex-
pressions of regret made by press and public. All the festivities connected with
commencement exercises in the Rome Academy were postponed as soon as it was
known that Mr. Rowland, the president of the board of education, had passed
away. The following editorial appeared in the Utica Observer: "The people of
Utica scarcely less than those of Rome were shocked to learn of the sudden death
of Eugene A. Rowland, which occurred yesterday afternoon at Trenton Falls.
Only a day or two ago he was in this city on business, meeting several men of
his acquaintance who little thought that they were then seeing him for the last
time alive. The story of the accident is told at length in another column, but no
printed tale can tell the whole of the sorrow and the sadness incident thereto.
Mr. Rowland was not an old man but had been so active and so useful that he
had made a name and a place for himself, where he enjoyed the esteem and
respect of a wide circle. . . . He was a man of many and varied activities,
a member of many boards, and to them all he brought energy and good judgment
and his services were highly prized. He was interested in much that helped to
improve general conditions and he had the courage of his convictions in standing
up for what he believed to be right." At a meeting of the Rome Bar Associa-
tion, held June 21, 1911, the following resolutions were passed: "The myster-
ious exercise of an omnipotent power and all-wise judgment, in removing from
the toils of his transitory life Hon. Eugene Andrews Rowland, calls us once
again together to mourn the loss of and pay a modest tribute to one of our be-
loved and honored members. For twenty-four years was he with us in the prac-
tice of his profession — a familiar figure, dignified, but courteous in the ex-

20 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

treme. To review his life is to find one of unceasing labor and untiring devotion
to the objects thai claimed his attention. Achieving success by his own innate
power, his integritj and sincerity of purpose were acknowledged by all. Vig-
orous of character, quick of decision, firm of conviction, yet, withal, considerate
of the opinions of others, broad of mind, charitable and tender of heart, he at-
tracted all to him in every avenue of life in which he moved. The claims upon
him were many. His cultured mind, studious habits, brilliancy of speech, gen-
tlemanly instincts, purity of thought and marked ability, coupled with a willing-
ness to serve in public and private affairs, made for him a busy, useful and noble
life. No cause with merit appealed to him in vain. The rainbow of hope ever
spanned his sky. He discharged every trust, whether in his home, church,
chosen profession or public Service, with true fidelity. lie was a lawyer of
marked ability, patriotic, public servant and useful citizen, a faithful friend
and charming companion, lie has passed from this life to the dawn of an
eternal morning. He seemed not old enough to die. In a single moment he who
stood ei t in the full vigor of developed manhood, with a promising future be-
fore him. is doomed to silence and the grave. This world's busy interests, am-
otions hopes ami lofty aspirations are at an end. His form has vanished, his
voice is stilled. We know not as yet the measure of our loss. As time goes on
and we see him not, listen no more to his words of counsel, miss his intelligent
actively and inspiration in the various fields of service, then and then only we
truly realize.

"Recognizing, however, that he has gone from our midst never to return
and mindful of his devotion and ability to his every public and private duty ;
be it

" Resolved, That in his seemingly untimely death we have lost an able lawyer.
a scholar and a useful, public-spirited and patriotic citizen.

"That we tender to his bereaved family in this their dark hour of trial our
sincere and heartfelt sympathy.

"That these resolutions he spread upon the minutes of the supreme and
county courts and a copy be sent to the family of the deceased."

In discussing the resolutions Mr. Rowland's fellow attorneys publicly testi-
fied to his worth in expressions of praise, commendation and respect. Rev.
Alfred E. Alton, the clergyman who officiated at the funeral services of Mr.
Rowland, said in part: "The word I wish to add concerns him as a religious
man. And he left no place for doubt in the mind of any as to the reality of his
religion. No one of us had to guess where he stood as regards the cause of the
Lord Jesus Christ. The reality of his religion was declared by the beauty of
his home life, his tender care of his mother, his activities in social service, his
courageous stand for righteousness in political affairs. lie believed, as we all do,
that the church is necessary to the welfare of the community. But he believed
it so much that he gave himself with the best of his ability to the support and
advancement of the church life."

John Burroughs, whose name is known as a naturalist from one end of this
country to the oilier and who has met many of this nation's brightest men, said
of Mr Rowland: '"His mind was one of the brightest I have ever met;" and
Vice President Sherman, who now holds one of the highest positions in the gift

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 21

of the people of this country, said the following words: ; 'The community has
lost a true and valuable citizen."

On the 8th of April, 1896, at Rome, New York, Mr. Rowland was united in
marriage to Miss Jeanie M. Barton, by whom he had one daughter, Dorothy
Barton, born in 1897. The family residence is at No. 304 North George street,
where Mrs. Rowland makes her home. She is likewise well known and highly
esteemed throughout the community.

MERRILL JESSE BRAYTON.

Merrill Jesse Brayton, secretary of the Utica Gas & Electric Company, has
been prominent in business circles of this city for many years and is noted for
his perseverance and untiring energy as well as for his sacred regard in ob-
serving financial and mercantile engagements. He is a native of Newport,
Herkimer county, New York, and was born July 20, 1852, a son of Almond A.
and Caroline (Schermerhorn) Brayton.

In 1860, being then eight years of age, Merrill J. Brayton removed with his
parents to Deerfield, Oneida county, New York. He received his preliminary
education in Fairfield Seminary and at the Clinton Liberal Institute. After
leaving the last named institution he entered the law office of Hon. J. Thomas
Spriggs and later continued the study of law under D. E. Pomeroy, of Utica.
In 1875 he was admitted to the bar and practiced from 1876 to 1881 as a mem-
ber of the law firm of Pomeroy & Brayton. The firm was dissolved in 1881
and during the next two years Mr. Brayton practiced alone. He served as
deputy clerk of Oneida county in 1883, 1884 and 1885 and discharged his
duties with such fidelity that he was elected clerk of the county and filled that
office in 1886, 1887 and 1888. In 1889 he became secretary, treasurer and
general manager of the Utica Electric Light Company and for sixteen years'
had charge of the business of this company and that of its successors. He is
now secretary of the Utica Gas & Electric Company and its subsidiary con-
cerns. Being a man of wide business capacity and prompt and energetic in
all his dealings, he has not only promoted wisely the affairs of the organizations
with which he has been connected but has also accumulated a competency on
his own account. He is a veteran member of the Utica Citizens Corps and
prior to the reorganization of the National Guard was for several years inspector
of rifle practice of the Twenty-sixth Battalion with the rank of captain.

On the 30th of January, 1884, Mr. Brayton was happily married to Miss
Cora B. Johnson, a daughter of James A. and Catherine Johnson, of Ilion.
Mr. Brayton is a prominent worker in the Masonic order and holds member-
ship in Oriental Lodge, No. 224, A. F. & A. M., and Utica Commandery, No.
3, K. T. He is also identified with the Yahnundahsis Golf, the Fort Schuyler
and the Royal Arcanum Clubs. He has taken the interest of a patriotic citizen
in public affairs and his services in behalf of the city, county and state have
proven of distinct benefit to the general welfare. Mr. Brayton was elected
republican state committeeman for the twenty-seventh congressional district

22 BISTORT OF ONEIDA COUNTY

of the state of New Fork, in the fall of L910, and is now acting in that capac-
ity. It may be truly said of Mr. Brayton thai he is a self-respecting and re-
spected citizen and thai be lias contributed in a marked degree to the perma-
n. iit prosperitj of Utica.

SMITH .M. LINDSLEY.

Smith M. Lindsley, whose demise occurred in Utica on .May 17. 1909, was
for man\ years numbered among the most distinguished and successful attor-
neys of the city. His birth occurred in Monticello, New York, in 1847. The
family of which he was a member, its ancestors and various branches, have
always been identified with the history of Sullivan county. New York. I hs
paternal grandfather, Eliud Lindsley. was one of the pioneer settlers of thai
region and was a man of marked characteristics. The local histories contain
detailed accounts of his sturdy and honorable character and of the manner in
which he impressed his views, and the example of his stanch integrity and
upright life upon the people who settled in that county. It is also a branch
of this family from which sprang the several noted college presidents and pro-
fessors who have been so conspicuous in the educational history of the state
of Tennessee. Rufus B. Lindsley, the father of our subject, was successfully
engaged in business as a farmer and stock dealer and was long a respected
resident of Monticello. Ne\) York. The mother of Smith M. Lindsley was a
daughter of Smith Weed, who was also an early and prominent resident of
Sullivan county and a member of the Weed family of which the famous
Smith M. Weed, of Clinton county, is a member.

Smith M. Lindsley received an excellent English and classical education
at the then noted academy of his native place and graduated therefrom as
valedictorian of his class. He afterward continued his studies at the Wyoming
Seminary and College in Pennsylvania and was a member of the faculty of
that institution for one year. He had long before determined upon the pro-
fession of law as his life work and previous to his leaving the college had
begun its study. From Wyoming he went to Wilkes-Barre in the same state,
where he continued the study of the law- through one year and down to 1869,
when he removed to Utica and entered the office of Hon. Francis Kernan.
There he finished his legal studies and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He
immediately entered upon practice in this city, where his natural and acquired
qualifications for his profession soon gave him a large measure of success.
Be had. too, at the same time so early gained the confidence of the citizens
of Utica in both his ability and his integrity that in 1872 he was elected to
the office of city attorney by the democrats, with which party he was always
identified. In that campaign every other candidate on the democratic ticket,
with one exception, was defeated. His service in that office was so entirely
satisfactory to the community that he was reelected by a largely increased
majority. Meanwhile his private practice had greatly advanced, making such
demands upon his time and energies that he declined a third nomination. He

/ -

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 25

had now won the broad confidence of many of the leading business men of the
city, and his business became correspondingly lucrative and extensive, while
at the same time his rapidly extending reputation as a brilliant and successful
court lawyer and pleader brought him into connection with man}' prominent
cases, where large interests and intricate legal questions were involved.

In 1884 Mr. Lindsley was unanimously nominated by a joint convention
of citizens, representing both political parties, for the office of mayor of Utiea ;
but long before this he had become fixed in his determination to give all his
energies and time to the practice of his chosen profession and with that end
in view to accept no offer of political preferment, however flattering it might
be; he therefore declined this high and exceptional honor. Subsequently he
had many flattering inducements to enter the political field as a candidate for
important positions but uniformly and persistently refused. In 1895 he was
unanimously nominated by his party for justice of the supreme court of the
state but declined to make the race. In his later practice Mr. Lindsley achieved
conspicuous success, counting a large number of the best and most substantial
business men of Utiea and its vicinity among his clients. He had also a large
consulting clientage; but it was as a lawyer at trials and in the argument of
appeals that he attained his greatest prominence. His success was reflected
in a continually increasing business. He was the standing counsel and attor-
ney of a number of insurance companies and had especial success in that
branch of legal effort. It is not out of place to mention his successful defense
of the Utiea Observer, which he conducted in the noted Van Auken libel case
in 1891, which attracted attention throughout the country and for which he
was highly complimented by the legal profession, the press and others through-
out the state. Mr. Lindsley was continually retained by other attorneys as
advisory counsel and for the trial of cases and the argument of appeals; and
he was selected by the attorney-general to act for the state in important affairs.
It was said of Mr. Lindsley by one who knew him intimately from the be-
ginning of his career that "he has acquired his present conspicuous position
at the bar by being an almost tireless worker. He sharpened his natural abili-
ties by fearless contests with the ablest among those older in the profession
when he began. When he enters court with a case not one atom or item of prep-
aration is wanting. Every fact is marshaled and weighed and in his mind is
placed where it belongs and where it will be most effective." In another and
a different direction it was flattering to Mr. Lindsley 's capacity for practical
business and financial undertakings that lie was in 1885 chosen president of
the First National Bank of Chittenango, an office which he successfully ad-
ministered until his death.

Mr. Lindsley was a Mason and an Odd Fellow and an active and prominent
member of other well known organizations of a special and benevolent char-
acter. In 1887 and the two years succeeding he served as supreme regent or
chief executive officer of the Royal Arcanum, one of the principal fraternal
benefit and insurance societies of the country. He managed its business of
collecting and disbursing several millions of dollars and in the line of his
profession successfully solved many intricate legal problems involved in the
adjustment and payment of death claims and losses. He infused vigor into

26 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

every department of the organization, so thai its growth was almost phenomenal.
As the official head of this organization he was called to many parts of the
country and thereby he acquired a verj wide and extended acquaintance in

many slates. Socially am! in the everyday affairs of life Mr. Lindsley was a
popular and respected gentleman, admired for his manly independence and
adherence to the principles of living which he believed to be righl and hold-
ing the warm regard of many friends for his excellent qualities.

In ls7:i Mr. Lindsley married Dm-lissa. daughter of .John \V. Johnston, a
well known and prominent lawyer of Sullivan county. They had two children:
Lew Johnston Lindsley. who was horn in Utica, February 11, FS74. and died
December I. 1878, and Orma, a daughter, horn .May 21, 1876, who died Xo-
vember L'li, lsMl. .\i rs . Lindsley. who still survives her husband, makes her home
at the ( Hhiston apart ments.

JOHN COX.

Xo country in the world has been more generous than Ireland in contribu-
ting ambitious and promising young men to America. For a century or more
the Emerald isle has been sending its sons to the new world and under the
friendly protection of the stars and stripes they have established homes, becom-
ing identified with all lines of activity and here enjoying independence and
prosperity such as no other country on the globe could offer.

John Cox, of Utica, is of the foreign bom natives of this city, who early

in life became a resident of the United states. He was born February 9, 1857,
and crossed tin- ocean with his parents, arriving in New York city -March 17,
1863. The family lived until 1m:.", in New York city and then moved to Herki-
mer county. New York, where the father engaged in farming.

John Cox grew to manhood in Herkimer county and remained at home
until 1882. He then came to Utica and secured employment in the furniture
store of ('. Wise & Company which was located at the corner of State and La-
fayette streets. In 1887. after the death of Mr. Wise. Mr. Cox was made man-
ager of the business for the estate. Four years later he associated with J.
II. Remmer and thej took over the business, tin- title of the firm being Remmer
& Cox. After six years Mr. Remmer withdrew and John Collins was admitted
as a member of the firm, the title being changed to John Cox & Company.
The business prospered greatly ami in 1901 a modern four-story building was
erected at the corner of Columbia and Cornelia streets on the site of the old
oil cloth factory and here the business has sine been maintained. In 1906
Mr. Cox bought out the interest of his partner and has since been sole pro-
prietor of the concern. He opened a branch store in September, 1910, at No.
325 Bleecker street, and the venture has proved very successful.

On the 19th of September. 1884, Mr. Cox was married to Miss Margaret
McEvoy. of Herkimer county, and of this union eight children were born, four
boys and four girls. Three of the sons. James. John and Robert, are associated
with their father in business Mr. and Mrs. Cox occupy a beautiful home at

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 27

No. 37 Downer avenue and no happier circle is to be found in Utiea than that
which gathers at their fireside. Possessing a generous and kindly disposition,
Mr. Cox has made many friends who are attracted not only by his cordial man-
ner but by a spirit of fairness and rectitude that has been a prominent char-
acteristic in his life. He has reared his sons to become useful, honorable and
patriotic citizens and he sees reason for naught but rejoicing in the fact that
as a young man with all the world and its possibilities before him he chose
Utica as his home.

GEORGE WELLS SANBORN.

George Wells Sanborn is numbered among the residents of Utica who claim
New England as the place of their nativity, his birth having occurred in Man-
chester, New Hampshire, on the 26th of May, 1850, his parents being Cyrus
and Sarah (Wells) Sanborn. His youthful days were spent in his native state
and his time was largely given to the attainment of an education, excellent op-
portunities in that direction being afforded him. He supplemented his early
public school course by study in the North wood (New Hampshire) Academy
and in Tilton Seminary of Tilton, that state. In 1876 he came to Utica, then
a young man of twenty-five years, seeking here a better field for business than
was accorded him in his native state. For twenty-five years he has engaged
in the granite business and during that quarter of a century made continuous
progress toward the goal of success. At length retiring from that field of labor,
he became a real-estate and investment broker, largely handling New York
city property. This does not indicate, however, the scope of his activities for
he is now president of the Astoroga Paper ( Ymipany of Little Falls, New York,
and is director in several other corporations.

Mr. Sanborn has been married twice. On the 12th of October, 1883, he
wedded Anna Frost, of Oneida, New York, who died September 10. 1893,
leaving a daughter, Hilda A. In April, 181)7, Mr. Sanborn wedded Cora Blanch
Helmer, of Rome, New York, and they have one son, George Helmer. Mr. San-
born holds membership in the First .Methodist church and is serving as chair-
man of its board of trustees. He takes a deep interest in the various depart-
ments of the church work and his cooperation can always lie counted upon to
aid in furthering any movement for the general good.

GILBERT N. LEHR, M. D.

Dr. Gilbert N. Lehr, who maintains his offices at No. 219 West Liberty street
in Rome, has long been numbered among the leading and successful medical
practitioners of the city. His birth occurred at Ava, Oneida county. New York,
on the 13th of January, 1857, his parents being George and Katherine (Yor-
don) Lehr. The former, a native of Germany, was a lad of twelve years when

28 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

he crossed Hie Atlantic to the United States in company with his father, George

r, Sr., who had fought under Napoleon in the Russian campaign and also
and subsequently was with Blucher at Waterloo. It was in 1822
that they Bettler at Ava, Oneida county, where tin- grandfather took up gen-
eral agricultural pursuits, which also claimed tin- attention of George Lehr, Jr..
throughout his active Imsiness career. Mrs. Katherine !Tordon Lehr came
here with the Dutch settlers from the Cherry Valley. By her marriagi
became the mother of ten children, all of whom arc yd living.

Gilbert X. Lehr obtained his early education in the districl schools of
Ava and subsequently attended the Boonville high school and Whitestown

inary. lie followed the profession of teaching at Ava for two terms and
then spent a similar period as a student in the University of Michigan. He
next took up the study of medicine ;it New York ■■it \ and won the degree of
M. D. in L880. Locating for practice at Taberg, Oneida county, he there re-
mained for two years and discharged the duties of postmaster in connection
with his professional duties. In 1883 he removed to Frankfort, Herkimer
county, where he followed his profession for fifteen years, also acting as sur-
geon for the West Shore Railroad, who at that time conducted their large si
there. When the corporation abandoned that location Dr. Lehr came to Rome
in 1898 and has here remained continuously since. Since entering upon the
active practice of medicine he has kept in constant touch with the progress of
the profession, carrying his researches far and wide into the realms of scientific
knowledge, while his broad experience has also greatly promoted his skill and
efficiency. He is very careful in the diagnosis of a ease, seldom, if ever, at
error in anticipating the outcome of disease, and in his practice conforms to
the highesl standard of professional ethics. Dr. Lehr is one of the four
coroners of Oneida county, is on the staff of Rome Hospital and belongs to the
New York State Medical Society and the Oneida County Medical Society.

In September, 1881, Dr. Lehr was married to Miss Nellie Gue. a daughter
of Ji ro i e V and Clara Keecb tin.', of North Western. Oneida county. They
have one daughter, Sadie M.. who is now the wife of Howard D. Wolfe, of
Rome.

Dr. Lehr belongs to Roman Lodge. No. -i':!. A. F. & A. M.. and is also a
valued member of the Rome Club. Prompted in all that he does by laudable
ambition and his broad humanitarian principles, as a member of the medical
rnity he has attained high rank an ose whose skill is uniformly ac-

knowledged, while his prosperity is recognized a- tie- merited reward of his
labor.

FRED G. REUSSWIG.

The first comptroller of the city of Utica and the present incumbent of that

Fred G Reusswig, was born in New York Mills. New York, on the 27th

of April, 1873. Thi firsl eighl years of his life were spent in the village where

- horn and in win ; - lis he was introduced to the elementary branches.

Since ls;si he has continuously resided in this city, his education being com-

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 29

pleted in the grammar school, which he attended for seven years. Being de-
sirous of beginning his career, in 1888 he became identified with the Utica Satur-
day Globe, continuing in the service of that journal until December, 1907.
During that period lie served in every capacity on the editorial staff, from copy-
holder to temporary occupancy of the managing editor's chair, but the ma-
jority of the time he was engaged in discharging the duties of city editor. "When
he severed his connection to assume the duties of comptroller of the city he
held a very responsible position on the editorial staff.

Mr. Reusswig has at various times been identified with public duties, hav-
ing succeeded the Hon. P. C. J. De Angelis as a commissioner of schools when
that distinguished jurist went upon the supreme court bench in 1907. The
same year the White charter went into effect in the city and Mr. Reusswig was
elected to be first comptroller. He has unusual powers of organization as 5
well as executive ability, and the excellent system of supervision of the fiscal
affairs of the city, which he inaugurated, attests his qualifications for the office.
Two years service demonstrated his ability and established public confidence in
his sincerity and integrity. Having proven true to his trust when his name came
up for reelection in 1909 he won, although the head of the ticket was defeated
in Utica by more than four thousand votes.

In 1896' Mr. Reusswig was united in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Chibnall,
and to them have been born four children.

The family affiliate with the Park Baptist church of which he is one of the
trustees, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, being a mem-
ber of Utica Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M., and he also belongs to Samuel Reed
Lodge, K. P. ; the Corn Hill Benefit Association ; Utica Maennerchor and vari-
ous other organizations. Mr. Reusswig is held in high esteem in Utica, his high
ideals of citizenship and integrity, as manifested during the period of his pub-
lic service, having won for him general respect and admiration, he being rec-
ognized as a man who is not afraid to do his duty.

JULIUS FREDERICK WIXGEXBACII. M. 1).

Dr. Julius Frederick Wingenbaeh, well known as an able and successful
physician and surgeon of Utica, has here practiced his profession for the past
fifteen years. His birth occurred at Elberfeld. Germany, on the 27th of No-
vember, 1865, his parents being Julius and Elizabeth (Dietz) Wingenbaeh, the
former a monument contractor of Elberfeld. In early manhood he crossed the
Atlantic to the United States and after completing his academic education pur-
sued a course in pharmacy, being granted a license in New York in 1888. In
1892 he entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, from
which institution he was graduated in 1896, winning the degree of M. D. Re-
turning to Utica, he has since made this city the scene of his professional labors,
enjoying a constantly growing and remunerative general practice. He makes
a specialty of surgery and for ten years has been connected with the state
armory at Utica as surgeon. For three years he served as pharmacist at the

30 BISTORT? OF ONEIDA COUNTY

Utica State [lospital and for ten years has been on the staff of S1 Elizabeth's
Hospital. At the presenl time he acts as raiting physician and surgeon for
Paxton Hospital. He is likewise an ex-physician for the German sick and
Death Benefil Fund and is a prominenl member of the New York stale Medical
Society, the Oneida County .Medical Society and the Utica .Medical Club.
Through the interchange of experience and ideas among the members of these
organizations he keeps in touch with whal the profession is accomplishing and
enhances his own knowledge and efficiency.

Dr. Wingenbach lias been married twice, Ins firsl union being with Miss
Christina Blust, of Holland Patent, New York, by whom he had four children,
as follows: Julius Pred, a high school graduate, who is now employed as a
mechanical draughtsman; Ruth Anna, a high school student; and Christine A.
and John D., who are likewise attending school. The wile and mother was
called to her final rest in Fin;, her remains being interred in the Poresl Hill
cemetery. In 1905 Dr. Wingenbach wedded Miss Maude A. Haynes, of Albany,
New York.

In politics Dr. Wingenbach is independent, supporting men and measures
rather than party. For several years after establishing himself in practice at
Utica he held the office of assistant city physician. Fraternally he is identified
with the Masons, belonging to Paxton Lodge, No. b!)7, Oneida Chapter. R. A.
M. ami Utica Commandery No. :;. K. '1'.. also Ziyara Temple of the Mystic
shrine. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran
church, to which his wife ami children also belong. His vacations are devoted
to hunting and fishing, which sports afford him both pleasure and recreation.
lie maintains the strictest con'ormity to the highest professional ethics and
enjoys in full measure the confidence and respect of his professional brethren
as well as of the general public.

CHARLES W. HACKETT.

Charles Wootton Hackett, who died in Utica on the 18th of April, 1898, was
one of the leading and most successful business men of the city and also a
prominenl factor in national politics. His birth occurred in Utica on the
Kith of March. 1853, his parents being Charles and Elizabeth (Hughes) Hackett.
who came here from England in 1841. George Wootton. a maternal ancestor
of our subject, began business life under the engineer constructing the canal
between Manchester and Liverpool. On the paternal side 'Sir. Hackett was a
direct descendant of the Hackett who was the French ambassador of Henry
VIII and later Queen Elizabeth's representative in Moscow. After coming
to Utica Charles Hackett, Sr., followed many lines of business but eventually
became freight agent of the Flack River Railroad, holding that position until
1880, when he retired.

Charles \V. Hackett attended the public schools in the acquirement of an
education and when eighteen years of age entered the freight offices of the
Flack River Railroad as clerk for his father, succeeding the latter as freight

?C tr

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 33

agent and serving in that capacity until 1886. At the age of twenty-one years
he became an equal partner in the firm of R. Marcy & Company, which fur-
nished coal to places along the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad and
with which concern he was connected throughout the remainder of his life.
About 1883, in association with W. T. Atwood, he purchased the knitting mill
at Stittville, successfully operating the same under the name of Hackett it At-
wood until his demise. During the last fifteen years of his life his business in-
terests extended rapidly, for he had a share in every enterprise which promised
to aid the growth and upbuilding of Utica, He was interested locally in the
Savage Arms Company of Utica, the American Extension Car Step Company,
the Utica Carriage Company, the Holbrook Insole Company, the Utica Land
Company, the Utica Water Works, the Central New York Telephone & Tele-
graph Company, the Second National Bank, the Utica Daily Press Company
and the Utica Morning Herald Publishing Company and in most of these con-
cerns was a director. He was likewise a director of the Franklin National
Bank of New York city and the New York Casualty Company. A man of
splendid executive ability, he displayed in all things an aptitude for success-
ful management. He was preeminently a strong man, strong in his honor and
his good name, strong in his plans and his purposes and in his ability to
perform.

In 1874 Mr. Hackett was joined in wedlock to Miss .Mary Howarth. a
daughter of John Howarth, by whom he had two children, C. F., a Christian
Scientist practitioner, who is married to Rosemary Baum, of Boston, and they
reside in Utica; and Mary E.

In the field of politics Mr. Hackett exerted as wide an influence as he did
in business circles. In 1879 he was elected a commissioner of schools in
Utica and entered into political work with the same zeal which characterized
him in other lines of endeavor. He remained on the school board until 1888
and two years later was appointed a police and fire commissioner by Mayor
Goodwin, resigning at the end of three years. He served for five years as
chairman of the republican city committee prior to 1887, developing the re-
markable aptitude for polities which later led him into the field of national
affairs. In 1884 he was elected to the state committee and in 1886 became
chairman of the executive committee. In 1888 he retired in favor of others
but in 1892 again became a member of the state committee. He was named as
chairman of the executive committee and served in that capacity until 1894.
The following year he was again made chairman of the state committee and
held the position during the remainder of his life. His success during the great
campaigns was marvelous and few excelled him in ability to organize party
forces successfully. In 1896 he enjoyed one of his greatest triumphs, telegraph-
ing the people of Utica that McKinley had carried the state of New York by
nearly three hundred thousand. It was said that "he and Tom Piatt were
like father and son, and Hackett 's word was law. ' '

Fraternally Mr. Hackett was identified with the Masons, belonging to Utica
Lodge, F. & A. Mi. ; Oneida Chapter, R. A. M. ; Utica Commandery, K. T. ; and
Ziyara Temple, N. M. S. He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, the Utica Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Schuyler Club, the

34 HISTORY OF ONEIDA I 01 MY

Arcanum Club, the LJtica Masonic Club and the Anglers Club. He likewise
belonged to Calvary church and served as vestryman for a Dumber of years.
Mr. Hacketl owned a beautiful home in Central Park, on the St. Lawrence
river, where he spenl the summer months. He was on the board of governors
of the Thousand Island t'luli and also a stockholder in Central Park, which is
called St. Lawrence Park. In lus Lifetime the people of bis state, recog-
ni in- his meril rejoiced in his advancement and in the honors to which he
attained, and since his death they have cherished his memory, which remains
as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.

JAMES HKililXS W1IALKY. M. D.

Dr. James Higgins Whaley maintains his offices at No. 212 North Washing-
ton street. His birth occurred at Verona, Oneida county, New York, on the
18th of October, 1861, his parents being James Snow and Charlotte (Hig-
gins i Whaley. His paternal grandfather, Dr. Alexander Whaley, was born
in Montville, Connecticut, on the 24th of March, 1780, read medicine with Dr.
Turner of New London, Connecticut, and in 1800 was licensed to practice.
At this time great interest was taken in the sale of lands in what was known
as the Oneida Indian Reservation, and Dr. Alexander Whaley joined the
tide of emigration, reaching this county in the fall of 1801. The next spring
he took up his abode at Verona and began the practice of medicine, following
his profession for about fifty years. On the 30th of January, 1805, he wedded
Miss Abigail Snow, by whom he had nine children. Their home was main-
tained in the same house at Verona for a period of fifty-three years. His
demise occurred in Rome on the 28th of April, 1871, and thus the county lost
one of its most respected and honored pioneer physicians.

Dr. -lames Snow Whaley. the eldest son of Dr. Alexander Whaley, was born
a1 Verona, Oneida county, on the 4th of March. 1806. After completing an
academic course in the Fairfield Academy he began the study of medicine
with his father and subsequently attended a full course of lectures in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Western District, New York, receiving
his degree from the regents in February, 1831. He began the work of his
profession in association with his father, who afterward retired and turned
the practice over to him. Dr. James S. Whaley practiced at Verona for thirty-
one years and in June, 1863, removed to Rome, where he followed his pro-
fession for about twelve years. On the 6th of May, 1846, he wedded .Miss
Maria Louise Enos, whose natal day was August 25, 1813, and who was the
daughter of Judge Enos. She passed away on the 29th of April, 1850, and on
tie- 8th of January. ls.">7. Dr. Whaley was again married, his second union
being with iliss Charlotte C. Higgins, of Higginsville, who was born at Cana-
joharie. New York, July 11. 1820. Dr. Whaley was called to his final rest on
the 24th of September, 1886, when eighty years of age. His demise was the
occasion of deep ,nid widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle
of warm friends during his lifelong residence in this countv.

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 35

James H. Whaley, whose name introduces this review, is the fifth repre-
sentative of the family to follow the medical profession. He was graduated
from the Rome Free Academy with the class of 1881 and won the degree of
B.S. from Cornell University in 1885. In preparation for the practice of
medicine he attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, completing the
prescribed course of study in 1888. Locating for practice at Rome, he has
here remained continuously since and has enjoyed a gratifying and remunera-
tive patronage. He has served as health officer and also as city physician
of Rome. His comprehensive study and research have brought him wide
and accurate knowledge and his judgement is seldom, if ever, at error in his
application of scientific principles to the needs of his patients. He is a member
of the New York State Medical Society and the Oneida County Medical So-
ciety.

In May, 1895, Dr. Whaley married Miss May Penfield, a daughter of Peter
Demilt and Antoinette (Brodock) Penfield, of Rome. Their union has been
blessed with two children, James Higgins, Jr., and Celeste Elizabeth.

JOHN HENRY SIEMERS.

For many years thousands of promising young men have crossed the ocean
from Europe, hoping to find in America opportunities for advancement denied
them in the long settled countries of the old world. In numberless instances
their dreams have been realized and there is scarcely a community of im-
portance in the United States in which foreign born citizens are not to be
met with who are now highly prosperous. In this number is John Henry
Siemers, president of the Merchants Legislative League, with offices in the
Arcade building at Utica.

He was born at Hanover, Germany, December 10, 1842. During his boy-
hood and youth he attended the public schools of his native land and, in 1860,
being then about eighteen years of age, he came to the new world and was
engaged for ten years in the grocery business at Brooklyn. On account of
poor health he gave up the business and spent a year and a half in northern
New York recuperating. Having regained his physical strength he became
identified in the wholesale business with the firm of R. Winant & Company of
Utica, and for eleven years remained with this concern, which was then closed
out on account of the failing health of Mr. Winant. Subsequently Mr. Siemers
entered the retail grocery business and started and sold several grocery stores.
In 1899, together with George S. Hughes, he organized and incorporated the
Merchants Legislative League, which has since been maintained for the pre-
vention of the enactment of laws injurious to business interests. The league
has met with a general response from business men all over the country and
has accomplished great good along the lines upon which it is maintained.

In 1878 Mr. Siemers was married, at Brooklyn, to Miss Sarah Ried, and
they have two children living: Marie L., in the employ of the United States
government ; and Anna A., who is living at home. In 1908 Mr. Siemers erected

36 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

a beautiful modern residence .-it No. 794 Genesee street, where his family now
make their home He is a stanch friend of education and lias served as a
member of the school board and at all times lias stood ready bo assist in pro-
moting the welfare of the city. Enterprising, progressive and unusually com-

• in business, he lias me1 with gratifying su sss financially and sees no

i. ason to regret his choice of America as his country and Utica as his permanent
home.

JAMES FRANCIS LEAHY.

i in.' of the host known business men of Utica is James Francis Leahy, who
has been engaged in the laundry business here for thirty-five years, his present
location being on John street. .Mr. Leahy was horn in Little Falls. Herkimer

county, Now York, on the 19th of D mher, 1854, and is a son of Thomas and

Bridig (Madden) Leahy, natives of [reland, from which country they emi-
grated to the United States about 1840, locating in Little Falls.

I'll.- elementary education of .lames Francis Leahy was acquired in the
public schools of his native town, following which he attended the Assumption
Academy of Utica. At tie- age of sixteen he laid aside his text-books to assume
tho heavier responsibilities of life and together with his sister came to Utica,
whir,. Ii,. learned the trade of tin-smith, which included roofing and a knowl-
edge of how to install furnaces. He did not long follow this occupation, how-
ever, and being an ambitious youth he was desirous of engaging in business
for himself and on the 11th of October. lSTti. he became associated with James
McEvoy in the laundry business. The establishment which they purchased
was called Benham's Steam Laundry and bore little resemblance to Mr. Leahy "s
present place of business. On the 1st of January. 1--77. Mr. Leahy bought the
interest of his partner and has ever since continued the business as sole pro-

ir. He has met with most gratifying success, largelj attributable to his
excellenl and thoroughly reliable methods. No expense is spared in the opera-

■ his plant which enables him to give mosl satisfactory or efficient service
to his patrons, and as a result lie has far more than a local reputation as has
his laundry. In 1904 he .'reeled his present plant at Nos. 57-59 John street.
It .-.insists of a thr.e story building, specially designed for the purpose for
which it is used, and thoroughly and completely equipped with every modern
appliance in either steam or electricity which has ever been devised for laun-
dry purposes In the construction of the building the comfort and ease of

oployes have ben given due consideration as well as any facilities for
expediting the work. The magnitude of his business is such that he employs
several automobile delivery wagons. The progressive methods and system
employed by Mr Leahy would insure sue. ess in any vocation whatever, and it
has enabled him to become the owner of what is known as the finest laundry
outside of the city of Xew York.

On the 6th of January, l^Tti. Mr. Leahy was united in marriage to Miss
Mary McEvoj of this city, who passed away in December. 1905. Mr. Leahy

a

■ a k.j ■ y

easi i

A

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 39

was again married on the 12th of October, 1908, his choice being Miss Mary J.
Murphy, daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Moore) Murphy, of Utica.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Leahy are communicants of the Roman Catholic church
and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and the Arcanum Club. Politically Mr. Leahy for a
number of years has been an independent, standing for men and measures rather
than party-prescribed candidates and principles. He has always concentrated
his energies upon the development of his personal interests in which he has
met with such enviable success, and is highly regarded as a business man and
citizen by those who know him.

EARLE APPLETOX GAYDE, M. D.

There is little doubt that if a consensus of opinion of the people of Utica
could be secured it would declare Dr. Earle Appleton Gayde to be one of the
popular physicians of the city. This opinion he has earned by years of con-
scientious and wisely applied effort. He is a native of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, born March 21, 1869, a son of George Lacy and Sarah (Brooke)
Gayde. the latter of whom was born in Philadelphia. The father was a well
known artist who maintained a studio at Cheltenham, a suburb of the Quaker
City. He died in 1876, his wife being called away five years later.

Left an orphan in his boyhood, Earle Appleton Gayde received his prelimi-
nary education at Girard College, graduating in 1885. He then took a gen-
eral course of instruction after which he entered the New York Homeopathic
Medical College and Flower Hospital, graduating with the degree of M. D.
in 1898. He spent one year as interne in the Hahnemann Hospital, New York,
and after leaving that institution engaged in general practice for seven years
in Utica. In 1905 he went to New York city and took a special course in chil-
dren's diseases in the hospitals, since which time he has devoted his attention
to that branch. He is a member of the staff of the Homeopathic Hospital and
visiting physician to the House of the Good Shepherd Orphan Asylum. He
has also served for two years as medical inspector. Professionally he holds
membership in the New York Homeopathic Society, the Central New York
Medico-Chirurgical Society and the Utica Homeopathic Medical Club. A mar*
of remarkable energy, he has spared no pains in taking advantage of every pos-
sible opportunity in promoting his efficiency and as a result has a large and
lucrative clientage.

In 1900 Dr. Gayde was married at Utica to Miss Harriet Clowminzer, a
daughter of John and Harriet Clowminzer. Her father was foreman of a
shoe factory in this city and later was connected with the Kellogg Lumber
Company. He and his wife are both deceased. Two children were born to
Dr. and Mrs. Gayde, Esther T. and Ruth B.

Politically Dr. Gayde supports the republican party in national elections
but in local affairs he is independent, being a firm believer in the application
of up-to-date business principles in municipal government. He is ex-president

40 HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY

the Law and Order Union of the state of New York, Religiouslj he is
identified with th Centenary Methodisl Episcopal church and is chairman of
its finance committee and also presidenl of the Centenarj .Men's Club. He is
very active as a Masonic worker and has taken the degrees of the blue lodge,
being secretary of Utica Lodge, No. 17. F. & A. M., and of the Utica Masonic
Craftsmen's Club. He lias been railed upon to bear his full share of sorrows
nieideiii to human existence. In December, L905, he losl his h-i't leg by an
accidenl and cm March 3, 1911, his beloved wife was called away by death.
Bravely has be niel the reverses of fortune, sustained by an unfaltering trust
in "A Divinity thai shapes our ends, rough hew them though we may.'' A
man of unusual energy, tad and ability, he is recognized as one of the most
useful members of the community, and finds his happiness in deeds of helpful-
ness and unselfish labors in behalf of others.

ABRAM GRIFFITH SENIOK.

Ahram Griffith Senior, who has been engaged in the practice of law in
Utica for the past nine years in addition to which he is now serving as United
States commissioner, was born in Titusville, Dutchess county, New York, on
the 2d of September, 1876, his parents Ving Jeremiah and Mary E. (Grey)
Senior.

In the early childhood of Ahram Griffith Senior the interests of the father,
who was engaged in the wool business, necessitated tin- family removing south.
so that the elementary education of Mr. Senior was acquired in the public
schools of Mannington and Sisterville. Wes1 Virginia. They later returned to
New York, residing in Utica, when- Mrs. Senior was born, and Oriskany Falls,
and thereafter located in Medway, Massachusetts. The son. Ahram Griffith.
was entered in Cayuga Lake Military Academy at Aurora, New York, in 1897.
He had attended this institution for about two years wdien it became consoli-
dated with the New York Military Academy at Cornwall-on-Hudson from
which he was graduated in 1899. In the fall of 1899 he matriculated in the
New York Law School at New York city, where he remained for one year.
During his summer vacation he entered the office of South M. Lindsey of this
city, as a student and later the office of Dunmore, Sholes & Ferris, remaining
and studying in these offices one year. In the spring of 1901 he enrolled in
the law department of the University of .Michigan, being permitted on taking
an examination as to subjects studied at the New York Law School to take ad-
vance standing and was awarded the degree of bachelor of law with the class
of 1902. After his admission to the bar he took a position as managing clerk
with Lewis. Watkins & Titus, but severed this connection in 1903 and became
associated with K. D. Lee. under the firm name of Lee & Senior, with offices in
the Arcade building. In 1904 this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Senior
a<_ r ain became identified with Lewis, Watkins & Titus being admitted as junior
partner in April, 1909.

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 41

Mr. Senior was married on the 25th of June, 1906, to Miss Nelly Lucine
Latimer, a daughter of William E. and Ella L. Latimer of this city, and they
became the parents of one son, Latimer Bayard Senior. Mrs. Senior passed
away on the 16th of April, 1907.

Mr. Senior is a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, with which he affiliated
during his university days. There has been nothing meteoric about the progress
of Mr. Senior in his professional career, but it has been the steady permanent
advancement of the determined and persevering as well as ambitious man.

JOHN ARTHUR BREEN.

John Arthur Breen, president and treasurer of the Utica Real Estate Com-
pany, was born in Trenton, New York, in 1868, and is a son of Charles and
Bridget Breen, natives of Ireland. The father, who has now attained the ven-
erable age of seventy-four years, emigrated with his wife and family to the
United States in 1860, landing in New York in the month of August. They
located on a farm near Holland Patent, this state, and there the father en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1904. He met with excel-
lent success in his undertakings and is now living retired in Utica. In re-
ligion he is a Catholic, being a communicant of St. Agnes' church, and po-
litically he is a republican in national elections, but always easts an independ-
ent ballot at township and municipal elections. To Mr. and Mrs. Breen were
born seven children, the son John Arthur being the sixth in order of birth.

Reared on the homestead at Trenton, now Barneveld, in the acquirement of
his elementary education John Arthur Breen attended the district school lo-
cated at Joy's Hotel Four Corners, after the completion of which he entered
the high school at Holland Patent, from which he was graduated. He re-
mained on the farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted his father, until he
was twenty-one years of age. His first position was in Baggs' cheese factory
at Holland Patent, whence he came to Utica in 1893, obtaining a position as
salesman with the Kernan Furnace Company. He continued in their service for
five years, at the expiration of which time he became a member of Breen
Brothers' plumbing concern. This company was composed of Jerry O, Charles
J., Thomas and John A., now known as the Thomas Breen Company. He
severed his connection with them in 1905, since which time he has given his
entire attention to his real-estate business. Four years before withdrawing from
the plumbing company, in 1901, he organized the Utica Real Estate Company.
This venture has proven to be a most successful enterprise and Mr. Breen is
doing a very satisfactory business.

On the 8th of February. 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Breen
and Miss Ethel C. Clark of Clayton, New York. Of this union there have been
born three children: J. Clark, Arthur W. and Clayton C.

The family attend the Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Breen is a member.
Mr. Breen is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity and he is also a member of
the Masonic Club. His political support Mr. Breen gives to the republican

42 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

party, and he has always taken a keen interest in municipal affairsj bul has
never aspired for anj political office, preferring to devote his attention mostly
to his persona] interests.

BENRY LAMBERT BOWES.

The wholesale paper business has been an important factor in the commer-
cial growth of I'tii-a and the name of Bowes Brothers is inseparahly identified
with this branch of activity. The firm has been in existence for more than
twenty years and on account of its prompl and reliable methods it lias gained
a high standing throughout the state and enjoys a liberal patronage. Henry
Lambert Bowes, the elder of the brothers, was born at Oriskany, New York,
March 1, 1861, and is a son of John R. and Eliza (Churchill Bowes, both of
whom came to America from England and early in life settled at Oriskany.

Henry Lambert I '.owes, of this review, received his preliminary education
in the public schools of Utica. After completing his studies he entered the
paper business in the employ of B. Wilson. After serving faithfully for twelve
years he was admitted as a member of the firm, with which he continued until
1889, when he became associated with his brothers, John Allison and Charles
Sidney Howes, and they organized the firm of Howes Brothers, wholesale
paper dealers, now one of the large ai.l flourishing business establishments of
Utica.

On September 20. 1893, .Mr. Howes was married to Miss Nettie M. Barber,
a daughter of William Wallace Barber of Taberg, New York, and two children
have been born of this union: Raymond Churchill and Hazel Miller.

.Mi-. Howes is prominent in social and business circles and fraternally is a
valued member of the .Masonic order and the Royal Arcanum. Entirely with-
out ostentation or any desire to attract attention personally, he has devoted his
time mainly to his business and his family. His associates find in him a genial
and pleasing companion and he has never been lacking in the spirit which seeks
to promote the material and ral welfare of the city. Beginning at the bot-
tom of the ladder in his business he has overcome numberless difficulties and
gained a position of comparative independence. This he has accomplished
through a worthy ambition, backed by tireless industry and a will that never
acknowledged defeat.

WILBUR S. ('LARK.

It has often been pointed out that a thorough training in the railroad
business is one of the best preparations a man can make for an active and suc-
cessful life along many other lines of activity. This has been clearly demon-
strated in every state of tic Union and receives a new illustration in the suc-
cess that has attended the efforts of Wilbur S. Clark, of Utica, in the trucking

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 43

and storage business with which he has been prominently connected for more
than twelve years. Born in Broome county, New York, February 17, 1867,
he is a son of Seth and Electa Clark. He passed his boyhood under favorable
conditions and secured his early education in the public schools of Albany.
After leaving school he entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad
Company with which he continued for nineteen years. He advanced through
various grades and served as passenger conductor and in other positions of re-
sponsibility. In 1894 he came to Utica and in 1899 formed a copartnership
with John Henry Jones in the trucking business to which a storage warehouse
was later added. The firm is now one of the nourishing establishments of Utica.
On the 9th of November, 1892, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Jean T.
Cochrane, of Albany, and to this union one daughter, Marion Elizabeth, has
been born. Experience has shown that although Mr. Clark succeeded admirably
in the railroad business, he made no mistake in seeking a change in his occu-
pation, for he has become practically independent in a financial sense and has
shown an ability in business management which reflects great credit upon
his judgment. He is thoroughly awake as to the growing wants of the city and
by years of conscientious effort lias gained an unquestioned reputation for
reliability and fidelity to every trust. He is a member of the First Presbyterian
church and a valued member of Faxton Lodge, No. 697, F. & A. M., and also
of the Arcanum Club and Chamber of Commerce.

GEORGE G. CLARABUT.

George G. Clarabut, cashier of the Farmers National Hank of Rome, is a
native of this city and has spent his entire life here, being recognized as one
of the most active and useful citizens of Oneida county. He was born January
1, 1868, a son of Gains and Agnes (Woodard) Clarabut. The father was born
in England but came to America as a young man and settled at Rome, New
York, about 1840, where he engaged upon a modest scale as a merchant. There
were two sons in the family, George G. and Edwin D., the latter now living at
Oakland, California. The father died at an advanced age in 1910, and the
mother in February, 1911.

Mr. Clarabut of this sketch secured his education in the public schools and
the Rome Free Academy. At the age of fourteen he entered the Farmers
National Bank as messenger boy. He applied himself closely to his duties and
has ever since his boyhood been identified with this institution, advancing
through all the various positions until he became cashier, which position ho
has held since 1904. He is also a member of the board of trustees of the
Rome Savings Bank and the Citizens Trust Company of Utica.

On the 14th of September, 1895, Mr. Clarabut was united in marriage to
Miss Anna A. Myrick, a daughter of Meade 0. and Mary Esther (Wood)
Myrick, of Clinton. New York. Two children have been born to this union,
Meade Myrick and Doris Wood. Mr. Clarabut now occupies a position of trust
and responsibility, which he attained through his own efforts, and, as he pos-

-II HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUN

• large experience and is well acquainted with the people of Rome
Oneida county, he lias discharged his duties to the entire satisfaction of the
officers and stockholders oi the bank. Fraternally he is connected with Hatha-

Lodge, No 869, F. & A. ML, and the Royal Arcanum, and socially he is
identified with tin- l; i< Cluh and the 'IVUge-Ga Country Club. He ami his
family reside in Fori Stanwix Park, North.

WILLEY J. P. KINGSLEY, ML 1).

r fifty years of conscientious and able service to humanity as a physician
and surgeon have endeared Dr. Willey J. I'. Kingsley to almost a countless
number of people id' central New York state and other parts of the country
and today no man in Rome stands higher in the estimation of the community
than he. This position he has attained by unselfish labors, which have re-
dounded very greatly to the credit of the city and have materially assisted in
promoting the comfort and happiness of his fellowmen. He is a native of
Frankfort, New York, born July 9, 1824, a son of Obediah and Lydia Jane
(Tucker 1 Kingsley. The family has long been known in this country, the
emigrant ancestor, John Kingsley. having arrived at Dorchester, Massachusetts,
in 1634.

Dr. Kingsley received his preparatory training at Whitestown Seminary
and studied medicine at the Geneva Medical College and New York Medical
College, receiving the degree of M. D. from the latter institution in 1855.
Alter hospital service in New York and practice in Utica for one year he be-
gan practice at Rome, where he has since continued. In 1859 he founded a
hospital fur the treatment of malignant growths, of which he is still the head,
this institution having proven one of the most successful of the kind in the
country. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers National Bank of Rome
and has been its president ever since the bank was called into existence. He
was also one of the organizers and president of the Central New York Institute
for Deaf Mutes and is president of the Jarvis Library Association and the Rome
1 aeterj Association. He was an organizer of the Rome Locomotive Works,
thi Rome Manufacturing Company, the Rome Metal Company, the Rome Tube
Companj and various other manufacturing concerns, including the Rome Iron
Works, which afterward became the Rome Brass & Copper Company, he being
;■ one of the original stockholders of the latter organization now living.
He has served as director, officer or president of a number of the leading manu-
facturing concerns of Rome and showed an ability which reflected the highest
credil upon him as a man of unusually clear judgment in business affairs. He
has also taken an active interest in tin- city of his adoption and served as
mayor from 1895 to 1899. During this time very extensive work was

carried on in the development of the sewerage system and in paving. He also
originated the idea of the improved gravity water system of Rome.

In I860 Dr. Kingsley was married to Miss Georgeanna Manolt Vogell, a
datiL Rev. Henry ('. Vogell, A. M.. D. I)., who was located in Utica at

mss

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 47

the time of the marriage. Three sons were born to this union, the eldest of
whom died in childhood. The second son, George Lyle, received the degree of
A. B. from Yale in 1886 and M. D. from Harvard in 1890. He died while
surgical house officer of the Massachusetts General Hospital, September 25,
1890. Willey Lyon, the third of the children of Dr. and Mrs. Kingsley in
order of birth, was graduated from Yale in 1886 with the degree of A. B.
and received the degree of M. D. from Harvard University in 1890. He has
since made his home at Rome and for twenty-one years past has been in part-
nership with his father in conducting the hospital. He is also interested finan-
cially in local manufactories.

Dr. Kingsley, whose name introduces this review, is one of the remarkable
men of New York state, as is shown by the brief statement herewith presented.
He has never sought publicity, preferring to carry forward his work quietly
and entirely without ostentation. A leader in his profession, he is also largely en-
dowed with business talent and could easily have gained a national reputation
as a manufacturer had he concentrated his energies in that direction. His
main interest has been given to his profession and his success in a difficult
specialty has drawn patients from many states, the institution over which he
presides being one of the most favorably known of the kind in the United
States. He is justly regarded with profound respect and his success both pro-
fessionally and financially has been most gratifying.

JOHN J. COAKLEY.

John J. Coakley, who for the past ten years has been head of the police
department of Utica, of which place he is a native son, his birth having here oc-
curred in 1852. His parents were Patrick and Margaret Coakley, the father a
native of Ireland from which country he emigrated in 1838. He worked on the
railroad and was at one time employed on the New York Central. He is now
deceased, having been accidentally drowned in the Mohawk river.

Utica has always been the home of John J. Coakley, who obtained his edu-
cation in the public and parochial schools of this city. After laying aside his
studies he learned the moulder's trade, and entered the foundry of the J. S.
Peckham Furnace Company at Utica, New York. Later he entered the employ
of the New York Central Railroad Company., withdrawing only to engage in
business for himself, and for several years thereafter he successfully conducted
a grocery on Mohawk street. On the 1st of February, 1887, he was appointed
a patrolman on the city police force, in which capacity he served until the
1st of March, 1898, doing a great deal of special work at the same time. He
was promoted to the position of deputy chief from that of patrolman and on
the 5th of April, 1901, he was appointed chief of police, in which capacity he
has most efficiently served ever since.

Mr. Coakley, who is unmarried, is a member of the parish of St. John, be-
ing a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, while fraternally he is af-
filiated with the Elks and the Eagles. He has a brother, Patrick J. and a
sister, Mary, who are also residents of this city. In matters political Mr.

1- HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY

Coakley has always voted with the democratic party, taking an active part in
all municipal affairs. The period of his incumbencj of his presenl office at-
- the efficiency with which he has discharged his responsibilities. He is
well fitted for the position he dow holds and is very popular oo1 only among
his constituency but the general public of Utica.

LOUIS JULIUS SCHARFP.

Louis Julius Scharff is a member of the plumbing, heating and metal work
firm known as the Hesse Scharff Company which was organized in 1908. Prac-
tical experience qualified him for the conducl of tins business for in his youth
he had learned the plumber's and steam titter's trades. He is a son of William
and Amelia Steinbeeker Scharff, the former of whom was a oative of Cana-
joharie, New Fork and the latter of Germany. He was born in Canajoharie,
Montgomery county, New York, on the 2d of August, 1867, and is indebted to

the public scl 1 system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He came

to Utica in 1887 when a young man id' twenty years, and here learned the
plumber's and steam fitter's trades with the firm of Charles .Millar & Sons. In
L907 he became on,- of the organizers of the Snyder & Scharff Company which
Liter combined with the Hesse, Steinhorst Company, under the present style
of the Hesse & Scharff Company. They conduct a general plumbing, steam tit-
ting and metal work Imsiiiess and in the three years of its existence the firm has
gained a goodly patronage, bringing it a substantial profit.

On the 14th of November, 1891, .Mr. Scharff was married to .Miss Emelie
Toomer, a daughter of Thomas Toomer, of Utica, and they now have on.' son,
William John, who is a student of the I'tiea Academy. .Mi-. Scharff is a mem-
ber of the English Lutheran church and votes the republican ticket. lie i- a
member of Utica Lodge, No. 17. A. I-'. & A. M.. and Oneida Chapter, No 57,
i; A M. He also holds membership in the Utica Maennerchor and is much in-
terested in music which is to him a pleasanl source of recreation. His atten-
tion, however, is largely devoted to business affairs and the reliable methods
pursued by the firm constitute a potent element in its growing success.

ALBERT OTTO HESSE.

The spirit of business enter]. rise which Albert Otto Hesse has displayed
since entering commercial circles has brought him to a prominent position in
relation to the trade interests of Utica. He is now senior partner in the Hesse
& Scharff Company, and in the conduct of the business shows an initiative that
constantly seeks out new methods for the expansion of the trade and the en-
largement of business connections. He was born in Utica. June 4. 1871. a son
of Adolph and Lena Hesse, both of whom were natives of Germany, when,',.

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 49

they came to the new world about 1853. The father was a molder and for a
long period followed his trade in Utica.

Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Albert Otto Hesse
attended the public schools and afterward learned the tin and sheet metal
worker's trade, gaining thus a practical knowledge of the business which has
enabled him to carefully and successfully direct the labors of those who now
serve under him. Laudable ambition prompted him to put forth active effort
until his industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to engage
in business on his own account. In 1906 he organized the Hesse, Steinhorst
Company, engaging in heating and sheet metal work. The following year the
Snyder & Scharff Company became occupants of half of the store and the fol-
lowing year the two interests were consolidated in the organization of the pres-
ent firm known as the Hesse & Scharff Company. The business has been ex-
tended in its scope to include plumbing as well as heating and sheet metal
work, and the house now enjoys what is already a satisfactory patronage.
The trade, however, is steadily increasing and is reaching very gratifying
proportions.

On the 3d of February, 1897, Mr. Hesse was married to Miss Mary Helen
Ford, a daughter of George and Emma Ford, of Utica, and they now have
one son, George Albert Hesse. Mr. Hesse is well known in fraternal circles
as a member of the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and likewise the Sons of Veterans Camp. He also holds membership in the
Chamber of Commerce, cooperating in all of its various projects for the de-
velopment of the business connections of Utica and also for the improvement
and adornment of the city.

HOAYARl) -I. TELLER, M. D.

Dr. Howard J. Teller, whose office is at No. 220, North Washington street,
Rome, has engaged in general practice for thirteen years and having made
thorough preparation for his work, has met with a gratifying measure of suc-
cess. He is today one of the prominent physicians of Oneida county. Born at
Whitesboro, October 31, 1877, he is a son of Marshall Albert and Elizabeth
Teller, the former of whom was born at Steuben and the latter at Camden, in
this county. The father died when the subject of this review was two years
old and the mother has also been deceased for many years.

After receiving his early education in the public schools of Whitesboro,
Howard J. Teller became a student of Fairfield Seminary, in Herkimer county,
where he prepared for college. Matriculating in the medical department of
the University of Maryland, at Baltimore, he pursued the regular course and
was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1898. He then came to Rome, be-
gan a general practice and has continued without interruption to the present
time. He is a member of the staff of Rome Hospital, being now secretary of
the staff. He takes an active interest in all measures for advancing the effi-

50 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

ciencj oi' the profession and is a valued member of the Oneida County Med-
ical and the New York Stat'- Medical Society.

On the 6th of .January. 1904, Dr. Teller was married a1 Rome to .Miss Anna
Prince, a daughter of Willard II. and Esther Wiggins) Prince, of this city.
The.\ h; child, Howard Prince. Mrs. Teller is a direcl tdant on

botl from the Waldo and Prince families that known a1 the

time of tin- Revolutionary war. Tin- Wiggins family was formerly very wealthy
ami owned nearly the entire village of Saratoga.

Dr. Teller has been a lifelong studenl and has been indefatigable in re-
o tin- cause and cure of disease. He keeps thoroughly informed
ing tin- advances in medicine and surgery ami as In- possesses cool judg-
ment and powers o lination, is often called in consultation by his med-
ical brethren. Although not a partisan in politics, he taken special in1
in | ernmenl and is now serving as a member of the hoard of aldermen
from tin- sixth ward. He is pron inenl in tin- Masonic order, being a member
nan Lodge, No 223, !'. t.v. A. M., tin- el immandery ami Ziyara
Temple, A. A. 0. X. M. S. Hi olds membership in the Royal Arcanum,
in the Masonic < 'luh and tin- Rome i !lub.

HERMAN AUGUST KLAGES.

Herman Augusl Kh. asurance ami steamship agent of .".1:1 Columbia

Utica, was born in Fultonville, Montgomery county, New York-, ami is

«.f Dr. Frederick William and Dorothea Wilhelmine Von Westerhagen

Klages, he being a native of Clausthal, Hanover. Germany. Frederick William

Klages, who was a physician, completed his professional studies in Hildesheim,

er, and in 1^1! emigrated to America to engage in practice. Upon his

arrival in this country he iirst located in Harlem where lie followed his pro-

■ four years. In 1848 he removed to Fultonville, where he established

Bee which he maintained until 1854 at which time he settled in Utica,

when- for manj years he was --fully engaged in practice. Owing to an

•idenl which he sustained he was compelled to give up his profession in

1878, and established a tire insurance and steamship agency business, being

made loeal representative - some of tie- hailing insurance companies as well

White Star. Holland-American and Red Star steamship lines. Dr.

Klages continued to he identified with this business until his .; mise which oc-

eurred on tin- Ml >; of i r. lf'Ol .

Herman Augusl Klages was a very little lad when his parents located in
Utiea ami he acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of this
city, after the completion of which he went to New York city where he spent
two years. From there he went to Chicago for a similar period, returning to
Utica in 1880. He subsequently became associated with his father in the bu-i-
bich the latter had founded and has ever since continued to be identified
with it. In 1880 they er building they now occupy adding a foreign

exchange department to their business.

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 51

On the 1st of September, 1870, Mr. Klages was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth M. Schaefer, of this city. Fraternally he is identified with the
Knights of Pythias, being past chancellor of Samuel Reed Lodge, No. 378, K.
of P., and for two years he was trustee of the Utica Maennerchor and the Utica
Turn Verein. Mr. Klages, who has capably and intelligently directed the busi-
ness founded by his father is one of the well known and highly regarded citizens
of Utica.

FRANK PERRIN BAYLISS, M. D.

After making remarkably thorough preparation for his life work Dr. Frank
Perrin Bayliss settled in practice at Utica three years ago and the success that
lias attended his efforts indicates that the time and labor spent in acquiring a
knowledge of his profession are wisely utilized. He is a native of Frankfort,
New York, born June 2, 1876. a son of Alfred and Mary (Skiff) Bayliss. The
father was of English parentage and engaged in the manufacture of caps.
The mother was a daughter of Dr. Perrin A. Skiff, for thirty years a well
known practitioner of Frankfort.

At the age of five years Frank P. Bayliss removed with his parents to Utica
and was reared in this eity. He received his preliminary education in the
public schools and the Utica Free Academy. After leaving the academy he
entered the Fairfield (New York) Military Academy of which he was a stu-
dent from 1897 to 1898. Having made proper preparation he matriculated
at Syracuse University Medical College in 1901 and was graduated in medicine
and surgery at that institution in 190.") with the degree of M. D. From Octo-
ber, 1905, to October, 1906, be served as interne at the State Hospital and
Penal Institution of Providence. Rhode Island, and after leaving the hospital
spent a year in study at the New York Post Graduate College. He was also
so fortunate as to secure the position of clinical assistant on the eye at Bellevue
Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Hospital and for six months
was ambulance surgeon at St. Gregory's Hospital of New York city. On the
1st of May, 1908, he began general practice in Utiea, specializing on the eye.
Since 1898 he has been proprietor of the AYhitesboro Sanitarium at Whites-
boro for the treatment of narcotism and alcoholism. This sanitarium was es-
tablished in 1893. Almost immediately upon beginning practice at Utica Dr.
Bayliss gained recognition as one of the competent representatives of the med-
ical fraternity in the city. His success has from the start been assured. He
is a man of rare attainments for one of his age and his skill as a physician and
surgeon has gained for him a lucrative patronage. He is an active worker in
medical organizations and holds membership in the Oneida County Medical
Society, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation.

On December 30, 1909, Dr. Bayliss was united in marriage to Eva M. Wheat-
ley, of Syracuse, New York. In politics he gives his support to the republican
party and fraternally is identified with Masonry, having taken the thirty-sec-

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

ond degree in thai order. He possesses the qualities thai contribute no1 only
to professional and business success bul 1<> good citizenship, and is regarded
by all wlin know him as a young man of greal promise and one who will attain
an eminenl standing in his profession.

NICHOLAS FRANCIS REDDER

The name of Nicholas Francis Vedder is deeply engraven on the histor; of
Oneida county because of his close and prominenl connection with its com-
mercial and business development, many of the important business projects of
Utica and this pari of the state owing their existence entirely or in part to his
efforts and direction. He was horn in Schenectady. New York. January 10,
1804, a son of Francis Van der Bogart and Helena (Bancker) Vedder. The
Vedders are one of the old Holland families of New York and their family was
founded in America by Harmen Albertse Vedder, a trader in Beverwyek Al
banj before the year 1657.

Nicholas Francis Vedder pursued his education in the schools of his native
city and when twenty years of age went to Utica where lie entered the hoot and
shoe business of bis elder brother, John Vedder. Later he became connected
with the dry-g is trade as a member of the firm of Guile & Vedder. and sub-
sequently a senior member of the firm of Vedder, Welbon & Tyler, in which
connection he continued until his retirement from business in 1855. In many
other fields his operations were an element in the business development and
substantia] growth of city and county. He was an early director of the Utica
k Black River Railroad Company and was one of the pioneers of telegraphy in
this section, holding a large amount of stock in the New York. Albany & Buf-
falo Telegraph Company. He was likewise financially interested in the Oneida
National Lank and in the Utica Gas Company, serving a.s a director of the lat-
ter. He was one of the founders of the Utica Waterworks Company and one
of its early presidents. His activities were at all times of a nature that con-
tributed to general prosperity as well as to individual success yet in the con-
dnd of his interests he won a substantial fortune which he used wisely and
well for the benefit of others as well as for himself.

On the 12th of October, 1836, in Schenectady, New York. Mr. Vedder was
united in marriage to .Miss Cornelia Blandina Veeder, a daughter of Hon Ger-
rit and Jane (ten Eyck Veeder, of Schenectady. Her father, who resided near
Schenectady, became in 177U captain of the Fourth New York Continental Regi-
I'lent in the Revolutionary war and bore prominent part in the work of ad-
nenl after the establishment of the republic In 1809, following the or-
ganization of Schenectady county, he was appointed the first judge of its court
imon pleas and his service was characterized by the utmost fidelity to
duty and impartiality in the rendering of his decisions. He died February 18,
His daughter. Mrs. Vedder, became the mother of one child, Jennie
Helen Vedder, who married Abram 6. Brower.

^7% l&t^r

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 55

In his political views Mr. Vedcler was a republican following the organiza-
tion of the party but never accepting office nor did he hold membership in any
secret societies. He was, however, a leading member and liberal supporter of
the Dutch Reformed church and no work done in the name of charity or re-
ligion sought his aid in vain. He gave liberally where assistance was needed
to ameliorate the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate and following his
death, which occurred in Utica on the 1st of May, 1873, it was found by the
terms of his will that he made liberal bequests to a number of charitable and
benevolent institutions, including the Infant Orphan Asylum of New York,
the Home for the Friendless in New York and the Utica Orphan Asylum.
Among his beneficiaries also was the General Synod of the Reformed Church in
America, Hamilton College at Clinton, New York, Faxton Hospital at Utica,
and he also established a fund for lectures at Rutgers College, New Brunswick.
New Jersey. The generous use which he made of his fortune in assisting others
marked him as a man of kindly spirit and as one who ever recognized the obli-
gations and responsibilities of wealth. His kindness and generosity were never
actuated solelv by a sense of duty but by sincere interest in his fellowmen.

LOUIS W. DEAN.

As a specialist in the treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat Dr. Louis
W. Dean, of Utica, has won high standing and his name is well known not
only in Oneida but in many other counties of New York state. He is a native
of Canada, born in Norfolk county, December 30, 1858, a son of Perez and
Sarah (Anderson) Dean. The father was by occupation an agriculturist.

After attending the common schools Louis W. Dean became a student of the
Collegiate Institute, of Hamilton, Canada, and, having made the necessary pre-
paration, entered the New York Homeopathic College, from which he was grad-
uated after completing the regular course in 1890. He engaged in general
practice at Waterville, New York, for ten years and then, having decided to
specialize, took up the study of the eye, ear, nose and throat under competent
masters in New York city, where he continued for two years. Since 1902 he
has practiced in Utica. He is a member of the staffs of the General and Home-
opathic Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospitals in this city and is also connected
with the New York Homeopathic Society, the Homeopathic Eye, Ear, Nose
and Throat Society of the United States and the American Institute of Home-
opathy. He is a self-reliant, courageous man and is quick of apprehension
and clear in judgment. These characteristics have assisted him very materially
in tlic discharge of the difficult responsibilities which arise from day to day in
his practice and years of successful endeavor have demonstrated his ability in
his chosen field.

In 1892, at Waterville, Dr. Dean was married to Miss Ada Goodwin, a
daughter of William B. Goodwin, president of the Bank of Waterville, of which
he had control for sixty years. One daughter, Dorothy, came to bless this
union. Dr. Dean has alwavs been actuated by a desire to understand thor-

56 IlIsTokY OF ONEIDA COUNT'S

oughly the principles which he applies in his profession and he is a cot

and unwearying student. No physician is more conscientious in practice. lie

makes everything else subordinate to his work and has deservedly attri

a lucrative clientele. His religious views are indicated by membership in the

Episcopal church and in politics he gives his allegiance to the republican party.

Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic order.

OTIS WEBSTER MOTT.

Otis Webster Mott, originator and head of The Mott Wheel Works of Utica,
ii in this city. August 6, 1871, and is a son of Edward Earle and Ella

rk I Webster Mott. < >n the 1st of July, 1907, he organized The Mot1 Wheel
Works for the manufacture of automobile rims, axles and wire wheels of every
description. The firm boughl the plant and wire wheel business of the West

Company which moved to Flint, Michigan, and from January 1, 1908,
siness has steadily in Recently a pari of the plant of the stand-

ard Harrow Company was acquired and plans are being made to remodel and
improve the works on a large scale. The company makes wheels for aeroplanes
and jinrikisha wheels for use in the Orient, in addition to many other styles
of wheels demanded on account of modern inventions. Employment is now
given to one hundred and fifty pers i it is proposed when the improve-

ments are completed to increase the number of employes to two hundred and
fifty. The success of the enterprise is due to progressive methods and the de-
sire of the management to fully satisfy the demands of patrons by the pr<
delivery of the very highest grade of products at reasonable prices. Judged
by the rapid advance it has made during the last three years The Mott Wheel
Works p at an early date to I one of the largest manufacturing

concerns of Qtica. Its officers are: 0. W. Mott, [.resident and general man-
ager, Henry R. Williams, dee | nee B. William-, secretary
and treasurer.

ADELINE 1). 11. KELSEY, M. 1).

for a long period Dr. Adeline 1). H. Kelsey did effective work as a medical
missionary in the Orient, but now resides upon a farm near Westdale, giving
her attention to its supervision. - born in Florence, on the 26th of

January, 1844, her parents being Asa and Amanda (Higbee) Kelsey. Her fa-
ther's birth occurred in Litchfield, Connecticut, .January 20, 1801, and her
mother was a native of the town of Florence, Oneida county, horn April 20,
1810. Asa Kelsey made farming his life work and when about three years
of age was brought to Florence by his father. Joseph Kelsey. who in 1804 pur-
chased the farm upon which Dr. Kelsey now resides. It had formerly been
the property of Garrett Smith and was one of the early settled places of the

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY 57

community. All his life Joseph Kelsey followed agricultural pursuits and died
when his son Asa was quite young. The latter also made farming his life work
and each year was busily engaged with the tilling of the soil until his death,
which occurred May 23, 1897. He had for a long period survived his wife, who
passed away January 26, 1871. While his business interests occupied the
greater part of his time he yet found opportunity for cooperation in public
affairs. He voted with the republican party and held membership in the Con-
gregational church, to which his wife also belonged. In his family were six
children of whom Emily, Sarah and Marinda are now deceased. The others
are: Samuel, of Fairport, New York; Dr. Kelsey, of this review; and Jose-
phine, the wife of 0. P. Clarke, who is an attorney and also custodian of the
cottage at Mount McGregor where President Grant died.

Dr. Kelsey was educated in Mount Holyoke College from which she gradu-
ated with the class of 1868. She afterward engaged in teaching school in Coe
College of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for two years, and then studied medicine at the
Woman's Medical College of the New York Infirmary of New York city, com-
pleting her course with the class of 1875. After spending two years as resident
physician at Mount Holyoke she went to China, as medical missionary and re-
mained four years in that country, after which, on account of ill health, she re-
turned home. Her health improved under the changed conditions and in 1885
she again went to the Orient, this time to Japan, as medical missionary, remain-
ing in that country twenty-two years. In 1907 she returned and is now living
retired on the old farm to which she gives her personal supervision, having a
Japanese family with her to care for the property and the household. She has
one hundred and fifty acres of land utilized for general farming purposes. Her
life has been fraught with many good deeds and high purposes and in her pro-
fessional capacity she did a splendid work in the east not only healing the body
but stimulating the spiritual growth of the people to whom she ministered.

FREDERICK MORRIS SHELLEY.

Frederick Morris Shelley, for many years identified with the First National
Bank of Rome and during the past seventeen years cashier of that institution,
is also prominently connected with other organizations and is a leading factor
in the continued prosperity and growth of Rome. He was born in this city
July 21, 1865, a son of Henry S. and Jane (Orton) Shelley. The father was
born in New Hampshire and arrived in Rome early in his boyhood. After
growing to maturity he engaged as a clothing merchant in this city. He never
took an active part in city affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his
business. He is now deceased.

Mr. Shelley of this sketch was educated in the public schools and the Rome
Free Academy. After leaving school he was identified for several years with
the fire insurance business but in 1887 entered the employ of the First Na-
tional Bank as teller. He rendered such excellent service that he was advanced
to higher positions until, on May 10, 1894, he was elected cashier, an office he

BISTORT OF ONEIDA COUNTY

has since very acceptably filled. He is also secretary and trustee of the Home
Savings Bank and treasurer of the James A. Spargo Wire Company, the Spargo
Win- Cloth Company, the Rome Hollow Wire and Tube Company, and the
Rome Building and Loan Association. He has contributed in an important

asure to the success of the bank and that of all other institutions with which
he is connected, by his extensive acquaintance, his knowledge of local condi-
tions and his good business judgment. He has given close and earnest atten-
tion to his business, and being a man who never makes any promises he does
not fulfill, his word is implicitly relied upon. Thoroughly enterprising and
alive to the importance of Koine as a manufacturing and commercial center,
he has constantly assisted in advancing the credit and good name of the city.

On October -K 1890, -Mr. Shelley was married to Miss Bessie Smith, of Port-
land. Oregon, and three children have been born to this union. Frederick M.
Jr.. Percy W. and Marion J. The family resides in a pleasant home at Xo.

in:: West Garden street.

Mr. Shelley takes no active pari in politics hut feels the interest of a pub-
lic-spirited citizen in good government and an honest and economical admin-
istration of public affairs. lie served to the general satisfaction of the people
for four wars as chairman of the board of public works during which time a
number id' important improvements \\rw completed. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of Hathaway Lodge. No. 869, A. F. & A. M.. and socially is connected with
in.' Rome Club.

JONATHAN SAWYER IIASELTON.

The name of Jonathan Sawyer Haselton is closely associated with the his-
tory of Rome, and although he is no longer to be seen in his accustomed places,
the results of his business genius and of his generosity and public spirit con-
tinue to exert a beneficent influence. Absent in body, he is present in the
lives and hearts of many who were profoundly influenced by his inspiring
example, lie was for more than fifty years a resident of Rome and his death,
June ir>, HHIS. was regarded as one of the severest losses the city had for many
years known. Prom a humble position early in life he advanced through his
own indomitable courage and perseverance until he became one of the wealthy
and honored men of the community.

Born at Lawrence, Massachusetts. December 5, 1847, Mr. Haselton was a
son of Nathaniel and Myra (Sawyer) Haselton. In his boyhood he removed
with his parents to Rome where he attended the public schools. Later he
became a newsboy on the Rome. Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad and when
the rail mill of the Rome Iron Works was established, in 1867. he became con-
oected with thai concern as office boy. He applied himself diligently and
advanced through the various positions of clerk, bookkeeper, secretary-treasurer,
and finally became president of the Rome I'.rass and t 'opper Company which
succeeded the Rome Iron Works. It was as the head of the Rome Brass and
i [.per Company that Mr. Haselton had an opportunity to exercise his rare

HISTORY OP ONEIDA COUNTY 61

judgment and ability, and under his management the company became one of
the best known enterprises of the kind in the state of New York. He was
also actively connected with the Rome Manufacturing Company, the Rome
Metal Company, the Rome Tube Company, the Rome Electrical Company, and
the Long-Turney Manufacturing Company. His talents as a financier received
recognition by his election as president of the First National Bank of Rome.
He was also president of the Rome Board of Trade and Employers' Association
from the time of its organization until his death and served for two terms with
great acceptance to the people and with marked benefit to the city as a mem-
ber of the Rome Water and Sewerage Commission.

Mr. Haselton was twice married, his first wife being Amelia Barton. The
maiden name of his second wife was Stella Johnson, a daughter of Samuel
Johnson, of Boonville. There are three children surviving: Barton, who is
now serving as secretary and treasurer of the Rome Brass and Copper Com-
pany ; Stella M. ; and Amelia. A man of noble and generous traits, Mr. Hasel-
ton was a liberal contributor to worthy causes and never turned a deaf ear to
a deserving applicant for assistance. He presented the ten-bell chime of the
Rome Baptist church as a testimonial in memory of his mother, a woman of
rare qualities, from whom the son inherited many of his noblest characteristics.
Although he possessed limited advantages of education in his boyhood, he was
of a studious and thoughtful disposition and through reading and observa-
tion became a remarkably well informed man, notwithstanding the demands
of his large business interests. He was of a genial temperament and his kindly
disposition endeared him to his employes and all with whom he had business or
social relations.

FRED J. DOUGLAS, M. D.

Dr. Fred J. Douglas, of Utica, whose office is at 285 Genesee street, is widely
known as a competent physician and also as a skilled surgeon. His success
may in a large measure be attributed to natural talents for a difficult and re-
sponsible vocation and conscientious preparation under competent instructors.
He was bom at Clinton, Massachusetts, September 14, 1869, a son of Andrew
Douglas, who was a manufacturer of knit goods.

At the age of three years Fred J. Douglas was brought by his parents to
New York state. The family settled at Little Falls and in the public schools
of that city he received his early education. Having made the necessary prep-
aration, he matriculated in the medical department of Dartmouth College, New
Hampshire, in 1892 and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1895. Im-
mediately after leaving college he came to Utica and for two years practiced
at Faxton Hospital. He then opened an office in this city and has since en-
gaged actively in general practice here, specializing in surgery. He was sur-
geon in charge of the City Hospital from 1898 to 1899 and served as health
officer of Utica in 1900 to 1901. He also very acceptably filled the position of
member of the school board for two terms and is a constant student, a close

02 HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY

and accurate observer and has mel with more than the ordinary measure of
success in his profession. He belongs to the Oneida County Medi
the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association
and takes an active part in the discussion of problems which are brought for-
ward in those organizations.

In 1897 l>r. Douglas was married, at Dtica, New York, to .Miss Kathleen
McGraw, and three children have blessed this union: .lane Glen, Katharine
Jean and Frederick John. Ever since voting age Dr. Douglas gave his support
to the republican party and he has seen no reason to change his political
Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order and is also connected
with the Elks and Independent Order of Foresters. Socially he is verj popu-
lar. As a result of well applied effort he finds himself established in an intel-
ligi lit community, surrounded by many friends and in the enjoyment i

llent and profitable practice.

FRANCIS A. WATTERS.

The legal fraternity of Oneida county has an able and successful representa-
tive in Francis A. Watters, who maintains his offices at No. 117 W. Dominick
street in Rome. His birth occurred in the town of Lewis, New York, on the
11th of July, 1858, his parents being William and Eunice Watters, who resided
on a farm there