Typist's Note: Appendix items for the Towns of Alexandria and Champion are included at the end of the text for those towns.
From the Appendix, submitted too late to be inserted:
CLAYTON
On November 6, 1887, occurred the most disastrous conflagration that ever visited the village of Clayton. The fire originated about 4 P. M. in the Porter block, on James street, and spread rapidly on that street and on John street. The principal sufferers were D. C. Porter & Son, W. A. Webster, George H. McKinley, M. E. Frame, J. T. Hubbard, Whitney & Walt, Wilcox & McCarn, W. D. Clark, G. M. McCombs, Dewey Brothers, C. P. Bass, James Boyd, S. M. Shimberg, Philo Clark, W. P. Hawes, Dr. McIllmoyl, John Johnston, A. F. Barker, James Hayes & Co., James Hayes, Charles A. Shaver, United Lines Telegraph Co., S. D. Johnston, George Hill, Sr., Henry Webber, Sr., W. J. Vincent, George H. Hubbard, A. Bain, Robert Robinson, A. Reed, and John Tilton. The loss aggregated nearly $100,000 upon which there was less than $50,000 insurance. Since the fire better buildings have been erected and the village is much improved.
In addition to what has been said regarding ship building in Clayton we add that S. G. Johnston built the steamer St. Lawrence for the Thousand Island Steamboat Co.; the steam yacht Sirius for Johnston & Son; the steam yacht Edith May for Robbins & Peabody, which is now owned by Hamilton Child, of Syracuse; and the yacht Mabel for James Stebbens, of New York. His son built the yacht Alert. Mr. Johnston has also rebuilt a number of boats in the past 12 years. He is now constructing a steamer for himself, the dimensions of which are 75 feet over all, 13-1/2 feet beam, and six feet hold, and it will be capable of carryiing from 125 to 140 passengers.
The First Congregational Church of Clayton was organized March 17, 1890, with 35 members, by Rev. J. S. Ainslie, of Ogdensburg, who extended the right hand of fellowship, and Rev. E. Curtis, of Syracuse, who acted as moderator of the first meeting. The officers are as follows: deacons for one, two, and three years are S. G. Johnston, A. J. Spalsburg, and James L. Atwood; Mrs. Nettie Phillips, treasurer; George M. McCombs, clerk. The society now numbers about 60 members, and they hold their meetings over the postoffice. The Sunday-school has a membership of over 50 scholars and teachers, with George McCombs, superintendent.
From the Appendix, submitted too late to be inserted:
PHILADELPHIA
The graded school. -- The school grounds, consisting of several acres, and upon which the Friends meeting-house was located, were purchased in December, 1869, of the Friends Society, and fitted up for school purposes. The building soon proved inadequate for the use to which it was put, and in 1880 the present handsome and commodious building was erected at a cost of over $4,000. S. B. Scofield was the builder. It is two stories high, with a mansard roof and tower. There are four teachers and a registration of about 170 pupils.
RUTLAND
Charles Cummings located on Rutland Hill in 1800 and built a log house, covering it with bark. In 1820 he erected the stone house, still standing there. He had 11 children, of whom only one, Perly Ann, widow of William K. Butterfield, is living. Rawson M. Cummings, son of Charles, was born in Rutland in 1802, and married Minerva, daughter of Deacon Jacob Bliss, by whom he had four children. He was a contractor and builder, and built some of the first buildings in Watertown. He died in 1871. Two of his children are living, namely: Harriet V. (Mrs. Dr. J. M. Spencer), of Gouverneur, and Albert R. The latter was born December 12, 1832, and enlisted first in Co. K., 7th N. Y. city militia, and afterwards in Co. H., 18th N. Y. Vol. Cav., remaining till the close of the war. Mr. Cummings married Alice Smith, of Watertown, and they have two children. He is a farmer.
From the Appendix, submitted too late to be inserted:
WATERTOWN
The following sketch of the Rev. J. Winslow was prepared by Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe, who was a student of the Jefferson County Institute, while Mr. Winslow was one of the faculty of that institution. Rev. Mr. Winslow has been an active working clergyman in the Protestant Episcopal Church for more than 30 years, is now rector of Christ Church, Sackets Harbor, and will no doubt be an active worker as long as he can stand firmly and squarely on his feet. He belongs to that class of Christians who believed cheerfulness is not an unpardonable sin. He is full of anecdote and tells a good story well, whether in social life or on the public platform. He is probably the only clergyman born and still residing in the county now actively engaged in church work. Mr. Winslow is an active and zealous member of the G. A. R., and at all their reunions is markedly the right man in the right place, --a popular, persuasive, and amusing speaker:--
Rev. Jedediah Winslow, A. M., was born March 20, 1819, in Rutland, Jefferson County, N. Y. He pursued his collegiate studies in Watertown and Canton academies and under private teachers, and was ordained deacon by Bishop De Lancey in Trinity Church, Geneva, N. Y., December 20, 1857, and priest in Trinity Church, Buffalo, August 19, 1862. He was school commissioner from 1859 to 1864 in Jefferson County; principal of Antwerp Academy from September, 1866, to September, 1868; and received the degree of A. M. from Hobart College in 1867. He was a missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Jefferson County from 1857 to 1864, and organized the parishes at Carthage, Champion, and Antwerp, in this county, and Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County; was chaplain of the 20th N. Y. Cav. from April, 1864, to September, 1865; rector of St. Paul’s Church, Brownville, and Christ Church, Sackets Harbor, from 1875 to 1871; rector of Trinity Church, Camden, from April, 1871, till July, 1875; and from July, 1875, till 1880 was rector of St. Stephen’s Church, New Hartford, N. Y., and has since been and is now a resident of the city of Watertown, during which time, to 1883, he lost the use of his voice, which incapacitated him from active ministerial duties. Recovering he resumed work and took charge of St. Paul’s Church, Antwerp, in which work he was engaged three years, when he was elected rector of Christ Church, Sackets Harbor, in which charge he has continued to the present time. He was married by the Rev. Hiram Doane, in Rutland, N. Y., Sunday, August 27, 1847, to Jane Minerva, daughter of Horace and Pamela (Welch) Tyler, of that town. She died March 26, 1870, at Watertown, and is buried with their only son, Byron Tyler, in the family lot in Brookside Cemetery.
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From the Appendix, submitted too late to be inserted:
Edward E. Trowbridge, M. D., son of William Trowbridge, and grandson of Amasa, was born in Watertown city, July 16, 1849, and was educated at the common schools, the Lowville Academy, and the Watertown High School. He began the study of medicine with his father in 1866, and attended lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in 1869 and ‘70, and the University of Buffalo in 1878 and ‘79, graduating from the latter institution in 1869. He practiced at Philadelphia, N. Y., from 1876 to 1879, and at Watertown from 1879 to the present time. Dr. Trowbridge became a member of the County Society April 1, 1879.
George Hubert Ives, M. D., born in the town of Watertown, January 19, 1866, was educated at the common, select, and Watertown High schools. He began the study of medicine with Dr. De Esting Dickerson, of Kansas City, Mo., in the spring of 1886, and attended two sessions at Kansas City Medical College and one at the University of New York city, graduating from the latter institution in March, 1889. Dr. Ives located in Watertown, where he has practiced for the last four months. He is a member of the County Medical Society.
Gordon P. Spencer, Jr., son of H. G. P. Spencer, grandson of Gordon P. Spencer, and brother of James D. Spencer, was born in the city of Watertown in 1861. His preliminary studies were pursued at the Watertown High School and the Trinity Military Institute, situated on the banks of the Hudson River. His medical education commenced in the office of his father and continued at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York city. He is also a graduate in pharmacy, and has been a member of the County Medical Society since July 12, 1887.
Herbert H. Smith, M. D., born at East Hounsfield, December 13, 1860, was educated at Ives Seminary, Antwerp, in 1882 and ‘83, and the Rochester Business College, from which he graduated November l, 1880. He began the study of medicine in October, 1886, with Dr. W. A. Vincent, of Three Mile Bay, and attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in the winter and spring of 1887 and ‘88, and at the University of New York in 1888 and ‘89, and received his diploma from the latter institution March 14, 1889. Since then he has been practicing in Watertown. He is a member of the Jefferson County Medical Society.
Orlando C. Eastman, M. D., was born in Rodman, January 10, 1854. He was educated in the schools of his native county, and had the advantages of the Watertown High School and the Adams Collegiate Institute. He engaged in teaching, and in 1884 entered the office of Dr. J. R. Sturtevant, of Theresa. One year later he came to Watertown and studied with Dr. C. M. Johnson, with whom he continued until Dr. Johnson’s removal to California, when he continued his studies under Dr. A. B. Stevens, who succeeded Dr. Johnson. He graduated from the University Medical College of New York city in March, 1888. He commenced practice in Watertown in 1888, where he is now located. Dr. Eastman joined the County Medical Society July 10, 1888, and acted as county physician for the year 1889.
James M. Smith, M. D., brother of Mason L. Smith, was born at Munnsville, Madison County, June 18, 1863. He was educated at the Watertown graded and High schools, began the study of medicine in his brother’s office, and attended lectures at the University of New York, sessions of 1886 and ‘87, and again in 1888 and ‘89, graduating therefrom March 12, 1889. Dr. Smith has been in practice with his brother for the past year, is city physician, and is a member of the County Society.
George A. R. Blake, M. D., born in Watertown in 1853, removed to Wilna in 1865. He attended the district schools of Wilna and Carthage and the Eastman Commercial College, and studied medicine with Dr. George N. Hubbard, of Carthage. He attended lectures at the Albany Medical College, graduating therefrom in the class of 1881. Dr. Blake practiced two years in Harrisville, Lewis County, one year in Burr’s Mills, and in Watertown for the past seven years. Since coming to Watertown he has been engaged for a time in the drug business. He joined the County Medical Society April 11, 1882. Dr. Blake is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W.
Kate Parker, M. D., was born in Newark, N. J. She was a student for some years with Dr. Arthur Ward, of Newark, N. J., and graduated from the Woman’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary, class of 1876. She commenced practice in her native city, but soon after went to New York, and was upon the staff of the New York Infant Asylum until the spring of 1888, when she came to Watertown, where she has since been engaged in the active practice of her profession. She joined the County Medical Society July 10, 1888.
Lois F. Mansfield, M. D., was born in Onondaga County, N. Y. She began the study of medicine in 1871, with Dr. Jennie Brown, resident physician to the Woman’s Medical College of Chicago. From this institution she graduated in 1876. She came to Watertown that year, and has been engaged in active practice to the present time. She joined the Jefferson County Medical Society October 3, 1876.
Fanny G. Willard, M. D., was born in the town of Pamelia, October 16, 1858, and was educated at the Watertown public schools. She studied medicine with Mrs. Dr. L. F. Mansfield, and attended lectures at the Woman’s Medical College Infirmary of New York city, graduating from there in 1881. She died in December of that year, aged 24 years, two months, and five days, a victim of that fell destroyer, consumption.
Alden R. Rudd was born in Champion, Jefferson County, November 26, 1841. His early education was obtained at the district schools of that town and at Watertown High School. He taught school at Dexter for some time, and during this period he read medicine under the instruction of Dr. E. Sill. Coming to Watertown he entered the office of Dr. William R. Trowbridge. He then attended one course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and on returning entered Dr. J. Mortimer Crawe’s office, where he remained until the fall, when he again went to New York and attended another course of lectures, and graduated in the spring of 1869. Dr. Rudd settled in Watertown, where he practiced until his death, September 22, 1882. He was made a member of the County Medical Society October 5, 1875, and was one of the founders of the City Medical Society.
Charles W. Burdick, M. D., practiced many years at Pamelia Four Corner, whence he moved to Lowville, Lewis County, where he remained tow or three years, and finally settled in Watertown, where he died February 5, 1880, aged 63 years. That he was much esteemed and respected in the town of Pamelia is evident from their electing him supervisor in 1861-62, and in 1865-66. He became a member of the County Medical Society January 5, 1875. Dr. Burdick was a genial, open-hearted, jolly companion, a good physician, and a correct citizen.
William H. Forsyth, M. D., was born in Watertown, in July, 1853. His family moved to Brownville when he was five or six years old, and here nearly all his early life was spent. He next clerked for John Parker, and then for A. E. Lord in his drug store, where he remained about two years. During his clerkship, in his spare time, he was studying medicine with Dr. William P. Massey, and afterwards with Dr. William W. Goodwin. He then came to Watertown, and was book-keeper for Campbell, Farewell & Co., and continued his medical studies with Dr. Charles W. Burdick, of that city. Mr. Forsyth attended lectures at the medical department of Syracuse University, and graduated from there in October, 1878. He died In February, 1879, aged 26 years. Thus, at this early age, died one who had manfully struggled against ill-health and limited means to obtain an education.
J. Mortimer Crawe, Jr., was born in the town of Sherburne, Chenango County, N. Y., February 18, 1863. He was educated at the graded schools and Watertown High School, from which latter he graduated in the class of 1882. He then began the study of medicine with his father, and attended a three years’ course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, from 1884 to 1887, graduating in the spring of 1887. He was elected a member of the County Medical Society, July 12, 1887, and is at the present time in partnership with his father in Watertown.
A. S. Smith, M. D., a native of Canada, was born in the town of Fredericksburg, Ont., October 31, 1838. He was educated at the district schools and Newburg Academy, and taught school a number of years. In 1861 he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. John A. Row, of Frankford, with whom he continued three years. He attended lectures at McGill College, Montreal, from 1868 to 1872, and the University of Buffalo, Buffalo, N. Y., in 1880. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in 1872, and from the University of Buffalo in 1880. Dr. Smith was for some time a partner of his old preceptor, and after practicing in various places in Hastings County, Ont., in all about 10 years, in 1875 he moved to Cape Vincent, N. Y., where he remained until 1886, when he moved to Watertown, where he is in practice at the present time. He joined the County Medical Society April 6, 1880.
Frederick B. Smith, M. D., son of Dr. A. S. Smith, was born at Belleville, Ont., in 1866. He was educated at Kingston Collegiate Institute, began the study of medicine with his father in 1882, and attended lectures at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1882 to 1886, inclusive, graduating from Queens University, Kingston, Ont., in 1886. He has been in partnership with his father for the past four years, and joined the County Medical Society October 12, 1886.
Addison S. Low, M. D., is a native of Oswego County, N. Y., and a son of Dr. Frank S. Low, of Pulaski, of that county. He was educated at Pulaski Academy, and at Fairfield Seminary, Herkimer County. His medical studies commenced in his father’s office, and were continued with Dr. Van De Vere, of Albany. He attended three courses of lectures at Albany Medical College, and in 1874 graduated from the University of New York. Dr. Low was associated with his father for three years, and subsequently practiced four years in Iowa. In 1881 he became a resident of Watertown, where he is at the present time. Dr. Low joined the Jefferson County Medical Society September 11, 1888, and is also a member of the Oswego County and the Hardin County (Iowa) Medical societies, and one of the original members of the Watertown City Medical Society.
J. Barney Low, M. D., a native of Oswego County, was born in 1857, and is a son of Dr. Frank S. Low, of Pulaski. He was educated in the Pulaski Academy, and in the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C., pursuing in the latter a special course of study upon government work, during which period he graduated from Howard Medical College of Washington, class of 1881. In 1883 he pursued a course of study under Dr. Knapp, of New York, the well-known specialist for diseases of the eye and ear. Upon leaving Washington he was appointed assistant in charge of the out-door department of the Long Island College Hospital. He then settled at Oswego, N. Y., where he engaged in general practice for sometime, and moved to Watertown, N. Y., in 1884, and for a few years was a partner of his brother, A. S. Low. He then opened an office by himself for the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, and throat, and was surgeon in his specialty to the City Hospital and County Alms-House.
T. C. Baker, M. D. C. M., a native of Canada, was born near Kingston, Ont., April 18, 1857. He received his earlier education at the schools of his native province, graduating from Queens University, Kingston, with the class of 1888, and the same year received the degree of M. D. C. M. from Trinity College, Toronto. He located in Watertown, for the practice of his profession, July 4, 1888, where he resided until 1889. He was made a member of the County Medical Society December 11, 1888.
Frederick G. Trowbridge was born in Watertown, October 30, 1857. His early education was obtained at the graded and High schools of the city. He commenced the study of medicine with his father, Dr. William R. Trowbridge, in 1878, and attended lectures at the University of Buffalo, sessions of 1880-81 and 1882-83, graduating from there in 1883. Since then he has practiced in his native city.
Edward S. Lansing, M. D., was born in Manheim, Herkimer County, about 1831. He graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city in 1853, and settled in Watertown, where he practiced a number of years. He was supervisor of the town and the first surgeon appointed under the present pension law. Dr. Lansing held the office from the fall of 1862 to 1866. He moved from here, and is now practicing at Burlington, N. J.
Eustes Le Mare, a native of Canada, was born in La Prairie, Province of Quebec, about 1838. He graduated from McGill College, Montreal, about 1859, and went to Paris and entered a hospital, where he served two years, between 1860 and ‘62. Returning to Montreal he began the practice of his profession, and remained there until 1870, when he moved to Watertown, where he died November 17, 1875, at the early age of 38 years.
P. O. Williams was born May 18, 1821, in the town of Manlius, Onondaga County. He came with his father’s family to Pamelia in March, 1831. He was educated at the district schools of that town, and was a student at the old stone academy on Academy street, Watertown, from 1837 to 184. When 20 years old he entered the office of Dr. Amasa Trowbridge. He attended lectures at Oberlin and Willoughby Medical college, Ohio, and graduated from there in 1843. He was also an honorary graduate of Cleveland Medical College. Dr. Williams practiced at Plessis four years, and then moved to Coxsackie, Green County, where he died March 19, 1887, aged 65 years and 10 months.
Edward S. Willard, born at Fairfield, Herkimer County, N. Y., September 3, 1853, was educated at the Fairfield Academy and Dansville Seminary, and began the study of medicine in 1876, his preceptor being his brother, Dr. Isaac N. Willard. He was in attendance on the lectures at Albany medical College during 1878, ‘79, and ‘80, graduating from there March 3, 1880. He practiced for two years and three months in Adams, six years and a half at Fairfield, Herkimer County, and for the past year has been located at Watertown. Previous to and during lectures he was engaged in teaching school. He held the office of coroner three years in Herkimer County, and served as health officer while in Fairfield and Adams. Dr. Willard is a member of the Herkimer Medical Society. He comes from a family of physicians, having three uncles, two cousins, and a brother who have been or are engaged in the practice of medicine.
Addison W. Goodale, born in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrence County, January 17, 1831, obtained his education at the district schools and Gouverneur Seminary. He began the study of medicine in 1855 with Dr. Ira H. Abell, of Antwerp, and attended lectures at Albany Medical College from 1856 to 1858, graduating January 9, 1858. He practiced in South Rutland (Tylerville) eight years, from 1858 to 1867, and at Watertown during a portion of this time for one year. He then moved to Hartford, Conn., and from April 13, 1863, to July 9, 1865, was assistant surgeon of the 10th Regt. N. Y. H. A. For 18 years he was connected with the medical department of the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Co., of Hartford, as adjuster and medical examiner. He now resides in Watertown. Having acquired a competence he is enabled to rest on his oars with the exception of acting as examiner for three or four insurance companies. He is also a member of the Masonic order. Dr. Goodale is not a member of any medical society, for while he was actively engaged in practice there was none in the county.
WILNA
The following is from Spafford's Gazetteer of 1824, speaking of Wilna in 1820: --
"This town contained $66,778 of taxable property; 1,268 acres of improved land; 383 cattle, 79 horses, 386 sheep; three grist-mills, seven saw-mills; one blast furnace, and two forges. Of these at Carthage were the furance, two bloomeries for making refined iron, a grist-mill, two saw-mills, and about 40 dwellings, a church and school-house, two stores, and a tavern."
On the night of June 7, 1890, the tannery owned by Samuel Branaugh was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $18,100, upon which was an insurance of $10,000.