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The History of New York State Editor, Dr. James Sullivan Online Edition by Holice, Deb & Pam |
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PRESTON PARIS
Formerly in the banking business indifferent cities, Preston Paris
now holds an important place in the industrial life of Hudson Falls,
where he is vice-president of the Standard Wall Paper company. He has
been with his company since 1895, when he returned to Hudson Falls to be
its treasurer. He also is active in other companies having to do with
the paper and decorative industries. He is the son of Urias G. Paris and Cordelia (Rogers) Paris. His
father was a practicing lawyer in Hudson Falls and president of the
People's National bank, in which the son early in his career held the
position of teller for about two years. The elder Mr. Paris also was
active in the political life of the town, being a Republican in his
views and having held for a number of years the office of surrogate. Preston Paris, who was born in Sandy Hill, Hudson Falls, in 1862, was
educated in the public schools; at glen Falls Academy, from which he was
graduated in 1882; at Columbia University, where he attended the law
school for one year; and in his father's office, where he studied law
for two years. In 1884 he entered the People's National Bank as teller,
a position which he held for about two years, at the end of which time
he went to Gaylord, Kansas. After he had remained eight years in Gaylord
with the Bank of Gaylord as a partner in the private bank, Mr. Paris
returned to Hudson Falls to become treasurer of the Standard Wall Paper
Company. In 1915 he was elected vice-president of this company. His
other business interests include directorships in the Iroquois Pulp
& Paper Company, and the Decorative Company, of Saratoga; and a
vice- Page 166 Presidency in the People's national Bank. His political sympathies
are with the Republican Party. Since 1902 he has been president of the
Board of Education. He is an active member of the Rotary Club, and of
the Glens Falls Country Club. He and his family are members of the
Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee. In Hudson Falls, in 1887, Mr. Paris married Grace Kellogg, the
daughter of the Rev. C. D. and Mary J. (Baucus) Kellogg. MYRON J. WILCOX Ever since the beginning of his business career, Myron J. Wilcox has
experienced steadily growing prosperity. He is a man of progressive
ideas and has at all times been willing to give his community whatever
service lies with his ability. His interest in his projects at
Ticonderago, where he resides, is an active one and has often been of
value to that community. Born in Ticonderago, November 12, 1859, he is the son of William K.
and Cornelia P. (Treadway) Wilcox. The father of William K. Wilcox was
Dr. Levi Wilcox, the first practicing physician of this town, and the
Treadways were the first weavers of cloth in this part of the State. Educated in the public schools of Ticonderago, Mr. Wilcox began his
business career as a clerk with Rowell & Shattuck, owners and
proprietors of the largest retail general store in Ticonderago,
remaining for twelve years. On the death of Mr. Shattuck, in the fall of
1891, the business was dissolved, and on August 2, 1892, Mr. Wilcox
entered the furniture and undertaking business, in partnership with
Gilligan & Stevens, under the firm name of M. J. Wilcox &
Company. This partnership lasted one and one-half years, when Mr.
Gilligan died. Mr. Rowell, one of the former employees of Mr. Wilcox,
purchased their interests and they continued for about five years,
during which time the firm was known as Rowell & Wilcox. Mr. Wilcox
then bought Mr. Rowell's interest. On January 9, 1916, Mr. Wilcox
suffered loss by fire at the time when the Union Opera House was
destroyed. The following season he purchased the site at No. 46 West
Exchange Street, and erected the building which the firm now occupies.
This building, which is s two-story modern structure, is devoted
entirely to house furnishings and is the largest establishment of its
kind between Glens Falls and Plattsburg, New York. In 1923 Mr. Wilcox
took his son, Kirby D. Wilcox, into partnership, and since then the firm
has been known as M. J. Wilcox & Son. Besides carrying on a
successful furniture trade, they also do an extensive undertaking
business. Mr. Wilcox is a director of the Moses Ludington Hospital; is
president of the Mount Hope Cemetery Association; has served as Town
Collector; was a member of the Board of Education for six years, and for
a number of year was a member of the Board of Health. He is a member of
the sons of the American Revolution, being a direct descendant of
Jonathan Treadway, who was on Washington's staff at the time they
crossed the Delaware. Mr. Wilcox's fraternal affiliations are with the
Free and Accepted Masons, Mount Defiance Lodge; the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Ethan Allen Lodge; the Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge; and in
civic life he is a member of the Ticonderago Chamber of Commerce. At Putnam, New York, April 2, 1889, Myron J. Wilcox married Etta May
Lillie, daughter of David and Margaret M. (Maxwell) Lillie. Of this
marriage, there is one son, Kirby D., born December 10, 1889, who
graduated from the Ticonderago High School in June, 1917; entered Union
college; in the fall of 1918 he enlisted in the United States Army and
was subsequently stationed at Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, with
the 7th Field Artillery, replacement troops, and was there
until December 5, 1918, when he received his honorable discharge. He
then returned home and entered his father's business with which he has
been closely allied ever since. On September 22, 1924, Kirby D. Wilcox
married, at Ticonderago, Mildred E. Spearman, daughter of Ernest and
Kathline (Stewart) Spearman, of Ticonderago. WILLIAM ELBRIDGE FOSKETT With the establishment of the Albany hardware and Iron Company, there
came to the concern's official staff William Elbridge Foskett, who was
elected to the office of secretary, and has ever since occupied that
position in one of the largest and most important wholesale and retail
hardware houses in upper New York. he filled a number of places of
employment of various character through the years preceding this present
connection, and when he was elected secretary of the Albany Hardware and
Iron concern, his associates knew the right man had fitted into his
proper place. He has made the office one of Page 167 the most important to the great success for which the house is noted.
He was very favorable known to the trade, is held in high esteem by his
official associates, the staff of the company and its patrons. Born in Camden, Oneida County, New York, October 10, 1867, William
Elbridge Foskett, the son of Elbridge S. and Frances Ann (McCune)
Foskett, his father engaged as a mechanic. He received his education in
the schools of his native village, and then went to work, eventually
becoming associated with the Albany Hardware and Iron Company as its
secretary. He has a rich experience, and is well equipped for the
execution of the details of his office. He is also president of the West
End Savings and Loan Association of Albany. In politics, Mr. Foskett is a member of the Republican party.. He is
affiliated with Ancient City Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Albany;
is a member of Temple Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar; Cyprus Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a director of
the Albany Automobile Dealers' Association, and also of the Albany
Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Sons of Veterans of the Civil
War; a Past Director of the Albany Kiwanis Club and trustee of the First
Methodist Church, Albany, New York. William Elbridge Foskett, married, October 14, 1891, Idalia Robbins,
and they are the parents of three children: 1. Ward R., who served in
the United States Navy in the World War; 2. Olive, and 3. Raymond. FRANK B. HAYNER, D. D. S. Albany County, among other jurisdictions of the State, is blessed
with leaders in the professions, and in this rank properly belongs Dr.
Frank B. Hayner, well-known dentist, whose practice is centered in the
Capitol City. His skill has called to his offices a lucrative practice
from a select and discriminating number of people, not only from Albany
itself but also from its environs. He enjoys also very high standing
among his fellow-professions in their leading bodies. Dr. Frank B. Hayner was born in Waterford, New York, April 28, 1892,
a son of Philip G. and Caroline (Davenport) Hayner, his parents living,
the father a retired realtor, and having his residence in Waterford. The
son, Frank B., was a pupil in the public school of his native town, and
prepared for college with the idea of entering the practice of dentistry
confirmed in his mind. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, where
he made a fine scholastic record, and from which he was graduated in the
class of 1916 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In the same
year of his graduation he engaged in practice in the city of Troy, where
he continued until 1918, in which year he removed to that larger and
more important field, the capitol, where he has ever since grown in
favor with those to whom he ministers. Dr. Hayner is a member of the New York State Dental Society and the
American Dental Association. He is held in high esteem by the members of
his fraternity both for his achievement of success in the profession and
his sustained interest in its forward movement. He is held also in warm
regard in the community for his qualities of constructive citizenship.
In his politics he is a Republican, but as such only employs his
suffrage in support of his party's policies and candidates. He is
affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership in the
various bodies of that order, up to and including the Royal Arch Masons.
He is an enthusiast in bowling and belongs to the Third Reformed Bowling
Club. His religious association is with the Third Reformed Church of
Albany. Dr. Frank B. Hayner married, October 1, 1916, Lena Heger, and they
are the parents of a daughter, Lois. Dr. Hayner's professional address
if State Street, Albany, New York. FRANCIS EVERETT BALDWIN Among the leading industrialists of the United States are Francis
Everett Baldwin, who was president of Thatcher Manufacturing Company of
Elmira, New York, from 1900 to 1927, and attained a notable achievement,
his life having been one of intense activity and usefulness, and as such
has been a potent factor in controlling the forces of trade and commerce
throughout the country. John Jackson Baldwin, father of Francis Everett Baldwin, was a native
of Meredith, Delaware County, New York. For many years he was engaged in
business as a blacksmith in Otego; he was a Republican in politics, and
in his religious affiliations was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He married Sallie M. Beardsley, a native of Connecticut, and to
them were born nine children--four Page 168 boys and four girls arriving at the age of maturity. Among the three
children that are still living are Francis Everett, of whom further. Francis Everett Baldwin, son of John Jackson and Sallie M. (Beardsley)
Baldwin, was born in Otego, Otsego County, New York, August 30, 1856.
After completing his studies in the public schools of his native place
and at the Oneonta Academy, under private instruction he read law in his
brother's Erwin J. Baldwin's office in the city of Elmira. For two years
he taught school, being obliged to walk ten miles each day to accomplish
his duties as teacher for the munificent salary of $40.00 a month and
board himself; and for the same length of time was instructor to the
Elmira New York State Reformatory. He was admitted to the bar in 1881,
and subsequently formed a partnership with his brother Erwin J. Baldwin,
with whom he was associated in the practice of law until 1902.
Meanwhile, in 1900, he had become president of the Thatcher
Manufacturing Company, and two years later he gave up the practice of
law in order to devote his entire time to his new duties. The factory
was first located in Potsdam, New York. When Mr. Baldwin first entered
the firm, he found it in serious financial difficulties, but he borrowed
capital and began to develop the business which he soon has on a paying
basis. When he took charge of the business the sales were less than
$150,000 a year. In November, 1920, Mr. Baldwin's health gave out. The
muscles of his heart could not stand the severe strain of the burden he
had been carrying for many years, and in the early part of 1927 he
retired from business because of his health, since which time he has
been engaged in no business whatever. In 1920 the organization enlarged
the scope of its operation taking over several additional plants, and
now has factories in Dunkirk, Lockport, and Elmira, New York;
Clarksburg, Cedar Grove, and Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Mount
Vernon, Ohio; Streator, Illinois; but still retains its headquarters in
Elmira. At the time of Mr. Baldwin's retirement, the authorized capital
stock of the company was one hundred and thirty thousand shares, the
volume of business having increased between five and one-half and six
million dollars per year and the company had been pre-eminently
successful manufacturing and selling a large majority of all the milk
bottles manufactured in the world. Its assets totaled over eight million
dollars. The company was re-organized then and the common stock was
multiplied by three. In the right plants nothing is manufactured but
milk bottles, and the company was, as stated, by far the largest
industry of its kind in the world. It was perfected through the untiring
effort of Mr. Baldwin to where it operates with a minimum expenditure of
time and labor. The company is still continuing with equal efficiency
and profit. Mr. Baldwin came to Elmira in the fall of 1877. Through the
many years of his residence he has always taken a keen and active
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and advancement of the
city, and for eight years was a director of the local Chamber of
Commerce. He was a director of the Rotary club, and also of the Century
club, and for more than a quarter of a century a member of the National
Arts club of New York City. He also is affiliated with the Country club
and the Masonic Order. Mr. Baldwin is and has been for more than fifty
years now an ardent worker in the Hedding Methodist Episcopal Church,
acting as steward, trustee and teacher in the Bible School, and has been
elected and serve as a delegate to five consecutive General conferences
of the Methodist Episcopal church. There is probably no stronger
advocate of prohibition than he, having served for four years as State
chairman on the executive committee of the Prohibition Party of New York
State, and for many years a member of the National Committee of that
party. On May 7, 1882, Francis Everett Baldwin married Anna Grandin, a
daughter of the Rev. James L. S. and Elizabeth (Knapp) Grandin, the
former the fist collegiate educated minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Church to preach in this section of the country. Mrs. Baldwin was born
in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, and received her education in Elmira and
Ovid, New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have been born two daughters: 1.
Lena, who is a graduate of Syracuse University; and 2. Ethel, who is
also a graduate of the same institution and is the wife of Edwin Bradley
Bruce. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin gave to the World Service of the Methodist
Episcopal Church one million dollars in February, 1927, it being the
largest single gift that had ever been given through the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Baldwin has always been interested in his
fellow-men and has tried to be helpful especially to the young men and
women with whom he has come in contact. Such, in brief, is the life record of Francis Everett Baldwin, which
is highly worthy of emulation, for it is proven beyond a doubt that he
has never been content with mediocrity, but Page 169 has ever been actuated by high ideals, and what he ash accomplished
represents the fit utilization of his innate powers and talents. MAJOR CHARLES A. SANDBURG Possessor of a distinguished record as a soldier in two wars, a
foremost figure in the financial affairs of the Jamestown area,
Chautauqua County, postmaster of Jamestown, Major Charles a. Sandburg
has contributed generously to the economic, civic and social advancement
of his community, and is account a leader in its several phases of
activity. His biography is of unusual interest. Major Sandburg was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, February 21,
1874, son of Lewis and Nellie (Pearson) Sandburg, both of whom, natives
of Sweden, came to this country early in life. They were married in
Wisconsin, Lewis Sandburg, who is now (1928) aged eighty-two years,
makes his residence in Jamestown, where he has lived since 1888.
Formerly active in business as contracting mason, he continues
identified with movements of interest of the community, and is a liberal
supporter of the First Methodist Church here. Hence for two-score years
the name of Sandburg has been one of prominence in Jamestown. Major Sandburg received his academic instruction in the schools of
Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, then went to work as clerk in a hotel. Later
he became a shoe clerk, and was in this position when America declared
war against Spain. Meanwhile he had begun his military activity, having
enlisted in the 113th Separate Company, New York National
Guard, may 23, 1896. From this he received discharge August 1, 1898,
and, having left his place as clerk, enlisted on that very day for the
duration of the war with Spain, with Company K, 202nd New
York Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged April 15, 1899. Under this
enlistment he served four months in Cuba. On May 25, 1899, he
re-enlisted, in Company N, 1st Battalion, New York National
Guard, in which he continued until July 19,. 1913, when transferred to
Company E, 65th Infantry, of the guard, serving from July 20,
1913, to June 19, 1916. On June 20 of the latter-named year he was
transferred to the 74th Infantry of the New York National
Guard, and this regiment was called into the Federal service for Mexican
border duty July 1, 1916. From the Federal service, he was discharged
February 28, 1917, having served on the border as captain, Company E, 74th
Infantry. The United States entered the World War in April, 1917, and
the 74th Infantry was again called by the President, March
28, being consolidated with the 3d infantry, New York National Guard,
October 20, 1917, forming the 108th Infancy, 27th
Division, which division was discharged March 31, 1919. On November 15,
1899, in the war with Spain, Private Sandburg became Corporal Sandburg.
June 23, 1900, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Second
lieutenant was given him July 15, 1913, and it was on March 1, 1915,
that he became captain. Now, in the World War, he was advanced to the
rank of major, January 19, 1919. He was first or second in command of
the 2d Battalion, 108th Infantry, United States Army, 27th
Division, from August 31, 1918, to December 15, 1918, having gone
overseas aboard the "President Grant," May 17, 1918. He
returned, incidentally, on the "Mauretania," March 8, 1919,
having been wounded in action October 15 and October 18 of that year. he
received the Distinguished Service Cross with Citation, and the French
Croix de Guerre, with Gilt Star, and Diploma No. 109,565. From December
15, 1918, to the date of discharge in 1919 (the Armistice having been
signed November 11, 1918), he was first in command of the 2d Battalion,
108th Infantry, and it was during this command that he became
major. Battles and engagements of the World War in which Major Sandburg
participated included that of the Hindenburg Line, in France, September
29-30, 1918; the La Selle River, France, October 18, 1918; Vierstraat,
Ridge, Belgium, August 31 to September 2, 1918; and that of St. Maurice
River, France, October 19-20, 1918. Minor actions in which he took part
included that of the East Poperinghe Line, in Belgium, July 9 to August
20, 1918, and in the Dickebusch Sector, Belgium, August 21-30, 1918. After his return to civilian life following service in the
Spanish-American War, Major Sandburg became joint owner of a retail show
store--the firm of Anderson & Sandburg, at No. 108 Main Street,
Jamestown. Here he continued up to this service on the Mexican border
and the World War. In the fall of 1919 he engaged in the retail lumber
and lumber manufacturing business, purchasing the Wilson Lumber Yard and
Mills of Jamestown. This firm was composed of himself as president, Vern
F. C. Anderson as vice-president, and A. W. Anderson as secretary and
treasurer. Articles of incorporation were filed at Albany, to do busi- Page 170 ness under the trading style of Wilson Mills, Incorporated. In the
spring of 1927 the company was merged with six other lumber concerns of
Jamestown, and has since operated in consolidated form as the United
States Lumber and Supply Corporation, of which Major Sandburg is a
director. He is a director of the Monitor Furniture Company, the Empire
State Life Insurance Company, and is interested in other financial
enterprises. Major Sandburg was appointed postmaster of Jamestown, April 18, 1924.
He has served on the City Zoning Board and Park Commission, and is a
member of Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145, Free and Accepted Masons; Western
Sun Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Jamestown Lodge of Perfection, Ismalia
Temple, Ancient Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Fraternal Order of
Eagles, Jamestown Nordin Club, Kiwanis Club, United States Spanish War
Veterans, Samuel W. Porter post No. 45, American Legion, Ira Lou Spring
Post, No. 149, of the Veterans' Association; the Legion of Valor;
National Association of Postmasters; and the Young men's Christian
Association. He is a communicant of the First Baptist Church. On July 18, 1900, Major Sandburg was married to Ella M. Peterson, of
Jamestown, daughter of Albert and Ida M. Peterson. Their children are;
1. Alline M., born September 1, 1904, wife of Alfred Horn, of Jamestown;
mother of a son, Alfred, Jr. 2. Lewis Albert, born April 24, 1915, Mrs.
Sandburg is active in the Auxiliary of the Spanish-American War, and in
the Baptist Church. The family residence is at No. 26 Prather Avenue,
Jamestown. WILLIAM HARRIS ARNOLD Few if any of the residence of Chemung County have so great a fund of
information of that section of the empire State as William Harris
Arnold, of Elmira, well known throughout the jurisdiction a an historian
whose authoritative writings are highly prized by the people of that
region. Mr. Arnold is also one of the most finished exponents of the
printers' trade, with which he has been practically connected all his
life, and in the business circles of his home city he is favorably
known. William Harris Arnold was born in Toronto, province of Ontario,
Canada, son of Henry William and Sarah Ann (Cathers) Arnold, the former
a naive of England and the latter of Canada. At the age of nine years he
came with his parents on their removal to Chemung County and the father
became a pressman on the Elmira "Telegram," with which
newspaper he continued in service many years. Both parents were devout
and active members of the Presbyterian Church in Elmira, and the father
was also affiliated with the Royal Arcanum Council in that city. There
were two children: 1. William Harris, of whom further. 2. Mary E., who
married Wesley A, Robertson. From the public schools of Elmira, William Harris Arnold received his
education, graduating from grammar school in 1888. In that year he began
o serve an apprenticeship in the printers' trade, which he has followed
virtually forty years. His first service was with Elmira
"Telegram,' and in 1902 he became connected with the Elmira
"Gazette,' then with the "Star-Gazette," and he has been
connected with Barber & Duane, incorporated, ever since that firm
took over the printing department of that newspaper. Throughout the
trade he is esteemed an expert, while the firm to whose establishment he
is attached place a high value on his services. For many years, Mr. Arnold gratified his penchant for the collation
of facts concerning the Chemung county region and Elmira, and for
bringing them into the form of historical works. His researches have
been faithfully pursued to many original sources, where he tapped
springs that gave forth information of quality and volume such as few
historians of the section have at their command. In 1922 he was chosen
local historian for the city of Elmira, and in January, 1923, he was
commissioned the historian for Chemung County. the wisdom of making
these appointments lies in the fact that it is well founded in the
capacity of Mr. Arnold to execute the commissions with which he is
charged. The Chemung County and Elmira communities have benefited and will
continue to benefit from the intense interest that Mr. Arnold takes in
their steady forward movement in all endeavors of life. His ability for
chronicling the growth and progress of the region and the advance of its
people is a lively asset whose value shall be preserved in historical
form in the archives of the city, county and State. Mr. Arnold is highly stationed in the Masonic fraternity and in Odd
Fellowship; affiliated with Union Loge, No, 95, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Elmira; the Corning Consistory, Scottish Rite, Corning New
York; Kalurah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
Binghamton, New York; Newton Lodge, No. 89, Independent Order of Page 171 Odd Fellows, of which he is a Past Grand; Chemung Encampment, No. 18,
of that order, Queen City, No. 10, Patriarchs Militant, of which he is
Past Captain; and has the honors of being a Past District Deputy Grand
Master and a Past District Deputy Grand Patriarch. In political matters
he is of the Republican faith, and has his religious fellowship with the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Arnold enjoys high standing among learned organizations,
particularly those which have to do with the assembling and preservation
of historical material. He is president of the Central New York
Historians; historian and custodian of the Chemung County Historical
Society; a member of the New York State Historical Association and of
Morgan Chapter, New York Archaeological Association, Rochester, New
York. His clubs are the Masonic of Elmira, the Triple Link, and the
Chemung County Rod and Gun. |
The History of New York State, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1927
This book is owned by Pam Rietsch and is a part of the Mardos Memorial Library
Transcribed by Holice B. Young
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