Update

Sorry there has not been a new post in a while. I have been so busy with other things. I am hoping to publish a few more before the year is over. I have enjoyed writing this blog.

Zenas Clark

   This is the headstone for Zenas Clark located in Sec I Lot 198. Zenas Clark Sr. was born April 22, 1795. He married a Margaret who was born Jul 6, 1801. 

   Here his obituary from the May 4, 1864 issue of the Potsdam Courier and Freeman:

     " As one after another of our older citizens drops away from our sight and we count the rapidly narrowing circle of silvered heads and bent forms, it is becoming in us to make a record of what we can obtain of the early and more active life of each one of them.

       This is eminently proper as regards the subject of this notice. From his character and position in society having been for many years identified with the interests of our village and town, having occupied for a long time a prominent place in the political history of the county and state, it is fitting that something more should be written on the occasion of his death than a concise statement that he was born, had lived, and was dead.

       Judge Clark was born in the State of Mass., April 22d 1795. When two years old, he was moved with his father's family to the town of Charlotte, Vt. At the age of 14, he was taken to Middlebury, Vt and apprenticed to one White to learn the bookbinder's and printer's business. In the year 1813 when he was 18 years old, he "brought his time" of White and came into the State of New York, the northern part of which was then beginning to receive large accessions of young and ambitious men from the older Eastern States. Young Clark stopped at Plattsburgh and remained there working at his trade through the memorable Summer and Fall of 1814 in the same office with Hon. Azariah C. Flagg. Becoming acquainted, in the printing office, with Mr. F.C. Powell, he came with, or soon followed him to Potsdam near the the close of the year 1815. About the 1st of Jan. 1816 the first number of the Potsdam Gazette was issued, owned and edited by Messrs. Powell & Clark. The connection did not last long, however, for in a copy of that paper, now before us, of June 7, 1816 we find a notice of dissolution of the firm under the date of the preceding April. Mr. Clark carried on the book-binder's business for awhile, but at that time in this own one can readily imagine that this branch of art did not win a very magnificent support. 

       About 1820 or '21, he gave up his old business and entered the store of Mr. Samuel Partridge, as a clerk. In 1823 he was a partner, doing business in the "old yellow store"-once a familiar object on the East side of Market Street- where many men have laid the foundation of large fortunes, but which now, alas! displays its dilapidated front on River Street, and as Mr. Martin's marble shop, groans under the weight of monuments preparing for its former customers and owners.

       After many years of most successful business in that location, Mr. Clark withdrew from the firm in favor of his brother, Mr. Theodore Clark, and commenced business on his own account in the stone store, which he had erected in the meantime, on the west side of Market Street. Mr. Charles Cox was his clerk, and soon after, his partner.

       At this the, the Democratic or "Jackson" party was in large majority in the county, and Mr. Clark having become somewhat prominent in that party, as a cool and sagacious adviser, and having held with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents all the leading town offices through many successive years, was brought forward as a candidate for Member of Assembly and elected by a large majority. He was re-elected for successive terms, succeeding, even in 1840, that famous campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," when the Whig party elected their Sheriff and Congressman in this county and district. In 1844 he retired from active mercantile business on account of impaired health; but his disposition forbid his degenerating into the torpor of a valetndinarian. The record of his political life may as well be closed here, in few words. The public were unwilling to spare him from the Legislature, and in 1853 he was elected to the Senate, and again in 1855. In 1857, near the close of the session in consequence of overpowering illness, he resigned his seat. There is reason to know that while a member of the Legislature, he was one of the most influential and strongest men upon the floor. His forte was not in public debate, but in the more laborious and responsible duties of the committee room. The public life of Mr. Clark was without a stain; and to those who know of the reeking hot bed at Albany, and the many appliances brought to bear upon the members of the Legislature to advocate or oppose certain proposed measures this is no light commendation. He retired from the Senate with the outspoken regret of its best members.

        This notice has grown to a greater length than was anticipated, and what else remains to be said will be condensed as much as possible.

        Mr. Clark was chosen a Trustee of St. Lawrence Academy about the year 18- and immediately entered upon the duties of that trust with energy. He contributed largely in money and influence to place the institution among the leading academies in the state. He was a member of the Vestry of Trinity Church from its organization (assisting liberally in building the Church Edifice in 1838) and for many of the later years of his life superadded the duties of Warden.

        He took great interest in the prosperity of the Town and and Village of Potsdam, and was a most efficient laborer in the railroad enterprises of his time. After subscribing largely to the stock of the northern (Ogd'h) Railroad, with many others of our citizens, and being grieved and outraged by that most wicked location, he was one of the foremost in carrying on the building of the Potsdam & Watertown Railroad. He was chosen a member of its first Board of Directors and was for some time Vice President. He always had the confidence of his associates and was regarded as the very best of counselors in any difficult matter. His shrewdness and coolness in trying positions was often admired, and his aid was secured to further the interests of many public projects. In all that he undertook of a public or private nature he was almost uniformly successful.

       In conclusion it can be said with truth, that in all the relations of life, as a merchant, a politician, a magistrate, a trustee of the Academy, an advocate and a helper of public improvements, as a parent and the head of a large family (the survivors of whom regard his memory with final love,) as a citizen having a broad affection for his town and village, as an officer of the church which he greatly loved and cherished, and as a christian gentleman, walking humbly and reverently before God and living in the spirit of His last and greatest commandments in all those relations Judge Clark will be long remembered" 

     His wife Margaret followed him to the grave on Dec 31, 1866.

   

Ray and Ball Families

     In Sec I Lot 63 you find the gravestone of the Ray and Ball families. Spencer Dan Ray was born Dec 18, 1828 in Hinesburg, Vermont to Calvin and Lovicy Howard Ray. The first census I could find him in is the 1860 U.S. Census for Potsdam in which he was listed as a farmer, in the 1870 Census he was listed as a cheese box maker, in the 1880 census he was listed as a copper, and in the 1900 Census he was living with his daughter Bertha and her husband Louis C. Ball. Sometime before 1870 he married Louisa Lynn daughter of David and May Love Lynn. Louisa died Oct 3, 1896. Spencer died Jul 5, 1909. Here is a notice about Spencer's death from the happenings of the week from the local newspaper:
      " Spencer D. Ray was born at Hinesburg, Vt., Dec. 18, 1828, and died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Lewis C.F. Ball, at 9:00 o'clock this evening, aged 80 years 6 months and 17 days. He came to Potsdam when he was about 25 years old and his residence here has been continuous. He married a step-daughter of Philmon K. Brown (who with his wife (Mary Ann died March 27, 1864) is also buried in the same lot, he was at one time a farmer and later a cooper, he died Sept 18, 1887). He has been a useful citizen and has done his part well. Some time ago he suffered a partial stroke of paralysis which made it very difficult for him to walk. We shall never see him slowly wending his way to the store again on his crutches. I wish that we might all leave as good a record"

Grave of Mary Ann Brown, Louisa Ray's Mother

Grave of Philmon K. Brown, Louisa Ray's Stepfather

Philmon and Mary Ann Brown's names on the family headstone

Brown, Ray, and Ball Family Headstone

Spencer Ray's Gravestone

Louisa Ray's Gravestone

Spencer and Louisa's names on the family headstone

      Bertha Ray was born Jan 14, 1861 to Spencer and Louisa. On October 24, 1883 Bertha Ray married Lewis C. Ball. In 1885 or 86 they had a son named Ray Lewis Ball. Sadly in January of 1897 Ray died. Here is his obit from the Jan 8, 1897 issue of one of the local newspapers:

       "Master Ray Lewis Ball died at his home on Pierpont Avenue Thursday afternoon at 2:30 after a very brief illness of bullous fever, aged 11 years and six months. Funeral Services will be held at the house probably Saturday afternoon. Burial at Bayside. Ray was taken sick on New Years day, and was seriously ill from the first. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have the sincere sympathy of the entire community in their afflications."

Ray Ball's Gravestone

     Lewis C. Ball died Dec 28, 1934. Here is obit from the Jan 2, 1935 issue of the Ogdensburg Journal :

             " Potsdam, Dec 31-This village lost one of its prominent citizens and a past public official with the death Friday noon of Lewis C.F. Ball, mayor of the village about 25 years ago and retired shoe merchant. Mr. Ball had been in ill-health since he suffered a fall on Mar 1, 1932, on the steps of the postoffice building. At that time he received treatment at the local hospital for a period of six months. Mr. Ball was 83 years old.

             Ex-Mayor Ball was born in East Aurora on Jan 13, 1851, the son of Snyder A. and Frances Johnson Ball, and until he came to this village in 1883, was a traveling salesman for a Boston shoe concern. On Oct 24, 1883 he married Miss Bertha Ray of this village, daughter of Spencer and Louise Lyon Ray. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J.C. Darling, pastor of the Methodist Church.

              During the same year Mr. Ball opened a retail shoe store in the Ives block, later moving to a store at the corner of Elm and Market Streets. He conducted his shoe business for 43 years, retiring eight years ago and immediately assuming new duties as custodian of the Masonic Temple. He performed his duties there for six years, until his injury forced him to retire.

               At that time Mr. Ball was standing on the steps of the postoffice when a revolving door caught him and threw him down the steps, fracturing his hip. The injury he sustained at that time was a contributing factor to his death at his home, 7 Pierpont Avenue.

                Mr. and Mrs. Ball had two children. A son, Ray was born in 1907 (mistake) and died at the age of 12 years. Besides his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Helen McKay of San Antonio, Tex., who has been visiting her parents in Potsdam, survives.

                The former official was a member of the local Masonic Lodge and of the St. Lawrence Chapter, No. 24 RAM, and held the office of Sentinel for a period of five years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, whose pastor, Rev. William J. Prout, officiated at the funeral services Sunday afternoon at 2 at the home. Burial was made in Bayside Cemetery."

Lewis Ball's Grave

    Bertha followed Lewis to the grave on April 13, 1937. Here is her obit from the April 16, 1937 issue of the Potsdam Herald Recorder: 

        "Mrs. Bertha Ray Ball, widow of the late Lewis C.F. Ball, one time mayor of Potsdam, and for many years in the shoe business here, died at her home in Pierrepont Ave., Tuesday morning after a long illness.

         Mrs. Ball was born in Potsdam, January 14, 1861, a daughter of Spencer D. and Louisa Lyons Ray, natives of Vermont. On Oct. 24, 1883, she was married to Mr. Ball by Rev. J.C. Darling then pastor of the Methodist church in this village. Up to this time Mr. Ball had been a shoe salesman on the road but that year he opened a retail shoe store in the Ives Block on Market street, later occupying the Raymond block store corner of Market and Elm streets and successfully operated this store for 43 years, retiring about 1926 when he became custodian of the Masonic Temple. About 27 years old he was elected mayor of this village.

         In March 1932 Mr. Ball was injured in a fall on the post office steps in which his hip was fractured and from which he never recovered. He died Dec 28, 1934.

         Mrs. Ball was a woman of pleasing personality and devoted to her home and family.

         A son, Ray Ball, born to Mr. and Mrs. Ball in 1907 (again a mistake) died at the age of twelve years; a daughter, Mrs. Scott McKay of San Antonio, Texas, survives.

         Funeral Services were held at the home, Thursday afternoon, Rev. W.J. Prout of the First Presbyterian church officiating with internment at Bayside."

Bertha Ball's Grave

Lewis, Bertha and Ray's names on the family headstone

1914 Deaths

Here are a list of people buried in Bayside who died 100 years ago.

1. Jennie Webster died Jan 31 1914
2. Josephine Perrigo died Feb 5 1914

3. Mary Thompson Died Mar 7 1914
4. Mary Everett died Mar 31 1914

5. Charles Putnam died Apr 11 1914

6. Lester Shepard Died Jan 10 1914

7. James Cornell Died Apr 20 1914

8. Dorothy Simonds died Apr 18 1914

9. Francis Cary died Mar 27 1914
10. Marietta Jackson died Mar 26 1914

11. Martha Cox died May 10 1914
12. Ruth Baker died Feb 17 1914
13. Richard Baker died Feb 17 1914
14. George Worden died May 13 1914

15. Nancy Kinney died May 17 1914
16. Lott W. Armin died May 21 1914

17. Lewis H. Mason died May 24 1914

18. William Burnham- Died May 29 1914
19. Charles Benson- Died Jan 26 1914

20. Oscar McCuen- Died Jun 9 1914

21. Allegra Lalone died Jun 12 1914

22. Harriet Ives died Jun 22 1914

23. Charles B. Bailey died Jun 23 1914

24. Frank Midgley died Jun 28 1914

25. Benjamin Miles died Jul 1 1914

26. Lucy Duby died Jul 20 1914

27. Bennie Wegar- Died Aug 6 1914
28. Sarah Knowles died Sept 11 1914 (gravestone says Nov 11)

29. Seth Benson died Sept 14 1914

30. Harriet Welch died Sept 25 1914

31. Mary Ames died Sept 30 1914

32. Carmen Lenox- Died Oct 1 1914
33. Ormel G. Howe died Oct 23 1914

34. David Smead died Oct 30 1914

35. Donald Simonds died Nov 1 1914 (to see photo of gravestone see Dorothy Simonds)
36. Mary Nelson died Nov 2 1914

37. Nancy Hawley died Nov 8 1914 (gravestone says 1915)

38. Ada Worden died Nov 26 1914 (To see photo of gravestone see George Worden)
39. Anna Thompson died Dec 6 1914

40. Jessie Fifield died Dec 17 1914

41. William Williams died Dec 20 1914
42. Margaret Henry died Dec 21 1914

43. Mary Dayton died Dec 22 1914

44. Charles Cox died Dec 26 1914
45. William Blake died Dec 28 1914

Willes and Clark Families

    First of all I want to thank Beth Thurston, Sylvanus Willes's great-great-great-great granddaughter for the photos and information. In this post I am going to write about Sylvanus's son Wilder and his descendants who are buried in Bayside.

    Wilder married Orrenda/Orinda Kimball. They both were school teachers. He also was an engineer trained to work in the sandstone mines in the area. Sometime after they married they moved to an island in the middle of Lake Superior and taught school. Their first two daughters Orrenda (born Apr 21 1836) and Louise (born Jan 17 1838) were born while they were living in the island. They moved back to the United States around 1839. They had two more children after they moved back: Oliver (born Nov 10, 1839) and Harriet (b. 1845). They settled on the farm which used to belong to Wilder's brother Bela. Wilder died on Sept 12 1882 and Orrenda died Oct 23 1893.

     The children were all trained as school teachers. Orrenda and Harriet joined a program called Teach Corps started by Vermont Gov. Slade, through it they were sent out west to teach. They ended up in Indiana. After teaching three or four years Orrenda met and married James R. Carson. James was a widower with three children. Orrenda and James had eight children of their own. Orrenda died Apr 2 1915 and is buried in Scherer Cemetery in Arcadia Indiana.

      Harriet also known as Hattie married Simeon T. Yancey, a Kentucky born and bred man who was a doctor for the Union during the Civil War. They did not have any children. Harriet died Jun 22 1927.

Oliver ended up in Iowa. He dropped the 'e' in the last name. He died Nov 1915 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton Iowa.

Louise married Silas Skidmore Clark. They lived in a farm next door to the Willes Farm. They had seven children: Frederick Willes, Horace, Clara L, Mary J., Charles M., Robert Y., and Earl B.

Louise Willes Clark

Silas Skidmore Clark

Silas died on Oct 21, 1903. Here is his Obit from the local newspaper :

"Death of Silas S., son of Abner and Cynthia Clark, was born in Madrid (?) years ago and died at his home on Norwood road weds morning of this week. More than passing notices is worthy of one who has lived so long in our midst, and borne such an active part with his fellow men in the great struggle of life.

Early in life, he married Louise Willes, who has ever shared life's experiences with him and who will mourn his loss.

Thirty years ago, they moved to the farm where the railroad crosses the Norwood road, and by hard toll and faithful industry they changed the rough woodlands to a home of comfort and delight.

To Mr. And Mrs. Clark seven children, five sons and two daughters were born, who still live to bless their memory. Of those, Fred and Robert are practicing law at White Plains, NY, and Charles is a civil engineer, engaged with the NY Aqueduct Commission at Katonah, NY; Horace conducts a furniture and undertaking business in our town; Earl, a graduate of Cornell Agriculture School, manages the home farm, the daughters are successful teachers in the public schools. Through the untiring efforts of Mr. And Mrs. Clark they were privileged to see their children all graduate from Potsdam Normal. They all will be present at the funeral of their father, which takes place at the home this afternoon at 2 pm. Rev. S. Call officiating assisted by Rev J.W. Miller and Rev B. De F. Snyder of Norwood.

Mr. Clark leaves one brother, Chauncey, living at west Potsdam; three sisters, Mrs. N.L. Stone of Potsdam, Mrs. Ruby Brooks of Rietville, NY and Mrs. George Warner of Schodac, NY.

Early in life Mr. Clark identified himself in the Methodist Episcopal church to whose best interests he has ever been faithful and loyal, the church meanwhile confiding the steward and trusteeship to his judgment and care.

We shall miss him in the church, where he has borne so grand a part. We shall miss him in the busy walks of life, but most of all, we shall miss him in the home as a companion, as father and counselor. We will not forget him for the legacy he has left us is freighted with jewels of love."

Louise died Apr 20 1932. Here is Louise' Obit:

SERVICE FRIDAY, FOR ONE OF VILLAGE'S OLDEST RESIDENTS

"Louise (Willes) Clark, widow of the late Silas S. Clark of this town, died at her home at 103 Main street, Wednesday evening, April 20.

Mrs. Clark was born January 17, 1838, the daughter of Wilder Willes and Orrenda (Kimball) Willes. She was the second of four children, the youngest of whom was Mrs. Harriet Willes Yancey who made her home with Mrs. Clark during her last years.

Mrs. Clark's childhood was passed in her ancestral home on the farm then know as the Willes Farm.

In March 1857 she married Silas S. Clark of the town of Madrid, N. Y., and immediately located on her home farm now known as the Clark farm at Clark's Crossing on the Norwood road. Here they reared seven children, all of whom are living except the eldest, Frederick W. Clark, who died five years ago. Those surviving are Olara (may be Clara) L. Clark, Mrs. Mary Clark Amos, Horace N. Clark and Earl B. Clark of Potsdam; and Charles M. Clark and Robert Y. Clark of White Plains, N. Y. Mr. Silas S. Clark,, husband of the deceased, died in 1903.

Mrs. Clark early acquired a love for the church and its teachings. In early childhood she untied with the First Methodist Episcopal church of Potsdam and was its oldest member at the time of her demise. Throught the 80 years of her membership she was always sacrifically devoted to her church.

She was educated in the schools of her town and at one time taught in them. She completed her education in the old St. Lawrence Academy.

Mrs. Clark was an exemplary homemaker, a friendly neighbor, a loving mother, a competent adviser and an able friend. Throughout her long life she was in possession of an unusally keen mind. She was a reader of the best literature and maintained a careful interest in all civic affairs and current events.

For 63 consecutive years descendants of Mrs. Clark were being educated in the Potsdam State Normal School. From the time that her oldest son Fred entered the grades of that institution at the age of 11, there have been children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in attendance. Besides her immediate family, Mrs. Clark is survived by 13 grandchildren."

Frederick Willes Clark was born in 1859. He was married twice first to Ada Sniffin and Minnie Benson. He had two sons and one daughter. In his early years he was a teacher. In 1886 he earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati. In 1887 he was admitted to the New York State Bar. He practiced in White Plains, Tuckahoe and Mount Vernon. He passed away Mar 19 1927 in Mount Vernon. 

Clara was born Apr 11 1862. She was a teacher, she last taught at the Potsdam Normal School. She never married. She died Jan 6 1934.

Mary was born in 1865. She married William N. Amos who was a farmer. Mary died Aug 31 1947 and William died Feb 7 1949.

Horace was born Feb 21 1869/70 (his obit says 1869 while his gravestone says 1870). He married Fanny Town. He was a teacher before he took over the Manley furniture and undertaking business. They had three children Sarah, Virginia and Margaret.  Horace died Oct 11 1933 and Fanny died 1971. Margaret married J. Handley Foote who became Horace's business partner. Horace died Jan 27 1961 and Margaret died in 1996. Margaret and J. Handley had two daughters Suzanne and Nancy. Nancy was born in 1926. She married Joseph Meszaros. She died in 2011.

Charles M. Clark was born Feb 27 1873. He married Grace Saul and had four children. He was Chief Engineer of the New York City Board of Water Supplies. During his time the Delaware Aqueduct was carried through. Clarkson University conferred on him an honorary degree of Engineering. He died Apr 6 1945.

Robert was a lawyer.

Earl B. was born Feb 20 1876. He married Gertrude Hale. They had one daughter. Earl was a farmer. He died Dec 4 1942 and Gertrude died in 1956.