Mayors of the City of Watertown, New York | |
| George Walton Flower 1869-1871 Col. Flower was a native of Theresa, Jefferson County, and lived the greater part of his life- there, son of Nathan Moore and Mary Ann (Boyle) Flower. His brother was Roswell P Flower. He moved to Watertown in 1865, and at once took an active interest in political affairs. By 1869 when the City Charter became operative, Col. Flower was elected Mayor and was efficient and honorable in his official acts as Mayor. During the Civil War Mr. Flower raised a company of volunteers in his native town and went into service as captain. He was a valiant soldier and won high credit from his superiors. During his residence in Watertown his business interests were largely with his brothers, Governor and Anson R. Flower. Col. Flower was a well known figure in Watertown and enjoyed great popularity. He was a genial companion and a good friend. He was born 1837 and died May 4, 1881. He married Mary Elizabeth Putnam and had three children: Mary (Flower) Robinson, Frederick Stanton Flower and George W Flower. Grave Link (burial in Brookside Cemetery) |
 | Gilderoy Lord 1871, 1873 He married Lucina H Hoyt, daughter of Judge Luther Graves and Susan (Mather) Hoyt. Proprietor of foundery and machine shop, 22, 24, 1nd 26 Mill Street. House: 33 Stone. Reference Childs Jefferson County Gazeteer, July 1890 The City National Bank was organized in 1890 with $100,000 capital. Gilderoy Lord was the first president. He resided at 213 Stone St. CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, organized in 1888, the name being the Mission of the Redeemer, located on the north side was completed in 1897. The funds for its erection were given largely by Mrs. Frances Lord Bennett, as a memorial to her father, Gilderoy Lord. The Knowlton & Rice mill was burned again in 1848, also Winslow & Partridge's woolen mill, the Haddock axe factory and Gilderoy Lord's plow works |
 | Wilbur F Porter 1872 Mr Porter was prominent in local and State politics for a number of years. He was born in Herkimer County in 1832. His parents moved to Jefferson County in 1842 locating in the town of Theresa. He began the study of law while teaching school at Cape Vincent, where he lived for a year or two. He moved to Watertown in 1860 and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Six times he was elected Mayor of Watertown serving in that position until his death. In 1891 he ran for Congress against Gen. N M Curtis of Ogdensburg. he reduced the normal Republican vote in the district which comprised Oswego, Jefferson and St Lawrence Counties, many thousands. In one of his races for Mayor he was nominated by the regular Democratic organization for Governor. The party was split on the money question and he was defeated. Gov Flower's first act almost after being elected was to appoint Mr Porter to the State Board of Claims. Mr Porter died May 21 1901 |
 | Bradley Winslow 1874 No name in Northern New York is better known in legal, social, political or military circles than that of General Bradley Winslow, who is descended from the good New England stock which was prominently identified and largely instrumental in the settlement of New York State. General Winslow is a direct descendant in the seventh generation of Kenelm Winslow, who was a brother of Edward of the Mayflower fame. He was born August 1, 1834, on his father's farm two and a half miles from Watertown, NY. After the usual course in the common schools of his district, at the age of sixteen, he entered the Cazenovia Seminary, where made excellent progress in all his studies and where the ability that has since distinguished him in the many walks of his active life was first recognized. In 1850 and 1851 he attended Falley Seminary of Fulton, NY, and later entered Kingston (PA) Seminary, which course completed his literary studies. At the age of twenty-two he began the study of law in the office of the Hon. James F. Starbuck of Watertown; in 1854 he entered the Poughkeepsie Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1855, remaining with Mr. Starbuck until the following year, when he opened an office in Watertown, associating with himself J L Bigelow. Having early evinced a taste for politics, he was nominated in 1859 for district attorney and after a heated campaign was triumphantly elected. When treason first reared its head upon Columbia's soil, Mr. Winslow was one of the first to respond to the call to arms; the Black River Corps, of which Mr. Winslow was first lieutenant, was one of the first local military organizations to tender their services to the governor of the State. This company proceeded at once to Elmira under the command of Captain Potter; when the regimental organization was perfected W. C. Brown was made colonel, Captain Potter, lieutenant-colonel, Lieutenant Winslow being promoted to captain. In July the regiment was sent to the defenses of Washington, passing through Baltimore but a few days after the attack made in that city upon the troops of Massachusetts. In August, 1861, Captain Winslow was promoted to be lieutenant colonel of his regiment and it took a prominent part in the battle of Cedar Mountain; Colonel Winslow's health having failed him, he was forced to resign, and, receiving an honorable discharge, left the army deeply regretted by all who knew him. Having regained his health he was unable to resist the feelings of patriotism that had first prompted him to take up arms in defense of his country, and he proceeded to raise the 168th Vol. Infantry, of which he was promptly commissioned colonel; the regiment immediately joined General Meade's command and was assigned to the Second Division, Ninth Corps, and was at once stationed in front of Petersburg. This regiment also took an active part in the battle of Weldon Railroad, fought October 31, 1864. On the 2d of April, 1865. Colonel Winslow's regiment led an attack and captured Fort Malone in front of Petersburg; in an attempt to capture another fortification Colonel Winslow fell shot through the body, a minne ball having entered his left side between the lower ribs, passing entirely through his body and came out on the right side near the spinal column. For his gallant conduct and the able management of his regiment Colonel Winslow received from Gen. S. G. Griffin one of the most eulogistic letters ever penned by a commander to a subordinate officer. He was afterward, without any solicitation upon his part, appointed by the president colonel of the 22d U. S. Infantry, which command he respectfully declined. In 1868 Governor Fenton appointed him brigadier-general of the New York National Guard and placed him in command of the 16th Brigade, in which capacity he served three years with distinguished ability. General Winslow is a stalwart Republican and in 1875 was elected mayor of Watertown, which office he filled so satisfactorily that he was elected State Senator from his district in 1879, serving two years, having the respect of his colleagues and unbounded confidence of his constituents. In the first organization of the G. A. R. he was junior vice-commander of the State of New York. November 15, 1855, he married Geraldine M. Cooper, whose family were pioneer settlers in Jefferson county. As the result of this union three children were born: J C born in 1856, was graduated from Dartmouth College and studied and practiced law with his father until he received an appointment in the office of the attorney-general of the State, and in 1890 died of consumption in California; Charlotte, born in 1859, has recently married William G. Johnston, and lives in Watertown; and Florence, born in 1856, married Mr. Upham, a prominent manufacturer in the city of Watertown. Mrs. Winslow died August 24, 1896. FROM:Our County and its people A descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York |
| Levi Brown 1875 Link to Bio He entered Union College in 1841, and after graduation read law in Schenectady, and later was in the office of Calvin Skinner at Adams. He was admitted to the bar in 1846, and soon thereafter located in Watertown, entering into partnership with Joshua Moore, the firm name being Moore & Brown. In 1854, Brown withdrew from this copartnership and joined Allen C. Beach in a partnership, it being then Brown & Beach. They built up an extensive business and gained high repute as lawyers. This partnership continued till 1871, when Mr. Beach was elected Lieut. Governor. The firm was then dissolved, Brown continuing in the practice alone. He represented the City in the Board of Supervisors and served as Mayor of the City. Mr. Brown had the esteem and respect of all who knew him. |
| Wilbur F Porter 1876 Judge Wilbur F. Porter probably had as wide a circle of staunch friends and admirers as any lawyer in the City of Watertown. His many good qualities, together with his tact and fighting ability almost made his calling and election sure in political contests in the City. Judge Porter was a native of Herkimer County, but when a boy his parents moved to Cape Vincent, where he lived during his boyhood. He was a student in the old Watertown Academy for some time and sub- sequently attended Falley Seminary at Fulton, N. Y. After teaching school for a little while Mr. Porter began the study of law in the office of Laban H. Ainsworth at Cape Vincent. He practiced law a short time at the Cape after being admitted, and then became a member of the Watertown bar, where he spent the rest of his life. At first he was with Bagley & Wright, a business and professional connection that lasted ten years. During his whole professional career Judge Porter was one of the most active and widely known lawyers of the county. Governor Flower appointed him one of the Judges of the Court of Claims which post he filled with ability. 9In politics Judge Porter was a Democrat, yet he was elected to the office of Mayor of the City for five consecutive terms. In 1896 he was made the nominee of his party for governor but went down in defeat. Judge Porter was active and widely known in the Masonic Order and other associations. In all his re- lations and business intercourse he had the respect and regard of everybody who knew him. |
 | John Clarke Streeter 1877 Former Mayor of Watertown, was born in that city November 22 1829, son of Nelson and Amelia A (Parsons) Streeter. He received a public school education and at an early age was employed in the wholesale and retail clothing business of his father. For years Mr. Streeter was one of Watertown’s leading business men. He was a member of the first board of directors of the Watertown Manufacturers’ Aid Association and served in the same capacity on the organization of the Watertown Board of Trade. He was an incorporator of the Watertown Spring Wagon Co and one of the first trustees of the Watertown Savings Bank. He was for several years a member of the State Board of Charities to which he was appointed in 1872. In 1877 he was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Jefferson County and in the following year was elected Mayor of Watertown and he served as such until 1889. Mr. Streeter has been a Mason since 1861 and a member of the Union Club since its organization. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown. In 1859 he married Mary, daughter of Stephen White. Mrs. Streeter died in 1870 leaving one son, Frederick W Streeter. His present wife, whom he married in December 1890, was Mrs. Ella A Phelps, Address Watertown NY |
 | Dennis O'Brien 1878 Link to Bio Link to Grave Info Judge O'Brien was born in St. Lawrence County near Ogdensburg, in 1837, and commenced the study of law in that city and continued until he was admitted to the bar in 1861. In the fall of that year he located in Watertown and at once began the practice of his profession which he continued with great assiduity and success until later called to public life. His local popularity was proved on numerous occasions by the positions of trust which were given him by the people. In 1869, in the first year of the existence of the City of Watertown, he was elected an alderman from his ward and served for four succeeding terms and afterwards was elected mayor of the City and served one term. He enjoyed politics as a by-play. In 1880 he succeeded the late James F. Starbuck as a member of the State Democratic Committee, holding that po- sition for four years and becoming one of the chief counsellors of the party in the State. |
 | Byron B. Taggart 1879-1880 paper manufacturer, bank Director, corporation and steamboat magnate, landlord, prominent politician, ex-Mayor, and semi-millionaire. Mr. Byron B. Taggart was elected Mayor in 1879, and served two years. He was also one of the trustees of the Soldiers' Home at Bath, N. Y. Both he and brother William were good business men and were highly regarded in the community. |
 | Nelson Burdick 1881-1882 Watertown Daily Times, Thursday Afternoon, February 20, 1908 - Former Mayor Burdick Dies – Passes Away at his Franklin Street Home – His Age was 87 Years – Mr. Burdick has long been identified with the Interests of Watertown, and Served as the City's Mayor for Two Terms – Nelson Burdick, twice mayor of Watertown and one of the city's best known and respected residents, died at 1:30 this morning at his home, 45 Franklin Street, aged 87 years. Mr. Burdick had been in ill health for the past two years and his passing was not unexpected. Death was to the infuriation incident to advanced years. Nelson Burdick was the second son of Adam and Elizabeth Moore Burdick and was born December 28, 1830, at Point Peninsula. His education was received at the common schools in the town of Lyme and at the Watertown High School. He resided in Lyme until 40 years of age and was the supervisor of that town in 1854. Moving to Watertown in 1860, Mr. Burdick at once became actively interested with the industrial and public life of this city. He established a carriage making plant at the foot of Franklin Street and conducted it successfully for many years, later relocating on the site of the present Burdick Block. He served on the board of successors of the city and also as a commissioner of the board of public works. In 1881, he was elected mayor and the following year was honored by a re-election to that office. Mr. Burdick was a Democrat. He was a member of Watertown Lodge, F.&A.M. On March 7, 1844, Mr. Burdick, son of Adam and Elizabeth (Moore) Burdick was married to Catherine Getman, who died in 1846. He afterward married Delia Getman, who survives him. He is also survived by two daughters, Dora Burdick and Mrs. John W. Carey of this city, two sons, Alfred M Burdick of this city and Jesse D. Burdick of Navajo, Cal., and five grandchildren: John N an Floyd L Carlisle of this city and three children of the late Wayne W Burdick, living at San Diego, Cal. The funeral will be held from his home Saturday afternoon. Burial in Brookside Cemetery |
 | Dewitt C Middleton 1883-1884 De Witt C Middleton, son of Andrew C., was born in the town of Rutland, April 11, 1850, and was educated in the Watertown High School. For four years he was a clerk in the store of J. & A. Bushnell, and has since been efigaged in the shoe business in this city. He was mayor of Watertown, and was a member of the Board of Education for two years. In 1885 he organized the Watertown Electric Light Company, of which he is now president. |
 | Henry M Allen 1886 "Mr Henry M Allen is a citizen of Watertown who is very well known in this community as a popular and enterprising business man. He officiated as alderman for two years and was elected to the position of mayor of the city." Excerpt from THE INDUSTRIES OF WATERTOWN |
 | William E Hart 1886-1887 Hart, William E., photographer, is a Canadian by birth and has been a resident of Watertown since 1862. He learned his business in the studio of his brother, Charles S. Hart, one of the oldest photographers in Jefferson county, and was an assistant to him until 1884, when he engaged in business for himself. Mr. Hart has attractive rooms in what is known as the Marble block, and has facilities for the execution of all classes of work. He does Crayon and India ink portrait work, and has established an extended reputation. Mr. Hart served the city as alderman from the Third ward, two years, and in 1886 was elected mayor, serving two terms. Source:Our County and it's peoplea descriptive work on Jefferson County, New YorkEdited by: Edgar C. EmersonThe Boston History Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1898 |
 | John Nill 1888-1889 Mr Nill has always taken a keen interest in public affairs, discharging with assiduity and faithfulness all the duties of a citizen. These traits of character have been highly appreciated by his townsmen, who in 1881, elected him to the office of supervisor, a position which he held for seven years. In 1889 he was chosen mayor of Watertown and by his administration of the office more than justified the selection of those whose votes called him to discharge the duties of the mayoralty. He was an abolitionist in early life and joined the Republican party at its organization. He attends the Universalist. He is a Mason of high standing, having taken the thirty-second degree, and is also a member of the IOOF and Knights of Pythias. Mr Nill married, in February, 1860, Dorothy Jess, and they are the parents of wo daughters: Louisa Caroline and Amelia Paulina, who reside with their parents. Mrs Nill’s father was a cabinetmaker who lived and died in Mecklenburg, Germany. |
 | Wilbur F Porter 1890-1891 Mr Porter was prominent in local and State politics for a number of years. He was born in Herkimer County in 1832. His parents moved to Jefferson County in 1842 locating in the town of Theresa. He began the study of law while teaching school at Cape Vincent, where he lived for a year or two. He moved to Watertown in 1860 and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Six times he was elected Mayor of Watertown serving in that position until his death. In 1891 he ran for Congress against Gen. N M Curtis of Ogdensburg. he reduced the normal Republican vote in the district which comprised Oswego, Jefferson and St Lawrence Counties, many thousands. In one of his races for Mayor he was nominated by the regular Democratic organization for Governor. The party was split on the money question and he was defeated. Gov Flower's first act almost after being elected was to appoint Mr Porter to the State Board of Claims. Mr Porter died May 21 1901 |
| Florentine Daniel Roth 1892 A native son of Nazareth, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Florentine Daniel Roth was later a resident of Watertown, New York, where for many years he was at the forefront of business and political activity in the city, being both the founder of the FD Roth Company, a candidate for the New York State Assembly and a past mayor of Watertown. The son of John W. and Elizabeth Daniels Roth, Florentine D. Roth was born in Nazareth on July 17, 1855. His early years were spent in this town and as a young man took work as a clerk in a general store, and at age 21 had advanced to being the manager of a mercantile store in Nazareth. Roth married in 1880 to Emily V. Santee (1858-1910) and this marriage produced one son, Roswell John Roth (1884-1950), later a graduate of Yale University. In the early 1880s Roth become engaged with the dry goods business of Bush and Bull, located in Easton, Pennsylvania, and this firm would later add him as a third partner, changing its title to Bush, Bull and Roth. Roth's experience in operating a general store eventually led him to be transferred from Easton to Watertown, New York, where he would operate a branch of the aforementioned company's business. With Roth at the helm, Bush and Bull's operation in Watertown did a sterling business, with both it and Roth receiving prominent mention in the April 23, 1887 edition of the Watertown Herald, which noted that: "Mr. Roth stands high in business circles. His judgement in the employing of help, in the selection of goods, and in placing the same on the market, is clearly shown to be of the best by the large and increasing business his house enjoys. In business or in social circles, Mr. Roth is always found a pleasant gentleman. Those who work under him speak of him as a kind, agreeable, yet firm employer, always ready to listen to any grievance and right any wrong." Attentive to local politics in addition to his business dealings, Roth made his first move into public service in the late 1880s, serving as an alderman for Watertown's Third ward in 1890. He later formed the dry goods firm of Roth and Santee with partner H.V. Santee and in the latter portion of that year became the Republican candidate for Mayor of Watertown, being elected in November "by a 67 majority" vote over Democrat James D. Wise. Roth entered into his mayoral duties in January 1892 and served a term of one year. |
 | Hiram F Inglehart 1893-1894 Inglehart, Hiram F., was born in Hounsfield, March 28, 1846, a son of Cornelius W. and Emmeline (Foote) Inglehart. Mr. Inglehart has been a merchant of Watertown for several years and was one of the original stockholders in the Westminster Park, and has been proprietor of the hotel there since 1884. In 1888 he was elected alderman of the Fourth ward. He married Nettie Blodgett, and they have eight children. He is proprietor of the Columbian Hotel at Thousand Island Park and formerly proprietor of the Thousand Island House at Alexandria Bay. Source:Our County and it's people, a descriptive work on Jefferson County, New York |
| James B Wise 1895-1899 J B Wise was born in Bradford, Conn., December 27, 1858, and came to Watertown with his parents (Mr & Mrs Joseph Wise) in 1869. As a boy he was very active in whatever he undertook; he was part of the time newspaper carrier, but never neglected his school, either for play or business. He proceeded in his studies until he gained admittance to the Watertown High School, but his desire to enter upon a business career led him to believe he had acquired sufficient education to battle with the world. After attending a commercial college, he severed his connection with the schools and entered into actual business life. He was the owner and manager of the newspaper and fruit sales upon the trains running out of Watertown, and later of that business upon the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg trains running out of Oswego westward. This he continued until 1877, when he returned to Watertown and identified himself with the business conducted by his father, becoming an equal partner, and upon his father's death, purchased the other half from the heirs and continued the same in his own name. He has been unusually successful and is a much respected citizen, fully recognized as such by the people of Watertown. In 1888 he was elected alderman for the Second ward of Watertown; ran for mayor in 1890, but was defeated by Hon. Wilbur F. Porter; and ran again in 1891, but was defeated by only fifty-two votes. In 1892 he was again nominated but declined with thanks. He is fully identified with all the important business interests of Watertown and is a fearless independent man. He is president of the Singer Fire Alarm Company; president of the Watertown Brass and Manufacturing Company andsecretary and treasurer of the Ryther Manufacturing Company, and a director in the Union Carriage and Gear Company. In 1891 he purchased the factory building he now occupies on Mill street; his principal manufactures are light bardwares and specialties of that description. His goods are in demand all over the country. Mr. Wise was the Republican nominee for mayor in 1894, was elected, and is now serving his fourth term, commencing January 1, 1898, for two years. In 1881 Mr. Wise married Hattie C., daughter of George Willard of Watertown, and they have two sons, Charles Ralph and Earl W. Wise went to Atlantic City, NJ in late Spring, 1916, hoping to improve his ill health. It was there that he died on June 7, 1916 at the age of 57. |
| Wilbur F Porter 1900 Mr Porter was prominent in local and State politics for a number of years. He was born in Herkimer County in 1832. His parents moved to Jefferson County in 1842 locating in the town of Theresa. He began the study of law while teaching school at Cape Vincent, where he lived for a year or two. He moved to Watertown in 1860 and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Six times he was elected Mayor of Watertown serving in that position until his death. In 1891 he ran for Congress against Gen. N M Curtis of Ogdensburg. he reduced the normal Republican vote in the district which comprised Oswego, Jefferson and St Lawrence Counties, many thousands. In one of his races for Mayor he was nominated by the regular Democratic organization for Governor. The party was split on the money question and he was defeated. Gov Flower's first act almost after being elected was to appoint Mr Porter to the State Board of Claims. Mr Porter died May 21 1901 |
 | James F Pappa 1901-1903 Born in Newburg, Ontario, July 24, 1852, Mr. Pappa came to Watertown in 1870 and learned the printer’s trade in the office of the Watertown Daily Times. He was connected to the Times for over 30 years in various positions and served as the City Circulation Agent at the time of his term as Mayor. Mr. Pappa was elected as a representative of the First Ward in the Common Council in 1895, served four years in that position, declining a unanimous invitation to accept a re-nomination. The delegates from the first ward were instructed to present his name as their candidate for President of the Council in 1899 and he was nominated and elected to that office. Six months of his term in this office were unexpired when the death of Mayor Wilbur F. Porter, on May 21, 1901, summoned him to new responsibilities as the head of the City government. At the Republican City Convention, he received a unanimous nomination which was followed by an election for a full term as Mayor. His term was marked by a great deal of progress including the installation and improvement of the sewer system, the paving of many streets in the City, the completion of major construction projects including the Arsenal Street viaduct, Watertown High School and the Water Filtration plant. It was during his term that the statue of Governor Flower in lower Washington Street was unveiled and the cornerstone was laid for the Flower Memorial Library. He also was instrumental in getting slot machines removed from the City and the creation of a City-wide curfew. Mr. Pappa was married to the former Susan M. Byrne and had three sons, Thomas, Raymond and Vincent, and one daughter, Elizabeth. He was a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. He died of pneumonia on March 31, 1925 at the age of 55 and his wife passed away two weeks later. |
 | Charles Darwin Bingham 1904-1905 "Charles D Bingham, secretary of the Bagley and Sewell Company, was last week elected mayor of the city of Watertown by 173 plurality over his democrat opponent, F D Roth. Mr Bingham stands very high in Masonic circles, being a thirty-third degree mason. He was in Septmeber elected Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of the State, a post to which he advanced by successive steps from the time, several years ago, when he was made one of the subordinate grand officers. Mr Bingham had for the past two years been a commissioner of the board of public safety, and was responsible for many improvements which are appreciated by the taxpayers." Excerpt from The Paper Mill and Wood Pulp News, Vol 26 Grave Bio Link |
 | Daniel W Cahill 1906 (Resigned in May of 1906) Daniel W. Cahill was born in Watertown, January 15, 1864, the son of Daniel and Eliza Cahill. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1880 and spent 2 years in the drug store of J.W. Nott. In 1884, he was employed by Drs. H.G.P. Spencer & Sons, remaining there until he entered the College of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, graduating in 1886. In 1892, he organized a drug store located at 2 Washington Street, in the Arcade, of which he was sole proprietor. He had been president of Watertown Druggists Association and was a member and promoter of the Lincoln League. He was elected Mayor in the fall of 1905, resigning on May 26, 1906 to take the office of the State Superintendent of Public Buildings. He married Katherine Florence Storer on November 18, 1896 and had a son, Daniel Robert Winslow Cahill. He resided at 102 Main Street in Watertown. His son, Daniel, died in a drowning incident while learning to swim in the Black River on July 28, 1913 at the age of 17. On May 18, 1942, Mr. Cahill died of an embolism while under indictment for the so-called “mercy killing” of his wife, Katherine. Mr. Cahill admitted to strangling his wife with a bathrobe cord while she was sleeping in their home at 110 West Lynde Street, and then attempting to take his own life by ingesting an overdose of sleeping pills. Mrs. Cahill had been ill with a nervous disorder for more than eight years. Mr. Cahill’s brother, Robert E., later became the first mayor in Watertown under the City Manager form of government. |
 | Francis M Hugo 1906-1913 Hugo attended Queen's College (now Queen's University) at Kingston and held Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees. He also earned a law degree from Cornell University. He was Mayor of Watertown, New York. He was a delegate to the 1912 Republican National Convention. In 1912, he ran for Secretary of State of New York but was defeated by Democrat Mitchell May. He was Secretary of State of New York from 1915 to 1920, elected in 1914, 1916 and 1918. As Secretary of State, he signed the joint resolution of the Senate and Assembly submitting a women's suffrage ballot question In Watertown, Hugo practiced law with Nicholas Doxtater Yost, father of Charles Woodruff Yost. In 1923, Hugo was appointed by National Non-Theatrical Motion Pictures, Inc. to screen non-commercial films, a function similar to that performed by Will H. Hays for commercial films. He married Florence Goodale, and their son was Francis G. Hugo. His older brother was Trevanion William Hugo, Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota from 1900 to 1904, and another brother was a Minnesota legislator |
 | Isaac R Breen 1914-1919 Breen, Isaac R., son of Nathaniel and Eleanor (Smith) Breen, was born October 2, 1865. His father was born in the north of Ireland in the year 1816, and his mother, who was of English ancestry, was born at Smith's Falls, Ontario, in 1823. They were among the early settlers of the town of Montague, Lewis county, N. Y., and later removed to Jefferson county, where they resided until their death. Six Sons and three daughters survived them, Isaac R. being the youngest son. He removed with his parents to Jefferson county and received his education from the public and high schools of Watertown, after which he took up the study of law and was subsequently admitted to the bar at Syracuse, in 1888. In 1894 in company with his brother, Nathaniel F, he formed the now well known law firm of Breen & Breen, which is one of the most prominent at the Jefferson county bar. During his legal career he has been engaged in numerous litigations involving important interests and the disposal of large sums of money. As a lawyer he is ever watchful of his client's interest and is considered a safe and prudent practitioner From FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING, Vol LIX, January 5 1916 Mayor Isaac R Brren of Watertown NY, is advocating an investigation of a plan to provide a dual water system for the city and the matter has been placed before the common council. If the plan with a double system of mains is installed in Watertown the drinking water, according to the tentative plans, would come from Pine Plains, where, as shown in a report from Hazen, Whipple and Fuller that was recently submitted to the Board of Water Commissioners, there is a sufficient supply for the purpose and the Black River water would continue to be used for fire protection, street cleaning, industrial and laundry purposes. Mayor Breen state before the aldermen that is drinking water and water for culinary puposes was brought down from Pine Plains the cost of this work would be less than half the cost of other proposed projects. Mayor Breen later stated, according to reports, that he had discussed the proposition with John F Moffett who had made a study of the matter and who was for many years a member of the firm Moffett, Hodgkins and Clark, which installed water works for many cities in the West and in Canada. He believes the dual system could be installed in Watertown. It is pointed out that the dual system is maintained in some cities in England and that in the lower part of New York City provision is made for by high pressure system, furnishing river water for fire protection |
 | Robert E Cahill 1920-1923 Robert E Cahill was born Nov 1867, one of five children born to former mayor, Daniel and Eliza Cahill. He died in 1932 and is buried in Brookside Cemetery. President of Jefferson Farm School, governed by City of Watertown, for care of truant boys. |
 | John B Harris 1924-1935 Hon. John Barnes Harris. - As mayor of Watertown John Barnes Harris is a representative and widely known citizen of northern New York. He was born at Adams Center, NY, July 5, 1877, the son of Robert Wallace and Alma (Barnes) Harris. From: The North Country A History, EmbracingJefferson, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Lewisand Franklin Counties, New York.By: Harry F. Landon Historical Publishing Company Indianopolis, Indiana 1932 |
 | David D Kieff 1936-1939 Kieff, David D., was born in Bombay, Franklin county, NY, July 3, 1866. He was reared on a farm, educated in the public schools and graduated from a business college; at the age of fifteen he came to Watertown, NY, and began the study of architecture, with John Hose and W. W. Tucker. Source:Our County and it's peoplea descriptive work on Jefferson County, New YorkEdited by: Edgar C. EmersonThe Boston History Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1898 |
 | Charles A Winslow 1940-1947 Born July 13 1871, Died Oct 1968 Charles A Winslow was born in Utica July. 13, 1871, one of nine children of the late Charles and Jane Leahy Winslow. The future mayor of Watertown spent his boyhood in Utica, where he was educated in Assumption academy. He learned the plumber's trade and followed that for two years, after which he went to New York city and studied voice under Paola Giorza for four years. Careers included Utica Brewing Company, Hardiman Hotel nightclerk, NY Central railroad, coal dealer under Horace Tyler, Trucking Storage business later called Winslow Trucking, Watertown Milk Company, City Government. At the expiration of his term Dec. 31, 1947, Mr. Winslow retired from politics. One of the outstanding municipal achievements in which Mr. Winslow was vitally interested during his administration was the development of the Watertown airport. It was he who advocated a municipal airport commission, which was created to control airport operations. Other major accomplishments were achieved under his administration. The public debt was reduced $2,500,000 in seven years. In 1947 the outstanding municipal indebtedness was cut below $1,000,000 for the first time in 42 years and the city's bonded debt limit stood at more than $4,500,000. In addition to being mayor of the city, Mr. Winslow served in the important position of chairman of the Jefferson county war council during the World War II years and in that capacity ws charged with the responsibility of directing the civilian war efforts of the county. He was appointed to the position by the governor of the state, then Herbert H. Lehman, under the state war emergency act. Read Complete Article |
| Henry A Hudson 1948-1949 In December of 1948 the Mayor of Watertown, NY, Henry A. Hudson, designated a five member Housing Authority Commission, which was vested with full powers, to consider housing needs, under New York State Public Housing Law, for the Watertown area. This was the start of the Watertown Housing Authority. The retired New York State Supreme Court Judge Henry A. Hudson, was also a former mayor of Watertown. Mr. Hudson married in 1991 Josephine Clapp Taggart,born July 7, 1914 in Watertown, the second of three daughters of Byron Brown Taggart, Jr. and Josephine Clapp. Her grandfather, Byron B. Taggart, Sr. was founder of Taggart Brothers Paper Co. which led the industry in the manufacture of paper bags, and was twice mayor of Watertown. She died at age 93 on Monday, September 17 2007 at her home in Watertown, New York. He died in 1995. Mr and Mrs. Hudson are interred at Brookside Cemetery, Watertown |
 | John H Newman 1952-1955 Life Sketch of John H.Newman, former mayor of Watertown, who died in Ogdensburg late Wednesday morning, is presented herewith. 9/13/1967 With a background of 22 years in public office, 18 of them as a city councilman and tour as the city's mayor, John H. Newman had acquired a wealth of knowledge of municipal government equaled by only a few. Elected by an overwhelming majority, Mr., Newman became city councilman—his first political office—Jan. 1, 1932. Four times thereafter he was elected to the same after three consecutive terms on the council for a total of twelve years; he was defeated for the first time, but by a small vote. He was off the council only two years, 1944 and 1945, when he tried again, won the primary nomination and was returned to office in the subsequent election. Four years later, he was reelected, but after two years' service he resigned to become mayor. He headed the city government from Jan. 1, 1952 to Jan. 1, 1956, at which time his career in public office terminated, William G. Lachenauer succeeding him as the mayor. His political career was marked by frequent occasions when, both in and. Out of office, he was a central figure of spirited, and sometimes bitterly-contested disputes. He was one of the Woodruff leaders in the prolonged fight for a new high school, a project which eventually became a reality. He actively opposed the inner-loop feature and certain other aspects of the state arterial highway plan. John B. Harris, like Mr. Newman a veteran of municipal politics, was the first of the four mayors during whose terms Mr. Newman served as a councilman. The others, in the order of their tenure, were: The late David D. Kieff; Charles A. Winslow and Henry A. Hudson, now the justice of the state supreme During his service on the council, Mr. Newman acquired a reputation as a promoter of public events. He was chairman of; the President's ball series and over a period of years he headed practically all of the civic parades held in the city. He was the general chairman of the second annual Watertown Farmers' day celebration held May 5. 1934. Through a conspicuous career in the field of railroad transportation, he gained an acquaintanceship enjoyed by few persons in northern New York. His railroad career spanned nearly 47 years—most of it as station master at the Watertown terminal. John Henry Newman was born at Cape Vincent Jan. 6, 1885, one of two sons of the late Robert J. and Emma J. Mosier Newman. Robert Newman, a native of Kingston, Ont., was a painting contractor at Cape Vincent; also had a general mercantile business in the old Algonquin Hotel of that village; owned and operated "The Guide," a freight boat, and was actively interested in passenger service. After his death in 1924 his widow, who was also a native of Ontario, Can., sold the mercantile business but shortly afterward entered into business again, operating a general store on Broadway Cape Vincent, until her death March 4, 1939, at the age of 74 years. |
 | William G Lachenauer 1956-1959 1964 Archives WATERTOWN, N. Y., Sept. 11 (AP)—William G. Lachenauer, a former Mayor of Watertown, was killed late last night when the automobile in which he was riding left Route 37 north of here and struck a tree. His brother, Watertown Battalion Fire Chief George W. Lachenauer, was reported in fair condition in Mercy Hospital. Massena, N. Y., Observer 5 Thursday, Sept. 17, 1964 Lachenauer in Car Crash Watertown A one car crash on Route 37 north of here late Thursday night killed former Mayor William G. Lachenauer. Lachenauer, 53, of 152 Ward St. was killed when the car in which he was a passenger smashed head-on into a tree after leaving Route 37 at a point two miles north of the City limits about 11:30 p.m. It was attributed to a crushed chest. He also suffered facial cuts And a crushed right leg, Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday in Trinity Episcopal Church, The Rev. Lloyd W. Clarke, rector, officiating. The, compact car was operated by his brother, George Lachenauer, 47, of 221 Harewood Dr, Battalion fire chief of the Watertown Fire Department. State police from the Watertown zone station said the car was southbound On Route 37 when it left the west side along the side, going over the top of a white cement guide post and traveled another 48 feet to strike the tree. The former mayor, seated in the passenger side of the front seat, was pinned in the car. He wore a seat belt, troopers said, but the right front of the compact sedan bore the brunt of the impact. Neither man was thrown from the car. George Lachenauer was brought to Mercy Hospital in Evans Mills Ambulance. The body of his brother also was brought to the hospital after workmen spent some 45 minutes extracting it from the vehicle. Attorney G. Saunders said an inquest is pending. Troopers were summoned by Mrs. Harold M. O’Brien after the crash occurred in front of her home. There were no witnesses to the accident. The appointed coroner’s physician pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Ex-Mayor Lachenauer was elected mayor in 1955, taking office Jan. 1, 1956. Reelected for a second four-year term in 1959, he was defeated last fall by incumbent Mayor John Galvin in a bid for reflection to a third term. He was Watertown’s 27th mayor. Surviving, besides his brother, are: his wife, Mrs. Beatrice McFarlane Lachenauer; his father, Charles Lachenauer, of 273 Paddock St., two children, Mrs. Kenneth (Gretchen A.) Palmer of Conn., and William G. Lachenauer Jr., a student at the University of Kentucky; two grandchildren, Dana and Kirk Palmer, and two sisters, Mrs. John P. (Grace L.) Miller of Watertown and Mrs. Alex (Ruth) Bentley of Camden. A native of Long Island City, William G. Lachenauer came to Watertown in 1919 with his parents. Following graduation from local schools, he was active in sports, having served in the 1930's as a member of the city's Red & Black football team and several basketball teams. He later was an official Referee of the two sports. He began his professional career as town clerk to the then assistant Corporation Counsel, Attorney Clifton J Landon. He was a leader in local public affairs and politics for more than 20 years before making his first attempt at elective office in 1955 when he ran for mayor. Honors bestowed upon him included selection in 1953 as recipient of the Israel A Shapiro Award for Community Service and being named Elk of the Year Last March. He was a former president of local and state civil service employees associations |
 | John H Galvin 1964-1966 Rededication Ceremony Jun 2015: On this Watertown City Hall rededication day, Mayor Jeff Graham officiated the reveal of each of the items inside of the time capsule, placed there 50 years ago in June of 1965. "At that time, Mayor John H Galvin inserted a time capsule into the cornerstone for future generations to look back at on that historic day," said Graham.Flanked by former mayors Tom Walker and Joseph Butler, Graham revealed what many have waited half a century to see. Hidden inside the cornerstone of Watertown City Hall was a box full of documents.There was a photograph of city hall when it was new, a newspaper from that day and lists of what employees were paid back then.The million-dollar construction of the then-ultra-modern city hall began in 1964, but was dedicated in 1965."It kind of gives you a sense of your place in the world, and your place in that timeline of life and of the community. It's a little bit sobering, but it's just great to be part of it," said Graham. |
 | Ted Rand 1966-1975 Students from Jefferson Community College and the Watertown School of Commerce staged a march on City Hall Friday, Mar. 21, in support of a national movement to lower the voting age to eighteen. The march, led by Jefferson Community College student council president D. Thomas Sharrow and School of Commerce student council president David Berardi, presented Watertown Mayor Theodore Rand and State Assemblyman Donald L. Taylor with a petition, signed by 585 students, in favor of lowering the state voting age to eighteen. Mayor Rand signed a proclamation on March 20 declaring Friday, March 21, as Vote 18 Day for the city of Watertown. The petition, signed on Friday by Mayor Rand and Assemblyman Taylor, is to be sent to Albany with Mr. Taylor. There is a bill before the legislature, proposed by Governor Rockefeller, to lower the state voting age to eighteen. Assemblyman Taylor told the students that he was quite certain that the bill would be passed. The national program under the title of L. U. V., Let Us Vote, is drawing about a thousand new students daily, according to a statement by the national chairman of the movement, Dennis Warren. It was mentioned, in a document issued by the L.U.V. headquarters, that the average age of those who fight and die in war is under twenty-one. The right to decide whether or not there is to be a war is, with the exception of four states, denied to those under twenty-one. Our president, Richard M. Nixon said, "We must give the young people a piece of the action PROCLAMATION BY MAYOR RAND Whereas, the students of Jefferson Community College have initiated a local campaign supporting lowering the New York State voting age to 18, and, Whereas, election laws are a state function under the broad guidelines of the United States Constitution, and, Whereas, the states of Alaska, Georgia, Hawaii, and Kentucky have already lowered the voting age below 21, and, Whereas, students at Jefferson Community College and the Watertown School of Commerce and other local organizations in additionto the National Education Association and other leading political, fraternal, civic, and professional groups are also supporting the national L.U.V. (Let Us Vote) campaign, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Theodore Rand, Mayor, City of Watertown, do hereby proclaim that, in support of this campaign, Friday, March 21, 1969, be declared "L.U.V. 18 Day" in Watertown. CITY OF WATERTOWN Theodore Rand, Mayor Dated this 20th day of March, 1969. |
 | Karl R Burns 1976-1983 2001: Karl R. Burns, 72, of 451 Paddock St., mayor of Watertown in the 1970s and early 1980s, died Monday afternoon at his home, where he was under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.Mr. Burns also had been president of Herrick's Pharmacy.He began his nearly 18 years of city government service when he was elected to the first of three terms on the City Council in November 1965.He was elected mayor in November 1975 and served in that capacity until July 1983. Buried in Glenwood Cemetery. Watertown Daily Times He also served as chairman of the Watertown Trust and secured funding for middle income and senior citizen housing projects, and brought the Watertown Pirates Baseball team to the area to help improve the Fairgrounds to create involvement. Councilwoman Roxanne Burns married to Mayor Burns' son |
| T Urling Walker 1984-1991 T. Urling Walker was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1925, and in 1943 became an aircraft mechanic for the U.S Army Air Corps. He served in the Asian Pacific Theater of World War II.Upon returning from the war he attended Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania and then transferred to Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland, Ohio and got his bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering in 1951. After graduation, Mr. Walker was hired by the New York Air Brake Company in Watertown and worked there for ten year, then was at JCC as an associate professor of engineering in 1961 for seven years. He held a number of leadership positions in local civic organizations and was elected as mayor of Watertown from 1983 to 1991. He also served as interim city manager from September 1994 to December 1995. Walker also was chairman of CREG Systems and trustee of JCC and the JCC Foundation, as well as on the boards of New York Casualty Insurance, WNPE/WNPI Public Television and Neighbors of Watertown (NOW), and served a number of other organizations. The Walkers both received the Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award, given annually to an outstanding citizen of Watertown; Mr. Walker in 1974 and Mrs. Walker (Mabel Brooks Walker) in 1988. They also received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the State University College at Potsdam in Potsdam, New York as well as other community recognitions. |
 | Joseph M Butler, Sr. 2000-2003 Joseph M. Butler served as Mayor from 2000 to 2003. Among his accomplishments during his term were improved trash removal services that included leasable tote bins, implementation of a property maintenance code, the start of a sidewalk replacement program and obtaining $1.1 million in federal and state grants.to begin a renovation of Public Square. Born in Watertown March 3, 1937, he graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1954 and received degrees from St. John Fisher College in 1958 and Purdue University in 1965. Before serving as mayor, Mr. Butler spent eight years on the Jefferson County Legislature, previously the Board of Supervisors. He is a retired chemistry professor who taught at Jefferson Community College from 1965 to 1992. He also was employed by Slack Chemical. He and his wife Nancy had two sons, Joseph Jr. and Robert. |
| Jeff Graham 1992-1999; 2004-2015 Jeffrey E. Graham was the City of Watertown’s longest serving mayor with terms from 1992-99 and 2004-2015. Among his accomplishments in office were playing a key role in retaining the New York Air Brake in the City, promoting the economic revitalization and holding the line on tax increases. He was instrumental in the City’s efforts to complete a more than $7 million reconstruction of Public Square which kicked off about $100 million in investment in downtown. He worked with the state officials and developers in the restoration of the Woolworth Building and the demolition of the former Mercy Hospital. During his tenure, he also worked to transfer oversight of the Watertown International Airport to Jefferson County, oversaw a $300,000 restoration of Flower Memorial Library and formed a consensus to get a $10.8 million overhaul of the Watertown Municipal Arena underway. Mr. Graham served as president of the Watertown Local Development Corporation and as vice-chairman of the Watertown Citizens Advisory Board. Born May 12, 1955 in Palo Alto, California he moved to Watertown with his family in 1968. He graduated from Watertown High School and Jefferson Community College before graduating from the University of Missouri, School of Journalism in 1976. He worked in local radio and television news after college and also served for a time as the media relations for the Army at nearby Fort Drum. Mr. Graham became active in politics when he was elected Mayor in 1991. He later served as a delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention and still later became a founding member of the New York State Independence Party, even serving as the party’s U.S. Senate candidate in the race in 2000 against Hillary Clinton. He has also kept a hand in local media as host of the daily talk show, HOTLINE, heard on Station WATN and is the owner of Pearl Street Pub, a tavern, located in Watertown. |
 | Joseph M Butler, Jr. 2016-2019 Serving from 2016 to 2019, Joseph M. Butler Jr. was a second-generation Mayor, following in his father’s footsteps. During his term, he was instrumental in obtaining funds from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) for Watertown. The DRI allowed the City of Watertown to strengthen its position as the primary hub of commerce and culture for Jefferson and neighboring counties, drawing residents from surrounding areas to its downtown assets and attracting visitor spending from seasonal residents and tourists. Born August 18, 1967, he graduated in 1985 from Immaculate Heart Central, received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Lawrence University in 1989 and an MBA from LeMoyne College in 1999. Employed by Community Investment Services as a financial consultant beginning in 1997, he is licensed to sell securities and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary. He served two terms on the City Council from 2007 until 2015 when he was elected Mayor. He was a member of the Watertown Empire Zone from 2009 to present, serving as Chairman of that board and was President of the Watertown Local Development Corporation. He served as treasurer of the Sacred Heart Foundation from 2006 to 2015 and was a former adjunct professor at Jefferson Community College. In January 2020, he was sworn in as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, a volunteer position which advises and supports the Army secretary on issues affecting the North Country. He and his wife, Sandy, have two daughters, Allyson and Margaret (Maggie). |
 | Jeffrey M. Smith 2020 - Jeffrey M. Smith was elected Mayor in November 2019. Before serving as Mayor, he served three terms on City Council from 2000-2003 and 2006-2011. He also was elected at the age of 23 to the former Jefferson County Board of Supervisors and served from 1994-1995. Born in Watertown November 8, 1969, he is a 1987 graduate of Immaculate Heart Central School. He received an Associate’s Degree in criminal justice from Jefferson Community College and also studied math and science there. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in political science from Albany State University in 1992. In 2004, he completed the physician’s assistant certification program at LeMoyne College. He works as a physician’s assistant and paramedic. Along with his wife, the former Milagros Cleofe Choroco (Milly), he owns and operates QuikMed Urgent Care in Watertown. He and his wife have two sons, Carlos and Estevan, two daughters, Iliana and Niecia, and one grandson, Renzo. Mayor Smith is a strong proponent of alternative and renewable energy, installing solar panels on his house and an "urban" wind turbine on the roof of the urgent care business. |
