by Patricia R. James, author |
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Roswell P. Flower was born August 7, 1835 at Theresa, Jefferson County, New York. He was the fourth son of Nathan Monroe and Mary Ann (BOYLE) FLOWER. He is descended from Lamrock FLOWER, an Englishman who emigrated to the New World in 1696 and settled in New Hartford, CT. His father, Nathan, died in 1843, leaving a wife and 9 children, seven sons and two daughters. In his youth, Roswell worked in the store of his sister, Caroline's, husband, Silas L. GEORGE. At age 16, he graduated from high school. After an assortment of odd jobs, decided to be a schoolteacher. There is an interesting story (albeit too long to even summarize here) about how Roswell was able to assert his authority in the classroom by using his superior strength. (See his bio in "Our County and Its People" by Emerson, pub. 1898). Names mentioned in this anecdote include Edward COOPER, James CASEY, William WAUFELL, and Solon COMSTOCK. His teaching career lasted for two years after which time, he exchanged it for a positions in Philadelphia, NY at the general merchandise store of a Mr. WOODWARD, and later, in Watertown at the hardware store of HOWELL, COOPER & Company Those two jobs were both acquired and left in 1853. Before that year was out, he again changed employment. This time, he remained in the position of Deputy Postmaster for 5 years under Postmaster, W. H. SIGOURNEY. Given a salary of $50 a month plus board, over time he saved $1000. With that money, he bought an interest in a jewelry business. Before long before, he bought his partner (a man by the name of HITCHCOCK) out. He continued as sole proprietor until 1869. During this time, Roswell was successful in business and in love. He married Sarah M. WOODRUFF on December 26, 1859. To them were born three children, only one of whom survived him, Emma Gertrude, wife of John B. TAYLOR, of Watertown. Sometimes to succeed, it's a case of not only what you know but also WHO you know. In Roswell's case, his wife's sister, Anna WOODRUFF, was married to a very wealthy man, Henry KEEP, of New York City. KEEP made his fortune in the railroad and real estate business (out in the West). He recognized Roswell's acuity and towards the end of his life, he handpicked Roswell to help his wife manage his estate after his death. \When that occurred, Roswell moved in 1869 to NYC to manage the million-dollar estate. Under his guidance, the estate's value quadrupled, also making Flower a very wealthy man. Roswell's younger brother, Anson Ranney FLOWER, joined him in a firm that managed properties and other business enterprises. The intent was so that Roswell could 'get away once in awhile.' (He'd had a major illness for five months in 1872 which nearly took his life.) But he couldn't do it: he had to stay active and so the business grew to include another brother's help, John D. FLOWER, and a nephew, Frederick S. FLOWER. It was not until 1890 that Roswell finally did retire from active participation. How often does it seem that money and politics just seem to go hand-in-hand? Interestingly enough, when asked to run for a congressional office in 1881, Roswell's campaign promise was that he would not purchase a vote to secure his election and thereby, won the contest handily. It is said that 'as a legislator, he was a success, primarily because he made it his business to master the details of the subject in hand." (Emerson). By his own admission, he is quoted as saying, "When I was elected to Congress, although I was pretty thoroughly conversant with practical banking methods, I knew nothing of the theories of finance, but... with the aid of books from the Congressional library, I soon pretty thoroughly mastered the subject. I found it much the most interesting that I had ever studied. It is better reading than the best novel that ever was written." Emerson records that he "often created surprise in the committee rooms through the remarkable knowledge which he possessed of the different sections of the country." During the 51st Congress, he was a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and he fought to keep the World's Fair in New York. In politics, he was a Democrat. His talents as an organizer successfully furthered the goals of the party on a number of occasions. Such was his name and accomplishments that the Democratic State convention attempted to draft him into the office of Lt. Governor in 1885, but he refused. In 1891, the Democrats nominated him as their candidate for governor of the State of New York. He won by almost 50,000 votes over his opponent. His philanthropic deeds were considerable. To name only a few, he funded a hospital so that students learning homeopathy could learn anatomy and surgery. He helped build a church in NYC that had a youth club. He helped build and repair the Presbyterian church of his boyhood in Theresa. Death came suddenly in May 1899. He became ill and unconscious after a luncheon. At the hour of 10:30 PM, his wife and two nephews, Nathan N. FLOWER and Frederick S. FLOWER, witnessed his last breath. His remains were buried in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown. |
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