Orrin R. Earl

Earl, Orrin R., was born in Jefferson county November 2, 1813, a grandson of Stephen, born in Rhode Island who died in Saratoga county aged seventy-eight; a son of Pardner, born in Rhode Island, who died in Jefferson county aged sixty-two. The latter married Nancy Sherman, who died aged fifty, and their children were Andrew C., Ruth, Orrin R., Albert, Nancy, Jenette, Ann V., all deceased except our subject. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was a prominent farmer, and served as supervisor, etc. Orrin R. was educated at Belleville, Jefferson county. and in 1846 began life as a farmer. He served for seventeen years on the Board of Supervisors, was elected to the State Legislature in 1847, and was president of the village four years. In 1848 he engaged in the mercantile trade at Sandy Creek, the firm name being Earl & Salisbury, which continued five years- He also conducted the Salisbury Hotel one year, and for about eight years kept a tan yard. In 1870 he opened a bank in Sandy Creek, in connection with P. M. Newton, which partnership existed ten years, when Mr. Newton retired. Mr. Earl still conducts the bank, which was the first ever operated in Sandy Creek. In 1884 Mr. Earl became interested in the Sandy Creek Wood Mfg. Co. Limited, of which he is president and one of the largest stockholders. In 1889 a well was sunk for natural gas, Mr. Earl being one of the prime movers in this, and he was president of the Sandy Creek Oil & Gas Co. for three years, being now one of the directors and chief stockholder. In addition to his other pursuits he has conducted a general farming and dairy business. In 1844he married Jenette Salisbury of Sandy Creek, who died March 8, 1886. She was a daughter of Nathan Salisbury, and her grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1813, In 1862 Mr. Earl was sent to look after the soldiers of this place, who were in the front, and was inside the lines at the battle of Antietam, witnessing the entire fight. He also gave to the wounded men of his acquaintance $o00 in money, besides rendering them other assistance, Mr. Earl at the age of eighty-two is still actively engaged in the banking business.



1895 Landmarks of Oswego County