WILLIAM H. CLOHER, JR.
William H. Cloher, jr., eldest son of William H. Cloher, sr., and Mary Conlin, his wife, was born in the town of Kirkland, Oneida county, October 24, 1852, and has been all his life identified with cotton manufacturing. His father, who was born in Pittsfield, Mass., in 1827, came to Kirkland in September, 1852, and now resides in Utica. He was well educated, became a noted penman, and won many prizes in the Spencerian system, even to wresting on one occasion the championship of the State of New York from Paul D. May.
William H. Cloher, jr., as a mere lad, not only supported himself, but became one of the chief supports of the family, which consisted in all of four sons and a daughter. He was schooled in the practical. operations of weaving, etc., and the experience thus gained made him both self-reliant and progressive. When only eight years of age he took a position in the New York Mills. Later he went to work in the Utica Steam Cotton Mills, where, on account of his small stature, a platform was built to enable him to reach the machine. Here he earned $1 per day, his wages being regularly paid over by him to his mother for the support and education of the younger children.
In 1862 his father enlisted in the army and remained about three years, and during this period young Cloher administered to the family's needs and also finished his own studies in the public schools of Utica, graduating from the advanced department. His ambition was precocious, yet his energy and good judgment, combined with a determination to master every detail, led him while a lad into useful and promising fields of activity. With unusual foresight he saw great possibilities in the cotton industry, in which he had already obtained a limited experience. Leaving school when less than fourteen years of age he entered the employ of the Utica Cotton Company at New Hartford, or Capron, as the locality is known; and received at first 37 1/2 cents per day. His object was to begin at the bottom and work up, mastering every detail of the various grades of manufacture and acquiring that practical knowledge which was deemed essential to success. He soon rose to the position of overseer of the carding room and thence through the several departments of cotton manufacturing to assistant bookkeeper and in charge of the store, which at that time was an important auxiliary to every large factory. These latter positions he accepted with the view of thoroughly fitting himself for the post of superintendent and manager. Later he became chief bookkeeper of the entire establishment and in 1876 was appointed assistant superintendent. In 1882 he was made agent and manager, which position he still holds. In the same year he tore down the old mill and erected the present substantial brick structure, filling it with the most approved machinery for the manufacture of various kinds of cotton fabrics. The concern employs about 250 operatives.
When Mr. Cloher accepted the agency and management of the Utica Cotton Company in 1882 he was reported by the Cotton and Wool Manufacturers of Boston to be the youngest man who ever took charge of a cotton mill of that magnitude in the country. That he has worthily discharged the important trust and great responsibilities is evident from the fact that the value of the property has increased fourfold, while the quality and quantity of the product has been proportionately augmented. Tho company consists of William P. Taber, president, and Henry M. Taber, treasurer, both of New York city, and Mr. Cloher, and as illustrating the confidence reposed in the subject of this sketch it may be stated that these officials seldom visit the establishment and never take an active part in the business affairs. In 1891 Mr. Cloher became a heavy stockholder and director in the company. As manager of the establishment he has won a wide and enviable reputation, and the record he has made is one of which any man might well be proud. He has passed by successive promotions through every branch of the manufacture, mastering in each position every detail, and learning by practical experience the needs and requirements of the entire business. While filling the position of chief bookkeeper he spent his leisure in learning telegraphy and shorthand and became quite an expert in these branches. This illustrates his studious turn of mind and shows how carefully and profitably he has utilized his advantages.
Mr. Cloher is also interested in various other enterprises. He was instrumental in securing a postoffice at Capron under President Harrison's administration and was appointed the first postmaster, which office he still holds. He also secured a station there on the New York, Ontario and Western Railroad and is the agent. He was one of the founders and incorporators in January, 1893, of the Capron Knitting Company, of which he is the treasurer, his brother Charles E. being president and superintendent. This establishment manufactures men's underwear and employs about fifty hands. The firm of Henry M. Taber & Co., of New York does an extensive business through the Utica Cotton Company in storing cotton at Capron for supplying mills in this vicinity and throughout the State, and all this passes through Mr. Cloher's hands as agent. Mr. Cloher was also one of the founders and is vice-president of the New Hartford Canning Company, organized in 1883, whose goods have a wide reputation. He is vice president of the Electric Manufacturing and Supply Company of Utica and was one of its originators. He is an extensive owner of real estate, is interested quite heavily in various other enterprises, and is one of the foremost business men of Utica and New Hartford. Public spirited and progressive, endowed with wonderful energy, possessing sound judgment and keen foresight, he takes an active part in furthering and encouraging all worthy projects and liberally sustains those institutions which elevate and educate the masses. He is a thinker, not an imitator. His efforts are directed into channels which promise the greatest amount of general good.
Mr. Cloher is a 33° Mason, and has always manifested a deep interest in the fraternity. He is a member of Oriental Lodge, No. 224, F. & A. M:, and of Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., and of the latter has been for several years a trustee. He is a member of Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T., and served as its commander in 1890 and 18191. He was the youngest man ever elected commander of this body. In the location of the Masonic Home in Utica he bore an active part and contributed liberally for the purpose. He is a member of the Fort Schuyler, Masonic, and Arcanum Clubs of Utica.
In politics Mr. Cloher is an active Republican of the stalwart type, and in the days of Conkling was an ardent admirer of that eminent statesman. He is one of the town auditors of the city of Utica and for four years served as a member of the equalization committee of the county. He now holds the appointment under Gov. Levi P. Morton as one of the Board of Managers of the State Custodial Asylum at Rome. He has often been a delegate to local and State political conventions and alternate to the Republican National Convention, and for some time served as county committeeman. His interest in politics is akin to that manifested in all his business and other relations. He is enthusiastic, progressive, and a man of unswerving integrity, and at all times a loyal and enterprising citizen.
Mr. Cloher was married, first, on October 18, 1876, to Miss Caroline E., daughter of Harvey Strong, of Laurens, Otsego county. She died April 13, 1888, leaving one son, William Strong Cloher, born April 10, 1888. He married, second, September 1, 1892, Miss Alice De Etta, daughter of John M. Graham, of Utica, and they have two children: Lois De Etta and an infant son.
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