The James House

The James House, now demolished was an excellent example of the Italianate style of architecture that was popular during the mid-19th century. It boasted extensive gardens and a lantern that was given to Col. James when he visited China. The James family resided in this home for over 80 years. The James House had a number of famous visitors during its history including Sec. of State James G. Blaine, Generals Grant and Sheridan, and Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune.

A number of prominent citizens in Ogdensburg have resided in this home. Born in Stephentown, NY in 1812 Congressman Amaziah Bailey James was trained as a printer. He arrived in Ogdensburg in 1831 starting the Northern Light newspaper. In 1838 he was admitted to the bar after studying the law with the Hon. James G. Hopkins. During the Patriot War, James took part in the capture of the Pirate Bill Johnson. Known as an ardent anti-slavery man, he was elected a justice of the New York State supreme court in 1853, resigning after being elected to Congress in 1876. Congressman James died after suffering a stroke in 1883.

Amaziah James married Lucia Ripley in 1836. She was born in Connecticut in 1819. Their eldest son, Henry Ripley James was the founder of the Ogdensburg Journal. Their younger son, Colonel Edward James was born in 1841. During the Civil War, he joined the 50th New York Engineer Volunteers, later becoming a major in the 60th New York Infantry. Edward James was promoted to colonel of the 106th Regiment NY Volunteers but had to leave the army in 1863 due to physical disability. He married Sarah Welles Perkins in 1864, residing in this home with his parents. Col. James became a lawyer and practiced in Ogdensburg until 1881 when he moved to New York City. He was a well-respected trial lawyer until his death in 1901.

Col. James and wife, Sarah had 2 children. Daughter Sarah, born in 1869, better known as Sally James Farnham, became a world-famous sculptor. Daughter Lucia, born in 1866, married Dr. Grant C. Madill. Lucia and her husband resided in the James house until their deaths in 1941 and 1943, respectively. Lucia Madill was one of the organizers of Swe-Kat-si Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was very active in St. John’s Episcopal Church and civic activities. She organized the Ladies Auxiliary to support the Ogdensburg City Hospital and the Red Cross. Dr. Madill had a long career at A. Barton Hepburn Hospital as chief of surgery.

After Dr. Madill’s death, his children hired McConville Bros. to demolish the house because they could not bear another family living in their home. After the house was torn down Sally Madill Gray wrote, “Now one by one, one by one, the lovers of this place have gone. The story’s done. Ended. “