John Clarke Streeter - 1878

John Clarke Streeter was born in the City of Watertown on November 22, 1829 son of Nelson and Amelia A. Parsons Streeter. He attended City schools 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 businessmen. 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 Company 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 1887, Mr. Streeter retired from business but continued his interest in the welfare and prosperity of the community. 

In 1877, he was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Jefferson County. He was elected Mayor of Watertown in November 1877 and served one term. In discharging the duties of both these offices the best interests of the town and City were always of prime importance. In 1885, he was appointed to the position of Watertown Postmaster by President Grover Cleveland, a position which he filled until 1889. 

Mr. Streeter was a Mason and a member of the Union Club since its inception. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown. 

In 1859, he married Mary White and the couple had one son, Frederick W. Streeter. Mary Streeter died in 1870. He married Ella Andrus Phelps in December of 1890.

Mr. Streeter died January 29, 1912 in the City of Watertown at the age of 82. He is buried at Brookside Cemetery.