Horatio Nelson White

Horatio Nelson White (February 8, 1814 – July 29, 1892) was an American architect based out of Syracuse, New York, and became one of New York State's most prominent architects from about 1865 to 1880. White designed many homes, armories, churches, and public buildings throughout Syracuse in Central New York, including the Hall of Languages at Syracuse University, the Oswego County Court House, Syracuse High School, the Weiting Block in Syracuse, Oswego's City Hall, and more.

Early life White was born in Middleton, New Hampshire, on February 8, 1814, and was named after Horatio Nelson, the famous British admiral and hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. Before moving to Syracuse in 1843, White worked as a carpenter and a builder in Andover, Massachusetts. Upon arrival in Syracuse, White immediately made a name for himself, earning high praises as the building contractor for the Church of the Messiah. Following business reversals, White moved briefly to Brooklyn, New York, in 1847. In 1849, he set sail for San Francisco and worked in California during the 1849–1851 building boom and gold rush.

In 1867, White designed the original Onondaga Savings Bank (now the Gridley Building).

While White designed many houses, his papers have been lost, therefore, the identity and attribution of most of them has been obscured. Accordingly, he is remembered mostly for his more monumental work. White's reputation remains to this day as one of the most distinguished architects to have been associated with Syracuse. White died in his home in 1892. His obituary referred to him as simply "the Venerable Architect".

Notable buildings

Extant buildings which he designed and which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places include: Syracuse Hall of Languages, Syracuse University Grace Episcopal Church Gridley Building Oswego County Courthouse Chemung County Courthouse Complex, and the Park Church, both in Elmira, NY Jefferson County Courthouse Complex Oswego City Hall Webster Wagner House