Biographical Sketches of Monroe County, New York Residents

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Chauncey ALLEN

pages 756 & 759

The death of Chauncey ALLEN, which occurred in Clarkson township, Monroe county, May 28, 1906, was the occasion of deep regret to his many friends as well as to the members of his own household. In his lifetime the people ever regarded him as a man honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, and true to every trust reposed in him, standing as a high type of American manhood.

He was a native of Monroe county, born on the 26th of May, 1818, a son of Captain Isaac ALLEN, who was born in Enfield, Connecticut, April 26, 1794, and who in 1816 came to Monroe county, where he carried on the hatter's trade. The family are of Welsh descent, tracing their ancestry back to John ALLEN, who was buried in Enfield in 1640. Captain Isaac ALLEN was the second of three brothers, the others being John, who died in Michigan and Chauncey. Upon his arrival in Monroe county, Isaac ALLEN purchased an acre of land in the village of Clarkson and there carried on business as a hatter. In 1817 he returned to his old home in Connecticut, and on the 10th of September of that year was united in marriage to Miss Mary TERRY, of Enfield, after which he returned with his bride to his new home in Clarkson. In March, 1819, he purchased a tract of land near Hamlin Center, to which he removed and there made his home for four years. He then disposed of that property and purchased a second tract on the Ridge road west of Clarkson, this property now being owned by his grandson, Claud ALLEN. The wife and mother passed away in 1876, being survived by her husband for almost a decade, when he, too, passed away in 1885, in his ninety-first year.

Chauncey ALLEN was reared on the old home farm, assisting his father in the various tasks which fall to the lot of the farm lad, and in the district schools near his father's home he pursued his studies during the winter months. When starting out upon an independent business venture he chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. In 1843 he purchased a tract of land, comprising one hundred and twenty-three acres in Clarkson township, this property being now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Celia STEELE. It was void of improvements when it came into possession of Mr. ALLEN, but he at once undertook the task of improving and cultivating the land and in due course of time brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. He likewise erected a residence of cobble stone, the lumber used for the interior being cut from his land and hauled to Rochester, where it was sawed and finished. This is one of the substantial as well as attractive homes of this part of the state. Mr. ALLEN also set out a six-acre orchard, which is still in bearing. He was practical and progressive in his methods of farm labor and eventually became one of the prosperous and highly esteemed citizens of Clarkson township.

Mr. ALLEN was married to Miss Susan HOLMES, who was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, 1824, a daughter of Gideon HOLMES. Her death occurred March 24, 1880, and she was survived by her husband and two daughters, Celia and Frances ALLEN. The elder daughter, Celia, was born on the farm which is her present home, and her early education was acquired in the schools of Clarkson, while her more advanced studies were pursued in Brockport Normal. In October, 1878, she gave her hand in marriage to William H. STEELE, who was born in Livingston county, New York, June 6, 1840, a son of Theron and Ruth M. (CLARK) STEELE, the latter a native of Connecticut. They were farming people of Livingston county and their family numbered four children: William H.; Daniel, who was born in July, 1843; Lucy, who was born in 1846; and John W., whose birth occurred in December, 1848. William H. STEELE acquired his education in Lyman and Rochester, where he attended Peck's private school. He and his wife now occupy the old ALLEN home in Clarkson township. The younger daughter, Frances ALLEN, was born in August, 1860, and her death occurred June 13, 1905. She wedded Edward VICKERS and they made their home in Clarkson, where he was engaged in business as a wagon-maker. Of this marriage there were two sons, Chauncey H. and Terry W.

Mr. ALLEN gave his political support to the men and measures of democracy and served as deacon and elder. He was justly numbered among the prominent and representative citizens of Monroe county, for he belonged to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for individual benefit, but also advances the general good and promotes public prosperity. He spent his entire life in this county, covering a period of eighty-five years, and was therefore familiar with the pioneer development of this section, for he was closely identified with the progress which was made along various lines, and therefore no history of Monroe county would be complete without mention of his life.

Dwight H. ALLEN

pages 839-840

Dwight H. ALLEN, who has a good clientage as a real-estate dealer in Rochester, was born in the town of Bergen, Genesee county, New York, January 26, 1873. His parents, Edwin and Emma (PITCHER) ALLEN, were also natives of this state and spent the greater part of their lives in Genesee and Orleans counties. The paternal grandfather, Albe C. ALLEN, a native of Vermont, came to the state of New York at an early period in its development and settled at Honeoye Falls, where he engaged in the drug business. He continued a resident of that place until his death, which occurred when he was ninety-four years of age, while his wife, Mrs. Harriet (HUGHES) ALLEN, died when over sixty years of age. The maternal grandfather, Joseph PITCHER, was born in Connecticut and for some time lived in Parma, where he followed the occupation of farming. He died when about seventy years of age and his wife, Mrs. Louisa Ashley PITCHER, when seventy-eight years of age. Their family numbered four children, including the daughter Emma, who became the wife of Rev. Edwin ALLEN, who was a minister of the Presbyterian denomination, began preaching in the Tombs in New York city and afterward went west to Michigan, laboring in that state in a ministerial capacity for five or six years. He then returned to New York and was connected with the pastorate of various churches in Orleans and Genesee counties. His efforts were of no restricted order but proved a strong and potent influence for moral development in the various communities where he lived. He died in 1894, at the age of sixty-one years and his memory yet remains as a blessed benediction to those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives and the members of their family were Elmer W., Edwin P., Herbert E. and Dwight H. The eldest son is traveling salesman for a shoe house and resides at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Edwin P. ALLEN died January 9, 1907. He was an attorney at law and also engaged in the real-estate business in partnership with his brother Dwight H., under the firm name of ALLEN BROTHERS. He was recognized as a prominent young man in the profession of the law and was, moreover, very prominent and popular in college circles, being a crewman of the eight-oar crew of Cornell University, which holds the world's championship. Herbert E., is engaged in the wool business in Oswego, New York.

Dwight H. ALLEN was a resident of Genesee county, New York, to the age of eleven years and spent the succeeding five years in Orleans county, followed by three years passed in Erie county. His education was acquired in the public schools of these different localities and following his arrival in Rochester he attended the Rochester Business University. His education completed, he went to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the shoe business for a year. Upon his return to Rochester he began dealing in real estate and was in partnership with his brother, Edwin P. ALLEN, until the latter's death. Since that time Dwight H. ALLEN has been alone. He has made it a point to thoroughly acquaint himself with property values and his close application and unremitting industry constitute the basis of his success.

On the 22d of April, 1894, Mr. ALLEN was married to Miss Lillian FIDINGER, a daughter of John C. and Louise (MOKE) FIDINGER. Mrs. ALLEN belongs to the North Presbyterian church. Mr. ALLEN gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Rochester Automobile Club. His strong traits of character are such as command confidence and good will in every land and clime and therefore in his adopted city he has gained many friends among those with whom he has been brought in contact.

Frederick P. ALLEN

pages 808-809

Frederick P. ALLEN, whose name is on the list of Rochester's honored dead, was for a long period closely associated with the moneyed interests of the city, being identified with the GERMAN AMERICAN BANK at the time of his death. He was born in Rochester on the 26th day of February, 1853, and was a son of Samuel P. ALLEN, of this city. He acquired his education in Rochester and was graduated from the school conducted by Mr. SATERLEE. When he had put aside his text-books he turned his attention to the banking business, accepting a position as teller in the TRADERS NATIONAL BANK, where he remained for a number of years, thoroughly acquainting himself with the business. On leaving the TRADERS NATIONAL BANK he became associated with the GERMAN AMERICAN BANK, as cashier, with which he was connected up to the time of his demise. He became well known in financial circles as one thoroughly familiar with the banking business in every department and in Rochester his opinion was largely considered authority upon questions of interest to the banking world.

Mr. ALLEN was married in 1874 to Miss Caroline CLARKE and unto them were born two daughters and one son: Henrietta; Mary Ellen, and Freeman CLARKE ALLEN, who is manager of the CONCRETE BLOCK WORKS and is also treasurer of the HOLLISTER LUMBER COMPANY and a member of the firm of BECKLEY, ALLEN REALTY COMPANY. He has thus become a prominent factor in the business life of the city and is also well known socially, being a member of the Genesee Valley Club and the Friars Club.

Frederick ALLEN was likewise a member of the Genesee Valley Club and he belonged to St. Peter's Presbyterian church. In politics he was a stalwart republican, with firm faith in the principles of the party, which he believed to be most conducive to good government. He died May 2, 1905, at the age of fifty-two years, having spent his entire life in Rochester, where his record was as open as a book. There was not one esoteric phase in his career and his strongly marked character enabled him to leave the impress of his individuality upon public life.

George W. ALLEN

pages 586-587

George W. ALLEN, now deceased, is remembered by many of the older residents of Rochester, for he was one of its pioneers. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and as a boy went to Cooperstown, where he remained until the year 1846, when he took up his abode in Rochester. He remained here for a number of years and during that time became well known, for he was a man of sterling qualities, which gained for him warm and lasting friendships. He is perhaps better known in Monroe county as proprietor of the SEA BREEZE HOTEL, at Sea Breeze, New York. Locating there at an early day he was instrumental in much of the upbuilding and development of that place. He built the SEA BREEZE HOTEL, which he conducted until 1883, the year of his death, and during the thirty-three years of his connection therewith he became widely known both locally and among the traveling public. He was a genial proprietor, neglectful of nothing that would add to the comfort of his guests and his hotel ranked favorably with those of many a larger place. He supported republican principles and fraternally was a Mason.

Mr. ALLEN was married to Miss Letsie BENNETT, who was born at Cooperstown, and the only child of this marriage is Mrs. Elizabeth BREWER, the widow of George E. BREWER, and a resident of Rochester.

Mr. BREWER was a native of Brighton, New York, and was a representative of an old family of that place. He supported the mean and measures of the democratic party and his fraternal relations were with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, His death occurred in 1900, in Rochester, where he was widely and favorably known, for his strong and salient characteristics were such as endeared him to all who came within the close circle of friendship, while wherever he was known he was respected and honored. His widow is a resident of Rochester and made her home with her mother, until the latter's death. She has one son, Allen M., who is now a student in the East high school and they occupy a beautiful home at No. 25 Rowley street. Mrs. BREWER is a gentle, kindly woman, who has gained many warm personal friends during her long residence in this city.

Professor John G. ALLEN

page 686

It is a pleasure to know Professor John G. ALLEN, a gentleman who has almost reached his seventieth year but who is still alert and interested in the progress going on around him.  As he looks back to his own boyhood and compares the thought and life of that day with what he sees today, marvelous, almost miraculous the change must seem.  Professor ALLEN was the second son of Levi W. and Harriet (GAUL) ALLEN and was born in Palmyra, New York, May 5, 1838.  His father, who was a descendant of Ethan ALLEN, of Vermont, was born April 7 1810, and passed away in Rochester, New York, December 8, 1845.  His mother, Harriet (GAUL) ALLEN was a descendant of Jacob GAUL, a captain in a New York regiment in the Revolutionary war.  She was born in Hudson, New York, March 8, 1815, and died in Rochester, September 25, 1854.  This worthy couple, with their five children, came to Rochester in 1839.

The subject of this sketch secured employment on a farm in Parma, New York, and attended the Parma Institute where he prepared for college.  He was about to enter the University of Rochester when the war broke out.  Filled with the spirit of patriotism, which was rife in those days, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment of the New York Volunteers, in May, 1861, together with his two brothers, Alonzo W. and Edward L.  He was most faithful in the service of his country and was honorably discharged in May, 1863, because of the expiration of his term of service.  He has continued his membership in the local organization known as the Old Thirteenth.  He served as clerk in the provost marshal general's office in Washington, D.C., from May, 1863, to June, 1865.  For many years he has been a member of General H. THOMAS post, No. 4, G. A. R., of the state of New York.  He was appointed patriotic instructor for the county of Monroe by the Grand Army of the Republic of the state during the year 1907.

When his term of service in the war was over he again took up his education, studying in the Oswego Normal and Training School for teachers, where he completed the classical and the advanced English courses and was graduated in June, 1871.  The same year he was appointed principal of No. 14 Grammar School, a position he held continuously for fifteen years.  At the end of that period he became the principal of the Rochester Free Academy and continued in that position for fourteen years, when he was appointed principal of No. 17 Grammar School.  The teacher who can successfully hold such positions as the above for the long period of fourteen and fifteen years needs no other recommendation or proof of his efficiency.  The respect and love which Professor ALLEN'S many pupils have for him and the precepts of his teaching which they have carried into their various careers is reward enough for his long and faithful devotion to his principles.

The subject of this sketch has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church at North State and Asbury streets, since 1871.  He has been for some years a life member of Yonnondio Lodge, F.& A.M., Hamilton Chapter, R. A. M.; Monroe Commandery, K. T.; the four coordinate bodies of the Consistory; Damascus Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and was created a sovereign grand lodge inspector-general, thirty-third and last degree A. A., Scottish Rite, N. M. J. U. S. of A.  He has been a member of the board of trustees of the Rochester Orphan Asylum since 1899, and has been a member of the Chatauqua Summer School since 1874, receiving much inspiration and help along the lines of his life vocation.

Professor ALLEN was united in marriage, December 8, 1863, to Margaret A. WHITLEY, a native of Rochester and a daughter of John T. WHITLEY.  No children have been born to this union, but three children have been adopted:  Emma Sarah, now the wife of John A. CHARLTON, of Rochester; Angeline V., who died December 2, 1901; and Therese, the wife of George A. SANBORN, of Buffalo, New York.

William Holt AVERELL

pages 1390-1391

William Holt AVERELL was for thirty years a resident of Rochester and public opinion accorded to him a place among the trustworthy and respected business men of the city. He was born in Morristown, New York, on the 1st of August, 1849, and was descended from an old colonial family that settled in Cooperstown, New York. His father, William John AVERELL, was a native of Ogdensburg, New York, where he became a banker and a gentleman farmer, owning large land interests in St. Lawrence county. His mother, Mary WILLIAMSON, was also a member of a prominent New York family. Her grandfather, Nathaniel WILLIAMSON, was graduated from Princeton College and was a leading lawyer of his day; and her father, after having graduated from Annapolis, became an officer in the navy. He died at Havana, where his remains were buried. When her father was in service at Havana Mary WILLIAMSON resided in New York city, living in lower Broadway. It was there that she married William John AVERELL, of Ogdensburg.

Their son, William Holt AVERELL, obtained his early education in the schools of Ogdensburg and later attended the Northampton Preparatory School prior to entering Yale University at New Haven, Connecticut. He graduated at that institute in 1872. Returning to Ogdensburg, he resided there until 1874, when he removed to Rochester and founded the FURNACEVILLE IRON COMPANY. He became partner in the firm of GEORGE C. BUELL & COMPANY, where he continued in business until his death October 14, 1904. This enterprise was developed along conservative yet progressive lines until it became a leading industry of the city.

In 1878 Mr. AVERELL was married to Mary BLOSSOM, daughter of George C. BUELL and Mary House BLOSSOM. They had three children : William Holt, Elizabeth Buell and Ruth.

Provided with most liberal educational advantages, Mr. AVERELL became a gentleman of broad culture and left the impress of his individuality upon the community in which he made his home. He was a man of strong force of character and his fidelity to any cause which he championed or any principle in which he believed was one of the commendable traits of his character.