Monroe County Biographical Sketches S

Monroe County, New York History

Rochester, New York in 1827

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Biographical Sketches of Monroe County Residents

The following biographical sketches were originally published in the History of Rochester and Monroe County New York From the Earliest Historic Times to the Beginning of 1907 by William F. PECK, The Pioneer Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1908.

See the indexes for a complete listing of all of the biographical sketches included in this two volume work.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

 

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Walter I. SCOTT

page 923

Walter I. SCOTT, one of the youngest members of the Rochester bar, who has. however, attained distinction that many an older practitioner might well envy, was born at Southampton, New Hampshire, September 29, 1878. He is a son of the Rev. Ernest L. and Belle F. (ROBBINS) SCOTT, natives of Massachusetts and of Maine respectively. The father was a Baptist minister, well known throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania. He served as clerk of the Baptist state convention of Vermont, where he made an excellent record for the accuracy of his work. He was also on the executive committee of the board of managers of the Vermont board of ministerial union and he held other offices in connection with church work in different states in which he filled pastorates, becoming recognized as one of the strong and able divines of his denomination. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Rev. Eleazor ROBBINS, was also a Baptist minister and on both sides the family are descended from Puritan ancestry, related to Governor ANDREW, the war governor of Massachusetts, and to Franklin PIERCE, at one time president of the United States. One of the ancestors of our subject in the ROBBINS line fought at the battle of Bunker Hill and in other engagements of the Revolutionary war: Walter I. SCOTT is a representative of the family in the fifth generation on this side the water.

Owing to his father's removals in the line of his ministerial duties, Walter I. SCOTT pursued his education in different towns and completed a high school course at Fairport, New York, where he was graduated in the class of 1897. He afterward went to Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he learned the trade of pattern making in connection with the manufacture of boots and shoes. He there spent nearly two years, after which he returned to Rochester and studied law. He was admitted to the bar in November, 1902, and has since been engaged in the active practice of his profession. Here he has displayed keen analytical power, combined with strength in argument, and the excellent work which he does in the preparation of his cases as well as in the courtroom has already gained him recognition as an able member of the Rochester bar. He has practiced to a considerable extent both in civil and criminal law and has the record of beginning and completing two murder cases in one month. Although only five years have elapsed, since his admission to the bar he. has been retained on several murder cases and is making an excellent record as a young lawyer of marked oratorical power.

On the 27th of July, 1904, Mr. SCOTT was united in marriage to Miss Dora E. COVEY, of Penfield, New York, and they have one child, Helen Eugenia. Mr. and Mrs. SCOTT hold membership in the Penfield Baptist church, take an active interest in its work and Mr. SCOTT is serving as one of the teachers in the Sunday school. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Woodmen camp and to the Independent Order of Foresters and is well known as a young man of genuine personal worth, of high ideals in his profession and of high principles in his daily life.

Andrew V. SMITH

pages 1337-1338

There has been perhaps no single business in­terest that has developed so rapidly and proved so directly beneficial in its far reaching influences as that of insurance. Among its representatives in Rochester is Andrew V. SMITH, who has devel­oped a large clientage. He is one of Monroe county's native sons, having been born in Clarkson, August 28, 1840. His father, Garrett SMITH, was also a native of Clarkson, while the grandfather, Aaron G. SMITH, was a native of New Jersey. The great grandfather, Garrett SMITH, was of Holland Dutch stock and was either born on this side of the water or was brought to Amer­ica when quite young. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a pension was granted him in recognition of his aid to the colonies as late as 1834, but he died a month later. His son, Aaron G. SMITH, was a veteran of the war of 1812 and in early life ,became a resident of Monroe county, New York, where he engaged in farming for a long period. He lived to the very venerable age of ninety-two years and his death then resulted from an accident.

His son, Garrett SMITH, father of our subject; was reared at Clarkson upon the home farm and when a young man engaged in general merchandis­ing in the village. He carried on commercial pursuits in connection with general agricultural interests, owning a farm near the town. His life covered but a comparatively brief period, for he passed away when his son Andrew was only about nine years of age. He had married Margaret VANDERBECK, and unto them were born two sons who are yet living, the younger being Henry Emerson, of the Rochester Marshmallow Com­pany, Rochester, New York.

Owing to his father's early death, Andrew V. SMITH had but limited educational privileges, attending the country schools until about twelve years of age, when he came to Rochester to live with an uncle, J. L. REQUA. Here he was sent to public school No. 6 and later had the advan­tage of a year's training in Fairfield Academy. When fifteen years of age, however, he entered upon business life as an apprentice to A. T. LEGGETT, harness maker at the corner of Stone and Main streets in Rochester. He served a, three years' term of indenture and during the first year received but thirty dollars, during the second year thirty-five and during the third year forty dollars. He made good use of his time, however, and became a skilled mechanic. He was thus well known in his trade and when he had completed his apprenticeship was well qualified to enter busi­ness life in connection with harness making. However, before becoming a factor in manufacturing or commercial circles he spent two terms as a stu­dent in Parma Institute in order to improve his education. For four years thereafter he worked at harness making and while thus employed in New Jersey he manufactured a set of harness which won first premium at the state fair in New Jersey.

Upon President LINCOLN'S first call for seventy-five thousand troops he gave proof of his loyalty and his valor by enlisting as a member of the Third New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. It was thought that the rebellion would be easily crushed out in three months and thus the term of enlist­ment covered only that period. Later the New Jersey legislature presented medals to all of the men who enlisted under that first call. In 1862 Mr. SMITH returned to Rochester and engaged in the harness making business on his own account, opening a shop for the manufacture of harness and horse furnishing goods. He soon gained a reputation for fine workmanship that extended throughout the United States and some of the European countries, and he received orders from some of the most famous turfmen and wealthy citizens of the entire country, many of the most famous record-breaking trotters being fitted out by Mr. SMITH. He was thus enabled to command excellent prices and conducted a very profitable business until 1892, when he retired from the manufacture of harness and became identified with the NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with which he is now associated. The insurance business has proved congenial to him and he has become known as one of the most extensive and successful in­surance men of Rochester.

January 6, 1864, was the marriage day of Andrew V. SMITH and Miss Catherine Louise GOETCHIUS, who was of French ancestry and a resi­dent of Allendale, New Jersey. They became the parents of three children, but Edith Louise is the only one now living. Their son, Frank G. SMITH, was captain of the First Separate Company. From his boyhood days he was filled with the spirit of the soldier and his enthusiasm in mat­ters pertaining to the National Guard and the company of which he was a member was so great that it attracted attention almost as soon as he shouldered a rifle in the state service. This was not his first military experience, for several years before he had been a pupil at the military school at Aurora, New York, where he laid the founda­tion of the broad knowledge of military affairs that in later years caused him to be called upon more than any other officer in this city to officiate at competitive drills or to settle disputes on points of military law. He enlisted as a private in the First Separate Company, as a charter member of the organization, May 19, 1890. He showed such proficiency as a soldier that in less than five months he was warranted corporal and eighteen months later was warranted sergeant, with rank from July 3, 1901. He had attained such excellence that when the company arrived in Peekskill during the summer of 1896 he was made sergeant major of the provisional regiment. Later came the Spanish war and Captain SMITH was one of the first of the company to express a desire to volun­teer. Captain L. Bordman SMITH was then the commanding officer. When the second lieutenancy became vacant Frank G. SMITH was chosen to fill that position. The company was ordered to Camp Black at Hempstead, Long Island, and later to Camp Alger, Virginia, where Captain SMITH con­tracted a cold that developed into tuberculosis. After the company returned from active service and was awaiting the order to muster out, the first lieutenancy became vacant and Frank G. SMITH was again promoted. In the Spanish war he became known as an ardent photographer. He took several hundred photographs of camp scenes, which were later made into stereopticon views and used in giving an illustrated lecture that nearly filled the drill hall of the armory. After the com­pany was mustered out Frank G. SMITH, who had been the ranking line sergeant of the company at the beginning of the war, went back to that posi­tion upon leaving the United States service. He had previously begun the agitation that led to the reorganization of the company and his election to the captaincy was a foregone conclusion. His death came as a great blow to his family and many friends, for he was one of the most popular young men in military and social circles in Ro­chester.

Andrew V. SMITH is a member of Genesee Falls lodge, No. 560, F. & A. M., and has also taken the degrees of the chapter, the council, the commandery, the consistory, the Shrine and the Grotto. He is a stalwart republican in politics and for over thirty years has been a trustee in the Brick church of Rochester. His life has been characterized by steady advancement, not only in business circles and successes, but also in the development of those characteristics which command honor and respect in every land and clime.

C. Walter SMITH

page 670

C. Walter SMITH, one of Rochester's foremost business men and a native son of the city, was born April 8, 1862. He needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for during more than eight decades the family of which he is a representative has figured in the business, municipal and social interests of the city. He acquired his education in St. Paul's school at Concord, New Hampshire, and in the University of Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1885. He soon afterward entered the ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK, of which his grandfather, Elijah F. SMITH, was founder and his father for twenty years a trustee, in the capacity of bookkeeper, and was actively associated with that institution until 1892, when he was elected treasurer of the wholesale grocery firm of SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY, owning the largest business in this line in the state outside of New York city. This is, moreover, one of the oldest firms of Rochester, having had a continuous and prosperous existence since 1826, in which year the business was established by Elijah F. SMITH and his brother Albert. Since that time the grandfather, Elijah F. SMITH, the father Charles F. SMITH, and the son, C. Walter SMITH, have continuously been active in its management. Since the election of C. Walter SMITH as treasurer in 1892 he has been in control of the finances of the house and at the death of Gilman H. PERKINS in 1898 he was elected president of the company and is still incumbent of that position. Almost a third of a century ago the ROCHESTER UNION said: "it is but rarely that the historian is given the opportunity of writing the history of a large mercantile house that has withstood firmly for over half a century all the shocks and storms that business has to weather and is today still more prosperous and solid than ever. For more than half a century has the wholesale grocery house of SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY carried on its large and varied business without once experiencing any danger during this long term of years of shipwreck and failure. This proud record is not due to any fortuitous circumstances but simply to the integrity, watchfulness, business foresight and acumen that have been displayed by its founders and managers. It has been the boast of this old and respected house that notwithstanding the severe panics and times of depression with which it has had to contend in the course of its long career it has always stood ready to pay on demand one hundred cents on the dollar." This statement, made so many years ago, is as true today as when it appeared in the columns of the Union. Mr. SMITH, now president of the concern, is also a director in the UNION TRUST COMPANY and has various other financial interests in Rochester.

On the 7th of August, 1901, occurred the marriage of C. Walter SMITH and Miss Agnes SMITH, of Providence, Rhode Island. They have one daughter and one son, Ann Pickering and Bordman Walter. Mr. SMITH is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs to the Genesee Valley club, the Rochester Country Club, the Rochester Athletic Club and the New York Club of New York city. To quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes, "fate tried to conceal him by naming him SMITH" but he has carved his name on the keystone of Rochester's commercial history and by the consensus of public opinion is accorded a foremost position in the business circles of the city, Never has he sought notoriety, being on the contrary of a quiet and retiring disposition and preferring home rather than club life but those qualities which are the strongest force in the business world, which command honor and respect at all times, are his, namely, the faithful performance of daily duties, the fulfillment of every obligation and the utmost justice in every business relation.

Charles F. SMITH

pages 677-678

There is perhaps no biographical history given in this volume which indicates more clearly the value of unabating energy and unassailable probity in the active affairs of life than that of Charles F. SMITH, who for many years was a controlling factor at Rochester in the most extensive wholesale grocery house of the state outside of New York city. He was born February 23, 1829, in this city and was therefore a representative of one of its oldest, and for many years one of its most honored families. His father, Elijah F. SMITH, was the founder and promoter of the extensive wholesale grocery house which since 1826 has been recognized as one of the most substantial business enterprises not only in Rochester but of central New York. A native of Connecticut, he removed to Petersburg, Virginia, in early life and there successfully conducted a commission business. Coming to Rochester when the city had scarcely emerged from villiagehood, he and his brother, Albert G. SMITH, established a grocery business on the 6th of May, 1826, under the firm name of E. F. SMITH & COMPANY. The first store was in a stone building on Exchange street. The young firm, through sagacious and judicious management, throve and laid the foundation for the present immense trade of the house. In the year 1829 the firm was changed to E.F. & A.G. SMITH and about two years later the rapid increase of their business necessitated removal from the original location to a brick building erected by William PITKIN, on Buffalo street. In 1831 the firm erected a business block of their own at No. 29 Exchange street, where they continued until 1839, when A.G. SMITH retired and Samuel W. CRITTENDEN became a partner. Upon his retirement in 1842 he was succeeded by William H. PERKINS and the firm name of SMITH & PERKINS was assumed. In 1853 Gilman H. PERKINS was taken into the partnership and the title changed to SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY. In 1856 Charles F. SMITH became a member of the firm, no other change occurring until the death of William H. PERKINS in 1858. The following year Elijah F. SMITH, who up to this time had been a controlling factor in the successful management and conduct of the business, retired to enjoy a well earned rest and throughout his remaining days was connected with no business enterprise save for the management which he gave to his investments. He was the founder of the ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK and throughout the years of his residence here his name was ever a most honored one on commercial paper, while his business integrity was entirely unassailable. In fact, the name of SMITH, as borne by the representatives of this family, has ever stood as a synonym in Rochester business circles for commercial honor and trustworthiness. Elijah F. SMITH figured prominently in community affairs, contributing in substantial measure to the growth and progress of the city along many lines. He was, moreover, honored with election to the mayoralty as the first chief executive chosen by popular suffrage the mayor prior to this time having been elected by the common council.

The work laid down by Elijah F. SMITH was continued by his son, Charles F. SMITH, who as boy and youth pursued his studies in the grade and high schools of Rochester and in the Westfield Academy in Massachusetts. He was a young man of about twenty years at the time of the discovery of gold in California and in 1849 went to the Pacific coast. A year convinced him that not all who sought riches would win wealth in the far west and he returned to Rochester. Soon afterward he engaged in business in Niagara county, New York, where he remained until 1852, when he entered the wholesale grocery house of SMITH & PERKINS, which twenty-six years before had been established by his father and his uncle, Elijah F. and A.G. SMITH. As indicated, several changes in the partnership occurred and upon the retirement of his father, Elijah F. SMITH, in 1859, the business was continued by Charles F. SMITH and Gilman H. PERKINS. A few years later, when Harvey W. BROWN entered the firm, the style of SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY was assumed. In 1871 the business block which had been erected by the firm some years before became entirely inadequate for the trade and in January, 1872, they removed to a fine building which they erected and which at that time was considered by traveling salesmen as the best adapted to their line of any in the country. The safe, conservative policy inaugurated by the founders has always been in nowise lacking. In fact the company have ever been regarded as leaders in modern business methods resulting in the enlargement of trade.

A man of resourceful ability, Charles F. SMITH was in other prominent ways active in the business life of Rochester. He was one of the directors of the Old ROCHESTER & STATE LINE RAILWAY for twenty years was a trustee of the ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK. His success came not through any spectacular means or startling speculations but was won through the long laborious years by methods that neither sought nor required disguise. His success was built upon the substantial qualities of close application, un remitting attention, laudable ambition and unfaltering perseverance. Justice was ever maintained in his relations with employes [sic] as well as patrons. His life was characterized by uniform courtesy to every individual and the humblest man in his service received the same kindly attention, when he had occasion to consult with Mr. SMITH, as did the most profitable customer.

Not long after his return from California, Charles F. SMITH was married to Miss Sarah LONG, a daughter of Dr. LONG, for many years one of the most esteemed and honored physicians of Rochester. They became parents of two sons, C. Walter and Bordman, both well known in business circles in Rochester. The death of Mr. SMITH occurred May 31, 1888, when he was in his sixtieth year of his age. For many years he had been a vestryman of St. Luke's church and in his religious belief and observances was found the secret of his unalterable business integrity and his consideration for others. His life was the embodiment of high ideals and lofty principles and yet in manner he was most unassuming and genial. No man who ever came in contact with Charles F. SMITH ever entertained for him other than the highest respect and esteem.

Charles J. SMITH

pages 1099-1100

Charles J. SMITH, a representative of general farming interests in Monroe county and one of the prominent and influential citizens of this part of the state, having represented his district in the general assembly, was born in Cortland county, New York, in the year 1839. His early educa­tional advantages were supplemented by study in Homer Academy at Homer, New York, and in Monroe Academy at East Henrietta. He has always been a student of the signs of the times, of the great problems of the age and the political questions which have awakened general attention, and is today a well informed man. In early manhood he successfully engaged in teaching school, being connected with the educational development of Cortland, Monroe and Cayuga counties. His business interests are now concentrated upon the farm and he owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich land devoted to general agricultural pur­suits. His fields are well tilled, his crops carefully cultivated and in the late summer and fall seasons he gathers rich harvests as a reward for the care and attention he has bestowed upon the fields.

In 1861 Mr. SMITH was first married to Miss Anna KEYES and unto them was born one son. For his second wife he chose Anna ARNOLD, by whom he had three sons, and his present wife bore the maiden name of Minnie E. WAY. The family home is pleasantly situated upon the farm in the town of Henrietta and is very attractive by reason of its warm hearted and gracious hospi­tality.

In community affairs Mr. SMITH has been deeply, actively and helpfully interested. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Grange. He likewise belongs to the Baptist church, does all in his power to promote its interests and extend its influence and served as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-five years. A stalwart republican in his political views, he filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty-one years, rendering decisions which were strictly fair and impartial - a fact which was indicated by his long continuance in the position. In 1894 he was elected to represent his district in the state legisla­ture and was at Albany during the sessions of that year and of 1896. He served as committee clerk in 1897 and 1898 and is one whose opinions carry weight in deciding many an intricate political problem. He stands for progressive citizenship, for opposition to misrule in all public affairs, for a clean government and for the adoption of prin­ciples which he believes will best promote the wel­fare of state and nation. His political course has been particularly free from the condemnation of the opposition and has received the strong endorse­ment of the great percentage of the people of his district.

Charles Winslow SMITH

pages 1003-1004

Charles Winslow SMITH, associated with the business interests of Rochester as treasurer of the SHERWOOD SHOE COMPANY, belongs to one of the old New England families, his ancestry being dis­tinctively American in its lineal and collateral lines for many generations. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, June 6, 1880, and was a grandson of Norman SMITH, a native of Con­necticut, who was reared in Plymouth, and fol­lowed farming as a life occupation. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and a daughter : Charles Wiard SMITH, who has a plantation and extensive lumber interests in Florida; Edward Winslow, deceased; and Jennie, now the wife of Cornelius TERRY, of New York city.

Edward Winslow SMITH was born in Plymouth, Connecticut, where he spent his early life, removing thence to Waterbury, Connecticut, and subsequently to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he was connected with the TERRY CLOCK COMPANY, being engaged in business there as a clock manu­facturer until the company sold out, when he removed to East Hampton and engaged in the coal and lumber business. He died there in December, 1904, at the age of fifty-eight years. In early manhood he wedded Jennie WEBB, who was born in Brighton, England, and was a descendant of the Earl of DERWINWATER. Her father, William WEBB, was also a native of Brighton, England, and was connected with the queen's mail service in that country. He came to America about 1859 and engaged in contracting and in brass work in Waterbury, Connecticut, taking the contract for making dies for coining Mexican money. His wife bore the maiden name of Barbara SCOTT and both are still living in Waterbury at the age of eighty-one years. They have a family of one son and three daughters: Jennie, now Mrs. SMITH; Elizabeth, the wife of Albert WATSON, of Ovid, Michigan; William, who is now residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Eva, the wife of W. A. PLUMPTON, of Waterbury. Unto Mr. and Mrs. SMITH were born two sons, Burton Webb and Charles Winslow. The mother is still living, and makes her home with a brother.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. SMITH were members of the Congregational church and he was prominent in community affairs. He held a number of municipal offices, being clerk of the selectmen, city assessor and a member of the town board. He was also chairman of the parish com­mittee and member of several other offices, his influence and labors constituting an important factor in the substantial development of the com­munity along material, intellectual and moral lines. His wife came to America with her parents when a maiden of ten summers and was reared to womanhood in Waterbury, Connecticut.

Charles Winslow SMITH accompanied his parents on their removal from Waterbury to Pittsfield, Connecticut., and afterward to East Hampton, Massachusetts. He prepared for college at Williston Seminary and was graduated from Yale Uni­versity in 1902, with the Bachelor of Arts de­gree. He afterward engaged in teaching for two years in Hoosie, New York, and in the fall of 1904 came to Rochester, where he entered the employ of the SHERWOOD SHOE COMPANY. His business capacity, enterprise and laudable ambition gained him recognition and when one and a half years passed he was made treasurer of the company, which is his present official connection therewith. The business of the house is extensive, its output being shipped to all parts of the United States.

On the 28th of September, 1905, Mr. SMITH was united in marriage to Miss Carolyn A. SHERWOOD, a daughter of Frederick A. and Effie C. (DODD) SHERWOOD. The young couple are promi­nent socially and are active and valued members of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. SMITH is serving at the present writing as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also a .member of the Rochester Tennis Club. Although one of the more recent additions to business circles here, he has already demonstrated his worth to an extent that causes him to be classed with the valued young men of the city.

George A. SMITH

page 1283

George A. SMITH is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, con­stituting a model property of the town of Parma. A self-made man, all that he possesses has come to him as the result of his own labors and dili­gence and his life record may well serve to encourage and inspire others. Born in this locality on the 12th of February, 1857, he is a son of George and Eliza (BERRIDGE) SMITH, both of whom were natives of England. The father came to America when a lad of nine years and settled in the town of Parma, where he died in 1893 after a long residence here, in which he became one of the worthy and respected citizens of his commu­nity. His wife was eighteen years of age when she crossed the Atlantic to the new world and at the age of twenty-two she gave her hand in marriage to George SMITH.

Upon the old homestead farm George A. SMITH spent the days of his boyhood and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. After he had put aside his text-books and started upon his business career he operated his father's farm for four years and then made purchase of a part of his present farm. This was in 1884. He had no capital and had to incur an indebtedness of eight hundred dollars for his team and tools, while he also borrowed three hundred dollars to make his first payment on his place. Hopeful of the future, ambitious to secure success and with strong determination to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path, he started out upon his independent venture, arranging to purchase one hundred and twenty-three acres of land at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars. In the years which have since come and gone he has met with pros­perity. He was married on the 3d of November, 1880, to Miss Mary G. LANGTON, who was born in the town of Parma in 1862. He has since pro­vided well for his family, rearing five children and paying more than twelve hundred dollars in edu­cational fees, also investing over three thousand dollars in improvements on the buildings on the place, while three hundred dollars has been put into peach trees. He now has twenty acres of peaches and will set out ten acres more in the spring of 1908. Besides this he has a fourteen acre apple orchard. It required much strenuous labor to bring the field to its present state of fer­tility and productiveness but for a long period the farm has been a paying property and in 1902 his net profits amounted to more than seven thousand dollars. In 1905 he bought an additional tract of forty acres for twenty-one hundred dollars and was able to pay cash for this. His farm therefore today comprises one hundred and sixty-three acres, in the midst of which stands a fine residence with large and substantial barns, unsurpassed in the locality. The house and barns are supplied with water piped from a spring on the hill. Mr. SMITH has a good bank account at his command and upon his home place is found every modern convenience in the shape of tools and agricultural implements. He has carriages and horses for the use of the family and they are now enabled to live in comfort.

His sons, appreciating what the father has done for them, remain with him upon the home farm. They are following in his footsteps, each having started a bank account of his own. The family numbers five children : Nellie G., born in 1883 ; Oscar B., in 1885; Burton Lloyd, in 1888; George L., in 1893; and Mabel, in 1899. The sons are now of much assistance to the father and are mani­festing a spirit of enterprise and progress in carry­ing on the work of the home place.

Mr. SMITH holds membership in the Baptist church at Parma Corners, in the work of which he is deeply interested, while to its support he contributes generously. For the last twenty years he has been one of the church trustees and is much interested in its development and growth. His political allegiance is usually given to the repub­lican party, although in local affairs he is inde­pendent. He is an exceptional man and one who may well serve as an example to the young.

George B. SMITH

pages 561-562

Various important industries and business undertakings have felt the stimulus of the aid, cooperation and wise counsel of George B. SMITH, who at this writing is living retired at the venerable age of ninety years. He came to Rochester in 1833 and few have longer resided in the city, his memory going back to the time when it was a small town of little industrial and commercial importance. He has seen the extension of its borders to accommodate its growth and has witnessed its development into a business center, with ramifying interests reaching out in all directions and bearing no little influence upon trade conditions at large.

Mr. SMITH is a native of Burlington, Vermont, born on the 1st of June, 1817. His father, Peter B. SMITH, died before the removal of the son to the Empire state. In one of the old-time log school houses of Vermont George B. SMITH acquired his education and in the winter of 1833-34 he and George B. HARRIS carried papers for his brother, Sydney SMITH, who was at that time publishing a paper in Rochester. This brother was the first police justice of the city and in other ways was prominently connected with public interests.

In the spring of 1834 George B. SMITH secured a clerkship with John B. DEWEY, working for four dollars per month and boarding himself. He continued in that employ until the spring of 1837, when he removed to Michigan, but after eighteen months spent in the Wolverine state he returned to Rochester. He then clerked for David MOODY until 1842, when, in connection with L. E. GOULD, he bought out the MOODY grocery store and the firm of SMITH & GOULD continued business for eighteen years. Throughout this period his financial resources were increasing by means of a constantly enlarging trade. On retiring from the grocery business Mr. SMITH turned his attention to the coal trade, in which he became partner of John B. DEWEY, later, however, selling out to the firm of DEWEY & DAVIS. He then became a member of the firm of SMITH & ROBERTS, wholesale dealers in coal, and they developed a business of extensive proportions, in which connection they built the Genesee docks on the river to facilitate shipping. They did an extensive shipping business to Chicago by way of the lakes under the firm style of H. C. ROBERTS & CO., and when Mr. SMITH'S connection had continued in this enterprise for some years he retired and became connected with the operation of a blast furnace. He was director and president of a company engaged in the manufacture of pig iron, but finally sold out about 1902. During his active life, in 1880, he was one of the promoters of the BAY RAILROAD, became one of is first directors, and was later vice president, but subsequently the road was sold to a syndicate. His business interests were ever of such a character as contributed to general progress and upbuilding as well as to individual success, and he did much to further the interests and welfare of the city, his co-operation being never sought in vain in behalf of Rochester.

Mr. SMITH was married in early manhood to Miss Caroline A. BROOME, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of Horatio Gates BROOME. It was in honor of her grandfather and his brother, Samuel and John BROOME, that the county of Broome, New York, was named. Unto Mr. and Mrs. SMITH were born a son and daughter: Henry B., who is now in the coal business at No. 39 Fitzhugh street; and Mary E.., who is with her father. The son served as a soldier of the Civil war and now draws pension in recognition of the aid which he rendered the government. The wife and mother, Mrs. Caroline SMITH, died in October, 1906, when nearly ninety years of age, and thus death terminated a happy married relation, which continued for over sixty-two years.

The home which Mr. SMITH occupies was purchased by him a number of years ago. He is still a very active man and his mental alertness is remarkable. He can remember as if but yesterday seeing General LAFAYETTE in Vermont when the French marquis was visiting this country. In politics he is a stalwart republican. In his business life has been manifest much of the spirit of the initiative. Many men seem capable of carrying out ideas and plans formulated by others, but not in instituting new measures or enterprises. Mr. SMITH, however, has established a number of business interests which have proven profitable and is one to whom Rochester owes not a little for its present commercial prosperity. In all of his undertakings he has been eminently practical, and, moreover, sustains an unassailable reputation as one whose probity has ever been above question.

J. Hungerford SMITH

pages 1036, 1039-1041

J. Hungerford SMITH, of Rochester, New York, is the founder, promoter and upbuilder of what is today the most extensive and best equipped plant in the world devoted to the preparation of fruits and fruit syrups for soda fountain use. The business is conducted under the name of J. HUNGERFORD SMITH COMPANY. He has displayed in his business career such fertility of resource, marked enterprise and well defined plans as to deserve classification with the "captains of industry" who are controlling the trade relations of the country. Moreover, he is further entitled to dis­tinction from the fact that he is a worthy scion of his race. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished and happy is he if his lines of life are cast in harmony therewith. The ancestral history of the family to which Mr. SMITH belongs is indeed a creditable one and the record is one of which he has every reason to be proud. The line is traced back to England, as follows:

(I) Silas SMITH, born and married in England, came to America with the "Plymouth Company" and settled at Taunton, Massachusetts.

(II) Silas SMITH (2), son of Silas SMITH (1), married Hannah GAZINE, daughter of Daniel GAZINE, who came over with the London Company. Their children were: Isaac; Elijah; Silas; Cornelius; Elkanah; Bial; Samuel; Hannah, who died in Oneida, county, New York; Rachel; and Sally.

(III) Samuel SMITH, seventh son and child of Silas (2) and Hannah (GAZINE) SMITH, served in the Continental army during the Revolution. He married Abigail WRIGHT, daughter of John WRIGHT, and died at Henderson, New York, April 17, 1827. Their children were : Amasa, who died at the age of one and a half years; Daniel; Mary; Abigail; Sylvester; Lydia; Polly; Samuel, Jr.; Sally; Mercy; Anna; and Amasa (2). Of these children Abigail married Rev. Elisha P. SANGWORTHY, of Ralston Springs, New York; Sylvester married Nancy KNIFFIN, of Rutland, New York, March 19, 1806; Lydia married Sylvester SKELLINGER; Polly married Dr. William PRIEST; Sally married Samuel MILLS ; Mercy married Henry MILLARD ; Anna married Jonathan RUFF; Amasa (2) married Sally SYKES of Watertown, New York.

(IV) Daniel SMITH, born in Spencertown, Columbia county, New York, February 26, 1775, was educated in the common schools, was a farmer by occupation and in 1802 came to Ellisburg, Jefferson county, and spent the summer there "clearing lands." In the fall of that year he went to Schuyler, Herkimer county, where he married, and in December, 1803, with his wife and infant daughter, came to Rutland, Jefferson county, and purchased a farm near Burr's Mills. Two years later he moved to Hounsfield, same county, pur­chased some land and erected a sawmill, the place being known for some time as SMITH'S MILLS, later CAMP'S MILLS. From Hounsfield he returned to Rutland, purchased another farm, built a frame house, where he lived until 1818, when he pur­chased and removed to a large farm in Rodman, where he spent the remainder of his life, and which is still owned by his descendants. He was a lieutenant in the war of 1812-14, distinguished himself by his bravery at the battle of Sackett's Harbor, when their house was practically a hospi­tal for sick soldiers.

Daniel SMITH married Susan HOLMES, of Keene, Cheshire county, New Hampshire, who, for some time previous to her marriage, lived with her aunt, Mrs. Lucy (HOLMES) WHEELER, wife of John WHEELER, of Keene, New Hampshire. Their chil­dren were : Abigail, born November 6, 1803, who passed away March 14, 1854; Laura, who was born January 30, 1805, and died in 1891; an infant son, who was born August 1, 1806, and died the same day; Nancy M., who was born September 1, 1807, and passed away February 1, 1887; Almira H., whose birth occurred May 2, 1809, and who died December 25, 1896; Daniel, born Feb­ruary 26, 1811, who was called to his final rest December 19, 1813; William P., who was born February 7, 1813, and died January 5, 1899; Daniel, Jr., born March 19, 1815, who passed away August 2, 1896; an infant daughter, who was born April 19, 1817, and died the same day; Susan H., born May 6, 1818; Lucy Ann, whose birth oc­curred September 15, 1819, and who died March, 1900; Eveline M., born May 2, 1821, who passed away March 13, 1905; Emeline L., born Septem­ber 10, 1823; Mary M., born May 5, 1825, who died August 14, 1845; Nelson Slater, born July 11, 1827; Martha Jane, born June 19, 1829, whose demise occurred October 12, 1867. Daniel SMITH, Sr., died March 11, 1854. His wife, Susan (HOLMES) Smith, died August 5, 1864

Thomas HOLMES, father of Susan (HOLMES) SMITH, was born in Woodstock, Connecticut, in 1756, and died in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

The following items were copied from "Record of Connecticut Men" in war of Revolution, State House Library, Boston, Massachusetts. Thomas HOLMES enlisted May 15, 1775, discharged Decem­ber 17, 1775. Ninth Company, Second Connecti­cut Regiment, Colonel SPENCER, Captain John CHESTER, of Wethersfield. This regiment was raised on first call for troops by state in April, 1775, marching by companies to the camps about Boston, it took part at Roxbury and served during the siege till expiration of term of service. De­tachments of officers and men were in the battle of Bunker Hill and with ARNOLD'S Quebec expedition September to December, 1775. His name appears in list of KNOWLTON'S Rangers, 1776, Connecticut, by Lieutenant Colonel KNOWLTON. He was de­tached from Wyllys Connecticut regiment and was taken prisoner at surrender of Fort Washington, New York, island, November 16, 1776. Thomas HOLMES, of Wethersfield, sergeant in Captain WHITING'S company, Colonel WEBB'S regiment, enlisted March 1, 1777, for the war. Colonel WEBB'S regiment was one of sixteen infantry regiments raised at large for "Continental Line" of 1777 and served in PARSON'S brigade under PUTNAM the following summer and fall. In October crossed to west side of Hudson and served under Governor CLINTON of New York, for a time. In summer of 1778 was attached to VARNUM'S brigade and went to Rhode Island commended in battle there August 29, 1778. Wintered in Rhode Island, 1778-9. In the fall of 1779 marched to winter quarters at Morristown, New Jersey. Assigned to STARK'S brigade at battle of Springfield, New Jersey, June 23, 1780, and during summer served with main army on the Hudson. Thomas HOLMES was sergeant in Captain RILEY'S company, Wethers­field, Third Regiment, Connecticut Line, 1781-83. Recorded as paid from January 1, 1781, to Decem­ber 31, 1781. Sergeant Thomas Holmes is reported as a Revolutionary pensioner on list of Con­necticut pensioners in 1818. His name is among pensioners dated 1832 and recorded as residing in Hartford, Connecticut. His name appears on list of pensioners as returned in census of 1840. Resi­dence, Wethersfield, Connecticut, age eighty-four. His name appears on list of applicants for pension on file in county clerk's office Hartford, Connecti­cut, residence Wethersfield.

Thomas HOLME'S married Tamar HARRIS, and their children were: Sally, who married Eldad GRANGER; Lucy, who became the wife of John WHEELER; John; Mary; Rachel; Joseph; Lydia, who married Ashael CLEVELAND, in Buffalo, about 1814; Abigail, who became the wife of Jonathan SLATER, of Champlain, New York; and Susan, who married Daniel SMITH afore mentioned.

(V) William PRIEST SMITH, born February 7, 1813, at Hounsfield, New York, died January 5, 1899. He was educated at Rodman, New York. He was at one time colonel of the old time Thirty-sixth Regiment, New York State Militia, which was composed of men from Jefferson and Lewis counties. After his marriage he removed to St. Lawrence county, engaging in the business of manufacturing lumber, and became the owner of valuable farming and timber land. He served as justice of the peace and supervisor, being chairman of the board of supervisors. Later in life he was for three successive terms elected associate judge of the county court. In politics he was a republican from the very organization of that party, and by his voice, efforts and vote contrib­uted to its success. William P. SMITH married July 9, 1843, Sarah PORTER HUNGERFORD, born April 18, 1823, who traces her ancestry to Sir Thomas HUNGERFORD, who in 1369 purchased from Lord BURGHERSH, Farley Castle, county of Somer­set, England, which castle for more than three hundred years continued to be the principal seat of his descendants, down to 1686. Sir Thomas was steward for JOHN OF GHENT, DUKE OF LANCASTER, son of KING EDWARD III, and in the thirty-first year of that king's reign was elected speaker of the English house of commons, being reputed to be the first person chosen to that high office. He died December 3, 1398. His son, Sir Walter, afterward Lord HUNGERFORD, K. G., was the first to 'adopt the crest of a garb, or wheat sheaf, between two sickles erect, with the motto "Et Dieu Mon Appuy" (God is my support). This has since been the crest of the HUNGERFORD family.

John HUNGERFORD, a lineal descendant of the above named, resided at Southington, Connecticut, where he died December. 24, 1787. He served with distinction in the colonial wars, holding the ranks of ensign, lieutenant and captain. He took an active part in the siege of Crown Point on Lake Champlain. His son Amasa served in the Revo­lutionary army, participating in the battle of Bennington, where he served as colonel. His son, Amasa, Jr., was the father of Sarah (HUNGERFORD) SMITH, was enrolled as one of the "minute men" in the war of 1812. He resided in Henderson, Jeffer­son county, New York, and was a prosperous far­mer and widely known. At one time he was interested in ship building at Stony Point on Lake Ontario. He died December 18, 1859, aged seventy-nine years.

Mr. and Mrs. William P. SMITH were attendants at the Baptist church. They had eleven children, as follows : Lois Elizabeth married William G. BROWN and passed away December 10, 1882. Amasa Daniel, Chemist and druggist of Man­chester, New Hampshire, married Josephine L. JONES on the 18th of September, 1883. Annie Eliza died February 26, 1873. Frances Sally died January 12, 1899. George William, attorney and counsellor at law of Keeseville, New York, wedded Harriet P. WELLS on May 19, 1887. Jay Hungerford, Ph. C., manufacturing chemist, president of J. HUNGERFORD SMITH COMPANY, resides at Rochester, New York. Mary Louise died March 27, 1857. Jennie Venila, of Manchester, New Hampshire, married Edgar Ellsworth CASTOR, May 9, 1894. Joseph Brodie, vice president and general manager of the MANCHESTER TRACTION, LIGHT & POWER COMPANY, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was born April 6, 1861. Frank Robbins, manufacturing chemist of Toronto, Ontario, married Ada Mar­garet PERKINS, May 6, 1903. May Lillian, of Man­chester, New Hampshire, is the youngest member of the family

J. HUNGERFORD SMITH was born at Fine, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 20, 1855, and after obtaining a common school, education in Richville, New York, he pursued a course in the HUNGERFORD COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE prior to enter­ing the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in 1877 with the degree of Pharmaceutical Chemist. In 1880 he entered the wholesale and retail drug business at Ausable Forks, New York, and the enterprise proved a profitable one. His skill and interest in chemistry led him to experimenting with fruit syrups with the idea of improving the various beverages dispensed from the soda fountains, and he thus became the originator of cold process true fruit fountain syrups, now so universally used. He is the recognized authority on fruit syrups in the world and his efforts and experiments have led to a high degree of perfection. Removing to Rochester in 1890, Mr. Smith organized the J. HUNGERFORD SMITH COMPANY and began the manufacture of "True Fruit" syrups, which are today known throughout the world. He has been the president from the beginning and the splendid success of this enterprise, now grown to mammoth proportions, is at­tributable to his efforts. The syrups have won the highest awards at various expositions and the sale is not confined to this country but includes export trade. The company owns their elegant factory buildings on North Goodman street, having one hundred and fifteen thousand square feet floor space. The plant is splendidly equipped with everything needed to promote perfection in manu­facture, and the sales of the house more than double those of any other enterprise of the char­acter in the world.

Mr. SMITH was married on the 17th of May, 1882, to Miss Jean DAWSON, of Ausable Forks, Essex county, New York, a daughter of John A. DAWSON. Their children, six in number, are: James HUNGERFORD, Anna DAWSON, Florence (who died in infancy), Jay Elwood, Lois and Helen HUNGERFORD.

Because of the prominence which Mr. SMITH had attained as a chemist and pharmacist, he was appointed when only twenty-eight years of age one of the five members of the state board of phar­macy and served eight years. He is a republican in politics but without desire for official prefer­ment as a reward for party fealty. Deeply interested in Rochester's welfare and progress, he cooperates with all the progressive movements for municipal improvement instituted by the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is a member and trustee, and in other ways gives his aid and influence to the city's development.

He is vice president of Cascade Lakes Club, in Adirondack preserve, director of Masonic Temple Association and president of Masonic Club of Ro­chester, and one of the best known Masons in this state. He was raised in Richville lodge, No. 633, F. & A. M., in 1880; demitted to Frank R. LAWRENCE lodge, No. 797, in 1892; and served as wor­shipful master in 1897-8. He is a member of Hamilton chapter, No. 62; Doric council, No. 19, R. & S. M.; Monroe commandery, No. 12 ; and Rochester consistory, S. P. R. S., of which he is now commander in chief. He received the thirty-third degree A. A. Scottish rite September 15. 1896. He has again and again been a member of the grand lodge; was senior grand deacon in 1898; chairman of committee on work and lectures in 1899, introducing two important additions to the monitorial work which are now a part of the ritual. He was commissioner of appeals of the grand lodge, 1905, 1906 and 1907, and has been the grand representative of the grand lodge of Canada from the grand lodge of New York since April, 1900. He is now a custodian of the work.

His interests are varied and each organization, enterprise or movement with which he becomes connected feels the stimulus of his indefatigable energy and progressive spirit. His opinions carry weight in social, fraternal and political circles and in business life he has attained a measure of suc­cess that classes him with New York's most promi­nent manufacturers.

In the Scottish rite especially, his dramatic ability has had free scope and won ready and glad acknowledgment. Many of its degrees have been illuminated by a new meaning because of his talent in adding those details which are not to be found in rituals - but in the master mind. Under his administration the rite has grown not only in numbers but its personnel has taken on a luster which shines throughout the state, judges, lawyers, clergymen and physicians have been led to give him such a support as has lifted Scottish rite Masonry in one empire jurisdiction into a prominence that has demanded and received a fitting recognition.

His administration has opened the way for Masonic advancement and Masonic distinction. The lines of national boundaries have been wiped out, and Mr. SMITH has received well merited honors from the official leaders in the grand lodge of Canada, bearing the title and consequent honors of grand representative. Masonry counts him one of her most highly esteemed sons and Masonry has written his name on the pages of her history in characters that time cannot fade nor years forget.

J. Moreau SMITH

pages 1354-1355

A life of activity crowned with honors and successes constitutes the record made by J. Moreau SMITH, president of the ROCHESTER TRUST & SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY. He has a clear and comprehensive mind and is able not only to conceive great projects but also to execute well directed plans, as is evidenced by the fact that he is today at the head of the largest institution of the kind in the state of New York outside of New York city. His entrance into business life was characterized by no specially advantageous circumstances but the recognition of the opportune moment and the improvement of advantages such as come to the great majority have enabled him to make steady advance until Rochester numbers him among its most prominent financiers, while in banking circles throughout the state he is well known.

Mr. SMITH was born in Burlington, Otsego county, New York, October 17, 1829, his parents being Robert HARTWICK and Harriet (WATSON) SMITH. His father was born in Massachusetts and there married Miss WATSON, who belonged to one of the most prominent pioneer families of New England, her father being Joseph WATSON. The family is also closely connected with the SARGENT family descended from William SARGENT, who came from England in 1638 and settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Her father was one of the Revolutionary heroes, who, at the outbreak of the war, participated in the opening battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill. The family removed from Burlington to Nassau, Rensselaer county, New York, during the early childhood of our subject, and the father was there connected with a cotton mill. When his son was only seven years of age he removed to Orleans county, where he was engaged in farming until the death of his wife about two or three years later. She was born December 20, 1801, gave her hand in marriage to Robert H. SMITH on the 28th of December, 1823, and died on the 12th of February, 1838. After the death of his wife Mr. SMITH removed to Michigan and spent his last days in Marshall, that state.

Owing to his mother's early death J. Moreau SMITH spent the period of his boyhood with an uncle in Buffalo, where he attended the common schools prior to continuing his education in the academy at Albion, Orleans county. He entered business life in connection with merchandising and was thus engaged until 1857, when he was elected deputy clerk in the general assembly. Later he did clerical work in the comptroller's office under Sanford E. CHURCH, who subsequently became chief justice of New. York. He was married on the 20th of November, 1861, to Miss Helen Estelle HERRICK, a daughter of Dr. Lewis R. HERRICK of Albany, and soon afterward joined his father-in-law in the manufacture of proprietary goods. His continuance in that business covered the period until April, 1869, when he left Albany for Rochester.

Throughout the period of his residence in the latter city he has figured in financial circles, and various banking and moneyed institutions have felt the stimulus of his sound judgment and careful direction. He aided in incorporating the EAST SIDE SAVINGS BANK, of which he became a director, and he was president of the old SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY, the predecessor of the ROCHESTER TRUST COMPANY. He served on the committee which secured an amended charter for the company in 1884. This was before the enactment of the new law concerning corporations, when charters were obtained by special act, and that of the trust company became a perpetual one--a valuable requisite for such a company. From the beginning success has attended the ROCHESTER TRUST & SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY. Steadily it has advanced in public favor, its patronage continually growing until it now stands first among the trust companies in the Empire state outside of the metropolis. In relation of capital to surplus it ranks tenth in the United States in a list of over five hundred institutions -- a record which certainly reflects credit upon those who manage its business affairs. The deposits have now reached the sum of ten million dollars. The building occupied by the company is one of the finest in the city and was erected and opened for business on the 5th of June, 1888.

While varied and important financial affairs have largely claimed the time and energies of Mr. SMITH his interest has centered in his home, but on the 21st of March, 1901, the death of his wife occurred. Two sons survive: V. Moreau, who is secretary of the TRUST COMPANY; and L. Walton, who is a shoe manufacturer of Rochester. The family have a beautiful home at No. 227 East avenue.

In his social relations Mr. SMITH is connected with the Genesee Valley Club and through a long period he has been senior warden of Christ Episcopal church, of which he is a most helpful member. He is a pleasant and affable gentleman and a stranger in his presence soon feels perfectly at ease. Close application to all the details of his business, strong executive force and remarkably keen discernment have enabled him to reach the position -- conceded to him by all -- that he occupies as a leading financier of Rochester.

Frank A. SMYTH

pages 449-450

Frank A. SMYTH, deceased, was born near Canandaigua, New York, and came to Rochester when quite young but prior to this time his father, Thomas SMYTH, had passed away. The son acquired his education in the old academy at Rochester and entered business life as an employe [sic] in a jewelry store, remaining in the service of J. R. WIGHT for nine years, during which time he thoroughly acquainted himself with the trade in every particular. He then embarked in business on his own account and continued in that line until a few years prior to his death, when he began traveling for a chemical company and during his last years he traded in stock. In all of his business transactions he was found thoroughly trustworthy and reliable and as a merchant he wrought along modern business lines, having well appointed establishment, in which enterprise, capable management and a carefully selected stock brought him a desirable patronage.

Mr. SMYTH was married to Miss Carrie GRIEBEL, a daughter of Gustavus GRIEBEL, one of the pioneer residents of Monroe county and afterward a retired farmer. He is now deceased, but the mother of Mrs. SMYTH still resides in Rochester and is the owner of considerable property at GLENN HAVEN. Unto Mr. and Mrs. SMYTH was born one son, Paul Vincent, whose birth occurred in 1892. The death of the husband and father occurred February 14, 1906.

Mr. SMYTH exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of democracy. He belonged to the Rochester Club and to the Elks lodge. He was a supporter of the church and of all worthy movements for the benefit of the race and the promotion of the city's welfare and was esteemed by many friends as a good man, worthy the warm regard and trust which were so uniformly extended him.

William H. SOURS

page 586

William H. SOURS, proprietor of the Newport House and grounds at Irondequoit Bay, is thus in control of one of the finest and most popular summer resorts in this part of the state and in this connection has a wide acquaintance, while his business is conducted along such practical and enterprising lines that he is meeting with well merited prosperity. Mr. SOURS is a native of Irondequoit township, where he was born in January, 1851. His father, Frederick SOURS, was one of the oldest settlers of the township, to which he removed from Scottsville, New York. The family was founded in Monroe county in pioneer days and has since been represented here. The father engaged in farming in Irondequoit township and there reared his family of seven children, five of whom are yet living, all being residents of Rochester with the exception of the subject of this review.

William H. SOURS was reared at the old homestead and pursued a public-school education. Since 1881 he has been proprietor of the NEWPORT HOUSE and now owns the hotel, ten cottages and twenty acres of ground, constituting one of the most beautiful resorts on Irondequoit Bay. He purchased the place from the estate of Henry WALZER, who had previously bought it from James VINTON, of the IRONDEQUOIT WINE COMPANY. In an early day it was an old sawmill property, 'which bore little resemblance to the fine and well improved resort seen here today. His uncle, Henry WALZER, began the improvement of the property and established the summer resort. Mr. SOURS, however, has added many modern improvements since he purchased it in 1881. The original property was four and a half acres of land but Mr. SOURS has since added to this until he now has twenty acres. When Henry WALZER owned the place he was in partnership with three brothers but finally bought out their interests and conducted the resort alone until he disposed of it to his nephew, Mr. Sours, in 1881. He has built all of the cottages here and has also built three launches, which are fifty feet long and carry from fifty to sixty passengers. They are used in making trips between Glen Haven and Sea Breeze and are of much convenience and benefit to the summer tourists who sojourn on Irondequoit Bay. The club house of the Rochester Canoe Club is also situated on ground belonging to Mr. SOURS and he is, moreover, interested in business at No. 100 Main street West, Rochester, is a member of the firm of RYAN & SOURS.

In November, 1905, Mr. SOURS was united in marriage to Mrs. Nellie E. FROST of Monroe county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knight Templar degree in the commandery. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he is much interested in its work and growth. He served as supervisor for eight years from Irondequoit township and for one term was chairman of the board. The consensus of public opinion concerning him is altogether favorable and he, moreover, deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, justly meriting the proud American title of a self-made man, for all that he possesses has come to him through his own labors. The NEWPORT HOUSE, of which he is proprietor, is very popular and has a liberal patronage, owing to the earnest effort that he puts forth to please his patrons and make the resort a model in its way.

Stephen STACE

pages 494 & 497

As a horticulturist Stephen STACE has gained wide reputation not only in Monroe county but throughout other sections of the state. He owns a fine farm of fifty acres, which is pleasantly situated in Greece township, a mile south of Charlotte. All this is devoted exclusively to the raising of fruit, for he has a fine grape vineyard and in addition has a large quantities of cherries and various kinds of small fruit.

Mr. STACE is a native of Kent, England, born near the Sussex line, August 20, 1832, a son of George and Jane (RALPH) STACE, both of whom were natives of the latter place. The father died when the son was a little lad of three years. In the family were six children: Jane, William R. and George, all deceased; Stephen, of this review; Sihon; and Mrs. Sarah PELLET, of Webster, New York. After the father's death, the mother remained in the old world for a number of years but later emigrated to this country and was here married a second time, this union being with James PELLET, of Webster, by whom she had one son, Thomas PELLET. She passed away in Webster.

Soon after the birth of Stephen STACE, his parents removed to Sussex, where he lived to the age of nineteen years. He spent a portion of this time on a farm and later had charge of a large master's building, having under his supervision forty men. He began work by wheeling brick but his ability was soon demonstrated and after two weeks he was given full charge for two years. In 1852 he emigrated with his family and a large colony to Ontario, Wayne county, New York, having himself made arrangements for their passage. He joined his brother-in-law at Ontario but after a brief period spent in that place came to Monroe county, settling in Webster, where for sixteen years he worked in various capacities. He then purchased a farm in Webster township, and resided thereon for a few years, but in 1868 disposed of that property and purchased in connection with his brother, William R. STACE, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Later they divided the land, each taking a portion, but after a time Mr. STACE disposed of a portion of his to a railroad company, retaining possession of fifty acres, which is his present place of residence. This tract is located on the boulevard, one mile south of Charlotte, in Greece township. When it came into possession of Mr. STACE it was covered with timber and stumps but he at once began to clear the land, which was eventually developed into a good tract. He has since improved the place with good substantial buildings and devotes it to horticultural pursuits. He has set out a large grape vineyard, which yields four tons of grapes per acre and for the past twenty-nine years there has not been a failure of fruit. He also has three hundred cherry trees, which for the past few years has yielded twelve tons of cherries. He likewise has an apple and peach orchard and large quantities of currants and blackberries, all of which yield an abundant crop. Mr. STACE has made a close study of fruit culture and is numbered among the best horticulturists of Monroe county, being considered an authority on all subjects pertaining to the raising of various fruits. His place is valuable, he having refused an offer of forty thousand dollars for it.

Mr. STACE has been instrumental in much of the development and improvement that has placed this section of the country in the front ranks of the commonwealth. He organized a company and supervised construction of the ROCHESTER ELECTRIC RAILROAD, which was the first electric line in the state and connected Rochester with Charlotte, and the power house is built on his farm. He was also instrumental in having the boulevard made from Rochester to Charlotte, and for twenty-five years acted as general manager, when the toll road was sold to the county. He also spent a great deal of effort in securing good shipping facilities for Charlotte and got the first coal shipped by water through Charlotte. In many ways he has contributed to the general progress and prosperity of this community.

At the age of ten years Mr. STACE began making a study of phrenology and in this connection has gained national reputation. He has never charged for his services and has conducted many classes in this study, having one at the Philadelphia Centennial and at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago. He has been consulted by thousands of people, including many of the prominent business men of Rochester and other cities.

Although Mr. STACE came as a poor man to Monroe county, he has through his own industry, perseverance and economy, accumulated an excellent property and a goodly competence. In addition to his valuable farm in Greece township, he also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land near Baltimore on Chesapeake Bay and also five acres of land near Palatka, Florida, where for the past sixteen years he has spent the winter seasons. He is a republican in politics, having voted for every presidential candidate of that party since he cast his vote for Fremont. He is a member of the New York Horticultural society and in this way keeps in touch with the advance that is being made along horticultural lines.

Mr. STACE has been three times married. He was first married in England to Miss Emily WILLARD, their wedding being celebrated in 1852. The children of this marriage are as follows: Jane, who was married and at her death left two daughters; George, who makes his home in Rochester and for the past twenty-nine years has been in the employ of the NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD; Artemesia, the wife of J.B. LA SALLE, who resides on her father's farm in a separate dwelling; and Albert E., of Charlotte. His second union was with Josephine Hortense WILDER, who was a teachcer [sic] and his present wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca PATTERSON.

William A. STACE

pages 1432-1433

William A. STACE, a merchant tailor of Rochester, was born in London, England, July 6, 1852, and the removal of his parents, William R. and Rebecca (PRATT) STACE, to the new world, made him a resident of the United States in 1854. The paternal grandfather, Ralph STACE, remained in England up to the time of his death, which occurred at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The father, after locating in Rochester, opened a merchant tailoring establishment, which he conducted until his death in 1874, at the age of forty-nine years, his son William being associated with him during the latter part of this period. His wife died in 1885 at the age of sixty-five years. Both were members of the Baptist church.

As a public school student, William A. STACE acquired his education and when fifteen years of age began learning the tailoring trade under the direction of his father. In 1875 he opened business on his own account on a small scale and now has one of the largest tailoring establishments in Rochester, the standing of this enterprise in commercial circles being indicated by the fact that he draws his patronage from among the best citizens. He regards no detail of the business too inessential to claim his attention and gives careful supervision to the work that is carried on - a fact which has contributed largely to his prosperity. He is, moreover, a man of keen business discernment and executive ability. Aside from his mercantile interests in Rochester he is interested in a six thousand acre ranch in Kansas and is one of the heavy stockholders of the GENERAL RAILWAY SIGNAL COMPANY and director of the PNEUMATIC SIGNAL COMPANY.

Mr. STACE belongs to Valley lodge, A. F.& A.M.; Doric council, R. A. M.; Hamilton chapter, R. & S. M.; Monroe commandery, K. T., and Rochester consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. His political allegiance is given the republican party and he has membership relations with the Whist Club and the Rochester Yacht Club. Indeed, he is a most enthusiastic yachtsman and has comprehensive knowledge of yacht construction, having attained some skill as an amateur designer and builder of yachts. Masonry finds him a loyal member, his clubs a popular one, and yet perhaps he is even better known as an enterprising and successful business man, occupying a position of leadership in merchant tailoring circles of the city.

Hon. John B. STEPHENS

page 1061

Hon. John B. STEPHENS, special county judge at Rochester, was born in Middletown, Orange county, New York, and is a son of Holloway W. and Maria (MILLS) STEPHENS, both of whom were natives of Orange county, New York, the father following the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family.

In early boyhood Judge STEPHENS accompanied his parents on their removal to Steuben county, New York, where he attended the Cook Academy at Montour Falls until his graduation. His education was further continued in the University of Rochester, in which he matriculated in the class of 1880. He was graduated in 1884 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and, having made choice of the law as a life work, he entered upon preparation for the bar and after thorough preliminary study was admitted to practice in the courts of New York in 1886.

Soon after entering upon the active work of his profession he was appointed special judge by Governor Theodore ROOSEVELT in January, 1900, and was elected in the fall of the same year. In the fall of 1903 he was re-elected for a second term and in the fall of 1906 he was elected county judge. Upon the bench he has rendered able service to the county through his thorough understanding of the law and his correct application of its principles. He is strictly fair and impartial in his decisions, which have received the endorsement of the members of the bar and of the general public. In presiding on the bench he fully sustains the dignity of court, discharging his duties with a sense of conscientious obligation.

Judge STEPHENS belongs to the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and also the Phi Beta Kappa. He is a man of genial, social nature, whose friends are many, and he possesses a spirit of progress that is manifest in his devotion to various interests which promise to prove of benefit to the city and are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

Harvey K. STEVENS

page 866

Harvey K. STEVENS was for many years numbered among the highly respected citizens of Monroe county and although he has now passed away he is still remembered by many friends in Churchville and Monroe county, where he so long made his home. He was born in 1828, and acquired his education in Righter Academy, near Churchville, Monroe county. Upon entering business life on his account he chose farming as his occupation and was thus successfully engaged near Churchville for a long period, but for a number of years prior to his death lived retired. In politics he was a republican.

Mr. STEVENS was twice married, his first union being with Mrs. Maria (CHAPPELL) HILL, while for his second wife he wedded Miss Julia CHAPPELL, a cousin of his first wife. The latter was born in Brockport, a daughter of Ansel and Julia CHAPPELL. Her father was born in 1805, while his death occurred in 1873, when he had reached the age of sixty-eight years. He was a farmer by occupation. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Julia RICHMOND, was horn in 1803, and her death occurred in 1893, when she had reached the very advanced age of ninety years.

Mrs. STEVENS acquired her education in the Brockport Institute, and by her mother was trained in the duties of the household, so that she was well qualified for taking charge of a home of her own, when, in 1895, she gave her hand in marriage to Harvey K. STEVENS. She still survives her husband, whose death occurred in 1899, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years.. Mrs. STEVENS now makes her home in Brockport, her native city, and is a communicant of the Episcopal church. She is a lady who possesses many sterling traits of chcaracter [sic] and by her gentle, kindly manner has won the esteem of a host of warm friends. She is prominent in Brockport and the surrounding community and the hospitality of her own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by many with whom she is associated.

Holmes B. STEVENS

page 927

Holmes B. STEVENS, an attorney at law, was born in the city of Rochester, November 29, 1856, a son of Sydney A. STEVENS. He was admitted to the bar on the 6th of January, 1881, and, opening an office in Rochester, has remained in the active practice of law here for twenty-six years.

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