Bass, Loring, who for mamiy years was a carpenter and builder of Parma, was a native of Otsego county. He died in Parma Center in 1885, and his wife in 1887. They had five children who grew to maturity: Hanford, Adelbert, Amelia A., Velora and Ella. Hanford Bass was born March 5, 1839, and followed farming until October, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. C, 26th N.Y. Vols., and was in the service twenty-one months, being mustered out July 2, 1863, at Utica, after which he was wardmaster in the General Hospital at Davids Island two years, returning to Parma July 4,1865. He then engaged with his father as carpenter and builder, which partnership continued twelve years, after which he was engaged ten years for himself. In 1885 he opened a lumber yard at North Parma, and in 1890 added a coal yard. He has also dealt in other wares and carried on an extensive and successful business. He has also been active in political affairs in Parma, serving two years as village president. In 1866 he married Adeline Castle, and their only child, Libbie, died aged twenty. Abram Castle, of the pioneer family of Castles in Parma, had several children, among them being Emeline, Polly, Nelson and Clark. Emeline went to Chicago; Polly married Nelson Taber and removed to Tompkins county and Clark died in Parma. Nelson married twice, his second wife being Emeline Hall and their children are as follows. Adeline, Amy. Frank, and one who died young. Nelson Castle died at the age of eighty-three.

Barrett, T. E. - The Barretts are of an English family, and long of commercial importance at Portsmouth, England. where Robert Barrett was born in 1817 and became in later life a skilled joiner and boat builder In 1835 he came to America and settled in Rochester, first practicing his trade of calker, and later establishing an independent business as builder, with a dry dock at Charlotte. In 1895 we find him retired from a successful business, making his home on a suburban farm near Pittsford, purchased in 1888, consisting of 150 acres of choice land. Of thirteen children born to Robert Barrett, but two sons survive: Thomas E. and Robert, jr., the latter now operating a lighter in the waters adjacent to New York city. Thomas Barrett still conducts a large boat-building business at Lock 66, the firm being Robert Barrett & Son. In 1874 he married Lydia Yeoman, of Rochester, by whom he had four children. She died in 1880. His present wife was Annie L. Cleary, of Rochester, by whom he has three children.

Beedle, Ichabod, was born in Sweden, December 20, 1821. a son of James, one of the pioneers of the town, and bought a tract of woodland, which he cleared. He married Abigail Beedle, and of their ten children four survive. His death occurred in 1827 in his fifty-fifth year. Ichabod Beedle was educated in the Public schools, and in 1845 married Mary Wheelock, by whom he had one son, Rufus. he is a practical and successful farmer, taking an active interest in all local affairs.

Bailey, David L., was born in Haddam, Conn. in 1817, a son of Jonathan R. Meigs Bailey born there in 1779, whose father was Jacob, a native of England, who came to America, and was killed at the battle of Stony Point, July 16, 1779. Jonathan was reared on the homestead and for many years followed carpentry. He came to this town in 1827, and settled land now owned by our subject, where he followed farming and also plied his trade, being a mechanical genius. He manufactured many elegant clock cabinets for the old-fashioned wall clocks, many of which are still standing in the houses in this region. One of these old clocks still stands in the hall of our subjects home, which was made by Jonathan in 1801. The wife of the latter was Hannah Shaler of his native place. born in 1781. Their children were Jonathan, Sallie N., Chauncey, Hezekiah, Meigs, David, Cynthia S., Marvin S. and Harvey. They died on the old homestead, cared for by their son, David. Mr. Bailey has always followed farming and has taken some interest in politics, having served nine years as commissioner of highways. In 1844 he married Laura G. Brainard, of Haddam, Conn.., and their children are Brainard T., Charles H., and Harriet A , wife of William King, of New York. Charles H. was elected justice in 1889, but resigned to accept the office of under-sheriff, having served five years in that capacity. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife is Elizabeth A., daughter of John and Sarah A. Springer, of Henrietta. Mrs. Bailey is a daughter of Roswell and Laura Brainard, of Connecticut. Mr. Brainard was for many years an officer on Blackwell's Island, and his father was Ansel, son of Josiah Brainard, who was a lieutenant in the Revolution. He came to America in the Mayflower.

Doane, Dr.. W. H., of Pittsford, was born in Springfield, Ontario, October 28, 1866, a son of the late well-known and eminent physician George H. Doane, M. D. The elder Dr. Doane was also of Canadian birth, and came here in 1877, after eight years practice at North Branch, Mich. His death occurred here in 1892 at the age of fifty-five years. W. H. Doane may he said to have begun his medical studies in childhood, under the tuition of his late father. In 1886 he entered the Homoeopathic Medical College at Chicago. Graduating in 1889, he at once began practice, opening an office in Pittsford. where be ranks high as physician, and where he is highly esteemed not less as a man and citizen, than in his professional capacity. In 1889 he married Miss Ida May Seeley of Rochester, and their children are Ruth D. and Harold S. Dr. Doane is a member of several medical societies, among them the New York State Homoeopathic Society. thereby keeping abreast of current medical research.

Drake, sr., Elihu, a Connecticut farmer, came as far west as Chautauqua county in 1851, and remained there six years, engaged in agriculture. In 1857 he settled in Pittsford, reaching the advanced age of eighty-four. His wife was Susan Boughton, of East Windsor, Conn., and their only child was Elihu A., jr. The elder Mrs. Drake survives her husband, and is now an inmate of her sons home at Pittsford. Mr. Drake is a master of several trades, among them being that of cigar making, and of carpentry and building. While a resident in Chautauqua county, he married Elizabeth O. Granger. and of their four children, but one is now living. F. H. Drake, the well-known druggist at Monroe and Alexander streets, Rochester. The other children died in infancy.

Dunn, W. S., was born in Brockport, February 6, 1861. His father was a native of Ireland, and came to America in 1845 and settled in Brockport. William S. was educated in the Normal School at Brockport and later learned the trade of carriage trimmer. In 1885 he went to Rochester, and learned the undertakers business, in which he established himself in Brockport in 1891, and in which he has met with much success, employing only the latest and most improved methods. He also carries a full line of furniture. In 1887 he married Cora Cunningham, and their children are Leslie and Cecil.

Doty Family, The, is almost inseparably connected with the early history of both Ogden and Sweden. David, the pioneer, came from Albany county in 1811 and settled on the Doty farm. Lazarus Duty, oldest son of David, had previously looked over the lands and found them good, and there were four of the family who came, two settling in Ogden and two in Sweden. David's children were Lazarus, who died in Michigan; David, who died where George now lives; Asa, who died in Brockport; Anson, who resides in Sweden; Vina, who died in Sweden; Peggy and Polly, both deceased. David Doty, jr., married Mehetable Leonard, and their children were William, Henry, Lydia, George W., Harrison, Sarah, Nancy, Susan and Lottie. David and wife both died at the home of their son George W. The latter is one of Ogdens best informed and well-known citizens, born July 4,1830. After graduating from Brockport Academy he taught school in this vicinity twenty-three years, a record only equaled by his long service as choir leader in the M. E. church, which covered a period of forty-five years. Mr. Doty is also prominent in temperance work, having joined the Good Templars in 1856, and has been a temperance lecturer many years. He has also been a member of Ogden Grange, P. of H. and has held all the offices. In 1861 he married Helen F. Allen of Parma, and of their three children only one now survives, Clarence A. Mr. Doty has also served as justice of the peace and is a trustee of the M.E. church.

Davison, Ezekiel, a resident of Fairport for more than half a century, was born in Monmouth county, N. J., in 1819. His father. James, was a farmer. When twenty-one years of age Ezekiel came to Fairport and learned carpentry, following it until 1854, when he removed to Michigan, and the next year settled in Illinois, where he remained twenty years, engaged in farming. and at one time he and a brother operated 700 acres. In 1870 Mr. Davison returned to Fairport, since which he has led a somewhat retired life. But his mature judgment and uncompromising probity have made his services as assessor almost imperative, and he has for many years filled that position with great credit. In 1851 Mr. Davison married Katharine C. Ellsworth of Ontario, Wayne county. Her father, Michael Ellsworth, was a soldier of the war of 1812, receiving a pension for his services. He was by trade a blacksmith, and of English birth, as are also the Davison family. Mr. Davison is now enjoying a well-earned rest from his long and active career, having a pleasant home surrounded by every comfort.

Freeman Brothers, James, and Patrick, are the leading dealers in agricultural implements, carriages and wagons, coal and wood, in connection with which they conduct a general repair shop and a blacksmith shop. They were born in 1852 and 1855 respectively. sons of Michael, a native of Ireland, born in 1828. a son of James Freeman, also of Ireland, who reared three sons and one daughter. Michael the father, came to America in 1849, coming direct to Rochester, where he resided ten years. From 1859 to 1890 he was engaged in farming, and since 1873 he has resided in Wheatland. His wife was Catherine Kenedy of his native place, and their children are James, Patrick, Michael, Mrs. Mary Skivington, Margaret, who died aged twenty-two, Jennie, deceased wife of James Kane of Rochester. Catharine, who died aged twenty-two and Johanna E. James learned blacksmithing at Mumford in 1876, and in 1889 the brothers formed a partnership, and have built up an extensive trade. James has served three terms as collector in this town. His wife was Susan Kane of Riga, and they have one child by adoption, Harvey. Patrick has served as poor-master two terms, constable one term, and is now serving as highway commissioner. In 1884 he married Mary A., daughter of John and Elizabeth McFarland, and they have one child, John L., born January 9, 1885. The brothers are members of the Knights of Maccabees.

(The book misspells the name as Briminstool, instead of Brininstool)

John Briminstool was the first settler on the River road in 1810. His father, Michael Briminstool, settled on the same road in 1811. In that year, the only settlers on the River road from Enos Stone's, in Brighton to south line of Henrietta, were the Briminstool's, John Cook, ___ Russell, and a family in a log house near Mt. Hope; to whom were added before the close of the year, Luther C. Adams, Charles Case, Isaac F. Nichols, Hugh and Frederick Sample, Simon Moore, Bethuel Hitchcock, and Charles Colegrove. In the same year, Andrew and John Bushman and John Gould settled on cross road between River and State road. With a little assistance from Mr. Wadsworth, the River road was opened through Henrietta to the Falls in 1812: - "but," says Deacon Briminstool, "we had but lettle business in that direction; we used sometimes to go down the river to fish and sometimes to mill." In 1812 Josha Briminstool and William Frazier, and soon after, Daniel Bly and Timothy Torrence settled upon the road. In 1814, Elder Thomas Gorton settled on the river road. He had previously resided in Lima. A Baptist society had been organized two years previous and meetings had been kept up, Deacon Briminstool (Michael) generally leading them. After Elder Gorton settled in the neighborhood, a block meeting house was erected. The Elder emigrated to Michigan in 1840. He had 13 children who became heads of families.

Michael Brininstool lived in Monroe County until his death in April 1851. His daughter, Polly, married James McNall. His son, Jacob, farmed in the West Henrietta area, and his other son, John, died in 1820 in Henrietta.

Huber, Clement, was horn in Baden, Germany, November 22, 1880, son of Joseph Huber, who was a mason by trade, and his sons were brought up in the same occupation. The eldest of the boys, John, came to this country in 1846, settling in Parma. Clement followed in 1852, and Frank, still younger, came in 1860. Clement lived with John for two years, then began for himself. He carried on his trade of mason in connection with a small farm. In 1858 Mr. Huher married Mary Ann Snyder, by whom he had six children: Julia, wife of Peter Ring; Jessie, who married John J. Jones; Frank, who died in childhood; Charles, of Parma; George, of Ogden; and Cora, who died young. Clement Huber began his career in Parma with but one dollar in his possession, but a life of toil has earned a comfortable property. He is a member of the Baptist church at Parma and a prominent member of the Parma Lodge of Odd Fellows. Jonathan A. Snyder came to Parma from Montgomery county and was a pump maker by trade, but became a farmer later in life. He married Nancy Mather, by whom he had three children: Mary Ann, who married Clement Huber; Almira, who married William Worthington; and Maria E. He was killed in a runaway on the Lisle road in 1866. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Snyder married Mary Watrous, by whom he had two children, Watrous and Susan.

He who builds up a great enterprise does for his country as important a work as he who protects its interests upon the battlefield or he who formulates its laws in the council chambers of state or nation. The trend of civilization has ever been westward and upon the frontier outposts have been found men of stalwart courage and of marked ability who have recognized and utilized opportunities and resources and have builded to their labor a monument in large undertakings which have resulted from their diligence and enterprise. Such a one was George Ellwanger, who was a pioneer in the nursery business in western New York. His life record, too, indicated how great are the advantages which America offers to her adopted sons. No caste or class fettered his ambition and the dignity of labor is here appreciated as in no other country. George Ellwanger in early manhood wisely determined to make his home in the United States.

He was born December 2, 1816, at Gross-Heppach, in the Remsthal, called "the garden of the fatherland," in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, and amid the vineyards with his father and brothers he labored during his youth, finding enjoyment in the occupation which proved to him an alluring field for the labors of life. A liberal general education acquired in the schools of the neighborhood was supplemented by specific training of four years in a leading horticultural institution in Stuttgart, and there he continuously advanced toward that perfection which brought him so goodly a measure of success in his later years. Ambitious for advantages that would prove tangible assets in a business life, he came to the United States in 1835 and for a brief period resided at Tiffin. Ohio, but the Genesee valley as he passed westward left with him a strong mental picture that proved too attractive to resist and accordingly after a few months he returned to Rochester, where he entered the horticultural establishment of the firm of Reynolds & Bateham, the first of its kind in this city. The succeeding four years were spent as an employe and in 1839 by purchase he became proprietor of the business and at the same time acquired eight acres of land on Mount Hope avenue, a tract which formed the nucleus of the Mount Hope Nurseries, which subsequently became so celebrated. The following year Patrick Barry was admitted to a partnership that covered the succeeding half century and was only terminated by the death of Mr. Barry in June, 1890. The business proved profitable from the beginning and as settlement increased in the west they shipped their goods more and more largely to those newer districts toward the setting sun until at length Ellwanger & Barry s nursery goods were sold in every section of the United States, while a large export trade was also enjoyed. Additional property was purchased here to meet the growing demands of the business and they likewise established the Toronto Nurseries in Canada and the Columbus Nurseries in Ohio in order to facilitate shipments and bring the western and northern trade nearer to a base of supplies. After the death of Mr. Barry the old firm name was continued, Mr. Ellwanger remaining at the head of the house until his own demise. The generation to which he belonged represented a different type of business men. They maintained a higher standard of commercial ethics, and the house of Ellwanger & Barry never for a moment slipped hack from the honorable policy established at the outset. It was always their endeavor to please their patrons by supplying stock of the highest quality, gaining a fair profit on their sales, yet never overreaching another in a business transaction. The firm name, therefore, became synonymous with commercial integrity and the records of Mr. Ellwanger and of Mr. Barry both furnish an example that is indeed worthy of emulation. The former became widely known in financial circles through close association with the banking interests of Rochester, being successively a director of the Union and Flour City Banks and a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank and the Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Company. The Rochester Gas Company also profited by his services and sound advice as a director, and he was connected in similar official capacity with the Eastman Kodak Company and the Rochester & Brighton Street Railway Company.

In 1846 occurred the marriage of George ElIwanger and Miss Cornelia Brooks, a daughter of General Micah Brooks, a pioneer of western New York. They had four sons, George H., Henry B., William D. and Edward S., to whom liberal educational advantages were afforded as were also the means of study and travel abroad. The eldest son became a prominent factor in the conduct of the nursery business.

Mr. Ellwanger passed away in November, 1906, full of years and honors. He was not only known as a pre-eminently active and successful business man but one whose devotion to the city was marked by many tangible proofs. He studied the city s needs and its possibilities, labored to meet the former and to enlarge the latter, working not only for the interests of the moment but also for the welfare of the future. He retained in remarkable manner the vigor and strength of manhood and long after he had passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten he was an active factor in business life. To have attained to the extreme fullness of years and to have had one s ken broadened to a comprehension of all that has been accomplished within the flight of many days, is of itself sufficient to render consonant a detailed consideration of such a life in a work of this order, but in the case at hand there are more pertinent, more distinguishing elements those of usefulness, of high honor, of marked intellectuality, of broad charity -- which lift high in reverence the subjective personality of one who stood as one of nature s noblemen, "four square to every wind that blows." No shadows darkened any period of his long, honorable and eventful life and it therefore becomes an important public duty to perpetuate his memory. His example stands as an object lesson to those who came after him and though dead he still speaks.

William D. Ellwanger is justly accorded a place among the prominent and distinguished citizens of Rochester, as he has become widely known throughout the country as an author of marked ability. He was born in this city on the 27th of September, 1855, and is a son of George and Cornelia (Brooks) Ellwanger. His father was a native of Germany, horn at Gross-Heppach in the kingdom of Wurtemberg. December 2, 1816, and was reared and educated in that country, working in his father s vineyard when not attending school. Later he entered a leading horticultural establishment at Stuttgart, where he spent four years, perfecting himself in all the arts of horticulture and landscape gardening. Believing that the new world afforded better advantages for an ambitions young man, he came to the United States in 1835 and from New York city made his way to Tiffin, Ohio, but not meeting with the success that lie anticipated in that locality lie removed to Rochester in the spring of that year. Here he secured employment with the firm of Reynolds & Bateham, horticulturists and in 1839 started in business on his own account by buying out that firm. He also purchased eight acres of land on Mt. Hope avenue and began dealing in fruit and ornamental trees. The following year lie formed a partnership with Patrick Barry, and under the firm name of Ellwanger & Barry they carried on the business for half a century or until Mr. Barry s death. As the years passed Mr. Ellwanger steadily prospered and he became prominently identified with the banking business in Rochester. being a director of tIme Union Bank and the Flour City Bank and a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank and tIme Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Company from their organization. He was watchful of all the details of his business and of all indications pointing toward prosperity and his success was certainly well deserved, being a man of unbending integrity, unabated energy and industry that never flagged. As a citizen he was public spirited and progressive, giving his co-operation to every movement which would tend to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of his adopted city and county, in 1846 Mr. Ellwanger married Cornelia Brooks, a daughter of General Brooks, of Livingston. one of the pioneers of western New York, and to them were born four sons.

The boyhood and youth of William D. Ellwanger was devoted to the acquirement of a good education, He attended Racine College and later was a student at Yale, graduating from the latter institution in 1876. He studied law in the office of Oscar Craig, of Rochester, and was later graduated from the Albany Law School After his admission to the bar in 1878 he formed a partnership with Joseph H. Hunn. in 1881 and they successfully engaged in practice until 1904, being at that time the oldest law firm of the city. Mr. Hunn was then appointed one of the trustees of the Hiram Sibley estate and the partnership was dissolved. but for eight years prior to this Mr. Ellwanger had devoted the greater part of his time and attention to literary work, contributing many able articles to various magazines and newspapers, including the Century and the New York Sun. Besides this he has published several books which have won favor with the reading public and his writings embrace both prose and poetry. Among his publications are "The Collecting of Stevensons," "Some Religious Helps to a Literary Style," "A Snuff Box Full of Trees." which appeared in the New York Sun and was an article on the big trees of California "A Summer Snowflake and Drift of Other Verse and Song," and "The Oriental Rug," a monograph on eastern rugs, carpets, etc. Besides his interest in oriental rugs, he has taken an interest in oriental porcelains and also in gardening, following in his father's footsteps in this direction, as did also his brothers, who were considered authorities on the standard rose.

On the 10th of May, 1877, in Rochester, Mr. Ellwanger was united in marriage to Miss Laura Selden, and they have one daughter, Evelyn, born June 5. 1895. The family residence is at No. 240 East avenue, Rochester. Pleasant and genial in manner, Mr. EIlwanger is quite prominent socially and is a member of the Manhattan Club of New York and the Genesee Valley Club of Rochester.

Wm. E. Werner wurde am 19. April 1855 in Buffalo geboren und erhielt dort seine Schulerziehung. Im Alter von 22 Jahren kam er nach Rochester, um hier die Rechte zu studieren. Im Jahre 1879 wurde er zum Barreau zugelassen und stieg von da an rasch von Stufe zu Stufe höher in der Rechtspraxis. Nachdem er zwei Jahre lang als Protokollführer im Munizipalgericht fungiert hatte, wurde er 1884 zum Spezial-Countyrichter erwählt, dessen Amt er bis 1889 innehatte, worauf seine Erwählung zum Countyrichter erfolgte. Im Jahre 1894 wurde er zum Oberriehter des 7. Gerichtsdistrikts erwählt und 1902 zum Appellationsrichter nominiert, in der Wahl jedoch von seinem demokratischen Gegenkandidaten geschlagen. Als er 1904 für dasselbe Amt wiedernominiert wurde, blieb er Sieger. Richter Werner ist ein Mann von grossem juristischem Wissen und hoher allgemeiner Bildung, und seine Carriere beweist, dass dies von seinen Mitbürgern gewürdigt wird.

(translation)
Wm. E. Werner was born on 19 April 1855 in Buffalo, NY and received his school education there. When he was 22 years old he came to Rochester in order to study the rights/laws here. In 1879 he was certified by the Bar and rose rapidly to higher and higher levels in the practice of law. After he had performed for two years as a protocol leader in the Municipal Court, he was chosen in 1884 to the position of special County Judge. He held this office until 1889, at which time he was chosen to be the County Judge. In 1894, he became the Head Judge of the 7th Court district and in 1902 he was nominated to be an Appellate Judge. His rival democratic candidate was chosen instead. In 1894, when he was again nominated for the same office, he was the winner. Judge Werner is a man of great legal knowledge and high general education, and his career proves that this is appreciated by his fellow citizens.

Richard Gorsline, of the Gorsline & Swan Construction Company, with offices in the Powers building, began his life record in Rochester on the 25th of October, 1880, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of the city. The name of Gorsline has figured in connection with the business development end upbuilding of Rochester for almost a century, the family having been founded here by the grandfather of our subject, who was of French extraction and resided for some years in East Bloomfield, New York, whence he came to Rochester in 1816. He was a builder and many costly and substantial structures still standing bear evidence of his architectural skill and ability. He assisted in constructing the ponderous stone aqueduct which crossed the Genesee river and revived, by its solid masonry and graceful arches, recollections of the old time bridges over more classic streams. He was a typical specimen of the race from which he sprang, being sprightly and vivacious and possessing the artistic temperament in a marked degree, as well as a fine physique and great capacity for hard work. He died in 1870 at an advanced age, while his wife, Mrs. Aurelia (Rice) Gorsline, died seven years later. For some years prior to his death he was elder in Dr. Shaw's Presbyterian church of Rochester and his name heads those inscribed on the memorial slab to the founders of that church.

William Henry Gorsline, father of our subject, was born in Rochester, July 12, 1829, and was educated in the public schools, which he attended to the age of fourteen, when he became his father's assistant in building operations. He inherited his father s artistic temperament in architectural lines and became one of the most prominent builders of the city. Among the fine structures which stand as monuments to his skill are the University of Rochester. the Rochester Theological Seminary, Rockefeller Hall, the high school, the city hail, the arsenal, the Rochester Savings Bank, Powers commercial building, Powers Hotel, Warner's fireproof building, the Cunningham carriage factory, the First Presbyterian church, the Central church, the Brick church, the Jewish synagogue, the Grant building, and many others, which include fine business blocks and private residences. A striking evidence of the confidence reposed in the integrity of Mr. Gorsline is afforded by the fact that all the payments made by Mr. Powers for his splendid hotel, which was finished eleven months from the day of commencement, passed through his hands. Mr. Gorsline always faithfully fulfilled his part of every contract and was always found true to every trust reposed in him. Whatever he undertook he carried forward to successful completion, and in business affairs was always found prompt and thoroughly reliable. The larger the contract the more it seemed to develop his capabilities, and, even though sometimes threatened with loss, he never relaxed his efforts to make his work as perfect as all his great skill and all modern appliances and inventions would permit. In 1874 he became a partner of Ira L. Otis in the manufacture of salt-glazed pipe, and founded what became one of the most important industries of the kind in the country, making extensive shipments from their retail yards in New York city to all parts of the world. The success of this enterprise was largely due to the inventive genius of Mr. Gorsline. He was also president of the Rochester Sewer Pipe Company and the Buffalo Sewer Pipe Company, and was a heavy stockholder in the Rochester Brick & Tile Company. He was one of the directors of the Flower City Hotel Company and a trustee of the East Side Savings Bank. The became a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, served on its first board of trustees in 1887 and was continuously upon its important committees. He was for two years president of the Builders Exchange and served on the boards of arbitration in labor matters.

In community affairs William H. Gorsline was deeply interested and did much to further public progress and improvement. He belonged to and was elder in the Brick Presbyterian church and was greatly interested in its work. In 1857 he married Miss Sarah Parker, by whom he had five children: Russell A., Walter P., Ralph H., Philip and Carrie. In 1876 Mr. Gorsline wedded Miss Margaret Hawley Howe, also a native of Rochester, as was her father, who at one time conducted the old Howe bakery. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gorsline had two sons, William H. and Richard, who are still living. The father died in 1901. at the age of seventy-two years, and his wife still survives. In politics The was a republican and lie attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry.

Richard Gorsline, whose name introduces this record, has spent his entire life in Rochester and has fully sustained the unassailable reputation of the family for business activity, enterprise and integrity. In his youth he attended private schools and passed his examination from the Borden school for Cornell, but was prevented from attending college by his father's ill health. As a boy he worked with his father in the sewer pipe factory and in the fall of 1901, subsequent to his father's demise, he formed a company under the style of Gorsline, Swan & Rice for contracting and building. Mr. Rice died in the winter of 1895-6, since which time the business has been conducted as the Gorsline & Swan Construction Company, building contractors. Through many decades the name of Gorsline has figured in connection with building interests in Rochester. The work begun by the grandfather was carried on by the father and has been taken up by the son, who is now one of the prominent general contractors of the city, his business interests having reached extensive proportions. He is also vice president and director of the Rochester Sewer Pipe Company.

On the 7th of February, 1904, Richard Gorsline was married to Miss Elizabeth Agnes Hickey, a daughter of Jeremiah and Margaret (Griffin) Hickey. They have one son, Richard Thomas Gorsline. Mr. Gorsline is a member of the Brick church, while Mrs. Gorsline is a communicant of St. Patrick's cathedral. He also belongs to the Rochester Athletic Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has neither time nor inclination for official or political life even if his business interests would permit him to enter it. His influence, however, is felt as a strong, steady, moving force in the social, moral and industrial movements of the community. His record reflects credit upon a family name which through ninety years has been an untarnished one in connection with the business interests of Rochester.

Freeman Clarke was born in Troy, N. Y., on the 22^nd day of March, 1809. His father was Isaac Clarke, and his mother Elizabeth Brown, both of Rensselaer county, N. Y. Having pursued the usual school course in his native place until he was fifteen years old, the young man began business for himself as a grocer and dealer in country produce. In the year 1827, when only eighteen years of age he removed to Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., taking with him a large stock of goods, bought mostly on credit, where he engaged in mercantile business, the manufacture of flour and other similar enterprises, which were generally successful. In the year 1837 he was elected cashier of the Bank of Orleans, which was the first public step in a long career in which his extraordinary financial capacity was demonstrated to an unusual degree. This bank was incorporated under the safety fund system of the state of New York, and Mr. Clarke had held the office of director in it, before being called to the position of cashier.

After eight years of faithful and successful service as cashier at Albion, Mr. Clarke removed to Rochester, where he subsequently became largely interested in banking and organizing railroad, telegraph and other large corporations. He organized a bank for himself (the Rochester bank) under the general banking law of the state of New York, which was a successful institution. He was soon chosen one of the trustees and treasurer of the Monroe county savings bank, and in 1857, during the panic of that year, he organized and became president of the Monroe County bank, which office he held until he was appointed comptroller of the currency. This bank was subsequently changed to a national bank and in Mr. Clarkes honor was called the Clarke National bank. In these positions Mr. Clarke acquired at least a local reputation as a financier of more than ordinary capacity.

With the inception and growth of the railroad system of this state, Mr. Clarke became early and prominently identified. He was one of the first directors and the treasurer of the Lockport & Niagara Falls road, and when that corporation was compelled to sell out its stock and franchises they were bought almost entire by Mr. Clarke and Mr. Washington Hunt. In spite of general opposition, sufficient interest in this undertaking was developed by the two owners, and stock subscriptions obtained to secure the building of the road and its subsequent extension to Syracuse. Mr. Clarke was also director and treasurer of the organization for the latter named purpose. He was president from the first organization of the Genesee Valley railroad company, and its treasurer, and subsequently became largely interested in other railroad enterprises in different parts of the country.

Mr. Clarke was one of the very first to interest himself in the promotion of the telegraph interests of the country. He took stock in both the House Printing Telegraph company, and the Magnetic Telegraph company. using the Morse patents, both of which organization were afterward consolidated to form the nucleus of the great Western Union company. While these different offices and positions of trust and responsibility are not all to which Mr. Clarke was called before he had reached middle life, they will serve to indicate the degree of confidence felt in his financial and executive capacity by his fellow citizens and business associates.

Mr. Clarke has always felt a commendable degree of interest in politics, not as an avenue through which to attain position or preferment, but as a means of securing good and efficient government. Up to the year 1837 he was identified with the Democratic party, and subsequently with the Whig and the Republican parties. He was vice-president of the Whig state convention in 1850, being then but forty-one years old; it was in this convention that his friend, Washington Hunt, was nominated for governor. The president, Hon. Francis Granger, with a portion of the delegates, seceded to organize the Silver Gray and Know-Nothing parties, and Mr. Clarke was called to act as president. In 1852 he was a delegate to the Whig national convention, which nominated General Scott for the presidency, He was vice-president of the first Republican state convention of the state of New York, in which Myron H. Clark was nominated for governor and Henry J. Raymond for lieutenant governor. In 1856, he was chosen presidential elector on the Fremont and Dayton ticket. In 1862, at the most critical period of the nation's history, he was elected a representative from New York to the thirty-eighth Congress, declining a re-election at expiration of his term, to accept the appointment in 1865 of comptroller the currency. It was in this important office, when the financial affairs of the country were much distracted and the credit of the government was at its lowest ebb, that Mr. Clarkes innate financial ability and tact were recognized by his official associates and fully demonstrated by the important acts that followed, for which he was principally responsible. It was during his administration that the national currency act was passed, which taxed and legislated the old state banks out of existence and compelled all banking institutions to invest heavily in government bonds for deposit as security against their issue of bills, this creating a demanded for the bonds and re-establishing the credit of the government on a firmer basis. The importance of this measure at that time can scarcely be over-estimated and Mr. Clarkes instrumentality in its consummation was freely acknowledged by Secretary of the Treasury Chase and other members of the cabinet.

Mr. Clarke resigned the office of comptroller of the currency and was in 1867 elected a member of tho New York state constitution convention, of which he was one of the leading members. In 1870 he was reelected a representative from New York to the forty-second congress, in which he served on the Committee on appropriations, and was again reelected in 1872 to the forty-third Congress, serving on the committee for foreign affairs.

If anything further is needed in evidence of the fact that Mr. Clarke might have attained almost any political preferment to which his ambition was directed, it is supplied in the statement that the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, and when it was generally believed he would impeached arrangements were quietly made by which, in that event, a new cabinet could be organized with out delay. For the office of secretary of the treasury Mr. Clarkes name brought forward, first by Thomas W. Olcott, the eminent financier, in a letter addressed to Edwin D. Morgan and Roscoe Conkling, strongly recommencing Mr. Clarke for the position. This letter was endorsed by bankers and financial men of New York city representing more than four hundred millions of dollars. After the failure of the impeachment proceedings, this letter was returned by Governor Morgan to Mr. Clarke and is in his possession.

Although a large portion of his life has been passed outside of his adopted city, Mr. Clarke has been honored by his fellow citizens at home, though often feeling compelled to decline honorable distinction. He acted as one of the commissioners appointed by the city to supervise the elevation of the New York Central railroad tracks through the city, a work demanding qualifications of a high order on the part of the commission. He is now a trustee of the Rochester university, was formerly a member of the First Presbyterian church and now of St. Peters church, in both of which he held office.

Personally, Mr. Clarke is a gentleman of dignified, yet courteous demeanor; easy of approach by the humblest; prompt and terse in speech; an excellent judge of men and a warm and true friend to those to whom he becomes attached. What is greater than all the rest, in his long private and public career, much of the time being custodian of vast interests, financial and otherwise. He has not only been uniformly successful, but has won a reputation extending far beyond the boundaries of the state for unusual capacity and unquestioned integrity.

In 1833 Mr. Clarke was married to Miss Henrietta J. Ward, the youngest daughter of Dr. Levi Ward. They have had ten children, seven of whom are now living. Mr. Clarke occupies one of the most attractive places of residence in the city of Rochester, with ample grounds and beautiful surroundings; it is situated on Alexander street.

Fehr, Jacob, was born in Switzerland, and came to America in 1853, and to the farm where he now lives in 1854, where he is known as one of the thrifty farmers of the town. His wife was Elizabeth White, and they have two sons, Jacob S. and Franklin, who assist in conducting the homestead farm.

Fox, George W., is a son of Martin, and a grandson of Martin, sr., who came to this town in an early day and settled on the farm where George W. now resides. Mr. Fox is a farmer, and also does quite an extensive business in evaporating apples. He married Jennie, daughter of Ira Lounsbury, of Penfield, who died leaving one son, Claud M. His present wife is Nellie, a sister of his first wife.

Filkins, George S., was born at Penfield, June 14, 1838, and for many years has been a prominent builder of Fairport. His father, Isaac, was a farmer. Starting in life without capital, save energy and integrity, Mr. Filkins has hewn his own way to success and to an honored place among his fellow men. He had barely reached man's estate when he became a soldier of the "Old Thirteenth," and during two years of active service was a participant in many of the great battles. Like most of the gallant veteran soldiers, he is a staunch Republican, and has long been a trustee of the village. In 1863 he married Ada Benedict, by whom he had two sons, Allen G. and Ernest. who are now among the active business men of Fairport, operating a market and grocery in the brick block at No. 30 Main street, erected by Mr. Filkins in 1888. Mrs. Ada Filkins died in 1879, and in 1883 he married, second, Mary White, of Montezuma. Her children are Anna, Clarence and Howard. Her death occurred July 4, 1892.

Fishell, Henry, is a son of John, whose father, Henry, came from near Gettysburg, Pa., to Rush in 1808, when John was a child. The elder Fishell bought land and settled on Honeoye Creek, the homestead being still in the family. Of their seven children, John married Sarah Bell, of Rush, and had seven children. She died in 1845, and he married second Mary Fishell, a second cousin, by whom he had fourteen children. Of the twenty-one, eighteen are living and in prosperous circumstances. John Fishell died in 1879. Henry Fishell was the oldest son, and he married Cornelia Elwanger, and lives on a farm near Five Points. He has one son, Archie D., and a daughter, Hattie M. John Fishell was a man of means, and the father of these children: Margaret (Mrs. William Bell), Henry, Lovina (Mrs. Wheeler), Susan (Mrs. Bell), Maria (Mrs. Kellogg), Benjamin, Sarah (Mrs. Burton), Celinda (Mrs. Burgett), Lovira, who died young, Caroline (Mrs. John Burgett), deceased, Miles A., William R., Martin, who resides on the old homestead, John, who died in Michigan, Helen, a widow, who resides at home, Emma (Mrs. Benjamin Hovey), Ada (Mrs. William Henry), Delia (Mrs. Longtier), and Avery.

French, M. D. - In the earliest annals of Monroe county the name of Alvin S. French occupies an honored and prominent position. He was of an old Connecticut family, and a pioneer settler here, where he first lived in a log cabin, the site for which he cleared with his own axe. M. D. French was horn at Brighton, November 1, 1839, and educated chiefly at East Henrietta Academy. He had but fairly reached man's estate at the outbreak of the late war, and in 1862 enlisted in the 18th N. Y. Battery, participating in the battles and sieges with bravery and good fortune. Just prior to enlistment Mr. French married Arminda Brown, of Brighton. Since 1865 they have resided on the farm near Pittsford, where their modern residence was erected in 1890. Mr. French has served as assessor, and is a valued member of the G.A.R., the Masons, and the order of Patrons of Husbandry.

Fellows, William, was born in Penfield in 1832, a son of William, who came from Sheffield, Mass., in 1816 and died here in 1888, leaving three sons, William, John and George. His mother was May, daughter of Horace Bush, and her mother was a daughter of Gen. John Fellows, of Sheffield, Mass. Mr. Fellows resides on the old Bush homestead, is a farmer, and has for the past four years been a highway commissioner. He married Sarah, daughter of Andrew Lincoln, who erected the Lincoln Mills in Pittsford.

Fahrer, John, was born in Penfield in 1864, and is a son of John and Anna (Wanderon) Fahrer, who came from Germany to Penfield about l850. His father died in 1888, leaving one son, John, jr., as above. John married, January 6, 1892, Carrie S., daughter of Michael Brahler, and they settled on their present farm.

Frost, S. P., was born in Steuben county, November 13, 1833. His father, D. D. Frost, was born in Danbury, Conn., the family having been among the earliest settlers of that State. D. D. Frost married Mary Eggleston, and of their five children two survive. He learned the carriagemaker's trade, and was also identified as a farmer, and in the mercantile business at Attica, where his death occurred in 1879. S. P. Frost was educated in the common schools and the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary, after which he engaged in the hat business until April, 1861, when he enlisted in the 25th N.Y.S. Militia as sergeant on the non-commissioned staff, and reenlisted September 10, 1861, as private in Co. B, 91st N. Y. Vols. was promoted first lieutenant and sent to Florida, remaining until September 18, 1862, when he received an honorable discharge, and returned to Attica, engaging in the men's furnishing business. In 1867 he came to Brockport and bought the clothing and men's furnishing business which he now conducts. In 1861 Mr. Frost married Ternperance, daughter of Peter Van Zandt, of Albany.

Fincher, John Alexander, was born in Seneca, N.Y., in 1799, and died in Ogden in 1870. Although not a native of this county, he was for many years a resident here, and one of Ogden's most respected men. He began his business life here in the employ of Isaac Colby. In 1825 he married Betsey, daughter of Ephraim and Lydia Colby, the first white female child born in the town. She was born in 1803 and died in 1871. Their children were Elvira P., of Michigan; John A., of Rochester; Maria B., of Michigan; Jesse E., of Dakota; Sarah C., of Michigan; and Martha E., who married Joseph Parker and resides on her father's old home. Mr. Fincher bought the old Tucker place after a varied residence in the town. He wis a successful man and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. His death occurred in 1870. Joseph Parker was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1834, and at the age of eight came with his parents to this country, settling first at Medina, and later in Michigan. In that State Mr. Parker married, first, Lydia A. Eebb and had one child, Charles R., of Ogden. In 1893 Mr. Parker married, second, Martha E. youngest child of John A. Fincher, and lives on the old farm in Ogden.

Edmunds, James M. - Among the men who may be considered personal landmarks of Brighton. none occupies a more prominent place than Mr. Edmunds, who has for more than sixty years occupied the same home in the central part of the town. He was born at Adams, Jefferson county, June 25, 1809. Eliphalet Edmunds, his father, came here with his father in 1824, and this was his home until his death seventeen years later. James is the sole survivor of a family of ten children, of whom he was the youngest. Since his maturity he has always occupied a prominent place in local affairs, and now in the ripeness of his declining years commands the regard and esteem of all who know him. Besides holding minor offices, he has been assessor, and commissioner of schools. His wife, now deceased, was Melvina Sperry, of Greece. Their children are Julia. Roxana, James P., and Omar.

Adams, Franklin and Leon F. - Franklin Adams was born in Penfield, in 1824, a son of Silas and Clarice (Baker) Adams. and a grandson of Jesse Adams, who came from Massachusetts and settled in East Penfield in 1801 where he died. Jesse Adams left two sons, Moses and Silas, who died in Missouri. Franklin Adams settled on the farm where he now lives in 1837 and has always been engaged in farming. He married Cynthia -----, who died leaving one son, Leon F. He married Anna Kiley, by whom he has one son, Franklin. He lives on the farm with his father.

Allen, Lucia, Miss - The earliest permanent settlers in Monroe county east of the Genesee River were the Sheffer family. Peter Sheffer, sr., was a native of Germany and came to America with his family in 1771, settling in Pennsylvania. In July, 1789, they came to Bloomfield, Ontario county, where he purchased 1,200 acres of land. This he apportioned between his three daughters, and in December of the same year, with his two sons, Peter and Jacob, he located on the west side of the Genesee River, where Peter Sheffer, jr., purchased a tract of 470 acres of Ebenezer Allen, known as Indian Allen. Here the Sheffers continued to live until 1797, when a frame dwelling was erected, being the first one beyond the river. In 1790 Peter jr., married Elizabeth Schoonover, whose father had settled south of Scottsville that same year. Jacob Sheffer died in 1795. To Peter and Elizabeth Sheffer were born eleven children. Peter and Jacob Sheffer brought apple seeds from Pennsylvania and planted the first orchard on that side of the river in 1799. Peter Sheffer, Jr., built a grist mill on Allen's Creek in 1811. He was a man of thrift and enterprise and became one of the wealthiest men of his time. He served as justice of the peace and held other important offices. He died September 21, 1851. His children were Peter, Levi, Daniel, George, Loren, Jacob, Roswell, Elizabeth, Nancy, Esther and Maria. All but Jacob and Elizabeth reached maturity, and settled in the towns of Wheatland and Chili, where many of their descendants still reside.

FRANK W. HAWLEY

Frank W. Hawley was born November 23, 1857, at Belleville, New York. He received an academic education, having been for some time a student at the Canandaigua academy. Some years ago he removed to Rochester, New York, where he secured a clerkship in the office of one of the leading law firms, and devoted himself assiduously to the mastery of the general principals of law. Mr. Hawley never practiced at the bar, but the legal training which he received has been of great advantage to him in his subsequent career. In order to make his way unaided, he undertook reportorial duties on the staff of one of the Rochester newspapers. In this way his evenings were spent, often until far into the night. The capacity for such labor after a few years brought appreciation, and with it responsible posts, in which he revealed executive abilities of the highest order. Mr. Hawley owns the former country place of the late Senator Jarvis Lord, where he maintains a great herd of Jerseys, among which are some of the most famous animals of that breed living. He also has a large number of Shetland ponies, which he imported from the stud of the Marquis of Londonderry. Representatives of his Jerseys and his Shetlands were exhibited at the World's Fair, and were among the prize-winners. Mr. Hawley has been the successful promoter of several important and extensive enterprises. He was the first person to apply electricity to the propulsion of canal boats for commercial purposes. This he accomplished by means of trolleys suspended over the water-way, and supplied with electricity from a central power-station, the movement of the boat being effected by means of a flexible wire attached to an over-running traveller, communicating with the motor attached to the crank shaft. The test was made November,1893, in presence of Governor Flower and many distinguished guests, and was pronounced completely successful. Mr. Hawley was the promoter, organizer, and is the vice-president of the Cataract General Electric company, which will distribute over New York State the electrical energy derived from the Falls of Niagara, for purposes of power, heating and lighting. The possibilities of this undertaking are enormous, and will probably result in a complete revolution in the industrial life of the State. Mr. Hawley necessarily spends much of his time at his office in New York, where he is intimately connected in business with ex-Senator Thomas C. Platt, being associated with him in many of the latter's great enterprises, and is looked upon as one of his most trusted lieutenants. In a financial way Mr. Hawley has been marvelously successful, but he has won success at a great price, for overwork has resulted in seriously impaired eye-sight. Mr. Hawley's strong taste for rural life leads him to pass all his spare hours at his beautiful country seat at Pittsford Farms, where he finds congenial rest from his labors.

ALEXANDER McVEAN

Complimentary in the extreme to the incumbent of the office of county treasurer of Monroe county is the fact that he has been elected to that important trust five times in succession by large majorities. The tax-payers of Monroe county have had such unpleasant experiences in a financial sense, with some former custodians of the county funds, that if they had come to an understanding to reflect no man hereafter to the office of treasurer, no one could say with truth that they were not justified in adopting that safeguard. But with the recollection of their recent losses, still rankling in their memory, they had no hesitation in cheerfully electing Alexander McVean, county treasurer five times. Such a testimonial to the respect and confidence in which one is held by his friends is rarely tendered and must be very acceptable to the recipient. Alexander McVean was born in Wheatland, Monroe county, New York, March 27, 1834. His ancestry was Scotch. His youthful education began in the public schools, from which he advanced to the old Clover Street seminary in this city, from which, however, he had to withdraw on account of ill health. On returning to the country his health was restored, and he worked on a farm until he reached the age of sixteen, when he came to this city and entered as a clerk in the old Commercial bank, remaining in that institution for many years and finally becoming its paying teller. He resigned that position to form the firm of McVean, Hastings & Company, paper manufacturers at the lower falls in this city. This business occupied his time until 1870 when he withdrew and organized the Sill Stove company, of which lie was secretary and treasurer until 1878. On terminating his connection with the latter company, Mr. McVean was nominated by the Republican party of Monroe county for county treasurer, and was elected without a serious contest. As already stated he has had the same experience five times, his last term of office terminating October, 1894. Mr. McVean is a member of the Rochester Whist club and of Lawrence Lodge, F. & A. M. His wife was Miss Frances C. Smith, whose father was a major in the United States army in the Mexican war. They reside at 142 South Fitzhugh street.

HON. JOHN B. HAMILTON

As success is the generally accepted test of a man's ability, County Treasurer John B. Hamilton can present indubitable title to recognition as one of the leading men of Western New York. For nearly twenty-five years he has taken a leading part in the business and political affairs of the community, and the confidence of his fellow-citizens in his integrity and ability was fittingly shown by his election in 1893 to the responsible position of county treasurer of Monroe county. Mr. Hamilton was born of Scotch parentage at Avon, New York, January 10, 1843. He completed his education at Poughkeepsie and in the city of New York, and afterward spent some time in the West. In 1872 he returned to this State and engaged in the grain and produce business at Rush, continuing the same until his election as treasurer. He was a delegate to the Republican National convention at Chicago in 1888, and a member of the Advisory council on cereal industry at the World's Fair in 1893. For several years he has been general superintendent of the Western New York fair. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Rochester Whist club and of the Columbia Gun club.

KENDRICK P. SHEDD

Kendrick P. Shedd, prominent in Rochester as a business man, Was born at Trumansburg, New York, October 22, 1837. His father, Rev. Philander Shedd, was a Baptist clergyman, whose labors were performed in this quarter of the State, and whose wife was Ruth Ann Earle, a sister of Dr. A. B. Earle. Kendrick's education was received at the public schools, and at Dundee and Warsaw academies. He began his business career as a clerk in a country store, and in 1855 he came to Rochester and entered the employ of Dewey & Monroe, at the time leading wholesale and retail grocers. He remained with that firm for several years, but had commenced business for himself as a member of the firm of Ingham & Shedd when the war broke out, and the firm was dissolved in order to let the junior member go into the army. He joined Captain Lyman, acting quartermaster, in a clerical capacity at Columbus, Kentucky, serving until the fall of Vicksburg. After that memorable event of the war he came home on leave of absence and did not return, but soon got a position with a paymaster (Major C. W. Wingard) and served until the close of the war. He returned to Rochester in 1866, and in July of that year was married to Miss Emily E. Mudge, at that time principal of public school No. 2. Mr. Shedd again engaged in the grocery trade as a member of the firm of Mack & Shedd. Mr. Mack moved West within a year and Mr. Shedd continued the business with Henry Dean as partner until the latter's death in 1869. From that date until 1892 he carried on the business without a partner. He had always been actively interested in politics, and when he received the Republican nomination for county clerk of Monroe county in 1892 his election was a foregone conclusion; he was reelected in 1894. As county clerk Mr. Shedd introduced important improvements in the management of the office. His ideas will, beyond a doubt, prove of great and permanent value to the community, especially to all who have occasion to consult the records in the county clerk's office. Mr. Shedd is extensively affiliated with Rochester societies, being a member of Genesee Falls lodge F. & A. M; Hamilton Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Monroe Commandery; a charter member of Lincoln lodge A. O. U. W., Knights of Honor; Knights and Ladies of Honor Columbian Rifle team, and a member of the Rochester Whist club, also holding membership in several insurance companies. Mr. Shedd's family life has been happy; six children have blessed his marriage, and in his pleasant home on Birr terrace he and his wife have every reason to anticipate many years of happiness.

GEORGE W. ALDRIDGE

George Washington Aldridge, contractor, was born in Michigan City, Indiana, December 28, 1856. He is the eldest son of George W. Aldridge and Virginia De Orsey Aldridge, the former born in Chazy, New York, the latter in Cincinnati, Ohio. The father of the subject of this sketch attained a wide reputation as a contractor and builder, and many of the larger and more important structures, both public and private in the city and vicinity, attest his capacity and ability in this line of construction and work. During the period in which he was carrying on these undertakings and enterprises he held the office of alderman and was honored by his fellow citizens with other positions of trust and responsibility. His son, George Washington Aldridge, attended public and private schools, among the latter being the Cary Collegiate seminary, Oakfield, New York, and the De Graff Military Institute of Rochester, in which he finished his studies. Possessed of great energy, a will that enabled him to overcome serious obstacles, coupled with a faculty for concentration of thought, quickness of action, determination to accomplish any settled purpose, he soon mastered his father's business, and on the death of the latter in 1877, he won his way into position among the leading contractors of the city. Many of the private residences, commercial and public buildings, were remodeled or rebuilt under his direction and management. In 1883 he was elected a member of the Executive Board. He was elected four times to the same position in the public service, and on each occasion by a large majority over his competitors for the honors, receiving thereby an endorsement by the people of Rochester that has been surpassed but once in the political history of this city, and an approval of his administration which was as flattering as it was unusual. In March 1894, he was elected mayor of the city by a large majority, and in this office he exhibited the same executive ability already displayed in his recent field of action. In addition to his responsibilities as public official, he has been an active member of the Republican State committee since 1887, a member of the National Fire association; State Fireman's association, the office of vice-president of which he held for two terms; the Exempt Fireman's association of Rochester, the presidency of which he has filled for five years; and in addition to the above associations, he holds a membership in the Rochester club, the Rochester Whist club, Rochester Athletic association, is a trustee of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, member of the Rochester Historical society, trustee of the Fireman's Home at Hudson, New York, and member of the new Manhattan club, New York city. He was a leading candidate for Lieutenant- governor at the Saratoga convention in 1894, and although unsuccessful, he came out of the contest with honors, having had among his competitors several of the leading and most popular members of the Republican party of the State. On January 2, 1895, he was honored by Governor Levi P. Morton by nomination as Superintendent of Public Works, and was complimented by the unusual procedure of prompt and instant confirmation. January 22, 1895, he resigned as Mayor of Rochester and assumed the duties of the office to which he had been nominated. As a testimonial of the appreciation in which he was held he was made the guest of a public dinner, in which over one hundred and fifty of his fellow citizens participated, representatives of the judiciary, press, legislature and citizens expressing their high esteem and respect, and in laudatory terms giving generous praise to his qualifications for the position of trust and responsibility with which he had been honored by the Governor.