Biographies of Monroe County People
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From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 17

Newman, Arthur B., town clerk of Perinton, was born in the village of Fairport June 21, 1863, the only son of William M. Newman, the well known manufacturer. Having graduated from Fairport Union School and spent a year at the University of Rochester, where he was a member of the Delta Psi College fraternity; he entered in 1883 the sophomore class at Cornell, designing to follow architecture, in which he had already received practical training in the office of Walker & Nolan of Rochester, but owing to impaired eyesight he was forced to relinquish that career, and in 1888 became associated with his father as a partner, the firm of Newman & Son dating from January 1, 1888. In 1889 he married Louise, daughter of Jeremiah Gould of Syracuse, and their two sons are Roy M. born July 17, 1890, and Herald G., born April 16, 1894. Mr. Newman's personal popularity is unbounded, and to such men as he preferment comes unsought. A director and treasurer of the local Y. M. C. A., and a trustee of the village, he was also elected in March, 1894, clerk of the town of Perinton. He has also made a study for many years of the microscope and has a collection of over one thousand mounted slides, a good microscopical library, and is a member of the Royal Microscopical Society of England and the American Society of Microscopists. He has also done considerable work in amateur photography and chemistry (as applied to baking powder, soda and other branches connected with his business).

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 17 - 18

Van Voorhis, James, was a native of Passaic county, N. J., descended from an old and noted Holland Dutch family. In 1816, James, who was a harness maker, drove with his team to Western New York, located in Wayne county, and after ten years settled permanently a little north of Parma Center, where he became a successful farmer and business man. His children were John, Albert and Catherine, born in New Jersey; and Albert 2d, Rachel A., wife of William McKinney, born in Wayne county; Ralph and Hannah J., wife of John Van Derbeck, born in Parma. Ralph was born July 19, 1826, and at the age of twenty-one he worked his father's farm, continuing until 1853, when he went to Michigan and bought a farm near Kalamazoo, but ill health forced him to return and he located at Parma Center as a blacksmith. A little later he bought a farm in Riga, living there a year. After working for a time on his brother's farm, Mr. Van Voorhis purchased a farm in the northeast part of the town of Ogden, which he still owns, and where he resided until 1887, when he removed to Spencerport. Ralph Van Voorhis has always been an industrious and reliable man. He began business with but little means, but has by energy and thrift obtained a competence. He has been a member of the M. E. Church since childhood, and for more than thirty years has been its trustee, being now steward and treasurer. He has twice crossed this continent, and in 1878 crossed the Atlantic Ocean and visited Europe and the eastern continent. He is much interested in Indian relics, of which he has several of note. His first wife was Mary Fowler of Riga, by whom he had two children, who died young. He married second, Harriet A., daughter of Gilbert Reynolds of Pittsford, and widow of Henry Colt. Gilbert Reynolds came from Putnam county in an early day, and died in the town of Pittsford at the advanced age of ninety-four years.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 18

Willey, Sylvanus C., was among the early settlers of this town, coming from Westmoreland, Oneida county. He married in 1823, and located on the town line between Greece and Ogden, where he lived many years, but later removed to Spencerport, where he lived retired until his death. His wife was Malinda Atchinson, and their children were Sophia M., who married John D. Brigham of Ogden; Elivia V., who married Amos Colby of Ogden; Arsinoe V., who married George Shipman of Niagara Falls; Ogden S., now in Indiana; Alvin A.. who died young; Carrie M., who married Frank M. Grove of Ovid; and Miranda A., of Ogden. Mr. Willey was a man much respected in the town, and died in March, 1876, and his wife in April, 1892. John D. Brigham, son of the pioneer John, married Sophia M. Willey in 1845, and they had five children: Alvin W., of Rochester; Virginia, wife of Allen B. Welch of Bloomfield; Florence A., wife of Christie J. Pierce of Ogden; Ella May, who married Frank K. Austin of Owasco; and Cora M., wife of Charles Decker of Owasco. Mr. Brigham died in Ogden October 28, 1894, aged seventy-four years. He was assessor several years and for twenty-one years a trustee of the Congregational church of Spencerport.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 18

Klem & Hendricks. - Among the stirring young business men of Webster may be mentioned the firm of Klem & Hendricks, who, after working some years for the Rochester Moulding Company of Webster, started in business for themselves in the manufacture of mouldings in 1892, and after carrying on business for a time in the old structure near the railroad, in 1894 leased the Rochester Moulding Company's plant, where they employ from thirty to forty hands.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 18 - 19

Bowerman, Luther B., was horn in Fairfield, Me., in 1823, a son of Joseph Bowerman of that place, who was one of four children of Harper Bowerman, a Quaker of Maine. Joseph, father of our subject, was a farmer and settled in South Wheatland in 1827, where he spent his last days, a man well known and honored for his honesty and integrity. Like his father, he was a believer in the Quaker doctrine. His wife was Alice Estes, whose father was Benjamin Estes. Their children were Luther, Sarah, Daniel, Adaline, and Elmer. The former at the age of twenty-four conducted the homestead, working also at carpentry. He spent 1845 and 1846 in Illinois, thrashing grain. In 1848 he married Martha, daughter of Thomas Shadbolt of Wheatland, and resided with his father-in-law until 1852, when he removed to his present farm of 103 acres of choice land, all under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Bowerman have had three children: Mariette, who died aged twenty-two; Mrs. Alice Cox, of Chili; and Homer T., deceased, who married Elizabeth Mallock of this town, and had three children: Homer E., Etta A., and Bertha B. Mrs. L. B. Bowerman died in 1882.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by Wiiliam F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 19

Palmer, Fred, was born in Clarkson, September 4, 1853, a son of Isaac, born in the town of Sweden, July 15, 1809. His father, Simeon, came to Monroe county in 1808 and located in the fourth section, and through life was engaged in the manufacture of pearlash, and also was one the first brick manufacturers in the county. Isaac, his youngest son, is the only survivor of the family. He married Eliza B., daughter of Wright Spencer, and has been a prominent man in his town. He has been variously engaged in farming and the manufacture of drills for grain, and was also one of the builders of the gas works at Brockport. As a young man he studied law, and was admitted to the bar and to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Fred Palmer was educated in the Brockport Normal School, also the Academy of Rochester, after which he engaged in the same business as his father, and entered the store of the latter in Rochester. In 1873 he came to Brockport and took charge of the gas works. In 1876 he married Alice, daughter of George Grace, and their children are Isaac, Frederic S., and William N.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 19

Search, Charles W., was born in Henrietta in 1854, a son of Wesley, a native of Pennsylvania, whose father, Lot, removed to Henrietta in 1826 and settled on the farm where he died. Wesley is one of the leading citizens of this town, where he has resided since boyhood. His wife was Polly Hovey, born in this town, a daughter of Luther Hovey, of Massachusetts Their children are Lewis, Electa, Martin, Isabella and Charles. Our subject began for himself as a farmer in Henrietta. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and a deacon in the Henrietta Baptist Church. In 1876 he married Carrie, daughter of Robert A. and Harriet M. (Fenner) Martin. They have two children, Claud A. and Cora.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 19

Roberts, William H., was born in Westford, Otsego county, December 5, 1829. His father, Horace, was a native of Litchfield, Conn., and married Rachel Lowrey, who was a descendant of Sir Gawen Lowrey, who came to the colonies with William Penn. Horace Roberts was an agriculturist of Otsego county where he died. In 1852 William H. married Fannie, daughter of Peter Platner, her mother having been Pamelia Howe, daughter of one of the first settlers of the town of Westford. William H. Roberts came to Hamlin, Monroe county, in 1864, and in 1868 removed to Brockport and engaged in the general produce business, where he is now engaged in business with his son, Charles A. In 1894 they bought the electric light plant at Brockport. Our subject is one of the representative men of his town, actively interested in the growth and welfare of the place.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 19

Oliver, George, was born in Sussex county, England, June 13, 1818, where he was also educated as well as boys were in that early day in England. He learned the trade of harness making, and came to the United States in 1838, locating at Hanford's Landing, in the town of Greece. After the lapse of some time he began business on the Ridge Road, and is now just on the corner of Lake Avenue and the above road. This was fifty years ago, and he is now doing a successful business. He married Mrs. Harriet Richardson, nee Batt, of Canada, and she had one son by her first husband, namely, William H. Richardson, who is an architect in Rochester. Mrs. Oliver died December 14, 1885, aged sixty-five years. His father, John, was born at the old home, married Elizabeth Waters, and had eleven children, of whom George was the seventh.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 20

Ives, Lydia R., widow of the late J. H. Ives. Mr. Ives was a builder and also a jeweler, born at Great Barrington, Mass, August 15, 1815, and settled here in 1855, establishing at that time a jewelry store on Main street. Mrs. Ives, also of Massachusetts family, was born in Fairport, N. Y., February 18, 1817, her father, the late Peter Ripley, having come to this town in 1814. Their children were Mary A., Henry D., and Emma Lydia, all now deceased. The elder daughter was married to Charles D. Case of Fairport, June 28, 1871.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 20

Brigham, Orville P., oldest son of pioneer John Brigham, was born in Ogden, September 9, 1818. His wife, Delia Barnard, who survives him, was born in Rochester, April 15, 1821. They were married January 27, 1842, and their children were Charles H., and Edward D., of Palmyra, Frederick G. of Spencerport; J. Clifford, of Ogden: Clara E., wife of Wesley A. Whittier; and Elbert W., of Ogden. Mr. Brigham died October 22, 1885. He was an upright man and a public spirited citizen, also an earnest worker in the cause of temperance. He was a founder and leading member of the Congregational Church of Spencerport. Jehiel Barnard was a native of Oneida county, born in 1789, and in 1812 came to Rochester and bought a lot where the Arcade Building now stands, where he kept a shop, and later had another store where the Powers Building now is. In 1837 the family came to Ogden and bought a farm, hut in 1856 the old pioneer returned to Rochester, where he died in 1865, and his wife in 1882. Their children were Henry, who died in Virginia in 1877; William, who died in Iowa; Delia, who married O. P. Brigham; Jehiel, a business man of Rochester; George, who died in Dubuque, Iowa; Sophronia, who married James D. Brown and died in Rochester in 1882. Jehiel Barnard and Delia Scranton were married in Rochester October 8, 1815, which is said to have been the first marriage celebrated in that village.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NYby William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 20

Tooley, Norman, was born in the town of Wells, Rutland county, Vt., March 9, 1827, was educated in the common schools, and is a self made man. In 1855 he married Charlotte, daughter of Oliver and Sarah Gould, and they have one son, Prof. Arthur Tooley, of Brockport Normal School. In 1874 our subject came to Brockport, and in 1876 engaged in the coal business, which he still continues. Prof. Arthur Tooley graduated from Brockport Normal School in 1879, and the same year entered the Rochester University, graduating in 1883. In 1884 he was elected principal of the Academic Department of the Normal School there, which position he has since filled. Unostentatious and unassuming, he has ever been ready to further all Christian and benevolent enterprises.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 20 - 21

Chapman, Ansel, was a native of East Haddam, Conn., and came to Ogden with his family in 1820, settling on the farm now owned by John Chapman.. He was a pioneer in this locality, and for a number of years lived in a small log house. He brought the first team to this locality, and when he first visited the place Rochester had but two hotels. His wife was Abigail Chauncey, a sister of Henry Chauncey, one of the founders of the Panama Railroad. His wife was but sixteen years of age when she was married, but bravely withstood the trials and hardships of pioneership. Ansel Chapman died October 6, 1849, and his wife November 15; 1865. Their children were Timothy, for many years a merchant in Rochester; John C., of Ogden; Francis, who resided many years in Rochester, and died in New York; Catherine T., born in 1820; Elijah. who died young; Russell, who married Ruth Webster, and died in May, 1882; Mary, who died aged twenty-four; Sarah, who died aged seven; Minetta and Janette (twins), the first dying aged eleven, and the latter having married a Mr. Mills; and Henry M., who was killed by a horse when a boy. Ansel Chapman took a farm of fifty acres, which he afterwards increased to over 200 acres, but the great improvements on this place were made by John C. Chapman, whose life and energies have been devoted to farm work. The latter was born March 11, 1816, and for the last forty years has been an energetic business man. His sister, who shares with him the comforts of the old home, has been for fifty-two years a member of the Presbyterian Church.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 21

Davis, Martin, was born in 1863 in Honeoye Falls. His father, John M. was born in Lima in 1826, of parents who came from the eastern part of the State, though the Davises were originally from New England. The father of John M. located in Mendon about 1833 on the farm near the Friends' meeting-house. Here John grew to maturity and married Mary, daughter of Israel Wolsey, a sea-faring man, who came to that town from Perinton. John M. Davis was one of eleven children, but one of whom, Moses C., lives in this town, most of the others having settled at different points in the west. John bought and moved upon his present farm after his marriage. Of his four children, two died in infancy, the others being Martin and Olive, who now occupy the homestead farm of 240 acres. John M. Davis belonged to the Society of Friends. He served as supervisor several terms, and represented his, district in the State Legislature in 1869. He died in 1891, and his wife a year later. Martin and Olive attended the Rochester public schools, the academy, and Olive later graduated from Wellesley, and Martin from the University of Rochester and the Albany Law School. He has a law office in Rochester, but retains his home on the farm, which is the best in the county.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 21

Harroun, Oliver, came from Cambridge, Washington county, in 1835, and bought the Oliver Olcott farm on Union street, where he died in 1880. Of his six children two reached maturity: Mary J., who married Charles Tarbox, and is now deceased; and Ira D., who lives on the homestead. The latter was born October 22, 1840. July 23, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 108th N. Y. Vols., and was on detached service most of the time. May 6, 1864, he was severely wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, and was several months unfitted for duty. In 1862 he married Etta Harris of Ogden, who died in 1864 on returning from Washington, with her wounded husband. Mr. Harroun was mustered out of service March 13, 1863, and returned to the farm, where he has since lived. In 1867 he married Laura S. Kellogg of Ogden, and they have two children, Etta M. and Frank M., both gt home. John Harroun, father of Oliver, was a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of Colerain, Mass.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by Willliam F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 21 - 22

Anderson, John, was born in Oneida county in 1806, and settled in the western part of Ogden in 1828. In 1839 he married Eunice, daughter of Orrin Cooley of Sweden, and their children were James, Nancy, John H., Lucy, Eunice, Orrin, Fred. Mr. Anderson began life here without means, and by perseverance and industry accumulated a comfortable competence. His death occurred in 1870, at the age of sixty-four. He took little part in town affairs, was originally a Republican, but later a Democrat. Of their children, James died in infancy; Lucy died in 1870; Orrin died in 1860. In 1867 Nancy married George B. Stone; they had three children. In 1879 Eunice married Ira Goodridge; they had three children. In 1885 Fred married Clara Brooks; they had two children. Orrin Cooley came from Oneida county and settled in Sweden, though he was born in Connecticut. He came to the Genesee country as early as 1815, and here resided the most of his life, dying in Allegany county. By his wife, Nancy Howard, he had eight children, of whom three grew to maturity. He married a second time in Allegany county.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 22

Olney, Franklin, one of the old and highly respected residents of Fairport, was born in the town of Columbus, Chenango county, May 14, 1817, the second son of the late Joseph Olney, who settled in Mendon in 1823. The family is of English ancestry, the first representatives settling in Rhode Island. Mr. Olney's boyhood was passed in Mendon upon the farm, and at the age of twenty-four, he, with a brother, purchased a farm in Perinton. ln 1843 he married Eliza Benson and went to Wisconsin, where she died in 1845, leaving one daughter, Eliza J., now the wife of a physician in Detroit. Mr. Olney married second in 1848, Anstis Root, who died in 1873 without children, and in 1875 he married Mrs. Margaret C. Wilcox, nee Cole of Fairport. After the death of his first wife Mr. Olney returned to Perinton and in 1870 to Fairport. His political and social sympathies are with prohibition of the liquor traffic, and he was for a number of years one of the village assessors of Fairport.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 22

Hillman, H. Benjamin, was a native of Cambridge, Washington county, but a pioneer of Napoli, Cattaraugus county, having come to Western New York in an early day. He was a shoemaker by trade, but followed farming chiefly. In 1841 he and his family settled in Parma, where he died in 1885 and his wife in 1887. Their children were: Eroy D., of Parma; Lovinus, a physician of Greece, now deceased; Calpherna, wife of E. S. Benedict; Caroline, wife of William Clark; and Clementine, who married John Webster, and is now deceased. Eroy D. Hillman, who is known throughout this locality as an energetic, active, and successful business man and farmer, was born in Cattaraugus county May 18, 1823, and at the age of twenty-five married Harriet Castle. A year later he bought a farm of his own, and has since been an independent farmer. In connection with agriculture, Mr. Hillman has for twenty years carried on an extensive business in agricultural implements and machinery. He has also been an active factor in county politics, having served as supervisor, and justice of the peace several terms each. The children of Eroy D. and Harriet (Castle) Hillman were Charles, who died in infancy; Alice, wife of George V. Fowler, and Mary, wife of Frank J. Fowler, both of Waterloo, Ia.; Nellie E., wife of Adelbert Bass of Parma, and Benjamin S., a young business man of Waterloo, Ia.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 22 - 23

Barker, William H., one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of Pittsford, was born here March 16, 1837, and is the oldest living of six sons of David and Sarah Barker, and a great-grandson of Jared Barker, who was a pioneer of this locality, and whose name is prominently mentioned in early records as school commissioner and prime mover in any movement calling for enterprise and public spirit. David Barker was widely known and esteemed for his many good qualities, and by energy and perseverance with careful management added largely to the improvement of the sown, beside acquiring a large property for his own family. He died in 1879, and his widow, Sarah Barker, in 1894. The youngest son resides on the old homestead. In 1860 William H. married Clarinda, daughter of John Eckler of Springfield, Otsego county, N. Y., and purchased the farm of 150 acres where he now resides, and where he erected, in 1883, a fine residence. Four children were born to them; the oldest, Franklin, resides just opposite the homestead; the others are Satie B., Marie and Lillie; the latter died in 1889 at the age of fourteen.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 23

Loughborough, Ira E., was born at Cleveland, O., November 4, 1833, where his father, the late John F., was a prominent builder and contractor, who spent his last days in retirement at Pittsford. He was a veteran of the War of 1812. Ira entered the employ of the N. Y. C. R. R. in 1854 as painter and decorator at the Auburn shops, where he remained until 1870, when he was appointed foreman of Section No. 2, and has been a resident of Pittsford for over half a century. He has now completed forty-one years of service for the company. In 1855 he married Elma C., daughter of Gilbert Reynolds, and their children are four daughters and three sons, one of the latter managing the homestead farm near Pittsford. Mr. Loughborough has taken an active and influential part in public affairs. lie is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Masons, and has held various positions of public trust, among them being that of commissioner of highways and town clerk.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 23

Light, Mrs. Mary Helen, was born in the house where she now resides, and which was built by her father, the late Sylvester Shepard, who came here about 1828 from Berkshire county, Mass., taking up 140 acres of land, then but partially cleared. The trees now shading the pleasant lawn about the house were planted by his wife, and the mother of six children, who were William, Henry, Theodore, Catherine, Mary H. and Emma J. The first Theodore died in infancy, and another son was given the name, but died from exposure in defense of his country at Bull Run. Catherine is the wife of Prof. Ephraim Hines, owner and president of Hempstead Institute of Long Island. William Henry is a druggist at Buffalo, N. Y. Emma is a physician's wife, Dr. Campion of Camden, N. J. July 27, 1861, Mary Helen Shepard became Mrs. Harvey E. Light, and they removed to Greenville, Mich., where Mr. Light engaged in the nursery business, but was soon called to the battlefields of the South, going out as captain in the 10th Michigan Cavalry, and returning with the rank of major. Mr. Light is the inventor of the Light Patent Eureka Steam Boiler for sanitary heating of residences, and at present is traveling in the West in its interest, three of his sons being in the business at Saginaw, Mich.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 23 - 24

Madden, H. S., was born in Cortland, N. Y., June 22, 1855. His father, Samuel, was a native of Ulster, Ireland, born May 23, 1830. He with his father's family, came to America and settled in Cortland, N. Y., in 1840, where he later engaged in the boot and shoe trade. His wife was Sarah S. Clark, a native of Monroe county, and whose father, Daniel Clark, was an early resident of Brockport and publisher of one of its early newspapers. He died at the age of twenty-seven. In 1858 the family removed to the town of Hamlin, and in 1871 came to Brockport. H. S. Madden was educated in the State Normal School of Brockport, after which he entered the employ of D. S. Morgan & Co., in 1875 taking the position of office boy, and has served that corporation in every department of its businesa, being now secretary and treasurer of the company. In 1882 he married Bertha C. Barnard of Rochester, and their children are John H., Dayton M., and Sarah Bessie. At the death of D. S. Morgan, our subject, by provision of Mr. Morgan's will, became one of the trustees of the estate. He has served four years as trustee of the village, is a member of the Local Board of the Brockport Normal School, vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal church, and is identified with all the leading interests of the place.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 24

Howard, Judson, a well-known resident of this county, was born in Henrietta in February, 1825, a son of Ezra Howard, who was a native of Connecticut, born in 1789, a son of Manassa Howard of Connecticut. Ezra came to Henrietta in 1813 and bought fifty acres of land, which was partially cleared, to which he later added more land and became wealthy and influential. He was a mechanic, and when he began in Henrietta made his own chairs, tables, etc., as well as many farm implements for himself and neighbors. The plows were made of wood, with iron points. He was an active and public spirited man, and so patriotic that when the war of the Rebellion broke out, he offered and gave from his own purse ten dollars to every man who would enlist from his town. He died in 1864. He represented his town on the Board of Supervisors and in other official capacities. In 1815 he married Permelia Herrick, and their children were Lucy, Anson, Minerva, Mary A., Judson, Mary, Anna J., and William. The mother died in 1880 at the age of eighty-two. Our subject began for himself on his present place (a portion of which lies in the town of Mendon), and in addition to his home farm of one hundred and fifty acres he has other lands in this town. In 1851 he married Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Flory) Mook. Mr. Mook was born in Union county, Pa., and his wife in Lancaster county. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have had two children: Martha M., who died aged eighteen, and Duayne J., who resides at home.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 24

Bly, William B., a prominent contractor and business man of Fairport, was born in Sand Lake, July 12, 1833. Joseph, his father, was a millwright and lumberman of that place, and at various times a town official, having been commissioner of highways, justice of the peace, etc. W. B. Bly first engaged in the lumber business, afterwards farming for a time, and in 1867 came to Fairport and bought an interest in the planing mill. In 1855 he married Sarilla Vary, who died in 1870, leaving two children, a daughter, Eva, who married Harvard Speer and lives in Washington, and a son, Will I., who is traveling salesman in the Western States. After his wife's death Mr. Bly spent two years in California, returning to Fairport in 1872, and has since given his whole attention to building. Besides many residences, he erected in 1890 the handsome Bown Block on Main street, and in 1892 rebuilt the De Land Chemical Works. Mr. Ely is prominent in church and society, an exponent of Prohibition, has been trustee of the village, and in every way is identified with its best interests. In 1872 he married Mrs. Emma A. Hill of Fairport.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 24 - 25

Doty, Anson, was born in Albany in 1811 and came to this county in 1819 with his father, David, and the family were among the prominent farmers of the town. Anson married Sophronia, daughter of Joseph Hutchinson, and their children were Hiram, Mrs. Elmira Craig, Mrs. Mary Sharp, Mrs. Hannah Hendee, Mrs. Harriet Webster, and Mrs. Adda Kerr. One daughter, Mrs. Clarissa Allen, died in 1894, and one son, Reuben, died in 1884. Our subject is a practical and successful man, and has taken an active interest in town affairs.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 25

Meserve, Samuel H., came from Goshen, N. H., in 1845, and settled in the town of Parma. Previous to that time he had lived for two years in Rochester and vicinity. Of his five children, three grew to maturity: Laura, Luthera and Nathan, the latter alone surviving. Samuel died in 1872 and his wife in 1889. Nathan Meserve was born November 6, 1826, and being an only son, always made his home with his parents. In 1849 he married Matilda J. Hegeman of Greece, and had five children: Charles, who died in 1890 at Batavia; Addie, wife of Henry Miller of Rochester; Lydia, whose twin died in infancy; Hattie wife of Theron Peek, of Wichita, Kan. William Hegeman came Flatbush, L. I., in 1845 and settled in the southwest part of Greece. He died in Rochester about 1868, and his wife in 1862.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 25

Wansey, Lyman S., a son of John and Rebecca (Davis) Wansey, was born in Ogden June 9, 1824, and was one of the foremost men of the town, having a farm of 140 acres, which was among the best in Ogden. In 1857 he married Maria E., daughter of George P. and Mary A. (Day) Hodges, and they had three children: Charles, Frank, and a daughter who died in infancy. Mr. Wansey died in Ogden August 12, 1894, having served long terms as assessor, road commissioner and trustee of the cemetery. George P. Hodges came from Clarendon, Vt., and settled in Ogden in an early day. With him came his wife and two children: Eliphalet D. and Mary J., both now deceased. After living twenty years on the old place Mr. Hodges removed to Ogden Center, where he died in 1873. His children, born in Ogden, were Maria E., who married Lyman S. Wansey; Wealthy A., now of Vermont; and George H., of Ogden.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 25 - 26

Gaskin, B. W., of Pittsford, prominent as a builder and architect, and a resident of the village since 1846, was born in Waterville, Oneida county, November 30, 1830. Edward, the father, was an English gardener and florist, and in 1822, accompanied by his wife and family of five children, came to this country, having as capital less than $500. He engaged in farming, and was successful. The family residence at various times during our subject's boyhood has been in Oneida, Madison, and Chenango counties, and the educational facilities afforded him were quite limited. However he possessed a strong bent for the acquisition of knowledge, and during his youth, after coming to Pittsford, took up practical surveying under the tuition of L. L. Nichols, whose daughter, J. Adelaide Nichols, was Mr Gaskin's second wife, and the mother of Bertha Adelaide, now the wife of George Hooker of Pittsford. Mr. Gaskin's first wife was Martha Simonson, who died in 1862, leaving two daughters: Florence May and Myra M. The present Mrs. Gaskin was Emily, daughter of John S. Agate of Pittsford, and her children are Emily N. and R. Edward, who is at present a student at the Rochester Business College. Mr. Gaskin, not only as architect and builder, but as a citizen in private and official capacities, has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of Pittsford. In 1870 he was instrumental in procuring a new charter. lie was a village trustee for not less than sixteen years, and several times its president, besides serving as justice of the peace and assessor.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 26

Taylor, George C., was born at Meridian, N. Y., September 20, 1835, a son of Dr. A. L. Taylor, who died in May, 1861. The latter was for some years prior to his decease engaged in the preparation of patent medicines, a business which has been greatly enlarged and extended in the hands of his son, and which now sends its representatives to all parts of the country. Mr. Taylor first engaged in business in Ira, where he remained eight years, locating at Fairport in 1865. In 1872 he established the Fairport Herald, and erected the laboratory, corner Main and High streets. In 1861 he married Miss Fuller of Springboro, Pa. It is a singlar fact, and one to which must be attributed the lightness with which he bears his years, that notwithstanding his long experience as a traveling salesman and manufacturer, he has never yet tasted tobacco or liquor. Beside the widely-known "Oil of Life," Mr. Taylor deals largely in other medicines, and in all standard drugs and chemicals usually kept by general stores.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 26

Gomph, George H.; the well-known educator and clergyman of Pittsford, was born at Albany, November 4, 1842. His father, George, was of German birth, a skilled artisan and musician, who established his manufacture of piano fortes in Albany about 1858. Our subject's early days were passed in Albany, and he was educated at Hartwick Seminary. His earlier theological studies were at Philadelphia Lutheran Seminary, from which he graduated in 1869. The same year he took up his residence at Pittsford, where he has for more than a quarter of a century been intimately connected with its best interests. The German Lutheran Society was organized here in 1867, and their church erected, Rev. Valentine Miller being the first pastor, but it has since May, 1869, looked to Mr. Gomph as its spiritual leader. Largely, also, to his personal energy are its temporal affairs due for the solidity of their tenure. In 1883 the contiguity of the new West Shore Railway detracted so much from the old church as a place of worship that a new edifice was erected on Morningside Park, having 130 families connected, and a communion membership of 425. From 1870 to 1881 Mr. Gomph conducted a parochial school with excellent results, and he has been instrucor in the German language at the Union School. This institution owes in a measure its present status, with modern building and academic curriculum to his personal effort as chairman of the Board of Education. August 31, 1869, Mr. Gomph married Maria Clark, the preceptress of Hartwick Seminary, and their children are Mina, a musician of culture and ability as a teacher; Catharine, of the Normal College at Albany, and George, now a student at home.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 26 - 27

Benedict, Edgar, was born in Wilton, Fairfield county, Conn., October 2, 1830. His father, Frederick R., was a native of the same State, and the family trace their descent to Thomas Benedict, who came from England in 1638. F. R. Benedict married Mary A. Osborn, who died in 1846, and his second wife was Amanda Rockwell. Edgar Benedict was educated at Wilton, and in 1852 came to Brockport and engaged in the retail shoe business, which he now carries on in the same store where he first located. The firm was first C. Wickes & Co., afterwards Wickes & Benedict. In 1875 Mr. Wickes retired and Frank Benedict, a brother, was admitted to the firm, since which it has been Benedict Brothers. In 1858 he married Mary E., daughter of Joseph Staples, and their children are Frederick S., an architect of New York city; Homer B., a law student: George E., now in the office of D. S. Morgan & Co. Our subject has served as town clerk for ten years, and four years as one of the trustees of the village. He is a member of the Local Board of the Brockport State Normal School. He has been for twenty years one of the ruling elders of the Presbyterian church, and has been delegate to the Presbytery and Synod. In 1892 he was a commissioner from Rochester Presbytery to the Presbyterian General Assembly, which met at Portland, Oregon.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 27

Corby, Stephen L., was born in New Jersey in 1815, and was a shoemaker by trade The family originally came from England and settled in New Jersey when the country was new. Mr. Corby came to Lima in 1836, remained a short time, then went into Monroe county, locating at North Bloomfield. Two years later he came to Mendon Center, near which he has resided since. He has owned various farms, and worked at his trade. By industry and thrift he accumulated a comfortable property, and has always stood high in the estimation of his townspeople. He married in 1845 Lydia, daughter of George Marsh, who moved into the town in 1828. Mr. Corby bought his present home in Mendon Center in 1876, and it is the same spot where he lived nearly sixty years ago when he first came to the town. Mr. Corby was twice married; his first wife was Mary, daughter of John Supener, by whom he bad four children, namely: Caroline, who married George Canfield of Pittsford; Cady, of North Dakota; Bentley, who died in boyhood; and Emily, who married John Bone, but she is now deceased. Mr. Corby's children by his second wife are as follows: Bentley, of Pittsford; Sarah A., who married William Woolston of Fishers, she is now deceased; and Adellia, who married Daniel Woolston of the town of Perinton.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 27

Sime, George W., was born in Morrayshire, Scotland, April 1, 1844, a son of James, who came to this country in 1850, and settled in the town of Sweden. He married Annie, daughter of John Brown, and their children are George W. and Mrs. Harris Helmes. George W. was educated at the Brockport Collegiate Institute, then taught school for a number of years. In 1869 he married Adelle F., daughter of Hiram Peake, and they have six children: Annie D., Jessie, George B., William J., Arthur H. and Chester R. Mr. Sime has served as school commissioner for six years, supervisor three years, member of the Legislature (1886-87), and has been active in town work.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 27

Wagar, Dexter S., is a son of Amos, and grandson of George Wagar, who came here in 1819. Dexter S. lived on part of the old homestead and devoted himself to fanning until 1889, when he removed to Webster village, and erected a fine residence in 1892. His wife was Mary, daughter of Rev. George McCartney of New Jersey, and they have six children: Charles, Arthur, Raymond, Glenn, Hettie and Minnie. Mr. Wagar is now serving his second term as poormaster of his town.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 27 - 28

Hubbell, William, came from Sheffield, Mass., and settled on the Ridge in 1840. Ten years later he removed to Ogden, and still later to Clarkson, where he died in 1885. Of his eight children, Jane, born in Massachusetts, married Albert Shears; Eliza, Oreb T., Almeda, Carrie, Mary, Martha and Alice were natives of this county. Oreb T., so well known in Ogden and this locality, was born March 4, 1844; has been a successful and energetic farmer, and takes much interest in local politics, having served four years as overseer of the poor, etc. July 26, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 4th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, and served without serious mishap until the Reams Station battle, where he was wounded, captured, and held a prisoner for over six months. He was finally paroled, and mustered out of service July 26, 1865. He then returned to the farm and has since been a resident of Ogden. He has three times served as commander of Martindale Post, G. A. R., in which he has also held other offices. In 1870 Mr. Hubbell married Clara, daughter of Timothy Howard, of Ogden, and they have had six children, five now living.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 28

Burton, Leonard, was born in the town of Mendon, in 1838. His paternal grandfather was Stephen, a native of Massachusetts, who was one of the earliest settlers of the town, locating there in 1802, and taking up land northeast of the falls now owned by Daniel Fish and George Wood. He had a family of four sons and three daughters, of whom Asa, an infant when the family came to Mendon, grew up on the farm there and spent his life. He married Elsie Richardson, of Livonia, whose father, Joseph, was killed by the Indians in the battle of Black Rock, and was buried at Livonia. The Richardson family came from Livonia to Mendon in the early days. Asa Burton, besides being a successful farmer, carried on the business of brickmaking, and made all the brick used in the locality for many years. He reared a family of nine children, and died in 1871, his wife dying in 1885. Leonard Burton has always lived on a farm. He received a common school education at Honeoye Falls, and in 1862 enlisted in the 108th N. Y. Vols., serving in the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. He was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, which kept him in hospital until the battle of Gettysburg, but was at the front the rest of the time. After the war he bought a farm east of Honeoye Falls, in company with his brother Parley (who was also in the army), and the next year he married Sarah C., daughter of John Fishell, of Rush. They have these children: Alice V., Leonora M., J. Elmer, Clyde H., Josephine B., Jay, and Luetta. Mr. Burton has a farm of 120 acres and carries on quite a business in well drilling. He has served two terms as overseer of the poor.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 28 - 29

Malone, Patrick, for more than half a century a central figure in public life in this vicinity, was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1882, where his father was a merchant. Emigrating in 1825, they settled first at Montreal, seven years later removing to Rochester, and in 1835 came to Mendon. Graduating from the academy at Henrietta in 1838, Mr. Malone began life as a teacher, in which profession he was eminently successful. During this time he traveled to what was then the occidental boundary of civilization, teaching at Paris, Ky.; and at Lexington, Mo., he entered the employ of a large mercantile house as a bookkeeper. In 1839 he returned to this county, and in 1844 married Delia Lord, of Mendon. Their three children are Mrs. Delia Lewis, Mrs. N. C. Steele, and Mrs. Harry Stalter, all resident of Pittsford. Three sons are deceased, Thomas, Joseph and Albert; the latter being twenty-four years of age at the time of his death, a clerk in the Monroe County Bank, and a man of great promise and ability. Mr. Malone is a Democrat of the old school, and represented his town in the county legislature from 1864 to 1872 inclusive, and also in 1879. He was for a period of twelve years manager of the State Industrial School, and is still notary public. Despite advancing age, his scholastic attainments are apparent at once, as he is in all ways a citizen whom his townspeople delight to honor. He served as inspector of the Monroe County Penitentiary sixteen years.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 28 - 29

Case, Nathan, one of the oldest residents of Egypt, settled here in 1837. His record of a long life well spent is without startling event, but of a character without blemish. In 1838 be married Margaret Pierce, who was his companion for thirty years, and the mother of four children: Albert Case, of Michigan; Mrs. Henry Stoutenburg, of Pittsford, N. Y.; Geo. Case, residing on the homestead, and Mrs. Charles Townsend, of Rochester, N. Y. His present wife is Charlotte F. Ritter, nee Gunnison, of Troy. Mr. Willard Ritter, the well-known traveling salesman for De Land & Co., of Fairport, is her son. Mr. Case has been an invalid since 1885, a sufferer from paralysis, but with mental faculties unimpaired. In his prime he was a man of political and social note, a deacon in the Baptist church, and an assessor of Perinton. He was born in Hoosick in 1814, and accomplished the removal here by driving his own team overland, a journey of five days.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NYby William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 29

Danforth, Robert, came to Ogden from Livingston county, but was born in Massachusetts in 1782, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. In Hillsboro, N. H., he married Betsey Dowe, a native of Londonderry, Vt.. and they had eight children, three born before the family came to the Genesee country. They were Phineas A., Nason, and Leander. The latter was born in Royalton, Vt., January 30, 1807. The children born in New York State were: Aurelia A., Betsey E., Adeline L., Loemma E., and Robert A. Robert Danforth died in Ogden in 1872, aged eighty-nine, and his wife died in 1852. Leander Danforth, for many years a farmer in Ogden, and a man well respected in the town, married in 1835, Eunice K. Manning, of Bradford, N. H., by whom he had three children: Eudora E., Florence A., and Rosalie A. Leander Danforth died July 8, 1882, and his wife died in 1892. He was a consistent member of the Ogden Center Presbyterian church. Florence A. Danforth and George Stamp were married in 1868, and they have one son, Clarence G. Mr. Stamp died in Conneaut, Crawford county, Pa., May 31, 1871 Clarence George Stamp married, January 2, 1895, Myrta E. French, of Ogden. Leander Danforth was a Republican and an ardent abolitionist. Robert Danforth was a Democrat.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 29

Reeve, John, one of the substantial and conservative farmers of Pittsford, was born in 1832, in the town of Henrietta. William Reeve, his late father, was of English birth. He landed in America about 1816, settling in Henrietta, purchasing a large farm there ten years later. He was closely identified with initial operations on the Erie waterway, beginning with surveying, and later taking contracts for its completion on various divisions of the great work. His personal recollections of those days, when a few scattered domiciles constituted the city of Rochester, and when the common center of to-day was but a morass and dumping ground, are vivid and entertaining. John Reeve removed from Henrietta twenty-five years ago, and his farm of 160 acres in southern Pittsford is a marvel of its kind. February 17, 1870, he married Jane H. Proudly, and they have two children: Thomas J. and Ida A.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 29 - 30

Wilmot, Servetus, was horn in Ogden. October 23, 1826, the third child of pioneer Amos Clark Wilmot, by his marriage with Elizabeth Hiscock, the family being more fully mentioned in the history of Ogden. Servetus was reared to farm work, and was educated in the common schools and Brockport Academy. At the age of twenty-one he began for himself, and as a farmer Mr. Wilmot has enjoyed a fair measure of success, and in the estimation of his fellow men occupies an enviable position. During the past ten years he has been identified closely with the cause of prohibition. The family are members of the Presbyterian church of Ogden Center. In 1849 Mr. Wilmot married Margaret, daughter of pioneer Hendrick D. Vroom, and they have had these children; Henry A., M.D., of Middleport; Herbert S., who died aged twenty-four; and Henrietta M., wife of George L. Hiscock of Ogden.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 30

Gunsaul, John S., superintendent of canals since March 7, 1882, was born at Amsterdam, N. Y., December 29, 1830, where his father, John Gunsaul, was a farmer, and later a boatman and grocer, removing in 1845 to Fairport. J. S. Gunsaul began life as a driver on the canal, from which position he has worked his way up to the top of the ladder. Most of his life has been spent in connection with the Erie Canal in some capacity, although he was for a time a traveling salesman. He is a citizen of broad, liberal views and of sterling qualities, In 1857 he married Susan Mars, born in Vergennes, Vt., and their children are Willis A., who became an inspector of lumber at Bradford, Pa., and whose death occurred in 1889; George M., a traveling salesman who makes his headquarters here; and Elizabeth M., who married Frederick S. Keeney, of Belvidere, N. Y.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 30

Spavin, Henry, was born in England in 1820, a son of John, and a grandson of Thomas Spavin. He came to America in 1831 with his father and settled in Oneida county finally, where he resided some time, but in 1861 came to Webster, where he is engaged in fanning. The wife of our subject was Theressa, daughter of Henry Tibbits, of Oneida county, and they are the parents of two sons, Charles and John, and three daughters, Ella, Laura, and Allie.

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NYby Willia F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 30

Search, Lewis, was born in Bucks county, Pa., in 1824, a son of Lot Search, who was born in 1791, a son of Lot, sr., also of that place, who removed to Henrietta in 1825, and cleared the farm now owned by our subject. Lot, sr., was a Revolutionary soldier, and was in the battles of Monmouth, Brandywine, etc. Of his six children of Lot, jr., was the second, and lived to the age of ninety-one, He volunteered his services in the war of 1812, and went to Washington to assist in defending that city. His wife was Sarah Scout, of Bucks county, Pa., and their children were Matilda, Henrietta, Wesley, Lewis, Lucinda, Edward and Jane. Lewis Search has spent his life on the homestead, and in addition to his home farm he has also dealt to some extent in farm lands Since 1887 he has leased his farm, and retired from active work. He has served in various town offices. In 1846 he married Electa A. Brininstool, daughter of Jacob and Harriet Brininstool, who came to this county in 1808, where they endured all the hardships of pioneer life. The father died in 1882, and the mother in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Search have had four children: Frances E. Corbin, of this town; Sarah J., deceased; H. Coralin Fenner, of Scranton, P.; and Bertram L., who is discount clerk and teller in the Merchant's Bank, Rochester.


From Landmarks of Monroe County, NYby William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 30 - 31

Dailey, William, was born in Wheatland, Monroe county, April 14, 1846. His father, John, was a native of County Clare, Ireland, who came to America in 1835, and was identified with the farming interests of the county, settling in Chili. William was educated in the common schools, and is pre-eminently a self-made man. In 1874 he married Jessie McGeary, and they have had nine children: John F., William G., James K., George R., Vincent S., Donald A., Oswald J., and M. Bertha. In 1879 Mr. Dailey began the buying and shipping of grain and produce at Brockport, which he has continued to the present time. He takes a prominent position in the affairs of the town, and also in manufacturing enterprises. His home is a large and beautiful residence, with spacious grounds, on South avenue

  From Landmarks of Monroe County, NY
by William F. Peck (1895)
Part III, p. 31

Gleason, Samuel W., M. D., was born in the town of Bergen in 1821, a son of Abijah Gleason, who was born in Ellington, Conn. The latter married Susannah Hinckley, and settled in the town of Bergen in 1809, crossing the Genesee River on a log. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, after which he returned to Bergen and engaged in farming, being also a captain of militia, justice of the peace, etc. He died in 1875 in his seventy sixth year. Samuel W. was educated at Brockport, and studied medicine under Dr. Barnes Coon, of Ohio, also Dr. Robert Andrews, and he has been an active member of the profession for fifty-two years, twenty-four years in Bergen, Genesee county, N. Y., seven years in Kansas, one year in Michigan, thirteen years in Holley, Orleans county, N. Y., and seven years in Brockport, town of Sweden, where he is still engaged. In 1865 he married Harriet E.. daughter of Samuel Stone, and they have one daughter, Adelle.


From Rochester and the Post Express; A history of the City of Rochester from the earliest times; the pioneers and their predecessors, frontier life in the Genesee country, biographical sketches; with a record of the Post Express
compiled by John Devoy (1895)
pages 156 - 157

SAMUEL MOULSON

Samuel MoulsonSamuel Moulson was born January 28, 1811, at Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England. His father, also named Samuel, had a family of eleven children, of whom three died at an early age. Those who reached maturity were, Samuel, Robert W., John, George, Thomas, Charles, Emeline A., and Sarah A. In the year 1817, his father, who was then engaged in hat manufacturing in Sheffield, decided to emigrate to the United States. He located, with his family, in Philadelphia, where they resided until 1824; then they removed to Rochester, where he opened a meat market on the corner of Main and St. Paul streets. That being too far from the business center, he erected a market on wheels, which was drawn daily from Aqueduct street to the four-corners in front of the site of the present Elwood building. This practice proved very successful. To this business he added brick making and manufacturing of soap and candies, in which his son Samuel took an active part. In 1832 Samuel Moulson, Sr., died, and the business of manufactniring soap and candles was continued by the son, Samuel, on Front street, where the same sign hung for over fifty years. In 1872 he removed his soap factory to North Water street, where he built extensive works and devoted his whole time after 1880, until April 1894, to the business. In 1836, Reynolds & Bateham established a small nursery here, which two years later he purchased and named "The Old Rochester Nursery," which he continued to extend from year to year until he had over five hundred acres of land covered with nursery stock, and for many years made extensive sales throughout the United States and Canada, with branch offices for some years in Canada, Missouri and Wisconsin. He gave employment to several hundred men, and brought a great deal of money to this city to he spent here at a time when Rochester was small, thus aiding materially in the building up of the wealth of the city. He was also for many years engaged in a large real estate business, owning much central property and farm lands, which he cut up and sold in small parcels, so that many men secured houses through his management and liberality. He never pressed any man for payment, nor foreclosed a mortgage if the interest was paid. Mr. Moulson was married October 20, 1870, to Maria Kedie, daughter of William Kedie, who came to Rochester in 1836. He is a Democrat but never held any office.


From Rochester and the Post Express; A history of the City of Rochester from the earliest times; the pioneers and their predecessors, frontier life in the Genesee country, biographical sketches; with a record of the Post Express
compiled by John Devoy (1895)
pages 157 - 158

GEORGE MOULSON

George MoulsonGeorge Moulson, born at Broadham, Nottinghamshire, England, December 2, 1817, came with his parents to Rochester in 1824, and was educated in the High School during the years the school was under the direction of Professor Moore and Daniel Marsh. In 1835, at the age of seventeen, he engaged in business with his brothers and continued with them until his majority; he then went to Cincinnati and spent a year in Lane's seminary, returned to Rochester and engaged for four years in the soap and candle manufacture with his brother, Samuel. They then purchased the extensive Pearl Ash and Saleratus works of Dr. Church and Walter S. Griffith. After conducting that business for a few years the rnannufacturing of white lead was added, and a large business was built up, which was continued until 1861, when, owing to the large consumption of lead by the Government, the manufactnuniuig of pure white lead became unprofitable, and he preferred to discontinue the business rather than to make an adulterated article, consequently the business was terminated. In 1864 he purchased the Union Nurseries of his brother, Charles Moulson. In 1867 his son, Thomas G., was admitted into partnership, the business was very much increased, and a branch office opened in Wisconsin. The growing and selling of all kinds of nursery stock has been extensively conducted, so that in all the principal fruit growing states east of the Mississippi river bearing orchards or single specimens of the various varieties of fruits from their nurseries contribute to the prosperity and happiness of multitudes of people, and thousands of residences and grounds are beautified by the ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers furnished by them. Their office and packing grounds, together with the residences of George and Thomas G. Moulson, are on the grounds where the nursery was first established, fifty years ago. In 1875 they purchased the Woodland plantation near Charleston, South Carolina, of about nine hundred acres, also the Oakville and part of Walnut Hill tracts in Colleton county of over a thousand acres. George Moulson spent the Winters of 1877 and 1878 there in forming a land association comprised of colored people, to whom he successfully sold the Oakville and Walnut Hill tracts. The dividing up of large tracts of land among colored people was quite an innovation in that section at that time. Mr. Moulson was married in 1844 to Mary B. Folsom, formerly of Middlebury, Vermont. He never held any public office except that of school commissioner from the Ninth ward, serving on the board for several years, during which he was most of the time chairman of the finance committee; was also chairman of the committee that established the High School, which finally developed into the present Free Academy. In politics Mr. Moulson was always a staunch Democrat. In 1893 he erected a handsome block of four stores with flats on the site of the old ashery, corner Lake avenue and White street.


From Rochester and the Post Express; A history of the City of Rochester from the earliest times; the pioneers and their predecessors, frontier life in the Genesee country, biographical sketches; with a record of the Post Express
compiled by John Devoy (1895)
page 158

IRA L. OTIS

Ira OtisIra L. Otis was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in August 1835. His parents were of the best New England stock, and the Otis name is a familiar one in both political and literary history in that section of the country. Mr. Otis's parents removed to this city when the subject of this sketch was three years of age, and here he grew to manhood. As a youth he was educated in the public schools of Rochester and prepared for college. He was graduated from the University of Rochester in 1855, and subsequently entered upon a prosperous business career. For many years Mr. Otis has been a prominent manufacturer in this city, and the success which has attended him in his calling has led him to be recognized as a gentleman of rare business qualities. In politics Mr. Otis is a Republican. He has represented his ward on the Aldermanic board, but has never been by any sense what is known as an office-seeker. In the brief service which he rendered in the city government he was faithful to the trust reposed in him. In 1857 Mr. Otis married Miss Charlotte Raymond of Penfield, and they are the parents of three children. Mr. Otis has a beautiful home on Alexander street. He is a member of the Genesee Valley club, as also of the Rochester Whist club. Mr. Otis was president of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce in 1894.


From Rochester and the Post Express; A history of the City of Rochester from the earliest times; the pioneers and their predecessors, frontier life in the Genesee country, biographical sketches; with a record of the Post Express
compiled by John Devoy (1895)
pages 158 - 159

BENJAMIN E. CHASE

Benjamin ChaseOne of the men best known to the business and social life of the community for the last fourteen years is Benjamin Ellery Chase. Shrewd, indefatigable, genial, and distinguished for life-long probity, Mr. Chase has been much sought after to fill positions of trust and responsibility in the city. Mr. Chase was born in the town of Floyd, Oneida county, New York, and is the eldest son of Stephen C., and Laura A. Chase. The family originally came from Connecticut. He worked on a farm until eighteen years of age, and subsequently for several years was employed as a clerk in a clothing store in the village of Oneida, Madison county, after which, in 1865, he started in business for himself. On September 19, 1890, he was married to Manila A. Murty, daughter of a prominent carriage manufacturer of Oneida, New York. He was elected president of the village of Oneida four consecutive times, but in 1880 he resigned the highest honor which Oneida could confer upon him to become a resident of Rochester. While distinctly Democratic in his political sympathies, his untiring activity has preferred to seek its outlet in business circles. Mr. Chase is president of the Central bank, first vice-president of the East Side Savings bank, and a director in the Union Bank and of the Security Trust company. He is also treasurer of the National Casket company, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, director in the Bell Telephone company, and director in the Lyceum theatre. He is a member of the Genesee Valley club, the Rochester club, the Rochester Whist club, the Caledonia Fishing club, Keuka Lake club, and the Rochester Yacht club.

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