Martin, Henry R. - The father of our subject, James K. Martin, was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., and his mother, whose maiden name was Bristol, came from the same place. In March, 1819, they removed from Rensselaer county to Riga, in what is nqw the town of Chili, near Black Creek. The journey was made with one team and wagon, containing seven persons and the household goods of two families. The journey occupied two weeks. The next winter Mr. Martin returned to Rensselaer county for his widowed mother and two younger brothers, making the wearisome journey on foot in six days. Unfortunately for Mr. Martin, the locality where he had first settled, on Black Creek, was very low and unhealthy, and he and his family were all sick with the ague and fever during the summer; in August every one was sick. Later in the fall they partially recovered their health, and Mr. Martin began to look about for some means to earn food for his family. He had no money and could not get money for his work. He found, however, that he could work for his uncle, Judge Sibley, chopping wood for one-half bushel of wheat per day's work. He worked sixteen days for which he received eight bushels of wheat, which he had to thresh and clean, and then by taking it to the village of Rochester he could get two shillings per bushel. In all he worked nineteen days for eight bushels of wheat. which he sold for two dollars. These were the hardest times he found. In January, 1821, Mr. Martin removed from Black Creek to the town of Rush, renting a farm of James Wadsworth, which he occupied for four successive years. In three years he began to gather things about him, and in 1825 he purchased and moved on a tract of one hundred acres, of which only four or five were cleared. This he cleared and improved with his own hands and gained property very slowly by the most rigid economy. He resided on this farm till the day of his death, doing much hard work and never engaging in any speculation. As his family grew around him he purchased more land, and in course of time all were settled on farms adjoining or near his own. He had a large family - eight sons and five daughters. Mr. Martin was for many years and until his death in 1870 a member of the Christian church at North Rush, and in which he was chosen one of the deacons. Previous to his death one son, Joseph, and one daughter, Fannie (Mrs. Martin Norris), had died. Since then Lorenzo, Stephen B., and Charles E. have died. The remaining children are Elvira, Lydia. James, Catherine, Clarrissa, Killian, Henry R., and Ward. The youngest, Ward, is living on the homestead, and Killian and Henry R. are on adjoining farms. Henry R. married Louisa Collins. They have had seven children, five of whom are living. Their names are Elvira F., James R., Mary L., Carrie A., and Lucelia A.

Ketcham, Joseph H., was born in Rensselaer county, September 9, 1820, and is the son of Joseph, who was born in the same place August 12, 1777, and died May 6, 1856; he came to Macedon and later to Perinton, where he died. Joseph H. came to Webster in 1839, and has resided at West Webster most of the time since. His grandfather was Daniel Ketcham, who came in at an early day from England. Joseph H. married in 1844 Lucy M., daughter of Nelson and Sally Ann Smith.

Glasser, John M.,is the son of Anthony Glasser, born in New York. In 1848 they moved to Sullivan county, N. Y., where his father bought a tract of woodland, which they cleared and made of it a fine country home. In the meantime Mr. Glasser became interested in woodwork, and came to Rochester in 1870 and learned the wood-carving trade, at which he worked until 1884. He then came to West Webster and bought the hotel property there, which they remodeled and added to until it was a first class hostelry, the proprietors being Glasser & Saller. Mr. Glasser married Louisa Gabel, the daughter of Jacob Gabel of Rochester, and they have three sons and one daughter, Walter, Emil, John and Emma.

Stayman, George, is a son of Isaac, and he a son of John, who came from Pennsylvania in 1805 and settled in North Mendon; he reared a large family, most of the children going West. Isaac married Emma, daughter of Daniel Faulkner, of an English family. They had one son, George A., born in 1853, his mother dying three years after in 1856. He was placed in the care of an uncle, Henry Hobden, to be brought up, and here he remained fourteen years. He then worked by the month until his marriage in 1874 to Emogene, daughter of David Smith, one of the principal farmers of the town. Mr. Stayman bought the Peter Shaw farm the same year, which he has made into a handsome home. He has three children: Allie E., Frank D., and Daisie C. In 1893 he was elected commissioner for three years on the Re- publican ticket and re-elected in 1895 on the same ticket. The family have always supported the Presbyterian church, John Stayman having been one of the founders of the East Mendon church.

Baird, Byron, the youngest of a family of eight children of the late Bedent and Catherine (Quackenbush) Baird, was born near the site of his present home, December 1, 1830. His father was born at Monmouth, N. J., and settled here about 1819. Bedent Baird was a man of unusual mental attainments, and became in mature years an important social and political factor in Perinton. The writer inspected various school exercises in mathematics executed by him when but twelve years of age, some of which bore date January 24, 1802, which are models of chirographic art, and attest a scholarship far beyond the average of that day. Some of their children attained mature years. Of the two still living - Byron and Samuel - Byron has spent his life near his birthplace, erecting thereon a new and modern residence. Samuel spent several years of his early manhood in Rochester, where he studied for the bar. He is now a resident of Lowell, Wash. The family is of Scotch ancestry. Byron married in 1857 Imogene Mattison, daughter of Truman Mattison, born in Bennington, Vt., the son of Isaiah Mattison, a Baptist clergyman.

Wilcox, Glezen F., was born April 8, 1836, on the farm where he now lives in Perinton, Monroe county. His ancestors came from old to New England, and later to Western New York. His grandparents on both sides settled in Ontario county in the later years of the last century, taking up and improving into farms tracts of land from the unbroken wilderness. In 1834 William Wilcox, the father of the subject of this sketch, purchased the farm on which his youngest son, Glezen, was born, and which has ever since been his home. Mr. Wilcox received a liberal education at the schools of Lima and Rochester and at Heidelberg, Germany. At the age of twenty-one he traveled widely in the British Islands, France, Germany and Italy, on foot, with knapsack and staff, walking more than three thousand miles. From these journeyings sprang a series of descriptive letters under the title of "Europe Afoot and Alone," contributed to Moore's Rural New Yorker, which attracted wide and favorable attention. Returning to his home after a couple of years, Mr. Wilcox settled down to the business of farming. In 1861 he married Adeline C., daughter of W. K. Goodrich of Fairport. Their only child, Glezen G., was born October 13, 1868. Mr. Wilcox continued his literary works as a contributor to several journals on rural topics, and also published many sketches of "Boat and Tent Life" in the northern wilderness and on the great lakes. For several years from 1865 he was associated with D. D. T. Moore as editor of the Rural New Yorker, then published in Rochester. When that paper was removed to New York Mr. W. declined to follow, and severed his connection with it. In 1871, with A. A. Hopkins he established the Rural Home, a rural and literary journal, in Rochester, but at the end of a year disposed of his interest in the paper, and retired from active newspaper work. Mr. W. has been active in public affairs, serving as administrator of estates, as assessor and supervisor, and has been a candidate of a minority party for the Legislature. He is an Independent in politics, and a supporter and trustee of the Baptist church.

Schummers, F. F., Fairport, N. Y., dealer in hardware, stoves, paints, agricultural tools and plumbing, was born in Paris, France, in 1847. His father, Francis Schummers, was a cabinent-maker and came to America in 1849, locating first in New York city, and later engaged in farming in Lowville, Lewis county, N. Y., until 1872, when he removed to Perinton where he lived with his son until his death, which occurred March 30, 1895, at the age of eighty-four years, his wife, Margaret, having died October 12, 1890. F. F. Schummers was educated at Lowville Acad- emy and State Normal School of Pennsylvania, and for a time taught school. In 1872 he bought a farm in this town, where he remained eighteen years. In 1890 he established himself in the hardware business in Fairport, where he stands at the head in that line. In 1870 he married Frances, daughter of the well-known banker and philanthropist, Jeremiah Chadwick, and his children are Sabin C., Margreta, Irmagarde and Gladys.

MacLachlan, Hugh, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, July 6, 1850. His father was Hugh MacLachlan, a native of Invernesshire, Scotland, and was one of the old Gaelic stock. Hugh, jr., came to America in 1870 and settled in Brockport, engaging in the carpenter's trade in 1874, and later in the dairy business. In 1877 he entered the employ of the Johnston Harvester Co., with whom he remained until they were burned out. In 1887 he established his present business as dealer in coal, wood and fertilizers, handling about 3,000 tons of coal annually. In 1875 he married Eliza, daughter of John Wilson, and their children are Sybella T., B. Helen, and Flora C. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Scribner, Albert G., was born at Andover, Merrimac county, N. H., on February 1,1804. His ancestors on both the paternal and maternal sides were English, and both came to Massachusetts in the early part of the seventeenth century. Mr. Scribner was the sixth son of a family of thirteen children; leaving home at an early age he learned the trade of shoemaking, and followed that trade for several years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In 1823 he came to Monroe county, N. Y., in company with his brother-in-law, John W. Sweet, locating in the town of Ogden, working at his trade for a number of years. In 1833 he married Matilda Colby, a daughter of Isaac Colby, who settled in the town of Ogden in 1802. In 1834 Mr. Scribner turned his attention to farming, working and owning several farms; he finally purchased the farm located on the hill, one-half mile east of the Town Pump, where he resided until his death in. 1893, (in his ninetieth year), Mrs. Scribner having died in 1885, at the age of seventy-six. Mr. Scribner held several town offices, and was one of the company that built and for a time operated a store at the Town Pump. Mr. and Mrs. Scribner were both members of the Baptist Church. The children were Gilman A., of Iowa; Harvey I., of South Dakota; David, who died aged three years; Moses, who died in infancy; and Henry D., who owns and occupies the home place. Mr. Scribner prospered in his business life, and gave two of his sons a collegiate education, and assisted his children in starting in life. Henry D. was born December 7, 1849, received his education at Rochester and Dansville, studied telegraphy and spent several years in Kansas and California; in 1874 he was called home to care for his father and mother in their old age. In 1886 he married Barbara A. Scott, a daughter of Adam Scott, of West New Brighton, Staten Island, N. Y.; they have one child, Albertine. Mr. and Mrs. Scribner are both members of the Ogden Center Presbyterian church.

Starkweather, Chauncey G., was born in Otsego county in 1840, a son of Chauncey G., sr., who was a native of Connecticut, and a blacksmith and farmer, coming to Brighton in 1861, where he was successfully engaged in a seed growing business. His wife was Mary W. Bardon of Connecticut, and their children Chauncey G. and Jerry. He died in Florida in 1894, where he had gone for his health. His wife died in Brighton in 1880. Our subject is a popular leader and representative man, a supervisor, and one of the managers of the Rochester State Hospital. He began for himself, learning the patternmaker's trade in Chester county, Pa., at which he worked four years. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. G, 124th Pa.. Vols., and served nine months, participating in the battles of Antietam and other engagements, receiving a slight wound. He was then in the government employ two years at Chattanooga, Tenn. In 1866 he came to this town and engaged in the seed growing business with his father and brother, and four years later bought out their interest in the farm, where he has since been extensively engaged in seed growing. For many years he has taken a leading part in local politics, and in 1864 he was chosen as one of the building committee of the new Rochester court-house, which is in the course of erection at the present time; and in 1895 he was appointed by Governor Morton one of the managers of the Rochester State Hospital. He is a Master Mason of Valley Lodge, Rochester. In 1867 he married Emily L., daughter of Zachariah and Elva S. (Hill) Lewis, and they have one child, Lewis C., and Albert J. Fish, a nephew, whom they brought up from a child. His parents, Judson and Alvira Fish, died when he was but five years old. Zachariah Lewis was a pioneer of Brighton before 1812, in which war he participated.

Gleason, Benjamin F., was born in Jerusalem, Yates county, January 12, 1840, a son of Joseph, born in Lockport, who removed in 1830 to Yates county, and later to Michigan. The latter was a carpenter and builder, and married Maria Smith. Benjamin F. Gleason was educated in the common schools. August 26, 1862, he enlisted in Co. F, 148th N. Y. Vols., and participated in all the battles of the James. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and returning home took up the manufacture of carriages at Potter, Yates county, soon after. In 1875 he came to Brockport and engaged in the undertaking business, which he continued up to 1884. In 1881 he patented the Gleason Embalming Board, and is now giving his entire attention to its manufacture. In 1860 he married Emma L. Reed, who died in 1869. In 1877 he married Alice Bordwell. Our subject is one of the representative men of his town, having served as president of the village, trustee, supervisor, etc.

Hovey, Cassius M., was born in Clarkson, February 1, 1845, a son of Ebenezer Hovey, who was born in Bloomfield, this county, October 4, 1807, and came to Clarkson in 1825, where he engaged in farming. In 1832 he married Nancy A., daughter of Capt. Charles Treat, who was a soldier of the War of 1812. By reference to a genealogy of the Treat family, which dates back 150 years, it is learned that Nancy A. is a descendant of James Treat, who was a brother of Richard and Robert Treat, immigrants to Milford or Weathersfield, Conn., from England, about the year 1638. They afterwards became prominent in important affairs of the colony at a time when it was seeing its darkest days through threats and plots of usurpation, etc., by the Indians and Dutch settlers. The colonists admiring the ability of Robert Treat as a statesman and jurist, elected him from time to time to minor offices up to the year 1676, when he was made deputy governor, holding the office until 1683, when, owing to his popularity, he was elected governor, which office he filled until 1698, when, on account of the arduous duties and his advancing age, he resigned; but so thoroughly was he appreciated by the people that they again elected him deputy governor, which office he reluctantly accepted, and held it until his death, making a total of more than thirty years that he served as governor and deputy governor to the full satisfaction of the colonists. James and Richard were his counselors in all matters of importance touching upon the affairs of the colony. Returning to Ebenezer Hovey, of him it may be said, that prompted by his iron will and strong muscle, he decided to carve out a home in the forest, and accordingly purchased a farm of eighty acres in Clarkson in 1832, on which there were no improvements save a log hut. In this humble dwelling, surrounded by massive oaks, he and his bride took up their residence, feeling that if it was gloomy and deficient in accommodations, it was not second to those of other pioneers. By industry and perseverance he succeeded in clearing his land, which advanced in value to such an extent that he sold it to a good profit, and bought another tract, and so continued, until he had accumulated quite a fortune, which he left to his widow and seven children at his death, which occurred in Clarkson, in March, 1883, in his seventy-sixth year. Cassius M. Hovey, the subject and author of this sketch, was one of his seven children. He was educated at Holley Academy and Brockport Collegiate Institute, graduating from the latter June 23, 1866, after which he taught school several terms in Monroe county and Berrien county, Mich., being licensed by State superintendents of public instruction. In 1869 he married in Brockport, Orra, daughter of Andrew Johnson, and settled in the following spring on his father's farm in Sweden, just outside of the corporation line of Brockport, a farm he now owns and conducts. They have had the following children: Fred Clay, who was educated at Brockport State Normal School and Rochester Business University, graduating from both with honor in 1891 and 1892 respectively, after which he was bookkeeper one year for Sibley, Lindsey & Curr and Court Street Bridge Company, and was afterwards chosen manager of Spencer's Business Colleges at Yonkers and Kingston, N. Y., remaining until 1894, when he became principal of Schenectady Business College, which position he now holds; and Ida May, who is now attending school in Clarkson.

Aldrich, J. G., was born in Egypt, near the site of his present home, April 11, 1819. He was born in a log house erected by his father, the late George Aldrich, very early in the century. George was of Massachusetts birth, and married Mary Potter, whose father, Noel Potter, was an ensign in the navy in the Revolution. The first job printing done in this locality was by Josiah Aldrich, who about 1869 became the possessor of press and type. The first executed by him was the "Know-Nothing" tickets. His office was destroyed by fire in 1886. Mr. Aldrich has always been a farmer, but served sixteen successive years as justice of the peace, as supervisor in 1866-67, and at the present writing he is again a justice. He has one son, Adelbert E., hy his first wife, Margaret Wood, now deceased. His second wife, also deceased, was Samantha Springer. In 1892 he married Miss Julia Potter. Among the early chronicles we find mention of a baby show held in 1819, perhaps the first on record, at which Mr. Aldrich took first prize for beauty. In the fall of 1803 Solomon Aldrich and his oldest son, Adolphus, then about sixteen years old, left on foot their home in Ashfield, Mass., to visit a cousin, who had left Ashfield and located in Macedon, Wayne county, some two years before. In the spring they walked back, sold their place there, and with an emigrant wagon, drawn by a yoke of oxen, removed to Macedon. He soon after bought a farm in the wilderness, made some improvements, sold it, and in 1806 bought and eventually cleared up a farm in Perinton, that borders on the west line of Wayne county, known as the "Aldrich Hill" farm. Solomon lived to a ripe old age and died on this place, as did also his son Adolphus. His second son, George, in 1816, bought and moved on the farm now occupied by J. G. Aldrich, which joins the old homestead. George was married in 1817. Mr. J. G. Aldrich has one brother, Noel P. A., who entered the Post-office Department at Washington, D. C., in 1882, and had one sister, now deceased. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and was present at the execution of Major Andre.

Matthews, Irving E. - In 1817 Edward Matthews, a native of North Wales, Europe, settled on the farm in the southwestern part of the town, still owned by his descendants. He removed here from the town of Seneca, Ontario county, N. Y., having emigrated from Europe at an unknown date. He died in 1824 at the age of sixty-three, leaving a widow and three children: John and Margaret by his first wife, and Elias by his second. His widow, Mary, lived to the advanced age of eighty-four, dying in 1850. Elias Matthews was eleven years old when his parents settled here in 1817, and his life was spent upon the farm, becoming in mature years a prominent figure in the social life of the town, being a major in the local militia, and active Whig in politics, and was a member of the county legislature at the time of his death in 1851. In 1829 he married Mehitable Ann, daughter of Charles Kinter, one of the earliest settlers in the town, and she survived her husband six years. Three children were the result of this union: Mary E., Edward C. and Wirt. Wirt Matthews was born February 25. 1838, and has always resided upon the farm, being an active member of the Republican party and a highly esteemed citizen. He married in 1861, Ellen M., daughter of George W. Brown, of Henrietta, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Presbyterian church of this town. Their only son, Irving E., born in 1865, is a civil engineer. He received his education at the common schools of the town, the Rochester Business University, and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, from which he graduated in 1887 with the degree of C. B. He has practiced his profession here and in the West, and was connected with the Rochester water-works during the construction of the new conduit from Hemlock Lake, in 1893-94. In 1887 he married Hattie A. Hodges, of Henrietta, and has one son, Stanley W.

Slocum, George E,, was born in Pompey, Onondaga county, June 20, 1824, a son of Mathew B., a native of Newport, R. I. Anthony Slocum is recorded as one of the forty-six first ancient purchasers, in 1637, of the territory of Cohannet, which was incorporated March 3, 1639, with the name of Taunton, in New Plymouth, now Massachusetts. He came from England with three sons and a daughter, and his oldest son, Giles, is the common ancestor of the Slocum family in America. Mathew B., father of the subject, removed to Albany, N. Y., where he married in 1814, Mary, daughter of John Ostrander of Albany, and three years later he settled in Delphi, Onondaga county, where he became a merchant. He died in August, 1853, while visiting in Scottsville. His wife died in Syracuse in 1865. Of their eleven children, George B. was the fifth. Major-general Henry W. Slocum, of war fame, was the next younger brother. Mr. Slocum dwelt in Cortland from 1839 to 1843, and from 1843 to 1849 in the city of Rochester, where he worked at his trade of tinsmith. In 1849 he removed to Scottsville, Monroe county, where he was actively and successfully engaged in the hardware, stove and tinware business. In 1892 he retired and left the business in the hands of his son, Le Roy, He has served as justice and assessor. In 1848 he married Lydia A., daughter of Garrett and Alice M. (Mors) Fort, and their children are Earl H., George F.. Le Roy M. and Mors O.

Clark, Brackett H., was born in Salem, Mass., January 17, 1821, was educated in the common schools and graduated from the high school. In 1847 he married Lucretia Bowker of his native place, whose mother was a direct descendant from John Rogers, the martyr. They have had three children: Frank H., who died in infancy; Daniel R., born April 10, 1853, who is a member of the Clark Paint & Oil Company. He married Helon Ross, of Rossburg, and has two daughters, Helene, and Lucretia R. The youngest son, George H., is a book-keeper by occupation, and has traveled extensively in Europe for the benefit of his health. He was born in this city October 14, 1860, and resides at home. Mr. Clark left his home in Salem, going to Lawrence, Mass., in 1846, where he became identified with the business interests of that city, building the first, three-story brick business block in the town. He came to this city in 1858, where he has resided continuously on Lake Avenue for thirty-six years, and has been identified with the city's best interests. He is secretary of the Eastman Kodak Company, having been identified with the company from its organization, as well as in other corporations. Mr. Clark has seen the city grow from 45,000 to 160,000 and has contributed his share to its prosperity. The family are of English extraction.

Goodridge, Joseph H., was born in Ogden, December 6, 1835, a son of Albert a native of Westminster, Vt., who came to Monroe county in 1829. The later married Amanda Wright, daughter of Elihu Wright. Albert was a pioneer of Vermont, and a man of high character and integrity, who died in 1882 in his seventy-eighth year. Joseph H. was educated in the public schools, and was a teacher for several terms, and in 1868 married Betsey, daughter of William P. Strong. They have one daughter, Carolyn B. Goodridge. Joseph H. is a practical and successful farmer, actively interested in the affairs of his town and county.

Brown, Capt. Samuel, who was one of the pioneers of Ogden, earned his title as owner and commander of an American privateer during the war of 1812. He was run down and captured by a British cruiser and carried to England, where he was held prisoner till the end of the war. His property was swept away by the war, and in 1815 he left his home in Maine and came to the Genesee country, settling in Ogden. Here he married Miss Mercy Kelsey, the belle of a New Hampshire village, who could spin more flax than any other young miss in the locality. They had five children: John, James and William, and two who died young. William went to Michigan early, James at a later date, and John resided on the old farm until he bought where his son Ely now lives. He married Fanny Hunn, of an old Henrietta family, and has had three children; S. Ely, Lydia, and Julia E., the latter the wife of H. J. Dignin. John Brown died in February, 1890, and his widow survives. Samuel Ely Brown, known as one of Ogden's enterprising farmers, and straight-forward men, was born July 28, 1846, and has always followed agriculture. In 1877 he married Alice Alderman of Tyrone, N. Y. Mrs. Brown is an artist of more than ordinary talent.

Nichols, Barnabas A., was a native of Ogden, born in 1806, the son of Lewis Nichols, one of the pioneers of the town. Barnabas is remembered as one of the early carpenters of this locality and also as a man of prominence in local affairs, though he never sought political advancement. With Alvin Webster, he built the M. E. Church at Adams Basin, and was one of its devoted members. Mr. Nichols married Sarah Allerton, and had eight children: Frances, who married Prof. F. B. Palmer; John B., who enlisted in Co. G, 13th N. Y. Vols., and was wounded at the first battle of Bull Run, captured, and died in a rebel prison; Mary I., who married Caleb Hurlbutt; William P., of Rochester; Lydia A., wife of Osmar Nevins; Edwin D., and Ambrose E. Barnabas Nichols died in 1862. Edwin D. was born December 8, 1852, educated at the old Parma Academy, and engaged on his father's farm for a time after the latter's death. For a time he was engaged with J. S. Bowen, erecting evaporators, and carried on quite an extensive business. Mr. Bowen was one of the pioneers in the apple evaporating industry in the State. He died in Spencerport December 27, 1886. In 1881 Mr. Nichols married Ada, daughter of John S. and Eunice J. Bowen, and they have one child, Bennie Earl.

Yorks, William R., was born in Smithtown, in what is now Livingston county, in 1829. His father, John B., was also born there in 1802, his ancestors being New Jersey people. His paternal grandfather, Eldrick Yorks, had a farm, a mill, and a distillery at Smithtown, and was in the war of 1812. The wife of John B. was a Miss Martin of that town, the family having come from Connecticut. John B. and his father moved to Honeoye Falls in 1835. He established a foundry and machine shop, with his two sons, Elias and William as partners. He was an active politician in his day, and held various town and county offices, his death occurring in 1881. His wife died in 1865. William R. Yorks has resided in Honeoye Falls since a small boy, and grew up to his father's business. He married Phoebe Hurlbutt, her father a Vermont man, and a printer of Rochester, and her mother coming from the Mohawk country. Their five children are William K., who married a Miss Warner and lives in Lima; Henry, who married Cora Scott of Mendon; Fannie, Emma, and May, all living in Honeoye Falls. The business after the father's death came to Elias and William, and in 1891 to the latter alone. It has long had a good reputation for its plows, cultivators, etc.

Harris, Erastus T., son of John, was born in Victor and was the son of William. The family came from New Jersey. John lived in Perinton for some time, came to Mendon at about thirty-five years of age, and remained on the Townsend farm until his death in 1873. His wife was Rachel A., daughter of Joseph B. Townsend, he a son of Zebulon, who came to Mendon in 1811, settling in the northwest part of the town on the place now occupied by our subject. John and Rachel Harris had one son, Erastus, Mrs. Harris was born on the farm of her father, and died there in March, 1894. Erastus married Georgia, daughter of Timothy Howland, of Macedon, Wayne county, and they have two daughters, Carrie E. and Mabel H.

Hodskin, Egbert L., supervisor of Perinton, and senior partner of the firm of Hodskin & Peacock, druggists, was born in Perinton May 15, 1839, the second son of the late Perrin and Maria (Vinton) Hodskin. An elder brother, Charles H., was a captain of infantry in the late war, and is now a resident of Manistee, Mich., and is president of the Boom & Lumber Company of that place. Mr. Hodskin's business life began as freight agent at the Fairport depot, which position he filled eight years, and in 1868 bought an interest in the drug business, four years later forming a co- partnership with Charles L. Peacock, which still exists. He has served as trustee and president of the village, and in 1890 was elected supervisor. Of genial personality and strict integrity, his record as a man and a citizen is to be envied. In 1869 he married Elizabeth A., daughter of William M. Butler of Newark. Their only son, Bert G., died in 1888, when but eighteen years of age.

Vannest, James C., son of John Vannest, born in Washington, Warren county, N. J., November 10, 1802; came to Rochester in 1826, where he lived about a year, then moved to Ogden, where he cleared up a farm, having married Lucy Grunendike of Chili, September 26, 1827, who died January 3, 1858. Their children were John, Sarah and Henry. For his second wife, he married Almira McMaster, of Burgh Hill, Ohio, April 9, 1862, and moved to Ogden Center, where she died December 18, 1869, and he June 27, 1890. He and all his family have been active members of the Ogden Presbyterian church. John, born Aug. 1, 1828, married Cornelia Pratt of Batavia, December 17, 1852, settled on a farm adjoining his father's and died January 12, 1890, survived by his wife and two daughters, Ella C. and S. Lucretia (Mrs. Alex. Colby), Ada C. and James P. having died in childhood. Sarah, born January 30, 1831, was active during the Civil war in work of the Soldiers' Aid Society, after which she spent two years in Georgia, teaching in colored schools, and since then has lived at Ogden Center, having cared for her father in his declining years. Henry, born March 15, 1834, has always lived on the home farm. He married Julia E. Keney of West Hartford. Conn., November 25, 1858, who died July 5, 1861, married Anna L. Drake of Greece, October 31, 1866. Their children are Charles H., of Rochester, Frank D. and Fred G. (twins), at home.

May, Mrs. Jane A. - In 1777, at Hadley, Mass., was born John Acer, son of William Acer, who was one of the first people to make a home in this locality, and whose descendants occupy a leading position in the early annals of Pittsford. John Acer was especially prominent in village affairs, being a man of public spirit and broad views. He at one time owned 100 acres, the northeastern corner of which land is now the intersection of Monroe and Main streets. In 1826 he built the Phoenix Hotel, a building noteworthy for an architectural excellence far in advance of the time, and still the leading hotel of the village. His wife was Hannah Whipple, daughter of a sea captain, by whom he had seven children, of whom Mrs. Jane May was the youngest, and is now the sole survivor. In 1848 she married Col. L. S. May, who was horn in 1817 in Washington county, and has been one of the leading merchants and a large manufacturer and refiner. Colonel and Mrs. May are now living retired in the old Acer mansion in Pittsford. They have one daughter, Mary May, and a grandson, Henry May, now a student at Hobart College, and a young man of much promise.

Johnson, Frank P., was horn in Brockport January 24, 1856, a son of William E., born in 1816 and who came to the Genesee country with his parents, who settled in what is now Hamlin. The family were of English extraction. William E. married Nancy H., daughter of William Burrows, and was always identified with the carriage manufacturing business, also with farming. Frank P. was educated at the Brockport Normal School, and in 1880 entered the employ of the firm of L. Gordon & Son, and at the present time has charge of their lumber business in the village of Brockport. In 1892 our subject married Laura, daughter of Nathaniel Fulford, and they have one child, Helen Dorothy. Mr. Johnson has served as vestryman of St. Luke s Episcopal church, director of the First National Bank, and various offices of high trust.

Hodges, George H., whose farm southeast of Spencerport is regarded as one of the best in the town, was born November 23, 1854, and has always followed agriculture. In 1875 he bought the Chase farm of seventy acres, and here his life has been spent. In 1884 Mr. Hodges married Judith, daughter of Hon Josiah Rich, and they have had two children. George H. was the son of George P. Hodges, the latter born January 3, 1807, and his mother was Mary A. Day, born July 25, 1811. They were married in 1832, and came to the Genesee country from Rutland, Vt., settling in Ogden about 1837. Mr. Hodges followed hotel keeping in Vermont, and in Ogden engaged in farming. He died August 1, 1873, and his wife August 21, 1877.

Burns, John D., was born in New York city, March 9, 1854. His father, John, was a native of Bath, England, who came to this country in 1853, with his wife, Maria, daughter of John Marshall, and in 1855 located in Brockport. He enlisted in Co. H, 108th Regt. N. V. Vols. and served four years. John B. was educated at the Brockport State Normal School, and afterwards taught school four years. In 1874 he began the study of law in the office of Major John Norris, of Buffalo, and was admitted to the bar in 1877, beginning practice in Brockport, which he still continues. In 1883 he married Clara E., daughter of George H. Smith, and they have one son, George. Our subject is a leading member of the Monroe county bar, and takes an active interest in town affairs, having been a member of the Local Board of the Brockport State Normal School for the past six years.

Flagg, Henry S., son of the pioneer, Samuel Flagg, was born in Ogden September 9, 1810, and was a successful farmer, having accumulated a good property. He married Catharine E. Gridley (died March 3, 1891), and their children were Helen, who died young; Henry S., of Ogden; Sarah K., wife of Charles C. Smith; and Stephen G. Mr. Flagg died March 4, 1887. Stephen G. Flagg was born August 13, 1841, and like his father has followed agriculture. November 25, 1863, he married Frances A. Whittier, and they have had six children, five of whom are living. Mr. Flagg was elected assessor, but declined to qualify, he did however, consent to serve as license commissioner. He lives upon the farm upon which his father moved in 1832.

Martin, James, an old and well-known resident of Wheatland, was born in Rush, Monroe county, in 1830. His father was James K., of Rensselaer county, one of eight sons and three daughters of Killian and Millicent (Sibley) Martin. James K. was a farmer by occupation, came to Rush in 1821, and died there in 1871. He was a prosperous farmer, and provided all his children with farms. His wife was Fannie Hempstead Bristol, and they had eight sons and five daughters. James began life at the age of twenty-four in the town of Henrietta. Twelve years later he bought and removed to his father-in-law's homestead of 225 acres in Wheatland, where he has since resided. In 1856 he married Martha J., daughter of Calvin and Katurah Miller of Vermont and Saratoga county respectively. She was born on the farm where she now lives in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had five children: Martha (deceased), Mrs. Sarah Giles of Livingston county, Mrs. Mary E. Tunison of Chili, Emma J. and James C. The latter conducts the farm, and has two children.

Eldred, Franklin, is a son of Joseph Eldred, who settled in Webster at an early day, and Cyrena Amy, whose father was also one of the early settlers; he married Zeruiah, daughter of Nathan Ballard, who was one of the early settlers, having come here in the year 1812. Franklin Eldred has two sons, Arthur L. and Franklin N., and three daughters, Mrs. E. J. Wells, Miss Carrie M, Eldred, and Mrs. B. M. Foster. Joseph Eldred came to Webster in the year 1815. October 7, 1823, he married Miss Cyrena Amy, then eighteen years old, and went to keeping house on the town line between Webster and Ontario. There he erected two mills, and an extract from his diary reads: "On the night of the 18th of October, 1824, the mills which I erected with so much care, pains and labor, and just brought to a state that would afford me some profit, were consumed by fire, together with the old saw mill and barn, and about sixteen tons of hay, on which was my principal dependence for the winter." He was also inventor of the spirit level, now so much in use.

Davis, G. W., is a son of Isaac Davis, of Welsh ancestry, and Eleanor Laird Davis, of Scotch ancestry, who were born and lived in Monmouth county N. J., until March, 1824, when they bought and moved on to a farm in the town of Walworth, Wayne county, N. Y., remaining there clearing up and improving the land until 1868, when he sold the farm and moved into the village of West Walworth, where remained until his death at the age of ninety-two years. Gilbert W. is the only son of ten children. He was born in Walworth, January 13, 1825. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Zillah M. Gage of Penfield, Monroe county, and began farming which he followed in various places until 1853, when he bought and moved on to the farm where he now lives. Mrs. Davis died May 17, 1891, leaving an only child, Mary L. Davis.

Cross, Elam A., was born in Parma August 31, 1842, a son of Luman and Mary Ann (Raymond) Cross, whose grandfather was Elihu Cross, a pioneer of this town. The children of Luman Cross were James A., Elam A., Julia F., Ira L., and one who died young. Mr. Cross died in Parma in 1883, and his wife in 1876. At the age of twenty Elam began for himself, and spent some little time in Michigan. Returning to Parma he lived for ten years upon a farm. In 1876 the firm of Cross & Fraser general store, was formed, and continued at Unionville about three years, when Mr. Cross retired, and with David King began the manufacture of fertilizers, etc., and soon became sole proprietor. This still continues, and is regarded as one of the fixed interests of the town. Mr. Cross has also during all these years dealt extensively in beans, which he buys and ships, and during the past eight years this has been his principal business, although having other enterprises under his charge. Mr. Cross served as supervisor (1880-83, 1889-91), was postmaster at North Parma about six years, and was the first president of the village. He had a successful business career, notwithstanding one misfortune, having lost heavily by the burning of his farm buildings. He married Mary A. Plass, and they have had five children, three now living

Kempe, Dr. Julius, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1843. He received an academic education, and studied medicine in the Albany Medical College, from which he graduated in 1868. He afterwards practiced in Milwaukee, Wis., and came to Rochester in 1873, where he is now practicing his profession with eminent success. He is a member of the Monroe County Medical Society, of the Pathological Society of Rochester, and one of the surgical staff of the Rochester City Hospital. In 1872 he married Belle Hargrave of Ripon, Wis., and they have two children, Walter G. and Belle, both students.

Van Ingen, Bart, was born in the Hague in Holland in 1832, came to America in 1853, and married in 1864 a daughter of Abraham Martin, by whom he had five sons: Benson, who has conducted the home farm since his father's death in 1868; Gysbert, Henry, Arthur, and Willis. Mrs. Van Ingen's mother was a daughter of John Mandeville, who came to Webster in 1812 from Middleburg, and was a son of John first, who came from Holland.

Thayer, Preston, was born in Ontario in 1820, and is the son of Aldrich Thayer, who came from Macedon in early life, and now resides in Ontario at the advanced age of ninety-four. In 1841 Mr. Thayer married Clarissa, daughter of Eliphalet Lawrence, who died in 1877, and they had five children, as follows: William H., who now carries on the farm; Alonzo W., a farmer and cider maker; Alvah I., who lives in California and is a mechanic; Ida V., a teacher of music; and Jerusha A., who died October 2, 1855, Mr. Thayer was for sixteen years a justice of the peace, and settled on his present farm in 1844. There is a saw mill on the farm, built by William Wiley about seventy years ago, which is still in use. In 1880 a feed mill was added.

Allen, Lewis B., was born in Scaghticoke, Rensselaer county, December 14, 1822, and removed to Ogden, Monroe county, when eight years old. He lived there until the time of his marriage with Catherine Brower, daughter of John Brower, May 7, 1851; he then removed to Sweden, where these children were born to him: Lewis S., Mrs. Frank A. Sammis, Mrs. Harriet E. Whipple, and Ellen, who died March 5, 1860. Lewis B. Allen died April 30, 1865. His son and wife live on the farm he left. He was town superintendent of schools two years, and was a teacher nineteen terms. Of upright, conservative character, it may be said of him that an honest man is the noblest work of God.

Way, George H., was born on the homestead, September 30, 1827, a son of Samuel V., a native of Colchester, Conn. The family were of English descent, and among the early settlers of that State. Samuel V. married Elizabeth Ressegieu, daughter of John Ressegieu, and came to this town in 1816, and settled where his descendants now reside. He followed farming all his life, hut during the first few years he got out stone for fireplaces and buildings, having quantities on his own farm. His death occurred in 1883 in his ninety-second year, George H. was educated in the common schools. In 1854 he married Miss Clara E. Chappell, daughter of Guy Chappell. They have had five children: Frank C., who died in 1869; Allie C. Williams, who died in 1874; Nellie W. Stratton, Clara W. Nelson, and Georgia E. Way.

Knight, Andrew M., was born in Webster, a son of Nathaniel Knight, who came to Webster in 1817 and died here in 1890, aged ninety-five years. Andrew M. married Phoebe, daughter of Franklin Robb, and granddaughter of John Robb. Her mother was a daughter of Alpheus Crocker, who was one of the first settlers in Webster. They have two sons, George L. and Dayton R. Knight, and one daughter, Mary Knight.

Hettler, William, was born in Germany in 1845, and is the son of John D., who came to America in 1852 and settled in Webster, where he died in 1886. Mr. Hettler is known as one of the leading farmers and fruit growers of this town, having been for the past twelve years on the farm where he now resides. He has one son, Edward W., and two daughters, Hattie M. and Florence I.

Wolf, John F., was born in Germany in 1855 and came to America in 1865 with his parents. He is a son of Charles Wolf of Penfield. In 1878 he married Freadereke Bauer, and their children are Louisa Mary, Bertha Emma, and Charles. Mr. Wolf is one of the thrifty farmers of the town, having made many improvements in his home since coming here.

Brown, George S., was born in Mendon, December 15, 1826, a son of Capt. Hugh Brown, a native of Whitehall, who came to Monroe county in 1820. He married Deborah Sanford, and was prominently identified with the town life of Mendon, serving as captain in the State militia, and taking a leading part in town affairs. He died in 1865 in his seventy-second year. George S. was educated in the common schools, and in 1853 married Elizabeth, daughter of Harvey Field, by whom he has had these children: William J., and Eliza. In 1870 Mr. Brown came to Brockport, and became identified with all the active interests of the town. He is a man of sterling character, whose word is as good as his bond.

Grant, Archibald S., was born in Caledonia, March 18, 1853, a son of Donald Grant, a native of Scotland, who came to this town with his wife, Margaret Stewart in 1850. They remained three years, then returned to their native country. Of their ten children, our subject was born during his parents' stay in America. He attended school until the age of twelve, when he entered a store as clerk, and at the age of eighteen sailed for America, coming direct to Mumford, where he made his home with his uncle. He taught school for a time, and in 1876 married Ellison, youngest daughter of Deacon Irvin, of Mumford. She died in Kansas in 1885, where they had purchased a farm. In 1890 he was married to Eliza M., daughter of Charles Ball, and they have two children. Mr. Grant is a member of the Knights of Maccabees, and Mrs. Grant of the Ladies of Maccabees.

Butts, Truman (deceased), was born in 1829 in Perinton, where his whole life was spent, and where his memory will long be cherished for his charity and unostentatious benevolence. He was for many years prominent in local affairs, and an active member of the Congregational society, serving as clerk thereof for thirty years. He was for nine years commissioner of highways, and a member of the Board of Education for as long a term. He won a high place in the esteem of the community, and his death, which occurred June 16, 1888, was mourned as a personal loss by the people. He married Mary, daughter of the late Thomas D. Walker, who was born in Chenango county in 1812 and came to Perinton in 1822. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he was a man of superior ability and education, and was at one time supervisor, besides holding other official positions. His children were Nancy J. Hamilton, John W., Walker, Sarah A. Sawyer, and Mary A., who married Truman Butts. Mr. and Mrs. Butts had an only daughter, Alida, who was born in 1868; her early life was one of great promise, but was cut short by her untimely death in 1885. Her inborn love for the beautiful had already found expression in the art of painting, and the products of her brush show remarkable artistic feeling and development.

Lennon, W. H., was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, N. Y., August 15, 1838. The family trace their descent to one of two brothers who came to this country from the North of Ireland about 1750. He removed with his parents to Chenango county, where he worked on his father's farm during the summer and attended school winters. After teaching district school for several terms, he went to Binghamton and graduated from the High School in 1863. The following year he was employed as assistant in the same school. In 1864 he entered Genesee College from which he graduated in 1867, and was immediately employed as principal of the Clyde High School. The next year was spent in organizing a graded school in Cobleskill, N. Y. In 1869 he was called to Brockport and made professor of science in the Brockport Normal and Training School. In 1882 he was elected vice-principal of the same institution, which position he still holds. In 1867 he married Sarah Shepherd, and their children are Alice Grace and Miriam. Mr. Lennon is one of the best known teachers in Western New York.

Pellett, James, was born in Kent, England, in 1833, and came to America and to Webster in 1853, and three months later moved to Madison county, residing there six years, and then returned to Webster, in 1859, and settled on the farm where he now lives and is engaged in fruit growing. He married Sarah Stace of England, and their children are George A., James F., Spencer A., John E., Sihon W., Charles H., and Raymond R. They have also three daughters, Mary, Carrie and Sarah. Mr. Pellett was one of the jurors that tried the last case in the old Monroe county court-house, that was torn down in 1894.

Howard, Seymour W., was born in Sweden, March 4, 1819, a son of Sampson Howard, who came to this county in 1810, and was among the pioneers of the town (Sweden), he, with his brother, clearing up several farms. He married Amanda, daughter of Joseph Saulsbury, was an honest, upright man, and received the respect of his townspeople. He died in 1885, in his seventieth year. Seymour Howard was educated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. In 1841 he married Lois B., daughter of Hail Mason, and their children are O. L. and Charles M.

MARY J. HOLMES

There are but few, if any, American authors who have the satisfaction of knowing that their books are read with pleasure by as many people as have lingered over the works of Mary J. Holmes. Over two million copies of her books have been published, and the demand for all of them continues unabated. Over ninety thousand copies were sold last year, a fact that is conclusive evidence of their merit and popularity. Mrs. Holmes' life contradicts the general impression that precocious children do not in mature years fulfill the promise of their childhood. Mrs. Holmes is the daughter of Preston Hawes, a man of rare mental ability, and was born in Brookfield, Massachusetts. She inherited from her mother a love for poetry and the fine arts, and when but three years old began to attend school, studied grammar when she was six, and at thirteen was a school teacher. Her first article was published when she was only fifteen years old. Her rare faculty for telling stories was manifested at an early age, when she entertained her young companions with tales of her own invention. Tempest and Sunshine was her first book, which millions of readers have perused with pleasure. Among her best known books are English Orphans, Gretchen and Marguerite, Darkness and Daylight, Cameron Pride, Edna Browning, Edith Lyle, Lena Rivers. Mrs. Holmes is regarded, and with apparent good reason, as the most popular story writer in America. Her husband, Daniel Holmes, is a prominent lawyer, and their union has been described as an ideal marriage. An excellent portrait of Mrs. Holmes will he found on the Writers' page in this volume.

GEORGE H. PERKINS

George H. Perkins, appointed to the office of Postmaster of Rochester by President Cleveland on April 3, 1894, is beyond question entitled to the distinction of having received this important and lucrative office with less endeavor on his own part than was ever put forth for a place of similar consequence in this city. Ever since the spoils system has been in operation the Rochester post-office has been one of the places in this part of the land most eagerly sought for, and there has never been a time in the last forty years when there was not a half-score of candidates for the office. But Mr. Perkins was not a candidate in the ordinary sense; he had been a life-long Democrat and gave substantial support, to the party, but was not looking for office. A few of his friends saw that he would have no opposition within the party or without, and when his name was suggested to the President he had no hesitation in making the appointment. The Senate was equally well satisfied to have Mr. Perkins direct the mail service of this city and he was confirmed without any strife. Mr. Perkins is a native of Rochester, where he was born in 1851. He was educated in the Free Academy and in the University of Rochester, and has during all his business career been associated with his uncle, Gilman H. Perkins, of the firm of Smith, Perkins & Company.

A. W. MUDGE

Adelbert W. Mudge stands among the very foremost business men of the Flower city. His present position in life is due to laudable ambition and untiring energy exercised from early manhood in the field of commercial activity. Mr. Mudge was born in the village of Clifton, Monroe county, May 15, 1844. Here his father was a merchant, doing a successful business. In 1855 his parents removed to Rochester, and when about twenty years of age Mr. Mudge began the practical work of his life. For several years, until 1868, he was engaged in the grocery business. Subsequently he became an undertaker, in time building up a business which has become a leading one in this city. In 1890 he associated with him in the business Mr. Frick, and under the firm name of Mudge & Frick the business is now conducted. In 1890 Mr. Mudge became a partner in the firm of Carroll, Beadle & Mudge. This firm is one of the most prominent dry goods houses in this city, and in the firm Mr. Mudge is the financial man. He was married to Miss Miranda M. Griffith of Aurora, Illinois, in 1869, and the twain are the parents of three children, a son and two daughters. Mr. Mudge is prominent in church circles, being a heading member of the First Baptist church. He is also prominent in Masonic and Odd Fellow circles. His interests in real estate, both in Rochester and outside, are extensive. His influence in business circles, as in social and religious, is far-reaching, and in all respects Mr. Mudge is a gentleman of whom Rochester has reasons to feel proud.

EZRA R. ANDREWS

Randall Andrews, father of Ezra H. Andrews, came to this State from Swansea, Massachusetts, in 1815, and settled in Bristol, Ontario county; his ancestors came to America from England in 1636. In 1824 he moved to the town of Gates, where on March 16, 1828, his third son, Ezra R., was born. He moved to this city in 1829 and lived here until his decease in February, 1878, at the age of eighty-four. He was particular to give his children a good common school education. Ezra R., after leaving school obtained employment in a printing office as a press feeder, and in April, 1846, became an apprentice in the office of the Rochester Democrat to learn the printing trade. After working as a journeyman for five years he began business on his own account in January, 1854, as a member of the firm of Smith, Benton & Company. In 1857 he entered the firm of Benton & Andrews, which existed until 1870, since which year he has conducted the business alone. In 1863 he was appointed deputy assessor of internal Revenue, and assisted in inaugurating the operation of the internal revenue law, but resigned the office within a year, preferring to devote all his time to his own business. Mr. Andrews was elected alderman for the Third ward in 1867 and in 1869. In 1870 he was chosen as president of the Common Council. In 1866 he became a member of the board of trustees of the New York Baptist Union for Ministerial Education, having in charge the Rochester Theological seminary, and has since 1884 been chairman of the executive committee, In 1871 he was elected as a member of the board of trustees of the First Baptist church, and was a member of it twenty-three years, being chairman for thirteen years. In 1876 he was elected a trustee of the Mechanics' Savings bank and has been one of its vice-presidents since 1885. He was a trustee of the Mechanics' Institute at its organization and since its consolidation with the Atheneum has been president. In 1886 he was one of the organizers of the United Typothetae of America, and has been president of the local branch since 1886. Mr. Andrews was one of the organizers of the Campbell's Creek Coal company in 1865, and has been its treasurer from the beginning. He was elected in 1872 as a trustee of the Rochester Orphan asylum and has been president of the hoard of trustees since 1891. He was also a member of the board of managers of the Western House of Refuge from 1871 until 1884, and has also been a trustee of the Western New York institution for Deaf Mutes. In 1860 Mr. Andrews was married to Miss B. L. Rider, daughter of Ebenezer Rider of New Haven, Vermont. Their children are Mrs. William B. Hale and Miss Kate R. Andrews.

S. C. STEELE

Samuel Coon Steele is one of Rochester's oldest citizens, having been a resident before its incorporation as a city. He was born of Scotch-Irish parents July 24, 1822, at Paterson, New Jersey, the eldest of a family of five children. His father, John Steele, sold his interest in the manufacturing of cotton weaving machinery in Paterson, and in the year 1832 moved with his family to Rochester and assumed charge of the wood work department and shops of the Tonawanda railroad, and subsequently of the New York Central railroad. After attending school for several years at Professor Britton's, the subject of this sketch began his business career as a grocery clerk, hut in a short time went into the bookstore of William Alling. After clerking for him for several years a co-partnership was formed comprising Mr. Alling, Mr. S. S. Avery and himself. This firm continued for five years, when Mr. Ailing retiring, the remaining partners continued in active business for thirty-five years, conducting successfully one of the largest book and stationery establishments in the state, and the firm name of Steele & Avery became a household word, while their reputation for honest and honorable dealing was wide spread. Mr. Steele retired from active business in 1891. Though never seeking political honors. Mr. Steele has always been an active worker for the Republican party. An ardent lover of field sports, he was the organizer of several hunting and fishing clubs and a member of associations for the protection of game. In the Masonic order he has long been a devoted member, being particularly interested in the success of the A. A. Scottish Rite bodies. He is one of the charter members and for twenty-five consecutive years their grand treasurer, and has received the honor of the thirty-third degree. Mr. Steele was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth Wheeler of Rochester, and has always made this city his home.

ARTHUR G. YATES

Arthur G. Yates is a native of East Waverlv, New York, in which place he was born December 18, 1843. His education was obtained in his native town, supplemented by an academic training in other institutions of the State. In the Spring of 1865, at the age of twenty-two, Mr. Yates came to this city to accept a position with the Anthracite Coal association, and two years subsequently he engaged in the coal business on his own account, in which work he is still engaged. During his connection with the coat trade Mr. Yates has increased the business in a wonderful degree, his personal anthracite interests having become extended over all the northern and western states, as well as Canada, while his shipping trade at the port of Charlotte, developed by the vast shipping docks erected by him there, serves to make Rochester headquarters for transactions in immense quantities of coal. Mr. Yates is vice-president and trustee of the Mechanics' Savings Bank, president of the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway company, and devotes most of his time to railway management; vice-president of the Bell, Lewis & Yates Coal Mining company, and very active in the management of that company, which is the largest producer of bituminous coal in the United States. Mr. Yates has a reputation as a leading business man that serves to make him popular among his associates everywhere. Mr. Yates married Miss Virginia L. Holden, daughter of Roswell Holden, of Watkins, New York, in 1866. His home in this city is on South Fitzhugh street.

GENERAL JOHN A. REYNOLDS

General John A. Reynolds, ex-postmaster of Rochester, New York, was born in New York city, October 4, 1830, and received his early education in the public schools. in 1839 his father, Mr. Alfred Reynolds, removed to Webster, Monroe county, where for the next ten years the family was engaged in farming, young Reynolds continuing the pursuit of his education at the public schools. In 1849 he came to Rochester and with his father was engaged in the grocery business until 1861. At the outbreak of the War he was captain and in command of the Union Greys, having been a member of the company for many years. He tendered the Greys to the Government as an artillery company, but as no more artillery was needed at the time, the tender was declined. In August and September following he recruited a company of one hundred and fifty-six men, which was assigned to Battery L, First New York Light Artillery regiment, Colonel Bailey commanding, and was mustered into service September 17, 1861. In the Spring of 1862 Battery L was attached to General Banks' command in the Shenandoah valley, and rendered efficient and gallant service in the engagements of Harper's Ferry, Charlestown, Cedar Mountain, Groveton, Rappahannock Crossing, Warrenton, Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. After the latter engagement Captain Reynolds was commissioned major and served with the First corps until after the battle of Gettysburg, and was then assigned as chief of artillery to the Twelfth corps, and accompanied the corps to Chattanooga to the relief of General Thomas. General Hooker then appointed him his chief of artillery at the battle of Lookout Mountain. He was with Sherman on his march to Atlanta and to the sea as chief of artillery of the Twentieth corps, after which he was assigned by General Sherman chief of artillery to the Army of Georgia. His services continued through the Carolinas to the surrender of Johnston at Janesboro, and thence to Richmond. Major Reynolds was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for gallant and meritorious service in the campaign from Atlanta to the sea, and colonel for subsequent ervice on the field. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865. General Reynolds has been prominent in the Grand Army of the Republic; he was one of the organizers and charter members of the first post in New York State and was elected commander three times. He was elected commander of the First Veteran brigade at its organization, and again in the following year. He was the organizer and has been since its formation the commander of the George H. Thomas post of this city. In 1884 he was chosen Department Commander of the Grand Army of the State. For some years he engaged in the shoe trade in Rochester, finally retiring in 1889. General Reynolds was appointed to the office of postmaster in Rochester by President Harrison on March 20, 1890, and held the office with much satisfaction to the people of this city until relieved by his successor, George H. Perkins, June 1, 1894.

HENRY KLEINDIENST

Henry Kleindienst, one of the most competent and efficient public officials who ever held office in Monroe county, was born in Rochester June 27, 1857, and is the son of Jacob and Margaret Kleindienst, old residents of the city. He was educated in the public schools and graduated from the Free Academy in 1872. He was for two years employed as a clerk at the weigh-lock and was for six years deputy-collector and inspector of the Port of Genesee. In 1883 he was elected school commissioner of the Eleventh ward and served two terms, and in i886 was elected coroner on the Republican ticket and still holds that office. Mr. Kleindienst was married to Miss Cora A. Meyers of this city and has four children. He has resided at 96 Orchard street over thirty years. The organizations of which he is a member are the Elite club; Koehner Lodge, No. 288, I. O. O. F.; Flower City Lodge, 367, A. O. U. W.; Defiance tent, 221, Order of Maccabees; Minnetonka Tribe, 227, Order of Redmen.