NATHANIEL ROCHESTER, second son of John Rochester, was born on the 21st day of February, 1752, in Cople Parish, Westmoreland county, Va., on the plantation on which his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had lived. When he was two years old his father died, and when he was seven his mother married a Mr. Thomas Critcher, who, in 1763, removed with the entire family to Granville county, N. C. "During his childhood the opportunities for a liberal education were extremely limited. The varied and practical information for which he was distinguished in private intercourse, as well as in the public trusts he so honorably filled, was the fruit of the later application of a clear and vigorous mind, in the intervals of leisure afforded by a life of no ordinary activity and vicissitude."

In the autumn of 1768, when sixteen years old, he entered the mercantile establishment of James Monroe, in Hillsboro, N. C. (forty miles from home), as a clerk, where he remained till 1783, when he entered into partnership with his former employer and Colonel John Hamilton, who was consul for the British government in the middle states after the close of the revolution. In 1770 he was clerk of the vestry of Hillsboro. In 1775 the partnership was dissolved by the breaking out of the revolution, and the same year (being only twenty-three years old at the time) he was appointed a member of the committee of safety for Orange county, N. C., whose business it was, to use his own words, "to promote the revolutionary spirit among the people, procure arms and ammunition, make collections for the people of Boston, whose harbor was blocked up by a British fleet, and to prevent the sale and use of East India teas."

In August of the same year (1775) he attended, as a member, the first provincial convention in North Carolina, and at that time was made paymaster (with the rank of major) for the North Carolina line, which at the time consisted of four regiments. About the same time he was also made justice of the peace.

At the reassembling of the convention, in May, 1776, the North Carolina line was increased to ten regiments; and in the proceedings of the convention, on Friday, May 10th, 1776, it was "Resolved, That Nathanial Rochester, esquire, be appointed deputy commissary-general of military and other stores in this county for the use of the Continental army, and that he be allowed the same allowance as provided by the Continental congress for such officer; and that he give security in £10,000 for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in him."

On the adjournment of the convention he,entered upon the active duties of providing food and clothing for the army; the fatigue incident to which, accompanied by unusual exposure in unhealthy districts, brought on disease so permanent in its. character as to compel him to resign, in accordance with medical advice. Returning to Hillsboro he found that he had been elected a member of the legislature, in which he soon took his seat; thus becoming a member of one of the earliest legislative bodies organised and assembled in defiance of British claims to dominion. During this session he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of militia, and in the following spring was made clerk of Orange county, which office had been held for many years by General F. Nash, who was killed at the battle of Germantown.

In 1777 he was appointed commissioner to establish and superintend a manufactory of arms at Hillsboro, the iron for which had to be drawn in wagons from Pennsylvania, a distance of over four hundred miles.

Resigning the office of county clerk, "because the fees of the office would not pay for the postage," he was appointed one of a board of three to audit the public accounts, and was also promoted to be colonel.

In 1878 [sic., should be 1778] he again embarked in mercantile pursuits with Colonel Thomas Hart (father-in-law of Henry Clay) and James Brown (afterwards minister to France). In 1783 he and Colonel Hart began the "manufacture of flour, rope and nails, at Hagerstown, MD."

On the 20th day of April, 1788, he married Sophia, daughter of Colonel Wm. Beatty, of Frederick, Md. She was born in Frederick, Md., Jan. 25th, 1768.

While living at Hagerstown, Md., he successively filled the offices of member of Assembly of Maryland, postmaster at Hagerstown, judge of the county court, and, in 1808, was chosen a presidential elector (with Dr. Jno. Tyler, of Fredericktown, Md.), in favor of James Madison for president (Frederick, Washington, and Allegany counties forming the district).

In 1808 he was the first president of the Hagerstown bank. A portrait taken while he held that position is now in the possession of the bank, and is highly prized. All this time he was carrying on extensive manufacturing establishments in Hagerstown, and had in operation two mercantile establishments in Kentucky.

In 1800 he first visited the "Genesee country," where he had previously made a purchase of 640 acres; and in September of that year, associating with him Major Charles Carroll, Colonel William Fitzhngh and Colonel Hilton, made large purchases of land in Livingston county, near Dansville. In 1802, with Colonel Fitzhugh and Major Carroll, he purchased the "100-acre or Allan mill tract" (in what now is called Rochester, at that time called Falls Town), for seventeen and a half dollars per acre. In May, 1810, having closed up his business in Maryland, he first became a resident of Western New York, and, removing to Dansville with his family, occupied his purchase there. Here he remained five years, and erected a large paper-mill, and made many improvements.

In 1815, having disposed of his interests in Dansville, he removed to a large and well improved farm in Bloomfield, Ontario county. After staying here for three years, during which time he constantly visited the falls of the Genesee and his property there, laying it out into lots to be brought into the market, he, in April, 1818,.took up his residence there, the town in the interim having been called after him, "Rochester."

In 1816 he was a second time an elector of president and vice-president.

In January, 1817, he was secretary of the important convention at Canandaigua which urged the construction of the Erie canal. During this year he went to Albany, N. Y., as an agent of the petitioners for the erection of what is now known as Monroe county, but was not successful till the year 1821 in obtaining its accomplishment. He was the first clerk of the new county, and also its first representative in the state legislature, 1821-22. In 1824 he was one of the commission for taking subscriptions to the capital stock of the Bank of Rochester, and, upon the organisation of the institution, was unanimously elected its president. He resigned this, position the December following on account of an impaired physical constitution and the increasing infirmities of age. This was the last of his numerous public and corporate trusts. From this time he retired from active duties, but was always a good and willing counselor to those in the young and thriving town which was rapidly growing up around him. He had always been attached to the Protestant Episcopal church, and was one of the founders of St. Luke's church, Rochester. It was the will of God to remove him by a most painful disorder, forbidding him even an hour's troubled repose; but the end finally came, and the pain ceased, and there was quiet and peace that was so gradual that those about him scarcely knew the moment of his final departure; he died on the morning of the 17th of May, 1831.

Starting in life with but few advantages, thrown upon his own resources at the early age of sixteen, with energy and integrity of purpose, and a fearless self-reliance, he had a long career of usefulness. His country demanded his services, and he freely gave them, alternating in its financial, military and legislative work. Its exigencies terminating, he was a zealous co-worker in all that related to the beneficial uses of free government. Almost constantly filling important public trusts, he was at the same time the founder of business establishments, the promoter of public prosperity, and, finally, the founder of a city.

His wife, Sophia Beatty, was a descendant of John Beatty, who was born in Scotland in 166o, from which, on account of religious persecutions, he emigrated to Ireland, and from thence to England, where he married Susanna Affordby. He then went to Holland, and about 1700 came to America, and settled at Esopus, New York, where he died, leaving six sons and two daughters. His widow removed with the children to Maryland about the year 1728, where she purchased a large tract of land. Their son, whose name was William, was born about the year 1693, and died in 1737, leaving one son, William, and five daughters. The son William, was born January 17th, 1739, and married Mary Dorotha Grosh (daughter of Jno. Conrad and Maria Sophia Grosh, of Mayence, on the Rhine, who settled in Frederick, Maryland, in 1757). He died April 25th,1801, and his wife on August 2d, 1810. They had sixteen children, of whom Sophia, born January 25th, was the sixth.

Col. Nathaniel Rochester and Sophia his wife had twelve children: William Beatty Rochester, Nancy Barbara Rochester, John Cornelius Rochester, Sophia Eliza Rochester, Mary Eleanor Rochester, Thomas Hart Rochester, Catharine Kimball Rochester, Nathaniel Thrift Rochester, Anna Barbara Rochester, Henry Elie Rochester, Ann Cornelia Rochester, Louisa Lucinda Rochester.

[This biographic sketch is taken from a pamphlet, Early History of the Rochester Family in America, compiled by Nathaniel Rochester, of Buffalo, 1882.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The people of Rochester are to be congratulated upon the character of such elevation and purity of purpose and such devotion to the highest and best interests of the state as has been exhibited in the private and public life of Clinton ROGERS. No one has ever been more respected in the city nor ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people, or better deserved such respect and confidence. Although he has reached the age of seventy-four years, he is still the guiding spirit in extensive business interests which have been developed from the smallest possible beginnings to extensive proportions.

A native of Massachusetts, Clinton ROGERS was born on the 3d of December, 1833, in the town of Wales, in Hampden county, his parents being Joel and Mary (SHAW) ROGERS. The family numbered four sons and two daughters, of whom three sons are yet living, Clinton ROGERS being the youngest. His great-grandfather, as an American soldier, fought at Bunker Hill and at Lexington.

Clinton ROGERS acquired his education in the common schools and entered business life as a salesman in his brother's store in Wales, where he remained for two years, when he removed to Worcester, Massachusetts, at the age of twenty years. He also spent two years in business in that city, on the expiration of which period he came to Rochester, where he arrived at the age of twenty-two. Here he was first employed as clerk for WILDER, CASE & COMPANY, for two years, and at the age of twenty-four established a carpet store, together with J.H. HOWE, under the firm name of HOWE & ROGERS, in March, 1857. They had practically no capital at the outset of their career as merchants and when they secured their first bill of goods from the LOWELL CARPET COMPANY, this firm's representative remarked that the company had never extended credit on the basis of so small capital before, but would in this instance on account of the two partners' splendid recommendations from previous positions. In the early days of their enterprise they employed three men. The extent and growth of the business is indicated by the fact that their employes [sic] now number between seventy and one hundred, so that their business has increased more than tenfold. Their store has always been located on State street near Main, and in the beginning they occupied a store thirty by one hundred feet. Now they have the entire building at Nos. 80 and 82 State street, utilizing five stories for the sale of their goods, beside having two large warehouses. About ten years ago the firm was incorporated and some stock sold to a few of the old employes [sic] as a reward for long service. The relation between the original partners continued until about four years ago, when Mr. HOWE died. His son has taken an active interest in the business since his father's death, but Clinton ROGERS, although now seventy-four years of age, attends daily to the conduct of the business and is as active as in former years. He has never regarded any point as too inessential to claim his time and attention if it would contribute to the growth and upbuilding of the business, and year after year he has wrought along modern lines until today he is at the head of one of the most important commercial interests of western New York. Business has been secured in accordance with old time tried maxims such as "there is no excellence without labor" and "honesty is the best policy." Mr. ROGERS has not confined his attention alone to the carpet trade, but on the contrary has enlarged the sphere of his activity, and his labors and influence have been potent elements in the successful conduct of various other business concerns. For over forty years he has been a director of the TRADERS NATIONAL BANK and financially interested in may other corporations.

On the 23d of August, 1876, Mr. ROGERS was married to Miss Fannie C. ROCHESTER, a granddaughter of colonel Nathaniel ROCHESTER, the founder of the city, and daughter of Henry E. ROCHESTER. Four children were born unto them: Fannie Beatrice, at home; Alice Montgomery, the wife of Dr. Joseph ROBY; Rochester Hart, who has recently graduated from Harvard Law School; and Helen, at home.

Mr. ROGERS is a very prominent, active and influential member of St. Luke's Episcopal church. He has been a vestryman for twenty years and warden for nine years, and has been a most liberal contributor to the church and various charities. He is also deeply interested in the cause of education and puts forth earnest, effective and far-reaching efforts for the promotion of church and educational interests. His political support is given to the republican party. He is identified with various civic and social organizations of Rochester, and was president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1905, at which time he succeeded in putting through the smoke ordinance. He was one of the founders of the Chamber of Commerce and from the beginning has been most active in its work toward introducing and upholding all those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He has been president of the Rochester Historical Society for the years 1906 and 1907. He likewise belongs to the Genesee Valley Club, the Whist Club and the Country Club and is greatly interested in golf. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and in his life has exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft.

Mr. ROGERS owns and occupies a fine residence at the corner of Spring and South Washington streets, where he has lived for thirty-one years. He owns a fine collection of steel engravings, which he purchased in France during one of his trips abroad. He has visited various foreign countries as well as points of interest in his native land, gaining that broad knowledge and culture which only travel can bring. No one more greatly deserves the somewhat hackneyed but always expressive title of a self-made man and as a result of his close application and energy actively applied he is today one of the most prosperous citizens of Rochester. His name is synonymous with honesty, and his word is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. His methods in every relation bear the closest investigation. He stands as a high type of American manhood because of native intellectual force, of well developed talents, of keen insight, of strong purpose and of unfaltering determination. His sturdy integrity and honesty of principle have led him to despise all unworthy or questionable means to secure success in any undertaking or for any purpose, or to promote his own advancement in any direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frederick S. ROGERS, secretary and treasurer of the JOHN SIDDONS COMPANY, conducting a roofing and sheet metal business of large proportions in Rochester, was born May 21, 1847, in the city which is yet his place of residence. He is of English lineage, his father, Henry T. ROGERS, having been born in London. Emigrating to the United States in his youth, he came direct to Rochester and in his manhood attained considerable distinction as a prominent contractor and builder and as a man active and influential in affairs of the city. He served as alderman of the third ward for many years and his official labor was of a character that promoted general progress and development, the city benefiting by his co-operation and his practical methods. He died in 1878, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza STILES, and was also a native of England, passed away when her son Frederick was but four years of age.

As a student in a private school Frederick S. ROGERS acquired his early education, which he continued in Myron G. PECK'S school. When his textbooks were put aside he entered the employ of the EVENING EXPRESS OF ROCHESTER, taking charge of the mailing department, where he continued for six years. He next became connected with POLLOCK & WEAVER, hardware merchants, as bookkeeper, and after some years entered the employ of John SIDDONS as confidential clerk and bookkeeper in 1878. His business worth and capacity being proven, he was admitted to the firm and has since been active in the management of a business which has had a continuous existence in Rochester since 1852. It was established in that year by John SIDDONS and is the representative house roofing and sheet metal work, including all kinds of cornice work, ventilating systems and the manufacture of metallic burial caskets, together with the manufacture of boiler breeching and smoke stacks. In 1878 Mr. SIDDONS was joined by Charles and John O. VOGEL. In 1889 the business was incorporated under the name of THE JOHN SIDDONS COMPANY, with Mr. SIDDONS as president and treasurer; Charles VOGEL, vice president; Frederick S. ROGERS, secretary; and John O. VOGEL, superintendent. The founder of the business, John SIDDONS, died in August, 1890, after a most active, successful and honorable career. At this time the following officers were chosen: Charles VOGEL, president; John O. VOGEL, vice president and superintendent; and Frederick S. ROGERS, secretary and treasurer. At the death of John O. VOGEL, in December, 1894, Mr. ROGERS was elected vice president, secretary and treasurer. The last change in officers was made in 1903, when Charles VOGEL was elected president; Frederick S. ROGERS, secretary and treasurer; and Theodore J. VOGEL, vice president and superintendent. The trustees are Charles VOGEL, Frederick S. ROGERS, Theodore J. VOGEL and Louis C. VOGEL, who own all of the stock - fifty thousand dollars paid in full. The enterprise was at first located on Main street and removed to the present location in 1890, occupying a large building, which the company owns, at Nos. 61, 63 and 65 North Water street. Both steam and water power is used and employment is furnished to fifty men.

In 1872 Mr. ROGERS was married to Miss Emma L. BENNETT, a daughter of Stephen D.N. BENNETT, for many years owner of the BENNETT FOUNDRY. Unto Mr. and Mrs. ROGERS were born three children, but one is now deceased and Mrs. ROGERS died in 1899. The living son, Louis Charles, is now with his father in business. He was born June 16, 1875, and was educated in the public schools and is regarded as an enterprising young business man. He belongs to Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A.M., and of all branches of Masonry. The daughter, Mrs. Edmund M. ALLING, is also a resident of Rochester.

Mr. ROGERS has attained high rank in Masonry, being a member of Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A.M.; Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R.A.M., in which he has served as high priest and treasurer; Doric council, No. 19, R. & S.M.; Monroe commandery, No. 12, K.T., in which he has served as eminent commander; Rochester consistory, S.P.R.S.; Damascus Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; and Lalla Rookh Grotto Veiled Prophets. He has also served as treasurer of the Masonic Club and belongs to the Order of Exempt Firemen. In politics he is a republican, giving support to the party on state and national questions, but often casts an independent ballot. He resides at No. 200 Adams street, where he is pleasantly situated in life. He has made a splendid record in Masonic circles, as a citizen and as a business man. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he nevertheless has a host of stanch friends who recognize and appreciate his genuine worth and admire him for what he has accomplished in the business world.

Fred B. GRAVES is one of the well known and enterprising business men of Rochester, engaged in the building and sale of elevators. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1854. His father, Lorenzo S. GRAVES, was a native of Connecticut and in 1850 removed to Rochester, where he began business as a shoe manufacturer. In 1860 he began the building and sale of elevators, establishing the enterprise, however, on a small scale. Since that time the work has been carried forward by the father and son, the latter joining the father in 1876. Lorenzo S. GRAVES continued an active factor in the business life of the city until his death, which occurred April 4, 1904. He was a most highly respected man, prominent in industrial commercial circles, and further mention is made of him on another page of this volume.

Fred B. GRAVES, reared in Rochester, passed through successive grades in the schools of the city until he was graduated from the Rochester high school. He was a young man of about twenty-two years when he was admitted to a partnership by his father, since which time he has been engaged in the construction and sale of elevators. To this end he owns a large and well equipped plant, supplied with all modern accessories for carrying on the business. Employment is given to a large force of men and this is one of the strong industrial and productive concerns of the city. He is also agent for the OTIS ELEVATOR. The business has kept pace with the tendency of the times for improvement in all lines of manufacturing enterprises and the extensive patronage of the house is incontrovertible evidence of the value of the manufactured product.

In 1876 Mr. GRAVES was united in marriage to Miss Frances OSWALD, of Batavia, New York. They have three children, all now married. Mr. GRAVES is a prominent representative of Masonry, belonging to Frank R. LAWRENCE Lodge, No.797, A.F. & A.M., while he has also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in the consistory. He belongs to the Mystic Shrine and to the Grotto, is a member of the Rochester Whist Club and a life member of the Masonic Club. He is likewise a charter member of the Rochester Yacht Club and his social qualities are such as have won for him a large circle of warm friends. Mr. GRAVES, spending practically his entire life in Rochester, is well known in the city in business, fraternal and social circles, and the consensus of public opinion regarding him is altogether favorable. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in successfully controlling and enlarging this he has shown excellent business capacity and executive force and he does things with an ability and energy that show he is master of the situation.

Gifford MORGAN, with business investments in Buffalo and Brockport and in farming property in Monroe county, is well known as a representative of a prominent family and as one of the country's native sons. He was born in Brockport - the present place of his residence - in June, 1873, a son of Dayton S. MORGAN, for years a prominent merchant, inventor and manufacturer of the county, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work.

In the public schools of Brockport Gifford MORGAN acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in Canandaigua Academy and later at Union College. His education was liberal and his training and experiences in the affairs of the world have been broad. He is now associated with various business investments, being one of the owners of the D.S. MORGAN office building, at the corner of Niagara and Pearl streets in Buffalo, and also owner of two valuable farming properties in the town of Clarkson. He is president of the ROCHESTER WHEEL COMPANY, of Brockport, and from his various properties, well managed, he is deriving a substantial income.

Mr. MORGAN was married to Miss Fannie Rose BALDWIN, who was born in Orange, New Jersey, where she acquired her education while spending her girlhood days in the home of her parents, Frank W. and Fannie E. (LOVE) BALDWIN. The mother died many years ago, and the father afterward married again. The three sons of his first marriage are Ernest, Victor and Frank BALDWIN. The father is now publisher of the ORANGE (New Jersey) CHRONICLE. Unto Mr. and Mrs. MORGAN have been born two children, Frances & Jocelyn.

Always interested in the welfare of Brockport, Mr. MORGAN, from his boyhood days, has been an earnest champion of many progressive public measures. He is now an exempt member of the SILSBY HOSE COMPANY, of Brockport, and his fraternal and social relations extend to the Masonic lodge of Brockport, the Saturn Club of Buffalo, the Genesee Valley Club and the Friars Club of Rochester and the Rochester Yacht Club. In politics he is a republican.

The family residence is a beautiful home at the north edge of Brockport, in the town of Clarkson, tastefully, attractively and comfortably furnished. Without ostentation or display, Gifford MORGAN, in the county of his nativity, commands universal friendship and regard.

JASON W. SEWARD was born in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. V., on the 23d day of December, 1806. Like the great majority of pioneers of Central and Western New York, he came of the sturdy New England stock whose descendants played such an important part in subduing the wilderness and advancing the general interests of the new communities. His father was Abram Seward of Durham, Conn., and his mother Sarah Bostwick, who came from near New Milford, Conn.; she was a daughter of Elijah Bostwick, who was a militia captain in the revolutionary war and gave his country seven years of honorable service during that struggle for liberty.

Mr. Seward's boyhood and young manhood were passed at his parental home, where he attended school in the winter months and did his share of farm labor during the remainder of the years. It is, perhaps, worthy of mention that his first school teacher was Isaac Hills, a graduate of Union college, and in later years one of the prominent lawyers of Rochester, where he recently died. Mr. Seward was an apt student and, fortunately for him, his father was a believer in the value of education; consequently the young man was sent to the Oneida institute during the years 1828 - 29, at the end of which period, still unsatisfied with his acquired education, he entered Williams college, Mass., in the class of 1833, where he graduated with honor. Leaving college he came directly to Rochester, to which village his sister, T. Seward, had received an invitation for the purpose of establishing a school for young ladies. While the field did not at that time appear especially promising to Mr. Seward, he decided to remain and bear the heavier burdens of the new educational undertaking, for which he felt that his sister, although a self-reliant woman, was scarcely adapted. The boarding-school and young ladies' seminary was accordingly founded (1833), first occupying apartments in the old United States building, on Main street. After beginning the school, Mr. Seward returned to Williamstown and received his diploma from the college. In the winter of 1837 and 1838 the institution was incorporated by act of legislature and became subject to the visitation of the Regents of the University of the state. The seminary was successful from the first and for its better accommodation a building was erected in 1835 on Alexander street, on the premises now occupied as a residence by Freeman Clarke. Here the school was continued, with far greater success in point of numbers of pupils and its general character as an educational institution, than in a financial sense, until 1841, when the founders, Miss Seward and the subject of this sketch, withdrew from it as instructors. This action on the part of its founders was due chiefly to the necessity then existing for much more extensive accommodations for the attendance already assured, and their inability to erect buildings and make the other improvements without which they felt the school could not be made what it should be. The institution was continued, however, for a number of years by Miss L. Tracy, as principal, and others, with varying success.

After leaving the school Mr. Seward engaged in mercantile business, becoming quite extensively employed in the purchase and sale of grain, flour and similar products. In this business, through the persevering energy for which he is known, his native ability and his correct and honorable methods. he succeeded in acquiring a competence, in the full enjoyment of which he has passed his life since the year 1856, when he retired from active pursuits.

As a teacher he was eminently successful - a success due, undoubtedly, to some extent, to the fact that he loved the profession for its own sake, for the good which he could accomplish in it. He was always a student and has familiarised himself with the so-called learned professions and with many subjects demanding brain power, application and studiousness, not so much that he expected to make direct use of such knowledge for the advancement of his material position, as in gratification of his natural and acquired love of study. He pursued the study of law in Rochester for about two years and might, had he so elected, have made an honorable career in that profession. But his chief interest has always centered in the cause of education, in recognition of which fact his fellow-citizens have placed him in several positions of trust connected with the schools of Rochester. He was prominently instrumental in organising the free school system of the city; was made superintendent of schools of the county of Monroe and was also a member of the board of education of the city where his influence was potent for the good of the cause of education. His contributions to the press in the same direction have been numerous and valuable. He was elected alderman of his ward (the seventh) in 1861 - 62 and in 1867 was made supervisor; the duties of these offices, it need scarcely be said, were discharged with fidelity and ability.

In the year 1855 Mr. Seward was married to Ruth Ann Bedell, of Greene Co., N.Y. They are without children, and still reside on premises adjoining those where the seminary was formerly located, enjoying the respect of the community at large.

CHAUNCEY B. WOODWORTH. Among the pioneers of Monroe county was the family of Spencer Woodworth, who came from South Coventry, Tolland county, Conn., to the town of Gates in the summer of 1819. They located about one and one-half miles west of the city of Rochester, on what is known as the Chili road. Their journey from Connecticut to Rochester was made in one of the large covered wagons used in early days, there being then no other means of travel in this section. On the 9th day of June, 1819, they arrived at the tavern of Oliver Culver, in Brighton, where they halted for the night. The following day was entirely spent in reaching their new home, so little had been done towards opening a road they traveled by way of "the rapids," following as best they could a line of marked trees.

In the family of this pioneer was an infant son, who was born on the 25th day of February, 1819, and consequently, at the time of the migration to Monroe county, was about four months old. This was Chauncey B. Woodworth, now one of the leading citizens and business men of the city of Rochester and the subject of this notice. He remained at the parental home, devoting a share of each year to the acquirement of such education as was then available, until he was twenty-one years of age; when he engaged in the grocery business on the corner of East Main and North St. Paul streets, on the site of the Osburn House block, thus for the first time identifying himself with the business interests of the city that has since felt in so many ways the influence of his energies.

About the year 1841 Mr. Woodworth abandoned the grocery business and purchased a farm at Irondequoit and established a large saw-mill which he operated several years, supplying the lumber for many of the buildings erected in Rochester in early days.

In 1853, together with Jones & Osburn, he built the Crystal Palace block on Main street. About the same time he removed to his present place of residence, 41 South Washington street.

Down to this time Mr. Woodworth had, by virtue of industry, energy and unusual business sagacity and judgment, met with success in all of his undertakings; he now engaged in the business that has ever since occupied a large share of his attention and has made his name familiar throughout the country; this is the manufacture of perfumery and extracts. For this work he in 1856 associated with Reuben A. Bunnell, and the manufacture of glass-ware was subsequently added. Three years later (1859) Mr. Woodworth succeeded to the entire business, which has since been developed into one of the largest, most successful and honorable of the kind in the country.

On the 5th of January, 1841, Mr. Woodworth was married to Martha Jane Smith, a daughter of Clark Smith, of Boston, Mass. They have had five children, three of whom are sons. One of these, Harry S. Woodworth, is now in college, and the others, Chauncey C. Woodworth and Frank E. Woodwortd, are associated with their father in business, the firm being C. B. Woodworth & Sons. Their manufactures are known throughout the country and the standard of their reputation is the highest.

The present extensive and efficient street railroad system of Rochester is largely the outgrowth of Mr. Woodworth's enterprise. In the year 1868, when the Rochester City & Brighton railroad company's property and franchise was sold under a mortgage foreclosure, Mr. Woodworth purchased it entire. He then joined with the present board of directors, reorganised the company, extended its tracks and other facilities until now there are few cities in the country more thoroughly and satisfactorily supplied with street car accommodations than Rochester, Mr. Woodworth has been treasurer of the company since its organisation.

Mr. Woodworth is not without clearly defined political convictions, but he has never sought public office. In 1852 he was induced to accept the nomination for sheriff of the county of Monroe on the Whig ticket, and was elected. It is, perhaps, unnecessary to add that the duties of the office were faithfully and capably discharged.

Mr. Woodworth has been a trustee of the Mechanics' savings bank and a trustee of the Rochester Theological seminary. Since 1864 he has been a director and is now vice-president of the Flour City National bank. In these several important trusts he has enhanced his well-deserved business reputation and has added to the high estimation in which he is held by his associates. He has been a member of the Second Baptist church for about thirty-one years, and one of its trustees about thirty-three years. In all measures for the general advancement and well-being of Rochester he has always exhibited a deep interest and an active public spirit, while in his social and family relations he enjoys the esteem of the community.

GEORGE J. WHITNEY. Among the pioneers who exerted a marked influence upon the village and city of Rochester was Warham Whitney, who came to Monroe county from Oneida county in the year 1819, and settled in that part of Rochester known as Frankfort. He there built a mill, which he operated with unqualified success, his brands of flour attaining a wide reputation for uniform excellence. He also became a large owner of real estate in this vicinity and was a prominent man in all the public relations of life. He was the father of four daughters and three sons, of whom George J. Whitney, the subject of this sketch, was ones He was born on the 26th of January, 1819,.and was brought to Rochester by his parents while an infant. After spending his early life in school, altebated with various kinds of labor, he took charge of the farm upon which his father died in March, 1840, and remained there a year or two. In 1842 he was married to Julia Bullard. For a short time he conducted a store at Frankfort, after which he engaged in the milling and grain business, which he followed until his death, becoming an operator on a scale of great magnitude and known throughout the entire country. In the milling business he was for a time at first associated with the late General John Williams, and here his business capacity seemed for the first time to find a field broad enough for its successful development. He built in the year 1857 the large elevator in Rochester which still bears his name and is operated by his son, James W. Whitney, and also had the charge of the New York Central elevators in both Buffalo and New York. In this enterprise and in his position as director of the New York Central and Hudson River railroad, he was brought in immediate business relations with Mr. Vanderbilt, and had he lived would undoubtedly have been one of the chief instruments in the establishment of the proposed steamship connection across the Atlantic, one of the most stupendous enterprises ever projected. As a director of the Central railroad, his services were considered of such value and his counsels were so generally wise and judicious, that he was continued in the office through three different administrations - those of the Richmond-Corning régime, then under the Keep organisation, and finally under the Vanderbilt management. He was not retained by Mr. Vanderbilt the first year of Vanderbilt's reign, but was put in the second year (being dropped the first year). He was the only director in the previous organisations who was retained by Mr. Vanderbilt when he became president of the road - the highest compliment to his worth in that position that could have been paid him. He became practically the manager of the western division of the road and at the time of his death was in absolute control of all the transportation, storage and delivery of grain which passed over the Central railroad frorn Buffalo to New York. The writer of an obituary of Mr. Whitney, in alluding to this portion of his business life, said "he was the only resident director in this part of the state, and how ably he discharged the manifold duties resting upon him, his record speaks with an eloquence that will not be hushed for years to come." Mr. Vanderbilt said of him, when apprised of his death, "men like Mr. Whitney are not very plentiful. As a husband, as a father, as a friend, he was equally admirable and reliable, and as a business man he was exceedingly capable. The New York Central will keenly feel his loss."

Mr. Whitney will be most vividly remembered for his farseeing sagacity, his strong determination, his prompt and vigorous action in all emergencies, his wise judgment and remarkable executive ability. In these respects he was not surpassed by any of his contemporaries. His insight into all business details was wonderfully clear and comprehensive; his plans were quickly devised and then followed with resolution and unfaltering vigor to the end. Obstacles were recognised by him only to be surmounted. He was, in short, the ideal successful business man.

Mr. Whitney never had time, and probably little inclination, for political preferment; the bent of his genius was in other directions. He did once permit the use of his name for alderman (by one party; the other party also nominated him and when election day came no tickets had been printed each party thinking the other would do that), but only that he might serve his neighbors and friends in the city, which he did to their eminent satisfaction. He was for ten or twelve years a member of the board of managers of the Western House of Refuge, and for eight years of the time its president; and it was said of him at the time of his death that it would be "difficult to name any enterprise of large proportions that did not owe the greater part of its success to the foresight and indefatigable industry of George J. Whitney." He was mainly instrumental in establishing the driving park, and, as president of the institution, gave it the prestige it has always retained.

Mr. Whitney was a man of social disposition and a genial, warm-hearted, kindly nature. He drew around him many sincere friends, whose companionship and regard was dearer to him than any practical worldly success. To those who knew him intimately, what has been called "the home side of his nature" was his best side.

James W. Whitney, of Rochester, is his only son, and he had three daughters. He died December 31st, 1878.

SETH J. T. BUSH

If any young man in Rochester can show more evidence than Seth J. T. Bush of possessing that versatility of talent which characterizes the progressive young American, his history must be an interesting one. Mr. Bush, who is now manager of the United States Life Insurance company for Western New York, was born February 27, 1869, in Morton, New York, where his father, Charles T. Bush, is largely interested in horticulture. His mother was Rebecca C. Bush. He was educated at the common schools amid at the Genesee Wesleyan seminary, Lima, from which he was graduated in 1890. He taught for a year in the seminary, but had to give up that profession on account of ill health. In 1891 he went to Chicago and was engaged as inspector for a year on the State Grange Inspector's staff. Then he went to Kansas City, Missouri, where he had charge of the Midland Elevator Company's Union Pacific elevator. In March, 1892, he came to Rochester and bought a quarter interest in the Western New York agency of the United States Life Insurance company. His connection with this company was so satisfactory that in December, 1893, he was appointed associate manager, and in May, 1894, became sole manager. Mr. Bush is a Republican. He was married in April, 1892, to Miss Mattie C. Clark, of Morton, New York, and resides at 44 Gibbs street. His suite of offices is on the fourth floor of the Wilder building.

FRANK C. MANN

The successful establishment of a great insurance business in a city that was already apparently overcrowded by representatives of that interest, marks Frank C. Mann as one destined to attain a front rank among the conspicuous men of enterprise in this State. He has, while still a young man, demonstrated his ability to direct large interests to a successful issue, and it is but reasonable to assume that still greater achievements must he placed to his record. He was born in West Bend, Wisconsin, May 14, 1867, and is the son of Jacob E. and Carrie Mann. His father was an attorney-at-law and a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, at Schoharie academy, Gloversville High School and Business college. His first business venture was as an insurance man, in which he was engaged for three years before reaching his majority. He evinced so much ability during that period that in 1890 he was sent to this city by the National Life Insurance company of Vermont to assume the duties of general manager of the company over three-quarters of the territory of this State. His success in that capacity has been so prenominal that from being one of the lowest the Rochester agency is now third in the list in the value of business done. Mr. Mann is a member of the New York Life Underwriters' association and was a delegate to the fifth annual convention of Life underwriters at Chicago, June 21, 1894. He is an active member of the Young Men's Christian association and of the Whist club. Mr. Mann was married June 11, 1890, to Miss Maud L. Camm, daughter of George E. Camm, of Johnstown, New York. They have one son, Herbert Asa Mann, and reside at 120 Ambrose street.

MARTIN BEIR

Martin Beir has had abundant experience of the vicissitudes that befall men in a business career. Born in Würtemberg, Germany, July 1822, he received a collegiate education at Stuttgart and entered a mercantile house, where he became head bookkeeper and cashier at the age of nineteen, and retained that position until he started for the United States in 1847. Here he formed a partnership with his brother Ashel, under the firm name of A. Bier & Brother, and did a prosperous business until 1855, when he moved to New York and entered the jobbing trade, where he was financially wrecked. He returned to this city and in 1859 established the Flour City Oil works on Pinnacle avenue. This enterprise was paying well when fortune again frowned on its owner and the works were destroyed by fire, proving a total loss. In 1870 Mr. Beir began his present business of fire insurance and has had no reason to regret his choice. His early training, natural capacity for business and extended experience have enabled him to build up one of the largest insurance agencies in Rochester. As agent for the London, Liverpool and Globe he represents one of the greatest corporations in the world. Mr. Beir in 1852, while on a visit to his father in Germany married Miss Clara Hirsch. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Eureka club, of Berith Kodesh congregation, district deputy I. O. B. B., and of the Masonic fraternity.