MARTIN B. ANDERSON, LL. D. — Of the men who have been identified with the intellectual and moral growth of this city, there is, perhaps, none who holds a more prominent place than Martin B. Anderson. For the last thirty-one years he has been president of the University of Rochester, and in this position he has become conspictious by his efforts to advance the cause of education. And by his broad common sense, his rugged force of character and his positive moral convictions, he has naturally become recognised as a leader or, at least, adviser in nearly every enterprise of a benevolent and philanthropic nature. His life has been a constant and earnest effort to elevate the intellectual and moral tone of the community in which he has lived.

Dr. Anderson was born in Brunswick, Me., February 12th, 1815. The influence of his Scotch-Irish descent has left a strong impress upon his mind and character. In early life he was thrown largely upon his own resources; and while yet a boy he was compelled to think and act as a man. Among the first impulses given to his intellectual life was his contact with a few men of mature age and experience who had organised. themselves into a society for the purpose of discussing questions relating to politics and other topics of general interest. He then became an omnivorous reader, and acquired a taste and talent for public speaking. At the age of twenty-one he entered Waterville college (Colby university) where he was graduated in 1840. In college he acquired a reputation for great industry, breadth of knowledge, and thoroughness of research, especially in subjects relating to philosophy and the sciences. After graduation he spent a year in the theological seminary at Newton, Mass., preaching sometimes in neighboring towns. In 1841 he was appointed tutor of Latin, Greek and mathematics in Waterville college; and in 1843 he was promoted to the chair of rhetoric in the same institution. Besides rhetoric he taught also Latin and history, and delivered a course of lectures on the origin and growth of the English language - probably the first course on this subject delivered in an American college. In 1850 he resigned his professorship and removed to New York city, where he became editor-in-chief and joint-proprietor of the New York Recorder, a weekly Baptist journal. His editorials were marked by extensive learning, vigor of thought, and frequently by keen controversial acumen. In 1853 he received a unanimous call to the presidency of the University of Rochester. This institution had but recently been established, and the work of laying securely. its foundation and of determining its future character was, in a great measure, placed in his hands. So fully has he identified himself with the cause of the university that whatever reputation and success it has achieved may be attributed greatly to his personal efforts and influence. The largest and most valuable part of his life has been devoted to its interests and to the cause of higher education which it represents.

His success as an educator has depended largely upon his extensive and varied acquirernents as a scholar, his high conception of the functions of the teacher and his unusual capacity for administration. In his scholarship he is broad and liberal. He has pushed his investigations into many departments of human knowledge, and has organised the results of his investigations into lectures and courses of study suited to the students under his charge. These lines of instruction have included intellectual and moral philosophy, history and constitutional law, political economy, social science, jurisprudence, art criticism, the history of the fine arts, etc. In connection with these studies he has frequently used his pen for the promotion of interests of a scientific and educational character. His writings are comprised for the most part in newspaper editorials, article for reviews, discourses and essays upon education, religious addresses, papers on social science, official reports and articles for encyclopedias. These writings are characterised by vigor of thought, directness of expression, breadth of learning and earnestness of purpose.

But it is not as a mere scholar that his power and success are to be measured. It is rather as a teacher, or, better still, as a guide and an inspiration to young men that his influence has become permanent. His power is, by way of eminence, personal power, and is due to imparting his own ideas and spirit to others. The young man who cannot be aroused by his magnetic appeals is dead beyond the possibility of resurrection. His greatness is most fully seen within the walls of his own class-room, and is shown not so much in mere instruction, or the exposition of scientific topics, as in the transmission of mental and moral vitality, and in revelations of the practical significance of human life.

But his energies have not been entirely restricted to the institution and to the young men immediately under his charge. He has freely given his aid to enterprises of a social and political nature. During the war he was ardently patriotic, writing editorials and delivering speeches in favor of the national cause. In 1868 he was appointed a member of the New York state board of charities; and while a member of this board he wrote several valuable reports to the legislature, chief among which are those upon Out-Door Relief and Alien Paupers. As a recognition of his ability as an economist, he was chosen as an honorary member of the Cobden club of England. An appreciation of his judgment in matters relating to public improvements was shown by the governor in appointing him a member of the Niagara Falls commission. And his willingness to assist in carrying out the benevolent purposes of his fellow-citizens is shown by his acceptance of the position as president of the board of trustees of the "Reynolds Library."

To those who are best acquainted with President Anderson he appears at once as a man of thought and a man of action. As a scholar he sympathises with all honest efforts to enlarge the sum of human knowledge. As a man of affairs he is willing to lend his aid to any cause which tends to increase the sum of human happiness and to improve the general well-being of society.

HON. ERASMUS DARWIN SMITH, LL. D., ex-justice of the Supreme court and of the court of Appeals of the state of New York, was born at DeRuyter, Madison county, on the 10th day of October, 1806. DeRuyter, the southwestern town of Madison county, was settled about the commencement of the present century. Among its pioneers was Dr. Hubbard Smith, who removed from Stephentown, Rensselaer county, in 1801 or 1802, having previously married Eunice Jones, of that place, one of a family of ten children. Dr. Smith was engaged in an extensive practice at DeRuyter for more than forty years. He was the first postmaster, a justice of the peace, and for several terms one of the judges of the, court of Common Pleas of Madison county. At the outset of his professional life, the celebrated Dr. Erasmus Darwin, the father of the still more celebrated Charles Darwin, was in the full tide of success and popularity as a poet and philosophical writer, and Dr. Smith gave to his son the name of the author. Erasmus Darwin Smith was studious and self-reliant, and, having received a good common school education, at the age of fifteen years became a school teacher, following the avocation for five successive winters, and using his earnings to secure a classical education. During three summers he pursued preparatory studies at Hamilton academy, and in the fall of 1826 entered Hamilton college. Soon occurred the long controversy between Dr. Davis, the president of the college, and the trustees, in consequence of which no students were graduated in 1829 and 1830. The advantages of study were so much impaired that most of the students left in 1828. In the following winter Mr. Smith commenced the study of the law in the office of Gregory & Humphrey, at Rochester, which he continued with Ebenezer Griffin, esq., of the same place, until his admission to the bar at the October term in 1830, when he went into partnership with Mr. Griffin, whose daughter, Janet Morrison, he afterwards married. The year 1828 was a presidential year, and Mr. Smith, being somewhat active in politics as a supporter of Gen. Jackson for the presidency, came into collision with an old merchant of Rochester, of the family of Smith, who as an individual was also distinguished by the name of the English physician. This Erasmus Darwin Smith was opposed in politics to Gen. Jackson, and not at all inclined to indorse the acts and sayings of the youthful partisan of the same name. The latter was accommodating, and, having no desire to appear to sail under another's colors, avoided the difficulty by agreeing to suppress a portion of the prenomen, and has ever since written his name E. Darwin Smith. The interruption which he had encountered in his studies was compensated for by his private reading and reflection, and he became well qualified for legal practice. His professional connection with Mr. Griffin, which continued for several years, was terminated by the removal of that gentleman from Rochester, when Mr. Smith formed a new copartnership with Hon. Samuel L. Selden, afterwards an eminent judge of the court of Appeals. Subsequently Mr. Smith was associated in practice, for many years, with Henry E. Rochester, esq. In 1832 he was appointed master in Chancery, and continued to hold the office for three successive terms of three years. Soon after this appointment he was designated, by Chancellor Walworth, as injunction master for the eighth district, of which Monroe county, including Rochester, was a portion. In the year 1841 he was appointed by the chancellor clerk in Chancery for the eighth district, a position not only unsolicited, but accepted with much hesitation. His practice in all the courts, especially in the court of Chancery, was then extensive. The office precluded practicing in that court; he therefore formed a partnership with E. Peshine Smith, esq., who conducted that part of his legal business. He continued to act as the clerk of the Chancery court until it was abolished July 1st, 1847, under the provisions of the constitution which had been adopted the year before. During a portion of this period he resided in the town of Gates, adjoining Rochester, to which he moved in 1839. Returning to Rochester, five years later, he was chosen for various local offices, serving one year as health commissioner, and for several years as school commissioner. His services were often required as a public speaker on political and other topics, and he made many addresses on social topics, and Fourth of July orations in different places. Twice he was nominated for member of Assembly, and once for Congress, but, his party not being in the ascendancy in the district, he shared the fate of his fellow candidates. As a delegate to the Democratic national convention held at Baltimore in 1848, he co-operated in the nomination of Gen. Lewis Cass for the presidency, whom he supported actively during the canvass, being an earnest and effective speaker. The Democratic party in the state was now divided, and the Daily Advertiser of Rochester supported the Van Buren or Free Soil movement. The conservative Democrats established the Daily Courier, which supported Cass. After the campaign was over, Mr. Smith united with Judge S. L. Selden, Joseph Medbury, Joseph Sibley, and H. G. Warner in the purchase of the Daily Advertiser, with which the Courier was merged. He became, soon after such purchase, the political editor, and wrote most of the leading articles for the paper during the year 1849. The Free Soil wing of the party afterwards decided to establish a new paper, and the prospectus of the Daily News was issued; but a compromise was effected, in consequence of which its projectors abandoned their enterprise and bought the stock of some of the partners in the Advertiser, which was continued under the editorship of Mr. Horatio Gates Warner until Mr. Isaac Butts, the former editor, repurchased an interest, and united the Advertiser with the Rochester Union, a journal then recently established. Pursuing his profession, he was engaged in many important litigations, and in the autumn of 1855 was nominated by the conservative Democrats as a justice of the Supreme court. The American party also gave him its support. He was elected by a small majority, and commenced a judicial course which was to reflect credit on his personal and legal character, and continue for the remainder of his active life. Until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion he had always been firm in resisting any attempt to interfere with the rights of the Southern people; but, after they appealed to arms, he acted with the war Democrats and subsequently with the Republican party. On the call of the government for troops he put himself into sympathy with the movement, addressed public meetings on the subject, and took an active part generally in encouraging enlistments. In his official capacity as a judge he was prompted by the same patriotic impulse, and, in his addresses to the grand jury, inculcated the duty of every citizen to give an active and earnest support to the government in the prosecution of the war. In 1863 he was reelected to the bench of the Supreme court, and again in 1871, continuing to hold the office until January 1st, 1877, when he had reached seventy years of age, the constitutional limitation of the tenure of a justice of the Supreme court. Under the provision making the judges of the Supreme court having the shortest period to serve ex-officio members of the court of Appeals, Judge Smith was a member of that court in 1862, and again in 1870. He was designated by Governor Hoffman, in December, 1872, on the death of Judge Johnson of the fourth department of the Supreme court, to take his place, and sat in that department, as general term justice, until 1877. His judicial decisions have been marked by research, lucidity, and logical precision. The opinion which he wrote in the case of Freeman Clarke v. the City of Rochester (24 Barbour's Reports, p. 446) was the first to settle really the question of the power of cities to take stock in corporations. The opinion in the legal tender case of Hague v. Powers, extending from the 427th to the 479th page of the 39th volume of Barbour's Reports, was of the greatest importance, settling the question of the power of the federal government to issue paper money as a means of self-preservation in time of war, and as a war measure. Chief Justice Chase, of the U. S. Supreme court, remarked to Judge Johnson of this state that the decision was, in its influence on the credit of the government, equal to a victory in the field. It relieved the whole country from a position of extreme embarrassment. Other important opinions will be found in the cases of the People v. the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad Company (55 Barbour, 344); the habeas corpus case, "In the matter of Jordan," (2 American Law Register, p. 749); and the People v. the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey (42 N. Y., 283), a decision rendered in the court of Appeals. Many opinions written in the fourth department are to be found in Cook & Thompson's and Hun's Reports. The degree of doctor of laws was conferred upon Judge Smith while on the bench of the Supreme court, wholly unsolicited and without any knowledge on his part. Since Judge Smith left the bench he has been employed in closing litigated cases as counsel, and has acted as referee in quite a number of important cases, but has rarely appeared in the courts. He is enjoying a vigorous old age. Though in his seventy-seventh year, he has lost little of the stamina and alertness which characterised his whole mature life. He commands universal respect as an upright and enlightened citizen who manifests his concern for the welfare of his fellow men; a sincere desire to be helpful to every one who may claim his friendship or enlist his solicitude. His extensive and important labors on the bench have gained him the highest esteem of contemporaries and entitle him to the respect of his successors, who will benefit by his painstaking elucidation of controverted questions. Those who have come into the profession and grown up under his long administration of justice applaud his fidelity, and acknowledge the uniform courtesy, the helpful kindness which have encouraged them in times of difficulty and aided in overcoming obstacles that impeded their advancement. The house in which Judge Smith resides, a commodious and elegant mansion, was built by Ira West, a prosperous merchant of Rochester, who opened the first store there on the settlement of the village in 1812, Having lost his first wife in 1877, Judge Smith married Mrs. Emily Perkins Smith in 1879. Of his five children by the first wife three are living: Vincent M. Smith, attorney at law at Rochester; Cora E., wife of Isaac E. Sheldon, of New York; and Erasmus D. Smith, law clerk and stenographer.

HULBERT HARRINGTON WARNER. When the British fleet was making its deadly assault on the city of Oswego, during the war of 1812, the echo of the guns, resounding through the rolling lands of Central New York, fell upon the ear of a stalwart farmer in Onondaga county, and, like Cincinnatus of old, he left his plow, unlimbered his horses, and, with a quick good-bye to his family, shouldered his gun and hastened to the defense of the beleagured city. This man was Captain Seth Warner, the grandfather of Hulbert Harrington Warner, the subject of this sketch. He would not have been true to his name or lineage, had a second summons been necessary to urge to the doing of a patriotic duty. The Warner line is graced with many examples of genuine, stalwart, heroic manhood, illustrating to the full the significance of the motto of an English branch of the family, in their "pluck and persistence."

Hulbert Harrington Warner traces his ancestry through nine generations, in this country, to 1650. The family originated in Kent, Essex, and Leicester, England. In this country one branch started from Ipswich, Mass., another from Woodbury, Conn., and another from New Hampshire. The line to which the subject of this sketch belongs originated in this country in Woodbury, Conn., and is thus delineated: 1st, John; 2d, John; 3d, John; 4th, Dr. Ebenezer; 5th, Thomas; 6th, Samuel; 7th, Seth; 8th, William; 9th, Hulbert. The Seth of the seventh generation was first cousin of Colonel Seth Warner, the famous Vermont hero of the revolution, and was christened by him. Samuel of the sixth generation served in the war of 1776, was wounded, and drew a pension for life. Seth of the seventh generation was a captain in the war of 1812. Dr. Ebenezer of the fourth generation was one of eight in his line who won excellent repute in the practice of medicine, and on Hulbert, though he himself is not a physician, the mantle of the healing art has descended genealogically and gracefully.

William of the eighth generation was born in Van Buren, Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1807, and Electa Harrington, his wife, was born in the same town, November 13th, 1810. They were married May 3d, 1827, Hulbert being the seventh child and the fourth son. William died in 1877, his widow surviving him and residing in Rochester, N. Y.

Electa Harrington was a direct descendant in the fourth generation of the Rev. ----- Jones, a Baptist minister who came to this country soon after the arrival of the Mayflower. Her grandfather, Silas Brown, served with honor in the revolutionary war, and her father, Dr. Lionel Harrington, won fame and an untimely death in the war of 1812.

Hulbert Harrington Warner was born in Van Buren, Onondaga county, N. Y., January 19th, 1842. He was trained in the common schools of the town, and afterwards spent several years in the famous academy of Dr. T. K. Wright, at Elbridge, N. Y. His grandfather, Seth, moved into Van Buren in 1807 from Stockbridge, Mass., settling near the village of Warners, which, in consideration of the character of himself and his two brothers, Heman and Henry, was given the family name.

With an honored lineage on both the paternal and maternal sides, Hulbert began his career with the strong advantage of good blood. Tiring of farm life, his father, seeing that he was determined to "strike out for himself," apprenticed him to the tinsmith trade in Memphis, Onondaga county, when he was fifteen years of age. In 1865 young Warner "went west," conducting the stove and hardware business until 1870 in Michigan, when he returned to New York and settled in Rochester. If life in the great west did nothing else for him, it quickened his early-formed purpose to succeed despite all obstacles, and the better fitted him for the extraordinary business career which was about to open. In 1870, having secured the general agency of the Mosler, Bahmann & Co. fire and burglar-proof Safe, manufactured at Cincinnati, O., he began a record in the safe business which has had no parallel in this country or in any other country. At that time the excitement in the oil regions of Pennsylvania ran high. Towns sprang up in a night. Great men and great opportunities met. Personally taking the field he disposed of several hundred safes in a few weeks, and acquired that intimate insight into the business which ever after made him master of its details and a good judge of the requirements of successful safe salesmen. This mission gave him his first substantial success, and in .a short time he had safe warehouses all over the land, and had over a hundred men in the field. He thus early realised the ambition of his boyhood, which was to see his name associated with a widely-extended and successful commercial enterprise. Even in his youth his ideas were. all on a large scale, and his later life has demonstrated that he is, in all things, a man of maxima.

The panic of 1873 overtook him with plans and purposes of continental extent. In that stupendous crisis strong men were unmanned, and weak men were undone. While his competitors did not dare to assume the risk of holding the territory until the return of better times, he, with pluck and sagacity, determined at whatever sacrifice to take no steps backward. It was a severe financial and physical strain, but the end justified him. The tide turned in 1876. The territory which he had held had now become exclusively his own. Concentrating all his energies, making Rochester his sole basis of operations, he sold in less than eighteen months over two and a half million dollars' worth of safes, had not only made good all the losses of the three years of business depression, but had also acquired a handsome competence. It is said that circumstances often make men great, but in this case the man of "pluck and persistence" wrested success out of most adverse circumstances. In the past twelve years he has sold over 70,000 safes, aggregating $15,000,000. In 1884, owing to the extraordinary demands made upon his time by his other enterprises, he disposed of the safe business to Mosler, Bowen & Co., of Rochester, N. Y.

Like too many other energetic men, Mr. Warner exhausted in his business energy his stock of vitality, and when commercial success had rewarded him, and the prospect of an easy future dawned upon him, he was quite broken in health; - so much so that his physicians thought he could not live a year. But when they had exhausted all known means for his recovery, by providential suggestions he was led to the use of a simple compound which was reputed to be a specific for the kidney disorders from which he suffered. In less than a year it cured him. Grateful for his own release, and with a characteristic generosity, he determined to devote a part of his accumulated capital to the manufacture of this compound, for the benefit of others who might he suffering as he had suffered without hope. When he learned that the medical profession had no other curative for extreme kidney and liver disorders, and that the compound was perfectly safe to use, he had it scientifically perfected and gave it to the world under the name of "Warner's Safe Cure." In process of time he added "Warner's Safe Diabetes Cure," "Warner's Safe Nervine," "Warner's Safe Pills," "Warner's Safe Rheumatic Cure," "Warner's Tippecanoe," and "Warner's Safe Throatine." The formula of these preparations are all of the very highest order, and the preparations themselves have only been manufactured in obedience to a strong public demand for them, the character of "Warner's Safe Cure" being so high as to commend to public patronage any preparation manufactured by H. H. Warner & Co.

This personal experience explains why, in addition to conducting the largest safe business in the world, he assumed the proprietary medicine business. The enterprise grew with astonishing rapidity, and what was begun in 1879 as a testimonial of gratitude, has at length absorbed almost his entire personal and financial attention. The gross sales amount to over $2,500,000 per annum. In five years he was obliged to make three removes to accommodate his growing business, and in 1884 he erected the largest and cornpletest medicine laboratory in the world. It is built of wrought iron and brick, is absolutely fire-proof; and cost a half million dollars. It contains over 4 ¼ acres of flooring. It is eight stories high, is of very imposing appearance, arid is located on North St. Paul street, Rochester, N. Y.

In the early part of 1879 Mr. Warner casually met Mr. Swift, the famous comet finder. With his customary liberality, being interested in the man and his work, he assured him that if he would raise the money to purchase a large telescope, he would build him an observatory; and in January, 1883, the Warner observatory was completed, finished and furnished at an estimated expense of $100,000. Dr. Swift was appointed director, at a handsome salary paid by the founder. This observatory is the finest private institution of the kind in the world, and is located on the corner of Arnold Park and East avenue. It is built of Lockport white sandstone, rough ashlar, and is finished throughout with the rarest native hardwoods. The telescope was made by the Clarkes, of Cambridge, Mass., is a little over sixteen inches in diameter, twenty-two feet long, with its mountings weighs over three tons, and cost about $13,000. The fund for its purchase was raised by Dr. Swift among the public-spirited citizens of Rochester.

The Warner observatory is the only private astronomical observatory in the world which is open to the public, Mr. Warner being determined that it shall minister pleasure and profit to the greatest possible number of people. The Vienna Academy of Sciences in 1880, having abandoned the giving of medals for cometary discovery, he at once offered two hundred dollars in gold to any American astronomer who should discover a telescopic, unexpected comet. The prize has been renewed every year since. In 1882 it was extended to Great Britain, and in addition thereto one of two hundred dollars in gold was offered for any meteoric stone containing organic remains, and fifty dollars for any meteoric stone seen to fall during that year. In 1851 he offered a prize of $200 for the best essay on Comets, their Composition, Purpose, and Effect on the Earth. This prize was won by Dr. Lewis Boss, of the Dudley observatory, Albany, N. Y., and his essay is said to be the finest monograph extant on the subject of comets. Since the establishment of the Warner observatory eighteen hundred dollars have been awarded in prizes. For his distinguished patronage of astronomy, Mr. Warner in 1882 was elected a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, at the Montreal session.

His sympathies move quickly, and his generosity does not lag. He believes in giving judiciously, and has often said that every dollar properly given away has come back to him in fourfold measure. He does not give for the public fame, for in countless ways he illustrates to the full the Scriptural injunction not to allow his left hand to know what his right hand doeth.

Mr. Warner when he works, works with extraordinary energy. When he rests, he enters into all diversions with a like zest. He is very fond of fishing and hunting, and yachting, and spends several weeks of each year on board his handsome steam yacht, the Siesta, cruising up and down the St. Lawrence and the chain of great lakes. True to inherited instinct, he is a successful sportsman, and owns as fine a dog kennel as can be found in the land. In his stables also, can always be seen horses of the choicest blood.

He owns a fine summer residence on one of the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence, and his city residence, on the corner of Goodman street and East avenue, is one of the most striking houses in the city. It was erected in 1879, of brick and stone, and with the grounds cost about $150,000. It is sumptuously furnished, its walls being adorned with many notable paintings, among them several of Henry Mosler's earliest works - an artist whose genius Mr. Warner discovered and liberally "encouraged" long before the French government conferred upon him the coveted honor of its patronage — the first distinction of the kind conferred on an American artist.

Mr. Warner is a conservative Republican in politics, and though he has never sought political preferment, he was unanimously elected a delegate to the national Republican convention which met in Chicago on the 3d of June, 1884. With his customary trait of doing whatever he attempts on a large and generous scale, he chartered two Pullman cars and invited over a hundred of his friends to accompany him to the convention city, as his personal guests.

He is of a marked domestic habit, and, though connected with many social and fraternal organisations, he finds his greatest pleasure, when the duties of the day are done, in the pleasant companionship of his family. He is vestryman of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church, and is a generous contributor to all the church enterprises.

December 19th, 1864, Mr. Warner married Miss Martha L. Keeney, of Skaneateles, Onondaga county, N. Y. She was born in Auburn, June 18th, 1842, and died Jan. 24th, 1871.

October 29th, 1872, he married Miss Olive Emily Stoddard, in Oneida, N. Y. She was born in Livingston county, Mich., August 10th, 1847, and belongs to a family of distinction. Her line begins with John of Weathersfield, Conn., who came to America somewhere between 1630 and 1640. The family includes some of the most distinguished names in American history and literature, and originated in England, the pioneer ancestor going to England with William the Conqueror, and being attached to his court. To the well-equipped mind, excellent judgment and wise counsels of his wife, Mr. Warner attributes much of the success which he has won.

Mr. Warner is about six feet one inch high, weighs 250 pounds, is of light complexion, with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He has great physical vigor, and belonging to a line of long-lived ancestors, bids fair to live to a ripe old age. He is one of the most thoroughgoing citizens of Rochester, public-spirited, enterprising, charitable — such a citizen as every city delights to claim and honor.

Knickerbocker, Benjamin, was born in Saratoga county and came to Parma in 1823. He was a cabinetmaker and painter, and started a chair factory at the Corners many years ago. His wife was Lucy A. Leonard, born in Saratoga county in 1808. Adam Knickerbocker was born in Dutchess county in 1808 and came to Parma in 1830. He was connected for many years with the old Gulf mill, being a miller by occupation. He died in Orleans county, August 4, 1889. His wife was Caroline Leonard, and their children were Andrew, Judson, and William, of whom only Judson survives. Adam Knickerbocker was, like his brother, an energetic and home-loving man, much respected by his townsmen. Judson Knickerbocker was born June 12, 1833. He was brought up to the mercantile business, and for thirty years was connected with a large dry goods house in Rochester, and occupied a like position in New York city eighteen years. In 1891 Judson became a resident of Parma, and for the past two years has been in business at the Corners. He was also appointed postmaster in 1894. He married Helen M. Howes, by whom he had three children: James H., an artist of the American Press Association of New York city; Carrie, wife of T. H. Patterson, of Austin, Pa.; and Frank, an employee of the Blue Line office in Rochester. Nathaniel Leonard was born in Newburgh, N. Y., in 1775, and his wife, Fanny, was born in Middletown, Conn., in 1784. They came to Parma in 1828, and both died in the town, Mr. Leonard in 1857 and his wife in 1869. Their children were Lucy Ann, Caroline, and William.

Kelly, Charles E., is prominent among the men of affairs of Brighton, and the scion and representative of a family whose local residence antedates the city of Rochester. Edmund Kelly, his grandfather, took up the land upon which Charles Kelly's home now stands in 1813, purchasing 640 acres of the government. He was of Scottish birth. His eldest son, Edmund, now a resident of Penfield, retired from active life at seventy four years of age. He was for a long period of years a foremost figure in the arena of local politics, and held positions of trust and responsibility for the Republican party., Charles was born in l8-4 at Hamilton, Ont. After completing his education at Rochester University, he settled on the old place, where his paternal grandfather once built a log house. In 1876 he married Miss Mary Salmon, of Brighton. Their children are George, William, Herbert, and Cora. Mr. Kelley has filled with credit many offices within the gift of his townsmen.

Lord, Nathan, was born in this town in 1823. His father was John Lord, of New England, and his mother was a native of New Jersey. He was educated in the common schools, and worked on his father's farm. His wife was Prances Poppino, of West Bloomfield, and at the time of his marriage he bought a farm in the northern part of the town on the Pittsford road, which he afterwards sold, and bought the John Smith place on the East Mendon road. In 1868 he purchased the farm on the Mendon Central road where he spent the rest of his life. His farm comprised eighty-seven acres, being one of the pleasantest in the town. The handsome home stands on an elevation which overlooks a broad expanse of beautiful country. There were these children: Frank, who married Eva, daughter of Homer Kimball, of Mendon Center; Frederick E. and Louis B., who own the homestead where they live with their mother. Mr. Lord died in 1887. He held many town offices during his life, and was a prominent man.

Landon, Daniel, was born in Ontario, Wayne county, N.Y., in 1839. He is the son of John Landon, who came from New Jersey to Ontario, and in 1854 to Webster, where he lived until 1867, when he moved to Michigan, dying there in 1877. Daniel Landon married first Sarah, daughter of Russell Mason, who died leaving two daughters. He then married Frank, daughter of Henry C. Lewis. Mr. Landon settled where he now lives in 1861, and has always been engaged in farming. His father was a carpenter.

Leisher, Jacob H., was born in Switzerland in 1843, and in 1853 came to Rochester with his father, Samuel Leisher, who died soon after reaching that place Jacob H. then came to Penfield where he worked on a farm until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. I, 108th N. Y. Vols., and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Penfield and engaged in farming. settling where he now lives in 1883. Mr. Leisher is a member of the Thomas Fair Post, G.A.R., and was for three years commander of the Post.

Leighton, Mrs. Kate B. - Occupying an important place among the early manufacturers and builders of Rochester, we find the name of the late Thomas Leighton, who was the founder of the East Rochester Bridge and Iron Works, and to whose skill and genius no fitter monument could be erected than the great bridges of which he was the creator. He was born at Mt. Vernon, Maine, in 1818, and educated in the public schools of Augusta. His intimate and exhaustive technical knowledge of engineering was largely self-acquired. He came to Rochester in 1855, retiring from active life in 1882, having been a resident of Brighton for seven years. In 1856 he married Kate Breed, daughter of David Taylor, of Tioga. His death occurred February 2, 1886.

Nash, J. Sidney, junior member of the firm of Caley & Nash, of Brighton, manufacturers of fine carriages and cutters. These gentlemen did not purchase their business, but built it up themselves, and they fully deserve the success they have achieved. The plant was founded by Thomas Caley, an uncle of the senior member, but has been greatly extended by the present firm, who in their busy season employ eighteen men. They are located on East and South avenues. The Nash family is of English nativity, the first corner being Edward, who was one of the founders of the city of Norwalk, Conn. Sidney's father was the late John B. Nash, the nursery man of Allen Creek, and where his widow still lives. Sidney was born at Allen Creek, May 30, 1853, and was for some years engaged with his father, in the nursery, and later learning the wagon-making trade, his specialty being woodwork. Mr. Nash is a Democrat in politics, and one of the Masonic fraternity since 1880. In 1875 he married Lillie Adamson, of Fairport. Six children were born to them: George Henry, Lillian Beatrice, Wayland P., Pauline, May Belle, and J. Sidney, the latter two being deceased.

Norris, J. Frank - Probably the oldest inhabitant of the village of Brighton is the venerable and well-preserved J. B. Norris, who was born at Hanover, N. J., October 17, 1808, and whose father, John Norris, purchased and settled upon a Penfield farm, as early as 1818. When sixteen years of age, J. B. Norris learned the blacksmithing trade and worked at it in Brighton village during the ten years succeeding 1824, then for two years traveled about the country selling clocks, the celebrated wooden article then made a specialty of in Connecticut. In 1840 he became interested in growing small fruits, and in pursuit of that industry has passed the balance of his active life, having been identified with its wonderful growth during those years. Mr Norris is still hale and hearty, carrying lightly his more than fourscore years. His elder son, George E. Norris, is postmaster of Brighton, having been an incumbent of that office since 1890. J. Frank Norris, the younger son, is very extensively engaged in the nursery industry, largely extending the business established by his father, under the style of "Brighton Central Nurseries." His specialties are fruits and ornamental trees, roses, and shrubs. Born here in 1843, his education was completed at Rochester Academy, and upon attainment of his legal majority he took charge of the business, having spent three years at Macon, Missouri. He married, in 1865, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Ambrose, the florist. Their children are Emma, now Mrs. Abram DePotter, Frank, and Lotta. Mr. Norris takes an active part in town affairs, being a trustee of the village, and prominent in Masonic circles.

LeClare, J. F., was born at Oswego, in 1849, and when about twenty-two entered the employ of Chase Brothers at Rochester. Seven years later he began business on his own account, with offices and shipping facilities at Brighton. This has grown into a very extensive and important business, employing in the busy season about one hundred and fifty men besides traveling salesmen and office force. This is known as the "Le Clare Nurseries," producing fruit and ornamental trees, grape vines, roses, shrubbery, etc. The rapid extension of the concern made the association of Messrs. Freeman & Manning expedient, as special partners, the former in 1884, and the latter in 1889.

McAmmond, Dr. John F., was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1866, a son of Rev. Thomas McAmmond, whose father, John, was a native of Scotland, born in 1749, and who came to Canada in 1796 with his parents, and settled at what is now Ottawa City. John married Jane A. Foster, and had nine children. Rev. Thomas McAmmond was reared on the farm, and graduated from the Victoria University in Coburg, where he prepared himself for the ministry, his home being in Ottawa. His wife was Jane Ann Hare, by whom he had these children: John F., Rev. Robert, Anna, Laura, and Luella. Our subject received his preliminary education in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen attended theft Albert College in Belleville, Ontario, graduating to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons at Kingston, Ontario, from which he graduated in 1889. During 1888 he practiced medicine with his father-in-law, Dr. B. T. McGhie of Elgin, Ontario. In 1890 he removed to Scottsville, N. Y., where he has since practiced successfully, and established for himself a high professional and social reputation. In 1890 he married Margaret McGhie, and they have one daughter, Helen, born in 1893.

Little, Elijah H., was born in 1844, a son of Horace W., also of Henrietta, who was born in 1815. The father of the latter was born in Northampton, Mass., in 1784, and in 1811 bought land in Henrietta, where he lived in a log cabin and endured all the privations of pioneer life. He served for a time in the war of 1812, and was also one of the first school teachers of the region, one of the early supervisors of Henrietta, and was active in the building of Monroe Academy. His wife was Mercy Webster, daughter of John Webster, a pioneer of Rush. Their children were Horace, Harvey, Thankful, John and Mary. He died in 1860. Horace, father of our subject, was a farmer, and spent the last thirty years of his life on the homestead. He married Susan H. Burtrace, of Henrietta, and their children were William B., and Elijah H. He died in 1890. In November, 1861, when but a lad of eighteen, our subject enlisted in Co. I, 13th N. Y. Vols., but on account of ill health was discharged the following June. In 1863 he again enlisted, going out in the 1st Artillery, and was discharged in November, 1864. He participated in the battles of Hanover Court House, Gaines's Mills, and others. Returning to Rochester, he was for several years clerk in a mercantile establishment. He then spent some time in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and was for thirteen years a farmer in Greece. He then followed carpentry and was in the axle works three years in Rochester, and in 1891 returned to Henrietta, and took possession of the homestead. In 1866 Mr. Little married Clara D., daughter of Judson H. Williams, and they had one child, Frank B. His wife died in 1887, and in 1889 he married Anna M. Tyler, born in Boston, a daughter of Charles Tyler, now of Rochester.

Nichols, Almond F., was horn in Henrietta on the homestead settled by his grandfather, in May, 1848, a son of Elijah H., a native of Herkimer county, born in 1812. His father, Isaac F., came to Henrietta in 1816, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, and his brother Arthur. He was colonel in the State militia, was justice for many years, and died at the age of fifty-nine. His wife was Deborah Elwell, who died in 1856. Elijah, father of our subject, spent his life on the home farm, was deacon in the West Henrietta church, and married Lois C., daughter of a Mr. Boughtwell. Their children were Ellen F., Almond F., Mary A., Marian, Arthur, and Florence E. He died in 1874, and his wife in 1890. Our subject has spent his life on the home farm of 140 acres, devoting some time to dealing in horses and cattle. He has represented his town three terms as supervisor, has also served as collector, inspector, constable, etc., and is often chosen, as county committeeman; he is also a Mason. In 1879 he married Dolly A., daughter of H. M. Calkins of Henrietta, and they have one child, Lois M.

Mason, Daniel G., M. D., was born in Walworth, Wayne county, in 1855, a son of Horace G., a native of Vermont, who came to Wayne county in an early day, and for many years engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages in Walworth. He also held many offices of public trust. By his wife, Phoebe Knapp, he had two children, Henry R., a farmer of Marion, Wayne county and Dr. Daniel G. The parents died in 1877 and 1884 respectively. Our subject first attended the school of his native village, then Marion Collegiate Institute, and was for a time engaged in the drug business. In 1876 he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, graduating in 1879. He then formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. Samuel Ingraham of Palmyra, and in 1881 removed to Henrietta, where he has established an extensive practice. He is a member of the Rochester Pathological Society, and the Monroe County Medical Society. He is also connected with the Central New York Medical Association, and is a Mason. In 1879 he married Ida M., daughter of Deacon Harkness of Marion, and they have two children, Bessie, and Floyd. Mrs. Mason is an active worker in the Congregational church of Henrietta.

Morley, John, was born in England in 1841 and came to America when but a boy. After residing in Penfield for some years he went to Rochester, where he worked for a period of fourteen years for one man, and then came to Webster and bought the farm where he now lives, and is engaged in general farming. His wife was Mary Bridgeman, whose father, John, came from England in 1851 and settled in Penfield, where he died in 1894. They have one daughter, Emily.

Middleton, George H., was born in 1847, a son of George Middleton, of Wayne county. He married Margaret, daughter of James W., and granddaughter of Robert Kennedy, and they reside on a part of the old homestead which Robert Kennedy settled. They have three sons, Kirtland, George Maurice, and Ellis G. Their two daughters are Harriet E. and Margaret M.

Middleton, Harriet, is a daughter of James W. Kennedy, who was born in 1802 and died in 1850, and a granddaughter of Robert Kennedy, who came from Scotland to America in 1785, and settled in Webster on the farm where Mrs. Middleton now lives. The latter is the widow of John Middleton, who died in 1883, leaving three children, Arthur R., W. Howard, and Martha G.

Moseley, L. P., was born at Lebanon, Madison county, October 10, 1809, a son of Araunah Moseley, of Massachusetts, who came to Madison county when twenty. seven, and was among its earliest settlers. The mother was of the old Hyde family, famous in the annals of the protracted litigation for the original estate. Araunah Moseley lived to be ninety-two, and the family is noted for the longevity of its male members. Leander acquired his education without the facilities now so universal, and recollects distinctly the "pine-not" period of his researches in the realm of literature. Now a genial gentleman whom eighty-five years have not withered mentally, his personal resemblance to the late poet Holmes is quite striking. When he settled here in 1837 there were few but log houses in the region, and the forest yet awaited the settler's axe. In 1842 Mr. Moseley married Elizabeth Dewey, and their children are Anna, wife of C. C. Moore, of Fairport; Carrie, wife of Prof. M. E. Cooley, of Ann Arbor University, and Jedediah, a farmer at home.

Merritt, F. G., was born in the town of Parma, May 8, 1848, a son of Timothy Merritt, of Dutchess county. The family is of English descent, and the first of the name in this country came about 1700. Timothy married Abbie Carhart, and settled in Monroe county in 1840, in Parma, where he was identified with agriculture. He died in 1886, in his eighty-sixth year. F. G. Merritt was educated in the Brockport Collegiate Institute, taught school for three years, and then engaged at railroad work for four years. In 1876 he was connected with the Normal School as steward, and later as head engineer, resigning in 1894. In 1872 he married Mary B., daughter of Elijah T. Watkins, of Prattsburg, Steuben county, a merchant of that town forty years, and one of the prominent men. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have had three children, Herbert W., Maud, and Blanche.

Lester, Julius, was born in Brockport, March 9, 1861, a son of John, a native of Frankfort, Germany, who came to America in 1843, and settled in Brockport, where he was a well known manufacturer of shoes. He married Catherine Kimpal, and they had ten children. Julius was educated in the Brockport Normal School, and then entered the employ of R. W. Reed. In 1883 he established himself in business, and at present is the largest dealer in his line of fine dry goods, cloaks, etc., in the village. In 1888 he married Emma T., daughter of John Owens. They have had four children: Joseph, Frederick, Nathaniel, and Louise. Our subject is one of the leading business men of his town.

Lord, Mrs. Huldah, widow of the late Anson Lord, of Pittsford, was born at Henrietta, Monroe county. Her family came from Vermont in an early day in the history of the county, and settled at Henrietta. Her father was Jonah D. Simonds, a well known physician of the regular school, who had a large and successful practice. December 10, 1832, she married Anson Lord, who was born at Ballston, Saratoga county, September 9, 1810. His father, Daniel Lord, was a hotel-keeper at Ballston, and it was because of his death in 1820 that Anson Lord came here to reside with his aunt, who had already settled here. For seven years he followed the trade of carpenter, later engaging in farming. The children of Anson and Huldah Lord are now widely scattered, and two daughters, Clara and Louise, are deceased. Mary J., the elder daughter, married Ichabod Benson, of Fisher's, N.Y. William is in Mendon, engaged in farming; James, a resident of Rochester, where Mathias, next younger, is a physician; and Daniel the youngest son, is on a ranch in Nebraska.

Merkel, Henry, one of the substantial farmers of Pittsford, and a citizen universally respected, came to America in 1857, being then twenty-four years of age. He was born October 11, 1833, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and had learned and practiced the weaver's trade before emigration. Twelve years after his settlement in Perinton he purchased in 1869 a farm of 100 acres, located in southern Pittsford, and there he now resides, surrounded by the tangible proofs of his own toil and frugality. In 1860 Mr. Merkel married Lizzie Christ, of his native town, and their children are Fred, Clara, Annie and Louis. The oldest son, is a stationary engineer at Rochester, and the youngest son is at home. Both daughters are married and live in Pittsford. Mr. Merkel has also adopted a nephew, now eleven years of age, George Merkel.

Marsh, Jonathan E., a well known and prominent citizen of Pittsford, was born where he now resides, May 9, 1837. His father, of the same name, settled here in 1835, having come from Connecticut. The elder Marsh was a man of much enterprise and public spirit, an adherent of the Whig party, and a pillar of the Presbyterian church. In 1849 he caught the infection of the gold hunters, but was attacked by a fatal illness before reaching California, and died soon after reaching San Francisco. Of his six children but two survive: Mrs. Almira D. Wallace, of Coldwater, Mich., and Jonathan E., who, since his student days at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, has lived on the old homestead, being extensively engaged in farming. In 1872 he married Mary Pringle, of Perinton, by whom he had two children, William J. and Mary L. She died after six years. The son is now at Ann Arbor, Mich., pursuing a course in electrical engineering, and the daughter is a student at Fairport. The present Mrs. Marsh was, before her marriage, Jean Shaw, of Rochester, a lady of much culture, having been for several years a successful and popular teacher of that city.

Osbon, William, was born in Penfield in 1836, and was the son of Abner and Mary K. Mines Osbon, and grandson of Abner, who was among the early settlers of Penfield Center. Mr. Osbon's father, Abner, came from Connecticut to Penfield in 1809, and settled at Higbie's Corners, and in 1849 moved to Penfield Center, where he was for some years highway commissioner, also overseer of the poor, and for twenty years justice of the peace. He had four sons, two of whom, William and John, were in the 8th New York Cavalry from 1862 to 1865, both entering as privates and being discharged, John as second lieutenant, and William as first lieutenant. In 1868 William married Frances Brownell, and now lives near where his grandfather settled and where he died in 1815.

Odell, Hiram, was born in Wayne county where his father settled in early life. He was a farmer for some years before coming to this town, and on his arrival here kept a market for one year, then in 1882 opened a wagon shop, which was burned in 1887. He rebuilt on the old site, where he now conducts a sash and blind factory, in partnership with his brother John, the firm being known as Odell Brothers. This firm were held in such esteem by their townspeople that several hundred dollars were raised to assist them after their loss.

Rogers, Mrs. Charles W., was before her marriage Dorothy, daughter of Marvin and Jane (Phelps) Hopkins. In 1866 she married Charles W. Rogers, a son of the well-known contractor of Rochester, Henry T. Rogers. Mr. Rogers was for a time engaged in business with his father, but a preference for country life led him to purchase in 1863 a farm in the town of Pittsford. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have had four daughters: Jennie E., Carrie L., Mary L., and Anna Belle. The artistic tastes of these young ladies find expression in charmingly executed oil paintings with which their home is embellished, and which are well worthy of exhibition to a larger public.

Richards, Gurdon, was born in New London, Conn., January, 9, 1817, a son of Robert, a native of the same State. The family trace their descent from five brothers who came from Holland in 1750. Robert married Lucretia Chadwick, and was a farmer in New London. Gurdon Richards came to Genesee county in 1839, and in 1844 married Lucy F. Field, daughter of Harvey Field, and they have one son, Maro A. In 1860 Mr. Richards came to Brockport and engaged in the grain and produce business, then spent a short time in the oil fields, and later engaged in the flour and feed business. He is a representative business man of the town, and served as assessor five years. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows fraternity.

Rockwell, Washington L., was born in Ohio, June 18, 1818. His father, Levi, a native of Massachusetts, went West and bought a large tract of land. He married Polly Thompson. W. L. Rockwell was educated in the common schools, and is a self-made and self-educated man. In 1846 he married Agnes J., daughter of Thomas Talcott. Mr. Rockwell has served his town as supervisor then was elected to the State Legislature. He has also served as justice of the peace for twenty years, and has had a long and honorable record of public life.

Reed, John J., was born in Brockport, March 3, 1839. His father was Resolved Reed, of Lebanon, Mass., who came to this county in 1825 and married Nancy M. Wright. He was for years a manufacturer of boots and shoes, and also a carpenter. His death occurred in 1883, aged eighty-three. Our subject married Rhoda J., daughter of Charles Bates, and their children are Morton G. and Mrs Evalyn Boyd. Mr. Reed has always been recognized as a man of conservative character and of strict integrity.

Robinson, Aaron, came to Ogden from Canterbury, N. H. in 1816 at the age of sixteen, driving an ox team the whole way. He became a successful farmer, and died in this town in 1889. By his wife, Rebecca A. Willard, he had two children: Willard, who resides in Minnesota, and Catharine, who married DeWitt C. Brower. Rebecca Robinson died in 1871. John Brower came to Ogden was an early settler in the town. He was twice married and reared a family of children. The late DeWitt C. Brower, who died December 29, 1890, was a son of the second marriage, and was known as one of Ogden's enterprising farmers. He married Catharine Robinson, and after a year located on the old Robinson homestead in the southeast part of the town. The children of this marriage were Caroline, wife of H. W. Sperry; F. Willard, of Ogden; Edgar A., of Churchville; Ellsworth A., of Ogden; Charles B., of Rochester; and Henry G., of Ogden. Catharine R. Brower, died April 16, 1886. Ellsworth A. Brower, who now lives on the old farm, married Catharine, daughter of Henry S. and Helen Flagg. They have two children.

Rich, James M., a son of pioneer Josiah Rich (elsewhere mentioned), was born in Spencerport, March 16, 1827, and has always lived in Ogden. At the age of twenty seven (1854), he married Elizabeth, daughter of Ephraim Brownell, and the widow of William Rich, and settled on a part of the home farm. They have had two childern: James F., who lives on the farm with his father; and Louisa, who died age eighteen. Mr. Rich has been an energetic and economical farmer, and a man much respected in Ogden. Ephraim Brownell came to Rochester in 1822, the Ogden in 1830, and removed to Michigan in 1840, where he engaged in lumbering. Of his nine children, all except Elizabeth and Sophronia went to Michigan. The former married William Rich in 1840. Mr. Rich died in 1852, after which she married James M. Rich as above.

A. J. REIBLING

A. J. Reibling was born in Germany, May 2, 1845, and was educated in the common schools and at the Marburg university. After leaving the university he sailed for the United States and arrived in this country in October, 1861. He immediately entered the Le Roy Academic institute, where he remained for nearly two terms to improve his knowledge of English. On leaving the institute he enlisted in July, 1862, at the age of seventeen, in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth regiment, New York volunteers, which regiment was afterwards changed, by an order from the war department, to the Eighth New York Heavy artillery, to perform garrison duty at Forts McHenry, Federal Hill and Marshall, in Baltimore, Maryland. This change from infantry to artillery added two companies and required an increase of men, from one thousand to nearly two thousand. General Grant, On the fourth of May, 1864, struck tents and inaugurated his great campaign. The various battles that followed caused such very heavy losses that the reserve forces in the garrisons were called out into the field, and the regiment reached the front just as the battle of the Wilderness was drawing to a close. From this time on to the end of the war the subject of this sketch participated in every battle that followed in which the Second corps of the Army of the Potomac was engaged, chiefly, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna and Cold Harbor, where the gallant Colonel Peter A. Potter and many other officers, with about six hundred of his men, lost their lives. Next followed the movement to and across the James river, the stubborn siege in front of Petersburg, its capture, the movement on Richmond, and the final capture of General Lee and his army on April 9, 1865. Mr. Reibling enlisted as a private and was promoted to sergeant-major and second-lieutenant. When, at the close of the war, his regiment was discharged, he was transferred to the Fourth New York Heavy artillery and immediately assigned to special duty as assistant ordinance officer for the defense of Washington, and was in charge of the dismantling of fortifications on the south side of the Potomac. On the completion of the work he was honorably discharged from the service in November, 1865. From Washington he went to New York and for a short time occupied a position in a wholesale furnishing house, leaving that city soon after to accept a clerkship in the War department at Washington. Mr. Reibling came to Rochester in 1867 and entered, by previous engagement, into the life insurance business, but after two years' experience in that branch changed to that of fire insurance and has continued in that line ever since, and has by industry, prudence and fair dealing met with success, both as a local and general agent, having held the position of general agent for the State of New York of one of the oldest companies in this country. In 1874 he was commissioned second-lieutenant of the Fifty-Fourth Regiment National Guards State of New York. Mr. Reibling has one son, Howard Percy, who is now associated with him in business. Mr. Reibling is generous hearted, simple in manner and temperate in habits. He is earnest in his religious convictions and was mainly instrumental in the building of the Mount Vernon Avenue Sunday-school, which has since grown into the South Congregational church. Mr. Reibling is a member of Valley Lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M., a member of George H. Thomas Post, G. A. R., and is financial secretary of the Columbia Banking, Savings and Loan association. He resides in a pleasant home at No. 68 Lorimer street on Jones square.

FRANK DECKER

Rochester is perhaps the home of more men of energy and executive ability than any city of its size in the United States. Business enterprises to which they devote their talents are noted all over the land for their success. Among the representative members of this class Frank Decker is a leader. He was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, March, 5, 1836, and is the son of Joseph N. and Julia Frances Decker. His first paternal ancestor in this country came from Holland and settled in Ulster county, New York, in 1760. His father was one of the first men to mine coal at the headwaters of the Lackawanna river at Carbondale, and was afterward a heading railroad contractor, a business in which the family has been peculiarly successful, Mr. Decker's father and uncle, Nicholas H. Decker, having built several of the most important lines in the United States. The subject of this sketch went to school near Albany and at the Peekskill academy and at Alexandria, where his father was building the Orange and Alexandria railroad. When but fourteen years old he began to assist his father as foreman on the Hudson River railroad, and was identified with railroads and canals up to 1856. He also farmed for some years at Pittsford, New York. He came to Rochester in 1854 and was assisting his father in the construction of the double track on the New York Central railroad to east of Brighton. In 1876 Mr. Decker established the baggage and transfer business and in 1880 he formed the Rochester Baggage and Transfer company. In 1893 this company was merged in the Consolidated Transfer company, of which he has been superintendent. In June, 1894, Mr. Decker was appointed general manager of the Consolidated Transfer company between Rochester and Albany. To this important responsibility he has brought the energy which has characterized alike his own career and that of his forefathers. Under his direction there is every assurance that the affairs of the company will be managed with success corresponding to that of the great corporation with which the transfer company is associated. Mr. Decker is a Democrat in politics but has never held office. He was married May 1, 1861 , to Miss Luzetta M. Stillwell of Morrisville, Madison county, New York, and has three daughters, all of whom are married. He is a member of the B. P. O. Elks Rochester Lodge, No. 42, A. O. U. W.; of Lamberton Legion, and of the Chamber of Commerce. His residence is at No. 77 Monroe avenue.

HORACE HOOKER

One of the early pioneers of Rochester and prominently identified with its business and growth during its first half-century, the late Horace Hooker is fairly entitled to commemoration as one of the founders of the city. He was born July 5, 1794, at Windsor, Connecticut, and was the son of James Hooker, the fifth in descent from Rev. Thomas Hooker, the noted Puritan minister and leader who settled with his flock on the Connecticut river and founded the city of Hartford. He was educated at the Middletown academy, Middletown, Connecticut, and began business life as a clerk in a shipping house; he came to Rochester about 1815 and became largely interested in business enterprises and land on the east side of the river at the Lower falls, then called Carthage, which many thought would he the center of the future city, as it was at the head of river navigation. The locomotive was unknown and the Erie canal existed only in the minds of projectors. Mr. Hooker was one of the promoters of the horse-railway which ran from the aqueduct to his warehouses at the east-side landing on the lower river, being the second railroad to be constructed in the State. He was also largely engaged in milling here and at Ogdensburg. It was to get Mr. Hooker's money that the first murder was committed in the city, when his clerk, Lyman, was shot. The opening of the Eire canal and construction of the Rochester and Auburn railroad decided where the center of the city was to be, while the opening of Buell avenue and the building of a warehouse on the west side impaired the value of his property on the east side and induced him to sell his warehouses and docks and engage in the nursery business, for which he always had a liking and in which he continued until the close of his life, November 3, 1865. His interest in the cultivation of flowers, fruits, etc., was transmitted to his descendants, who have long conducted the Hooker nurseries and those of C. M. Hooker & Sons, and Hooker, Grover & Company. Mr. Hooker, who was a Whig and later a Republican, was not much interested in politics. When the war broke out two of his sons entered the Union army. He was married September 3, 1822, to Helen, daughter of Erastus Wolcott of Windsor, Connecticut, whose ancestors were prominent for generations in that state. Mrs. Hooker died April 4, 1840. At the time of Mr. Hooker's death six of his eight children were living, viz.; Julia W., Henry E., Frances, James W, Charles M. and Horace B. Hooker.