There has been perhaps no single business interest that has developed so rapidly and proved so directly beneficial in its far-reaching influences as that of insurance. Among its representatives in Rochester is Andrew V. SMITH, who has developed a large clientage. He is one of Monroe county's native sons, having been born in Clarkson, August 28, 1840. His father, Garrett SMITH, was also a native of Clarkson, while the grandfather, Aaron G. SMITH, was a native of New Jersey. The great-grandfather, Garrett SMITH, was of Holland Dutch stock and was either born on this side of the water or was brought to America when quite young. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a pension was granted him in recognition of his aid to the colonies as late as 1834, but he died a month later. His son, Aaron G. SMITH, was a veteran of the war of 1812 and in early life ,became a resident of Monroe county, New York, where he engaged in farming for a long period. He lived to the very venerable age of ninety-two years and his death then resulted from an accident.

His son, Garrett SMITH, father of our subject; was reared at Clarkson upon the home farm and when a young man engaged in general merchandising in the village. He carried on commercial pursuits in connection with general agricultural interests, owning a farm near the town. His life covered but a comparatively brief period, for he passed away when his son Andrew was only about nine years of age. He had married Margaret VANDERBECK, and unto them were born two sons who are yet living, the younger being Henry Emerson, of the Rochester Marshmallow Company, Rochester, New York.

Owing to his father's early death, Andrew V. SMITH had but limited educational privileges, attending the country schools until about twelve years of age, when he came to Rochester to live with an uncle, J. L. REQUA. Here he was sent to public school No. 6 and later had the advantage of a year's training in Fairfield Academy. When fifteen years of age, however, he entered upon business life as an apprentice to A. T. LEGGETT, harnessmaker at the corner of Stone and Main streets in Rochester. He served a, three years' term of indenture and during the first year received but thirty dollars, during the second year thirty-five and during the third year forty dollars. He made good use of his time, however, and became a skilled mechanic. He was thus well known in his trade and when he had completed his apprenticeship was well qualified to enter business life in connection with harnessmaking. However, before becoming a factor in manufacturing or commercial circles he spent two terms as a student in Parma Institute in order to improve his education. For four years thereafter he worked at harnessmaking and while thus employed in New Jersey he manufactured a set of harness which won first premium at the state fair in New Jersey.

Upon President LINCOLN'S first call for seventy-five thousand troops he gave proof of his loyalty and his valor by enlisting as a member of the Third New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. It was thought that the rebellion would be easily crushed out in three months and thus the term of enlistment covered only that period. Later the New Jersey legislature presented medals to all of the men who enlisted under that first call. In 1862 Mr. SMITH returned to Rochester and engaged in the harnessmaking business on his own account, opening a shop for the manufacture of harness and horse furnishing goods. He soon gained a reputation for fine workmanship that extended throughout the United States and some of the European countries, and he received orders from some of the most famous turfmen and wealthy citizens of the entire country, many of the most famous record-breaking trotters being fitted out by Mr. SMITH. He was thus enabled to command excellent prices and conducted a very profitable business until 1892, when he retired from the manufacture of harness and became identified with the NORTHWESTERN NUTUAL LIFE INSUREANCE COMPANY, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with which he is now associated. The insurance business has proved congenial to him and he has become known as one of the most extensive and successful insurance men of Rochester.

January 6, 1864, was the marriage day of Andrew V. SMITH and Miss Catherine Louise GOETCHIUS, who was of French ancestry and a resident of Allendale, New Jersey. They became the parents of three children, but Edith Louise is the only one now living. Their son, Frank G. SMITH, was captain of the First Separate Company. From his boyhood days he was filled with the spirit of the soldier and his enthusiasm in matters pertaining to the National Guard and the company of which he was a member was so great that it attracted attention almost as soon as he shouldered a rifle in the state service. This was not his first military experience, for several years before he had been a pupil at the military school at Aurora, New York, where he laid the foundation of the broad knowledge of military affairs that in later years caused him to be called upon more than any other officer in this city to officiate at competitive drills or to settle disputes on points of military law. He enlisted as a private in the First Separate Company, as a charter member of the organization, May 19, 1890. He showed such proficiency as a soldier that in less than five months he was warranted corporal and eighteen months later was warranted sergeant, with rank from July 3, 1901. He had attained such excellence that when the company arrived in Peekskill during the summer of 1896 he was made sergeant-major of the provisional regiment. Later came the Spanish war and Captain SMITH was one of the first of the company to express a desire to volunteer. Captain L. Bordman SMITH was then the commanding officer. When the second lieutenancy became vacant Frank G. SMITH was chosen to fill that position. The company was ordered to Camp Black at Hempstead, Long Island, and later to Camp Alger, Virginia, where Captain SMITH contracted a cold that developed into tuberculosis. After the company returned from active service and was awaiting the order to muster out, the first lieutenancy became vacant and Frank G. SMITH was again promoted. In the Spanish war he became known as an ardent photographer. He took several hundred photographs of camp scenes, which were later made into stereopticon views and used in giving an illustrated lecture that nearly filled the drill hall of the armory. After the company was mustered out Frank G. SMITH, who had been the ranking line sergeant of the company at the beginning of the war, went back to that position upon leaving the United States service. He had previously begun the agitation that led to the reorganization of the company and his election to the captaincy was a foregone conclusion. His death came as a great blow to his family and many friends, for he was one of the most popular young men in military and social circles in Rochester.

Andrew V. SMITH is a member of Genesee Falls lodge, No. 560, F. & A. M., and has also taken the degrees of the chapter, the council, the commandery, the consistory, the Shrine and the Grotto. He is a stalwart republican in politics and for over thirty years has been a trustee in the Brick church of Rochester. His life has been characterized by steady advancement, not only in business circles and successes, but also in the development of those characteristics which command honor and respect in every land and clime.

Charles J. SMITH, a representative of general farming interests in Monroe county and one of the prominent and influential citizens of this part of the state, having represented his district in the general assembly, was born in Cortland county, New York, in the year 1839. His early educational advantages were supplemented by study in Homer Academy at Homer, New York, and in Monroe Academy at East Henrietta. He has always been a student of the signs of the times, of the great problems of the age and the political questions which have awakened general attention, and is today a well informed man. In early manhood he successfully engaged in teaching school, being connected with the educational development of Cortland, Monroe and Cayuga counties. His business interests are now concentrated upon the farm and he owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich land devoted to general agricultural pursuits. His fields are well tilled, his crops carefully cultivated and in the late summer and fall seasons he gathers rich harvests as a reward for the care and attention he has bestowed upon the fields.

In 1861 Mr. SMITH was first married to Miss Anna KEYES and unto them was born one son. For his second wife he chose Anna ARNOLD, by whom he had three sons, and his present wife bore the maiden name of Minnie E. WAY. The family home is pleasantly situated upon the farm in the town of Henrietta and is very attractive by reason of its warm hearted and gracious hospitality.

In community affairs Mr. SMITH has been deeply, actively and helpfully interested. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Grange. He likewise belongs to the Baptist church, does all in his power to promote its interests and extend its influence and served as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-five years. A stalwart republican in his political views, he filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty-one years, rendering decisions which were strictly fair and impartial a fact which was indicated by his long continuance in the position. In 1894 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and was at Albany during the sessions of that year and of 1896. He served as committee clerk in 1897 and 1898 and is one whose opinions carry weight in deciding many an intricate political problem. He stands for progressive citizenship, for opposition to misrule in all public affairs, for a clean government and for the adoption of principles which he believes will best promote the welfare of state and nation. His political course has been particularly free from the condemnation of the opposition and has received the strong endorsement of the great percentage of the people of his district.

JOHN H. GORDON

John H. Gordon was born on his father's farm in Caledonia, New York, May 1, 1840, and is of Scotch descent. He was educated in the common schools and at Temple Hill academy. At the age of nineteen he engaged in business for himself as a dealer in cattle. Five years later he moved to St. Louis, where he was under contract with the Government to furnish corn for the army. After the war he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, and resumed dealing in cattle. It was then that he became interested in the problem of perfecting the self-binding harvester, on which his brother had been working in this county. Mr. Gordon resided in this city since 1875. He was never married, but resided in a pleasant home at 4 Arnold park, Mr. Gordon owned another splendid residence at 269 West avenue, which he rented. He died February 12, 1895.

JOHN C. COOK

John C. Cook was born in Rochester, New York, October 8th, 1857. He was educated in public and private schools. His father, Levi, was a skilled mechanic, and naturally the son developed considerable ability in that direction in his early years, but subsequently developed a preference for mercantile pursuits, and on the fourteenth of February, 1876, he was tendered a position in the Rochester office of R. G, Dun & Co. His faithfulness to the interests of the business won him the confidence of his employers and after a few years he was assigned the duties of chief clerk; was subsequently appointed assistant manager, which position he held for a number of years, and until January 1, 1893, when he was appointed manager, which recognition by the company was highly complimentary to Mr. Cook, as he is the youngest manager whom they have entrusted with their large and growing business in Rochester. He is favorably known by all business men in this community, thoroughly posted in his business, and his untiring efforts to serve the patrons of R. G. Dun & Co. have gained for him an enviable reputation. He was married to Miss Jennie M. Plass in 1880 by the venerable Dr. James B. Shaw, which union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are now living, Mildred E. and Howard M. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Brick Presbyterian church, with which they have been connected a number of years.

HERMAN ROSENBERG

Germany has been a generous contributor to the roll of business men who have by their ability assisted in establishing the fame of Rochester as a manufacturing center. Herman Rosenberg, of the firm of Rosenberg Brothers & Aronson, is one of the best known of this class. Born at Baden, Germany, in 1842, he was educated at the high school of his native city, and at the age of seventeen years left Europe for America and arrived in Rochester in 1860. He entered the clothing house of Greentree & Wile, but soon moved to La Porte, Indiana, and opened a retail clothing store. After a year in the West he returned to Rochester and became a partner in the firm of Kolb Bros. & Co. He was a partner in the firm for five years, when it was changed to Kolb, Rosenberg & Co., in which he remained eleven years. The firm of Rosenberg Brothers & Aronson employs twelve hundred hands in the manufacture of clothing at the building 184 and 186 North St. Paul street, erected by Mr. H. Rosenberg at an expense of $100,000. Mr. Rosenberg's wife is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. With their children, four daughters and a son, they reside at 6 Clinton place. He is a member of the Eureka club and of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

H. H. BABCOCK

His long residence in the county and prominence in business circles made the late Henry H. Babcock widely known in this quarter of the State, and those who knew him held him in high esteem. Mr. Babcock was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York, of Quaker parentage, in 1817, and in 1830 he came with his parents to the town of Rush, Monroe county, where he lived for the succeeding twenty years. In 1850, he moved to the town of Greece, there he was engaged in farming and fruit culture until 1865, when he moved to this city. From 1870 until the close of his life he was engaged in the coal business and was agent of the Anthracite Coal association from 1870 until its dissolution. He became a member of the Brick church congregation in 1856 and continued in that communion all his life. He was a member of Genesee Falls Lodge, F. & A. M., from its organization. Mr. Babcock maintained until his last days a love for field sports, to which he was devoted from his youth. While he was a resident of Rush Mr. Babcock married Maria, daughter of Major John Markham. His decease took place at his home in this city September 4, 1893.

WENDELIN MERK

Wendelin Merk, who enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest booksellers in Rochester, was born in Epfenhofen, Grand Duchy of Baden, October 19, 1829. He attended the public schools and subsequently pursued private studies until he obtained a good education. His first work was in a dry-goods store, where he remained two years. He sailed from Bremen and came to America in September, 1852, arriving in Rochester in October following. He began work on a farm, but learned the tanning trade and followed that business for eight years in Spencerport. In 1861 he came back to Rochester and worked for several years at his trade. In 1865 he began to sell books on the subscription plan. In 1872 he opened a bookstore at 5 North Clinton street, and in 1878 moved to 234 East Main street, at the same time continuing his subscription business, in which he had customers all through Western New York. Mr. Merk started in the book business with a small capital and by his energy amid hard work has succeeded in establishing a very large business. In 1892 he transferred his business to his son, amid is now enjoying the rest which he has earned by a life of industry. Mr. Merk married Margaret Hoffman, June 23, 1854, and has four children. When his business was safely established he determined to see the world, and in 1885 made an extensive tour of this country. In 1892 he returned to his native land, and traveled through Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, England and Ireland.

BERNARD O'REILLY

Bernard O'Reilly, whose long residence in this city and universal acquaintance with the people of Rochester make him one of the best known and popular citizens, was born in county Wexford, Ireland, March 7, 1824. He learned the carpenter's trade in his native land, and on coming to this city in 1849 was engaged here in that occupation for five years. He afterward entered into partnership with the late William Hughes and carried on the furniture business for three years on South St. Paul street, opposite the site of the Opera house. They moved from St. Paul street to State street in 1857. Mr. O'Reilly bought his partner's interest soon after moving and discontinued the furniture trade to give his whole attention to undertaking, which business he had conducted very successfully until the Summer of 1894, when he transferred its management to his sons, Miles T. and Bernard, Jr. Mr. O'Reilly made a voyage to Europe in 1894, and after visiting the scenes of his boyhood in Ireland, enjoyed a tour of the principal cities of the continent. September 15, 1853, he married Miss Ellen Murphy, daughter of Valentine Murphy, of county Wexford, Ireland. The family residence is 30 Frank street.

WILLIAM CORNING, JR.

The late William Corning, Jr., whose early death was a decided loss to the business community as well as a sad blow to his immediate relations, was born at the family homestead in the village of Webster, in this county, on September, 7, 1849, and received his preparatory education in the Webster academy. At the age of fourteen he left the academy and entered Benedict's private school, and subsequently Carpenter's Collegiate institute in this city. At the close of his studies in those excellent institutions he began business life in his father's store in the village of Webster, and shortly afterwards he entered into business relations with the Curtice Brothers' company, he contributing one-third of the original capital of the firm, and his father, the late William Corning, loaning the balance of the capital required. After one year's connection with the Messrs. Curtice Brothers' company, his interest in the firm was transferred to them, and at this time he entered his father's banking office and continued in this position up to the time of his death, with the exception of intervals when he was absent from Rochester. As his health became impaired he sought for its restoration in travel to the sections in this country and in Europe where the climate is favorable to those affected with pulmonary trouble. But the air of neither Europe, Colorado nor California proved efficacious to him, and he returned to his home in this city, where he died November 16, 1885, in his thirty-seventh year.

JOHN C. RYAN

His parents were crossing the Atlantic from Ireland to America when John C. Ryan was born, April 10, 1849. They came to this country and the subject of this sketch passed his boyhood and youth in the town of Greece, where he attended the public school. In 1867 he came to Rochester, entered Eastman's commercial college, and subsequently studied civil engineering. He was assistant city surveyor in Rochester from 1870 to 1877, after which he formed a partnership with the late L. L. Nichols and opened offices in Smith's arcade. This partnership continued for about two years, when Mr. Ryan began business for himself and moved to 118 Reynolds arcade, where he has been ever since. In 1868 Cyrus Beardsley was authorized by the Common Council to make a survey of the fourteen old wards of the city and map them out for the use of the city assessors' office. The work was continued for a number of years without being finished, and in 1887 the Common Council let the work out by contract to Mr. Ryan, by whom it was completed in 1894. Mr. Ryan made maps and a survey of the village of Charlotte and placed monuments locating street corners of that village. He has been so successful as a civil engineer and surveyor as to be considered one of the best in the city. Mr. Ryan married Miss Jennie A. Martin in 1875. lhey have three daughters, Katie T.. Mabel A., and Gracie M. Ryan. The family residence is at 34 Scrantom street. Politically Mr. Ryan is a Democrat.

E. A. FISHER

Edwin A. Fisher was born in Royalston, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on July 17, 1847, of American parents, and was educated in the common schools and Normal school at Westfield, Massachusetts. He studied civil engineering, and from 1870 to 1882 was engaged in professional work, superintending the building of railroads, water-works and bridges in a number of localities in New England. In 1882 he came to Rochester to assume the office of division engineer of the Western New York and Pennsylvania railroad, a position which he held until 1889, when he was appointed superintendent of the Pittsburg division of that railroad, and occupied that office from 1889 to 1893. The duties of that position called for his constant presence in Oil City, and when in 1893 Mr. Fisher was invited to become chief assistant engineer to build works for giving the city an additional water supply he accepted the offer and has been chief assistant to Engineer Kuichling up to the present time. While water continues to flow through the new conduit from Hemlock lake to this city, its people will have reason to remember Mr. Fisher's services in its construction. He was married in 1875 to Ellen F. Breckenridge, of Ware, Massachusetts, and has six children. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, also of Cyrene Commandery, Knights Templar, of Rochester.