USA > New York > Ontario County > A history of Ontario County, New York and its people, Volume II > Part 49
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In addition to his private practice, Dr. Skinner serves as surgeon
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of the New York Central & Hudson River railroad, consulting surgeon of the Willard State Hospital, and a member of the staff of the Geneva City Hospital. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought along the line of his profession by membership in the New York State Medical Society, the Ontario County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.
Dr. Skinner married, at Naples, New York, August 22, 1880, Hattie May Scofield, born June 25, 1863, at Benton, New York, daughter of John P. and Deborah Louisa (Townsend) Scofield, died October 28, 1896. Children : Alexander W., Margaret M., William H., Harriet M. Dr. Skinner married (second) January 4, 1898, Margaret Jennie Shee- han, born in Vine Valley, New York, September 16, 1869. Children : Philip Waddell, Mary Fahy.
SWEENEY.
Charles Henry Sweeney, actively and prominently identified with the leading industries of Geneva and vicinity, is a native of Geneva. New York, born March 20, 1880, son of Thomas Henry and Honora Frances (Donnelly) Sweeney, and grandson of Edward and Julia (Desmond) Sweeney.
(I) Edward Sweeney, the first of the name of the line here under consideration, was extensively engaged in the contracting business. He was reliable, responsible, and of thorough integrity and unquestioned honor, and these qualities were active factors in the success attained by him in his business career. He served in the capacity of justice of the peace for a quarter of a century, discharging his duties with efficiency and promptness. He married Julia Desmond, and among their children was Thomas Henry (see forward).
(II) Thomas Henry, son of Edward and Julia ( Desmond ) Sweeney. was born at Sandy Creek, New York, March 28, 1850, died June 14. 1906. He attended the public schools in the neighborhood of his birth- place, and was trustee of the school district at the early age of fourteen years. In 1877 he established a general store at Geneva and was engaged in that line of business until 1885, a period of eight years, when he was elected police justice to fill a vacancy, serving for one year, at the expira- tion of which time he was reelected for a full term of four years. Subse- quently he engaged in the insurance business in Geneva with his sons. He was industrious, energetic and persevering, was successful in his busi- ness pursuits, and commanded the respect and confidence of his business
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associates, friends and neighbors. He was a staunch Democrat in poli- tics. He married, in 1875, Honora Frances, daughter of William Don- nelly. Children: William Edward, Eugene Howard, died April 25, 1909: Charles Henry (see forward) ; Stephen Joseph, Mary Theresa, Cora Genevieve, Regina Julia, Sarah Agnes, deceased.
(III) Charles Henry, son of Thomas Henry and Honora Frances (Donnelly ) Sweeney, attended the St. Francis de Sales School at Geneva, New York. At the age of fourteen he began his active career, entering his father's office, engaged in real estate and general insurance. He is now the head of the firm of T. H. Sweeney & Sons, the other members being his brothers, William Edward and Stephen Joseph Sweeney, and in addition to a general insurance business, they handle all kinds of real estate and make extensive loans. It is the oldest established real estate agency in eastern Ontario county, and it has been through them that the majority of the business and residential property has been disposed of during the past fifteen years. Charles H. Sweeney is a director in the Universal Loan and Saving Association and the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Vance Boiler Works, treasurer of the P. Jay Donnelly Works. He is a member of St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus, in which he held the office of lecturer ; charter member of Golden Seal Lodge, No. 1054, Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, in which he serves as trustee ; member of Sagog- matha Club, of which he is a trustee; Geneva Automobile Club, and the Geneva Yacht Club.
Mr. Sweeney married, at Geneva, New York, October 23, 1907, Jane Winifred Quinn, born at Watkins, New York, daughter of Michael and Bridget (Gurnett) Quinn, the former of whom was engaged in the bag- gage transfer business. Child, Thomas Henry, born January 25, 1910.
DIXON.
Prominent among the highly successful and enterprising business men of Hall, New York, are Dudley Marvin and Edward Baxter Dixon, brothers, sons of Edward and Isabella ( Crosier ) Dixon, the latter named a daughter of Major Crosier. They belong to that honorable class of men in whom every city takes a peculiar pride, men who by force of character, strength of will and firmness of purpose, joined to natural abil- ity, have come to deserve the distinctive title of self-made.
Dudley Marvin Dixon was born in Hall, Ontario county, New
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York, March 29, 1870. He obtained a practical education in the public schools of his native town, and this was supplemented by attendance at Canandaigue Academy. Since 1900 he has been engaged in the produce business in partnership with his brother, Edward Baxter, and their busi- ness being conducted on the proper basis, honorable and straightforward dealings with all, has proven a success and they are deriving therefrom a goodly income. To give a slight idea of what they are doing, let us take the week beginning August 21, 1911. They received and shipped 1,400 barrels of pears, 500 barrels of early apples, 2,000 baskets of plums, 500 baskets of crab apples, and 3,000 bushels of wheat-this for one week. The banner day of that week they took in of Bartlett pears, 70,000 pounds ; apples, 30,000 pounds ; plums, 5,000 baskets ; crab apples, 1,000 baskets. This has to be taken in, weighed and packed for shipping and is generally shipped the day it is received, in car load lots. To do this they have from 20 to 25 men employed, besides a competent bookkeeper and stenographer. They occupy two large storehouses for the fruit alone, the grain being loaded directly into the cars.
A little way up the road, past the three large warehouses and past several phosphate buildings, we come to a building covering more ground than any of those mentioned ( which is not quite completed ). This is the new "kraut" factory. Inside there are 24 large tanks, and each one will hold 20 tons or more of sliced cabbage to make into kraut. Two small machines, with innumerable knives, each of which is capable of cutting up 50 tons of cabbage a day, enable them to make 100 tons of cabbage per day into kraut. They expect to ship this to all parts of the world. They are well and favorably known in the community, have the respect of their business associates, and have before them the prospect of many years of usefulness. Dudley M. Dixon is a Presbyterian in religion, and a Repub- lican in politics. For four years and six months he served as a member of Company B, Third Regiment New York National Guard. He holds membership in Ark Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter No. 36, Royal Arch Masons; Commandery No. 29, Knights Templar ; Geneva Lodge, No. 1054, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Osceola Lodge, No. 768, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Stanley Grange, Patrons of Husbandry ; Elks Club of Geneva, and the Masonic Club of Geneva. He is unmarried.
Edward Baxter Dixon was born in Hall, Ontario county, New York, July 21, 1874. He enjoyed the same educational advantages as his brother, and his business career has been identical with his with the exception that he engaged in his present line of business in 1895, five
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years prior to his brother entering. He is connected with the Presby- terian church, and his political affiliation is with the Republican party. For fourteen years he served in the capacity of secretary to ex-Senator Raines, of New York. He is a member of Osceola Lodge, No. 768. Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He married, at Gloversville, New York. April 19, 1904, Sarah M., daughter of Lemuel Heacock, born at Glovers- ville. Children : Dorothy I., born March 25, 1906; Edward S., April 29, 1908.
SMITH.
George Franklin Smith is a worthy representative of ancestors, on both the paternal and maternal sides, who were willing to sacrifice their lives if necessary in defense of their country's rights, serving in the revo- lutionary army and participating in the battle of Bunker Hill and other engagements.
(I) Asa Smith, grandfather of George Franklin Smith, was born in the vicinity of Mansfield, Vermont, from whence he removed in later life to New York state and there passed the remainder of his days. He performed well his part in all affairs pertaining to the community, and his influence for good was felt and appreciated. He married Hannah Poor, who was born near Haverhill, New Hampshire, and among their children was Franklin D. (see forward).
(II) Franklin D., son of Asa and Hannah ( Poor) Smith, was born in Manchester, New York, September 22, 1829. He received the educa- tion afforded by the schools of that day, after which he devoted his attention to farming, cultivating his acres in such a manner that they yielded an abundant harvest, thus bringing him in return a comfortable livelihood. He performed the duties entrusted to him in a satisfactory manner, and ranked among the substantial men of that section of the state. He married, February 1, 1865, Mary Wilson, daughter of Peter and Susan ( Lambertson) Wilson, and a descendant of Samuel Lambert- son, who served as a soldier for seven years during the revolutionary war. and subsequently drew land in Virginia, but was killed by an Indian while cultivating the same. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith : Edmund W., George Franklin (see forward) ; Alden R., Mary E., Lura L., and a child who died in infancy.
(III) George Franklin, second son of Franklin D. and Mary ( Wilson) Smith, was born at Manchester, New York, August 4, 1867. He attended the schools in the neighborhood of his home, acquiring a
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practical education. Being reared on a farm, he naturally chose that line of work for his active career, and has continued to the present time, suc- cess crowning his efforts as the result of diligence, perseverance and progressive methods. He is a staunch adherent of the principles of Republicanism, but has never aspired to public office, preferring to devote his entire energy to the cultivation and improvement of his broad acres. Mr. Smith is unmarried.
VINCENT.
Arthur S. Vincent, of Phelps, whose success in his business career is the outcome of activity, perseverance and judicious action, combined with honorable and straightforward dealings in all transactions, is a son of Charles B. and Maria ( Bliven) Vincent, and grandson of Benjamin Vin- cent, a native of Massachusetts.
(II) Charles B. Vincent, son of Benjamin Vincent, was born at Phelps, Ontario county, New York. After completing his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood, he served an apprenticeship at the trade of foundryman, and throughout his active career followed that occupation. He was a man of character and integrity, active in all that pertained to the welfare of the community, and won and retained the confidence of all with whom he was brought in contact. He married Maria Bliven. Their children were : Russell, deceased ; Emma, deceased : Charles ; Arthur S. ( see forward ) : Nellie : George, deceased.
(III) Arthur S., son of Charles B. and Maria ( Bliven ) Vincent. was born at Phelps, Ontario county, New York, December 20, 1862. He attended the public schools of Phelps, and the knowledge thus acquired prepared him for the activities of life. For a number of years he was very successfully engaged as a portrait artist, but at the present time is devot- ing his entire attention to the growing of fruit, having about two thousand fruit trees of different species, and is deriving therefrom a goodly income. He was elected a member of the village board of trustees, in which capac- ity he served three terms. He adheres to the tenets of the Presbyterian church, gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, and holds membership in the Phelps Business Men's Club, of which he is secretary, having held that office since the club was organized. He is an exempt fireman, having been one of the charter members of the Redfield Hook & Ladder Company of Volunteer Firemen. Mr. Vincent married Mattie A., daughter of Lyman A. and Eunice ( Nearing) Baker, of Knowles- ville, Orleans county, New York. Children : Elizabeth, Helen, Marie, deceased.
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WILCOX.
Merritt Crawford Wilcox, whose birthplace was in Alabama, came to Canandaigua with his parents at fourteen. His father, Lucius Wilcox, married Frances A., born in Demopolis, Alabama, daughter of Andrew Jackson Crawford, a southern planter, and a minister of the Methodist Church South.
Merritt C. Wilcox was born in Demopolis, Alabama, June 6, 1842. He acquired his education in the public schools of Canandaigua and in the Canandaigua Academy. He married, in Canandaigua, in 1867, Caro- line Frances, born in Cortland county, New York, daughter of William and Caroline O. ( Heaton) Richardson, who came to Canandaigua from Cortland county. His father, Mr. Lucius Wilcox, served for many years as president of the First National Bank of Canandaigua, and devoted a great part of his time to farming. The land covered by his farm was located in the village and Woodlawn Cemetery now occupies a portion of it. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have had three children: Lucius William, Mabel Merritt, Crawford Richardson.
ROSE.
Oswald J. C. Rose, who holds official positions in a number of com- mercial and manufacturing corporations, is a descendant of Robert Selden Rose, who came from Virginia, and settled in Geneva, New York, in 1800, locating on a farm. He represented his district in congress.
(II) Robert Lawson, son of Robert Selden Rose, also represented his district in congress.
(III) Robert Selden, son of Robert Lawson Rose, was born at Allen's Hill, Ontario county, New York, from whence he removed to Yates county, New York, locating on a farm which he cultivated through- out his life.
(IV) Oswald J. C., son of Robert Selden Rose, was born in New York City, January 30, 1852. He received his elementary education in the schools of Geneva, New York, and was graduated from Hobart College with the degree of Master of Arts. He established himself in the hardware business in 1874, forming a partnership with P. J. Dorchester. the firm name being Dorchester & Rose, this name having been continued to the present time (1911). Upon the death of Mr. Dorchester. his son. Edward G .. assumed the interests of his father. Mr. Rose holds many responsible offices, among them may be mentioned : Vice-president of the
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New York Central Iron Works, vice-president of the Geneva National Bank, director in the Geneva Cutlery Company, director in the T. W. & J. P. Rice Nursery Company, director in the Geneva Wagon Company, and director in the Fay & Bowen Engine Company. He supports Demo- cratic principles, and has served as alderman and supervisor. He is a member of Ark Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Rose married, at Geneva, New York, Edith, daughter of Rev. Walter Ayrault, an Episcopal clergyman, formerly chaplain of Hobart Col- lege, and a great-granddaughter of William Fitzhugh, who was prominent among the early settlers of the Genesee Valley, his portrait hanging in the Ontario county courthouse at Canandaigua. Children: Walter C., a farmer near Geneva; Christina Livingston; Robert Selden, an instructor in the University of California. All unmarried.
WHEELER.
Heber E. Wheeler, an enterprising and successful business man of East Bloomfield, whose success in life is the result of integrity and perse- verance, is a native of Bergen, Genesee county, New York, born Decem- ber 24. 1859. He is a direct descendant of John Wheeler, who emigrated to this country from England, settling in Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1634.
(I) Addison H. Wheeler, grandfather of Heber E. Wheeler, was a farmer by occupation, conducting his operations in East Bloomfield. New York, where he was recognized as one of its representative citizens. He married Lucy Remington; children: Oscar F., Thaddeus R .. Edward R., Ulysses M., Heber E., Robert H., (sheriff of Ontario county, 1886-88) ; Ellen and Lillian.
(II) Oscar F., eldest son of Addison H. and Lucy ( Remington) Wheeler. was born in Bristol, New York, February, 1831. His life was devoted to agriculture, in which he was most successful. He was a mem- ber of the Congregational church, a Republican in politics, and a man of marked resolution and sturdy character.
He married, February, 1859, Lucy Rowley, born in Rush, New York, April, 1833, daughter of Simeon and Lucy ( Hayward) Rowley. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar F. Wheeler : Heber E .. Dr. Stough- ton R., Oscar F., Robert H., Lucy S., Ellen E., Jennie, and Alice. deceased.
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(III) Heber E., eldest son of Oscar F. and Lucy (Rowley) Wheeler, was educated at the East Bloomfield Union School and Canan- daigua Academy. In 1886 he engaged in mercantile business at East Bloomfield, where he has continued up to the present time (1911). In 1904 he took into partnership Roswell M. Lee and Robert H. Wheeler, a brother, the firm name being changed to that of Wheeler Bros. & Lee, its present style. The business has been prosperous during its entire period of existence, twenty-five years, it being so conducted as to win and hold a large patronage. Heber E. Wheeler, being a man of good busi- ness judgment and executive ability, has been chosen to fill positions of honor and trust, and is serving at the present time in the capacity of director of the County National Bank of Canandaigua. New York. For the years 1889-90 he served as postmaster at Holcomb, New York, resigning in the latter year ; was justice of the peace in 1891-92 at East Bloomfield, and treasurer of Ontario county two terms, 1904 to 1909 inclusive, retiring from public office with the record of an able and com- petent official. He is a member of Milnor Lodge, No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons, of Victor, New York, and of the Bloomfield Scientific Club. His religious affiliations are with the East Bloomfield Congre- gational Church, of which he is a member, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party.
Mr. Wheeler married, at East Bloomfield, New York, September 22, 1886, Mary Adams, born at East Bloomfield, November 30, 1863, daughter of Benjamin F. and Lurinda (Gauss) Adams. Mrs. Wheeler is also a member of the East Bloomfield Congregational Church, in the work of which she takes an active interest.
MADDEN.
Rev. Michael Thomas Madden, pastor of St. Francis Church ( Roman Catholic) of Phelps, New York, is a native of Rochester, New York, in which city his grandfather settled in 1818 upon his emigration to this country from Ireland, his birthplace.
Father Madden attended the public schools of Rochester, where he obtained a rudimentary education, which was supplemented by a course of study at St. Basil's, College, Toronto, Canada, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, New York, Seton Hall College, South Orange, New Jer- sey, receiving from the latter named institution the degree of Bachelor of Arts. and two years later that of Master of Arts. He then spent four
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years at the Provincial Seminary at Troy, New York, where he was ordained a priest of the Catholic church in 1874. His first charge was St. Mary's Church at Rochester, New York, where he labored faithfully for four years, at the expiration of which time he was called to the pastor- ate of St. James' Church at Trumansburg, New York, where he served efficiently and successfully for twenty-eight years, and in July, 1909, was transferred to the pastorate of St. Francis Church at Phelps, New York, his present incumbency. The faithful and loving care he bestowed upon his parishioners won for him their confidence and admiration, and his work was greatly blessed in increased membership and in its power for good in the community. His life is one of activity and usefulness, his work widely extended, and of the kind that will be felt and recognized after he shall have been called away. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus.
BEECHER.
Calvin Beecher, the first of the line here under consideration of whom we have definite information, was born in New England, July 13, 1802, died in October, 1864. He was a cousin of the celebrated Henry Ward Beecher, who was a son of Lyman and Roxana ( Foote ) Beecher, grandson of David Beecher, and sixth in descent from John Beecher, the first American ancestor, who came with his mother, the Widow Hannah Beecher, to Connecticut from Kent, England, in 1638. These ancestors were of sturdy yeoman stock, noted for their physical strength, honest, God-fearing men. Emeline, wife of Calvin Beecher, was born October 25. 1804, died April 21, 1859. Children : Julia, Isaac, Norman, Salmon, Sarah, Warren, Rollin L. and Lyman M.
(II) Rollin L., son of Calvin and Emeline Beecher, was born in Owego, New York, April 30, 1844, died February 1, 1908. He was connected with the Northern Central Railroad of New York as general agent for forty-six years, this fact amply testifying to his integrity of character and his ability and efficiency. He married Mary F. Brink, born in Owego, New York, daughter of James and Ellen (Savage) Brink. Children : Frank R. : George R., married Gwendolyn Virginia Weinheart, and they reside at Los Angeles, California.
(III) Frank R., son of Rollin L. and Mary F. ( Brink ) Beecher, was born in Canandaigua, New York, June 18, 1866. He obtained a practical education in the schools of the neighborhood, after which he
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entered upon his active career, and for about fifteen years conducted suc- cessfully an extensive lumber business in Canandaigua. In 1894 he was appointed to the position of postmaster of Canandaigua by the late Presi- dent Grover Cleveland, the duties of which he performed in a manner that was satisfactory to all concerned. His life is an active and useful one, and he enjoys the respect of all with whom he is brought in contact. He attends the Presbyterian church, and his political affiliation is with the Democratic party. He married Winnie Milner. Children : Rollin M., E. Milner, Frank R .. John C.
ADDENDA AND ERRATA
Connolly, Robert E., p. 400; since narrative went through the press, Mr. Connolly has been elected Election Commissioner of Ontario County.
Garlock, Charles H., p. 34; Mr. Garlock was elected president of the village of Phelps, in March, 1911.
Throop, p. 443, 2d parag. ; Elizabeth C. Hayward died December 7. 1910; her husband, Stoughton Hayward, died July 5, 1911, in his 94th year. Benjamin B., son of Joseph Allen and Hannah (Thompson ) Throop, married, January 24, 1906, Ada Ellen, daughter of Hon. and Mrs. J. K. Hockley, of Emporium, Penn. ; child : Benjamin Hockley Throop, born August 20, 1907.
Warner, Jesse ( V), p. 438, last parag. : He died August 14, 1834. and was buried at Orleans. He was father of Jesse Warner ( see p. 439) who was a soldier in the War of 1812, was captured by the Indians, taken to Canada, made his escape and returned home, migrated to Michigan at an early date, and died there at an advanced age.
The statement as to Jesse (4), born 1786, died in Ontario county 1812-13, should be stricken out. He was not a son of Jesse (V). whose children were, in order of their birth : Elijah, Rufus, Lewis, John, Oliver, Jesse, James, and Lucinda. all of whom were born at Conway, Massa- chusetts, later migrated to Ontario county, New York, married, and had large families.
Wheeler, p. 457; Simeon R. Wheeler died in April, 1898; he was not an Odd Fellow. The Simeon R. Wheeler farm is now owned by Thomas Welch, of East Bloomfield.
INDEX
Where asterisk (*) appears against a name, reference is made to addenda and errata page.
Aldrich Ancestry, 174
Cassius R., 176
George, 174
Jacob, 175
Nathan, 175
Noah, 175
David, 92 Herbert, 92
Brown, Charles L., 462
Willis, 176
Aldridge Ancestry, 133
Albert C., 133
Arthur G., 134
Daniel, 133
Gilbert, 133
Bell Ancestry, 376 Frederick, 376
Buell Ancestry, 354 John, 355 Jonathan, 355
Andruss Ancestry, 125 Benajah, 126 Cornelius J., 126 John, 125
Jonas, 378 William, 378
Mortimer, 355
Joseph, 126
Beeman, Henry C., 122 Reuben, 122
Timothy, 355
Joseph, Dr., 126 Miles, 126
Bement, Louie M., 120 Murray J., 120 William E., 119 Bennett, George, 121 Horace D., 121 Matthew, 121
Timothy, 356 William, 354
William, 126 Zebina C., 126
Burling, George W., 345 Thomas C., 345
Avery Ancestry, 188 Asahel B., 191
Christopher, 188
Black, Aaron, 116
Frank A., 191
M. Newton, 116 Moses, 116
Burnett, Jean L., 419 Margaret, 420 Burnette, Frank H., 435 Hiram, 434 Jean L., 419 Ulysses G., 435
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