USA > New York > Ontario County > A history of Ontario County, New York and its people, Volume II > Part 5
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
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(III) Lee, son of Arnold and Olive (Coe) Vosburgh, was born in Hillsdale, Columbia county, New York, July 26, 1863. He attended the public schools in the town of Phelps, New York, removing there with his parents in 1871 ; two years later they removed to Clyde, New York, and after another two years returned to Phelps and located on their former farm. In 1892 Mr. Vosburgh took charge of this farm and it has since that time been under his sole management. The results which he has achieved in agriculture have been of an eminently satisfactory character, and he is most progressive in all he undertakes. Buildings have been remodeled and improved, new implements acquired, and scientific farm- ing given a fair and impartial trial. The product of the farm under these favorable conditions leaves nothing to be desired. Mr. Vosburgh has inherited the intellectual traits of his father and other ancestors, and is one of the leading spirits in all educational matters, making many improvements in this direction. He was elected as trustee of the schools in 1900, and re-elected in 1910, a very palpable proof of the excellence of his service in this office. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been a liberal contributor to its treasury on many occasions. He is a member of Sincerity Lodge, No. 200, Free and Accepted Masons, and has served as junior warden of that body.
Mr. Vosburgh married, January 9, 1901, Grace, daughter of Alfred Van Der Poel, of Red Creek, New York. Children : Gladys, born July II, 1903 ; Carrie, born May 16, 1909.
VANCE.
James R. Vance, sole proprietor of the J. R. Vance Iron Works, of Geneva, and the inventor of a number of patented devices in the boiler making industry, is a fine example of what may be accomplished by unaided effort and a never-ceasing ambition. His grandfather, John Vance, was a Methodist minister in Scotland, and as his father died when he was a very young lad, he was thrown upon his own resources, which developed the sterling qualities with which he was liberally endowed.
James R. Vance was born in Scotland, April 4, 1849. His school instruction was limited, as he was obliged to go to work in earnest at the early age of ten years. He supplemented his deficiencies in education by means of night lessons and ardent home study, and occupied all his spare moments, which were few, in this laudable manner. At this tender age he
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found employment in the coal mines until he was sixteen years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York City, and going from thence to Pennsylvania. He commenced to learn the trade of boiler making and since that time has been actively connected with that field of industry. He came to Geneva, New York, in 1876, and obtained the position of superintendent of the New York Central Iron Works Com- pany, which he held for twenty-seven years. In 1897 he established a plant of his own, under the name of the Vance Boiler Works. His plant is now known as the J. R. Vance Iron Works, and he is the sole proprietor and manager, as above stated. They manufacture all kinds of boilers, smoke stacks, sheet iron, etc. He is the inventor of a number of patents, among them being: "The Vance Tube Cutter," which was the first successful tool invented for that purpose ; and the "Vance Steam and Hot Water Boiler." He is an earnest worker in the interests of the Republi- can party and has filled a number of public offices. He has served as trustee of the town of Geneva for a number of terms; was alderman for some time; and served as president of the board of health. During the last-named term of office he was the means of warding off a smallpox epidemic from Geneva, by his prompt and vigorous measures. A railroad car, bound from Ithaca to Geneva, had on board a theatrical troupe of fourteen persons, all of whom had been exposed to infection from small- pox. He ordered them to be placed on board of a steamboat, which he caused to be anchored out in Seneca lake and quarantined, and kept them there for about one month. One of the passengers died, and the others recovered, but there was no case of the dreaded disease in Geneva. He was honored with the appointment as a special delegate to the funeral of the late Judge Folger. McDowell, the well-known composer, is one of his cousins. Mr. Vance is a member of the Blue Lodge, Commandery, and Damascus Temple, all of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks. He was a delegate from Ontario county to the state convention at Saratoga, that nominated Theodore Roosevelt for governor.
Mr. Vance married, in 1872, at Fredonia, Chautauqua county, New York, Adela Schultz, born in Waterloo, Seneca county, New York, 1850. Children : Frederick M., born in 1873; Mary A., born in 1875, married George Flint, at present coroner of Geneva; Robert R., born in 1881; Mabel J., born in 1887, married Earl Dobbin, of Geneva.
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Adelbert Clinton Charit
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MERRITT.
Adelbert Clinton Merritt, who has been closely identified with a variety of business interests in the state of New York. is descended from a family which settled in this state a number of generations ago.
(I) Stacy Merritt. grandfather of Adelbert C. Merritt, was a mem- ber of a large family. his brothers being : Isaac, Charles, David, William Henry Harrison. Hudson and Lester. He settled with his father on the farm in Penfield. was a pail and tub maker by trade and also a farmer. He married Elizabeth Cass. who died in 1863. Children: Electa. Oli- ver C., William H .. see forward, Eliza. Ellen and Jane.
(II) William Harrison. son of Stacy and Elizabeth ( Cass) Mer- ritt. was born on the farm at Penfield. 1820. He was occupied as a mill- wright and carpenter. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, as corporal of his regiment, and was an active participant in the battle of Fredericksburg. The day following this engagement he was taken sick. and was honorably discharged in 1862. He married Olive M., who died September 3. 1909. daughter of David Allyn. Children: Adelbert Clinton. see forward : Rose V., who married Richard Johnson and had children : Cora. Nora. deceased. May. Wilford, who is in the United States army. Lula. Retta. Harold. and one who died in childhood.
(III) Adelbert Clinton, eldest child of William Harrison and Olive M. (Allyn) Merritt, was born at the family homestead in Penfield. April 8. 1847. He was educated in the public schools of his district and the Penfield Academy. For a period of fifteen years he worked with his father as a millwright. then. in 1870. went to Rochester. New York. where he was employed in the meat market business. adding groceries to his stock the following year. and at the expiration of two years sold out. returned to Penfield, where he took up his former occupation and also engaged in farming. He removed to Marion in 1887 and there com- menced the raising of stock and the cultivation of a fruit farm. and was thus occupied until 1900, when he removed to Manchester Center. where he is now engaged in the milling business. and in conjunction has a gro- cery store and crate factory. He is energetic and enterprising in his business methods. keeping well abreast of the times. and has acquired a large and growing trade.
Mr. Merritt married. 1878. Mary E .. daughter of Oliver Chapin Merritt. oi Penfield. Children : Harry. born at Penfield. deceased; Arthur C .. Lewis Allen and May.
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VAN VOORHIS.
George Lyman Van Voorhis, until recently sheriff of the county, is descended from an ancient Dutch family.
(I) Coert Van Voorhis was born in April, 1706.
(II) Johannis, son of Coert Van Voorhis, married Johanna, daugh- ter of Johannes Rowe, of Dutchess county, New York.
(III) Coert (2), son of Johannis and Johanna (Rowe) Van Voor- his, was born December 22, 1770. He married Margaret Nelson.
(IV) Henry, son of Coert (2) and Margaret (Nelson) Van Voor- his, was born in New York state, and was a farmer. He was a staunch Republican, and a member of the Protestant church. He married Mar- garet Daily. Children: Menzo, Milton, Herman, Mary, Lyman, see forward, Stephen and Alice.
(V) Lyman, son of Henry and Margaret (Daily) Van Voorhis, was also a farmer, and a Republican, but he was a member of the Metho- dist church. He married, in Michigan, Elizabeth, daughter of George Kirtland and Mary (Osborn) Field. Children: George Lyman, see forward; Viola, born December 2, 1872, married Charles Johnson, and is living at Battle Creek, Michigan; Howard, born August 10, 1878, treas- urer of the C. H. Rugg Sash, Door and Blind Company, of Rochester, New York.
(VI) George Lyman, eldest child of Lyman and Elizabeth (Field) Van Voorhis, was born at Charleston, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, April 21, 1871. He was very young when his parents returned to the state of New York, and his education was obtained at the Victor high school, later the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, and finally the Brock State Normal School, which he left prior to graduating. From early manhood he has been actively engaged in the interests of the Repub- lican party. During this time he taught school during the winter months, and worked on the farm during the summer, a course of affairs which was continued until his election to the office of sheriff. He served as super- visor of the town of Victor from March, 1901, until the end of 1905, was elected sheriff in 1906, his term expiring in 1909. He is a member of the' Congregational church, and is affiliated with the following organizations : Milnor Lodge. No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons, of Victor, New York; Geneva Lodge, No. 1054, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; Camp No. 9574, Modern Woodmen of the World, of Canandaigua, New York ; Mendon Grange, No. 83, Monroe county, New York.
Mr. Van Voorhis married. at Mendon, New York, October 20,
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1896, Vernie B., born in Monroe county, New York, daughter of Charles and Mary (Gillett) Strong, the former a produce dealer. Children : Lyman Spencer, born January 9, 1899; Charles Leslie, April 4, 1900; Harold Osborn, October 7, 1902.
VAN DYNE.
Frank P. Van Dyne, who has been connected with the Clifton Springs Sanitarium for many years, and is at present overseer of the institution, is of Dutch ancestry, as the name indicates.
Joshua Van Dyne, son of Peter Van Dyne, and father of Frank P. Van Dyne, was born in the New England States, 1817, died in 1865. He married Sarah Bailley, who died in 1898. Children: Frank P., see forward; Olida, married George Smith; Charity, died in infancy.
Frank P., son of Joshua and Sarah ( Bailley) Van Dyne, was born in Clifton Springs, Ontario county, New York, December 20, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of the vicinity, and then apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. This he followed until 1888 with a satis- factory amount of success, and abandoned it in favor of accepting the position of steward of the Clifton Springs Sanitarium, which had been offered him. He held this position for a number of years, discharging the duties it entailed to the satisfaction of all concerned, and later was offered the overseership of the building repairs, etc., of the sanitarium, and is still actively engaged in that occupation. He is a member of the Methodist church, and affiliates with Newark Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons; Newark Chapter, No. 117, Royal Arch Masons; Zenobia Com- mandery, No. 41, Knights Templar ; and Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Van Dyne married, 1874, Sarah, daughter of Henry and Eliz- abeth Peachy. Children: Harry J., engaged in the mercantile business in Clifton Springs; Frank D., formerly steward of the Clifton Springs Sanitarium; Maude, married Dr. F. H. Newland, of Clifton Springs, New York.
TRUESDALE.
William Henry Truesdale, who has been connected with educational matters in various capacities for many years, and who has introduced many innovations and improvements, is of English descent.
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(I) James Truesdale, grandfather of William Henry Truesdale, was a contractor and builder in England.
(II) Samuel, son of James Truesdale, was born in the northern part of England, and came to America in 1824, when he was a young man. He settled in the vicinity of Rochester, New York, shortly after his arrival in this country, purchased a farm and engaged in its cultivation as his life work. He married Charity Cummings and had seven sons and two daughters.
(III) William Henry, fourth son of Samuel and Charity (Cum- mings ) Truesdale, was born near Rochester, New York, October 30, 1844. His elementary education was acquired in the district school and at private academies, and he then prepared for college in the Benedict Classical School in Rochester. He took the arts course in the University of Rochester, was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and two years later the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him. He then commenced the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He never practiced law but devoted himself to the profession of teaching. This he commenced in rural schools, and became the principal of Nunda Academy in 1870, holding the position until 1875. From 1875 to 1880 he was principal of the schools in Olean, New York, and then held a similar position in the high school at Jamestown, New York. During the time he held this latter position he also conducted a manufacturing business until 1885. The next five years were devoted to his duties as principal of the Mohawk high school, and in September, 1890, he came to Geneva, New York, as principal of the high school, and in May, 1891, was elected superintendent and principal, a position he is still filling with honor and dignity. In political matters he affiliates with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Presbyterian church. His fraternal affiliations are with the Ark Lodge, No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons of Geneva, New York; University Club; Interstate Council of School Men.
Mr. Truesdale married at Rochester, New York, December 23, 1869, Agnes E., born in Rochester, daughter of Robert and Esther (Hanvey) Young, of Rochester. Children: T. Elliott, a practicing attorney of Geneva, married Anna Knight, of Geneva, and has one son, Richard K .; Emily Agnes, married Rev. W. S. Watson, rector of St. Michael's Epis- copal Church of Brooklyn, New York, and has three sons, William T., Thomas Y. and George H .; Ella Kate, living at home. Both daughters are graduates of Wells College.
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THOMPSON.
Judge Robert F. Thompson, a prominent lawyer and jurist of On- tario county, New York, comes of forbears who were not only of high character but of lofty position. His father and three brothers served in the civil war ; his grandfather and his three brothers in the war of 1812; and his great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather in the revolu- tion.
(I) Hugh Thompson, the emigrant ancestor of this family, was of Scotch-Irish stock, and came from Londonderry, Ireland, in the eighteenth century, settling in Derryfield (now Manchester), New Hampshire.
(II) James, son of Hugh Thompson, was born in Derryfield, New Hampshire, November 14, 1758. He served throughout the revolution- ary struggle in Captain Amos Morrill's company, Colonel John Stack's regiment, raised by the state of New Hampshire ; he enlisted as a private, and was promoted to corporal. He also held the title of muster master.
(III) Joshua, son of Corporal James Thompson, was born in Nor- ridgewock, Maine, May 10, 1793. He rendered faithful military service in the war of 1812. He married Marcia Crane, a member of the cele- brated Crane family of Connecticut, and a granddaughter of John Crane. one of the signers of the famous "fidelity oath" to the state of Connecti- cut. He was the father of nineteen children.
(IV) Lieutenant Lester P. Thompson, son of Joshua Thompson, was born September 3, 1840, in Lima, New York. He married, and shortly after the birth of his son, Robert F., he removed to Phelps, New York, where he followed the occupation of a manufacturer of agricultural imple- ments and resided there until shortly before his death, April 25, 1889. He rendered faithful service to his country during the rebellion, serving in the Fifth and Seventh United States Regular Infantry. He became prominent in Grand Army and political circles ; a born leader of men, he wielded a powerful influence in that great military organization and in the local political field. He served at one time as senior vice department commander of the State of New York, Grand Army of the Republic. He married Sarah Jane, daughter of William K. and Mary ( Butler ) Foster. Her parents were both natives of Kent county, England, and came to the United States about 1825. The Foster residence was a safe harbor for escaped slaves making their way to freedom by way of "the underground railway" during slavery days. Mr. Foster was a close friend and confi- dant of William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Thompson. and other famous anti-slavery leaders.
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(V) Robert F. Thompson, son of Lieutenant Lester P. Thompson and Sarah Jane (Foster) Thompson, was born in Canandaigua, New York, July 31, 1870. He received his preliminary school training in Phelps, followed by a course of study in Canandaigua Academy, from which he was graduated. He studied for his chosen profession in the law department of Michigan University, from which he received his degree of Bachelor of Laws, and then took a post-graduate course, receiving the Master's degree in 1893. He was admitted to the bar, December, 1894, in Ontario county, New York, and at once entered upon practice at Canandaigua. In 1899 he was elected district attorney, and in this responsible position gained reputation as a trial lawyer and advocate of unusual ability. He engaged in law practice in partnership with Frank A. Christian. January 1, 1900, and retired from that office December 31, 1905. In 1908 he was unanimously nominated by his party for the office of county judge, was elected, and is now filling that place. That he was esteemed fit for the position is evidenced by the fact that no opposition was arrayed against him and no other candidate was nominated to con- test the place with him, a most unusual circumstance. In addition to his professional labors Judge Thompson devotes much attention to com- munity affairs, and is actively interested in some of the most important institutions. He is a trustee of the Ontario Orphan Asylum, and a member of the board of managers of Clark Manor House, and a director in the McKechnie Bank. He also rendered efficient service as organizer of The Singers, a local chorus of one hundred and fifty voices which has delighted the music loving public upon many occasions.
Judge Thompson married in Canandaigua, New York, September 8, 1896, Susan Josephine Rudd, born September 5, 1872, in San Diego, Cal- ifornia, daughter of Charles G. and Susan (Palmer) Rudd, and grand- daughter of Rev. Charles G. Rudd, for many years pastor of the Baptist Church at Lyons, New York. Her father was at one time American consul in South America. Judge and Mrs. Thompson have no children.
THORNE.
Edwin S. Thorne, treasurer and manager of the Geneva Preserving Company, is a fine example of a self-made man, in the best sense of the word. He has gained for himself friends, affluence and position, by his own honorable exertions and moral attributes, and by the strength and force of his character has been enabled to overcome obstacles which, to
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others less hopeful and courageous, would have seemed insurmountable. He has been gifted with a quickness of perception and a fertility of inven- tion which enable him to carry his projects far on the road to success, while others meditate upon the manner in which the enterprise is to be taken in hand. Thus equipped it is small wonder that Mr. Thorne has risen to a position which takes him into the front rank of the business men of his town, and has gained for him the esteem of all who know him.
Stevenson Thorne, father of Edwin S. Thorne, was reared under the strict discipline of the Quaker denomination, and died in 1892. He married Ann Smith, who is living with her son, now at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
Edwin S. Thorne was born in Schoharie county. New York. Decem- ber 24. 1865. His education was acquired in the district schools and the Rensselaerville academy, of Albany county, New York. and he made excellent use of the opportunities thus offered him, a fact which contrib- uted not a little to his later rise in life, as the habits of close attention which he had formed in his early youth thus enabled him to grasp and master the details of his later business occupation. He commenced his business career as a farmer, continuing this employment until 1890. the practical knowledge thus gained proving of inestimable value to him sub- sequently, in appraising the condition and value of crops and it is said that no man in the entire county has a keener perception of the value of a crop while it is still on the field. In 1890 he abandoned farming and went to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, where his business activities have since been concentrated. He entered the employ of the Geneva Preserv- ing Company, and his relations with this concern have since continued without interruption. His first position with this firm was that of clerk and timekeeper, and his faithful attention to detail earned for him the commendation of his superiors and his gradual rise from rank to rank, until he became treasurer and manager of the concern. This is one of the largest corporations of its kind in the state of New York. The yearly output is not less than two hundred and twenty-five thousand cases. and during the busy season they employ more than four hundred hands in the factory and more than one hundred and fifty in the field, engaged in the gathering and preparation of fruits and vegetables of all descriptions. They use the product of several farms. part of which is grown by them- selves and part by other growers. Their goods have earned a reputa- tion far and wide and their shipments are made to all parts of the United States and Canada. The corporation is capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars; Irving Rouse, of Rochester, president: Henry A.
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Wheat, of Geneva, vice-president ; Beekman E. Rouse, of Geneva, secre- tary; and Mr. Thorne, treasurer and manager. Edwin S. Thorne is also one of the five directors and a large stockholder of the firm. Arthur C. Redner, also a director, and Mr. Thorne are the only active members of the corporation. The plant covers an area of about three acres and is equipped with all the latest improvements and appliances of this line of industry. A purchase has recently been made of the preserving plant at Waterloo, New York, which is being operated in connection with the plant in Geneva, Mr. Thorne acting as manager of both places. He finds little time to devote to politics, but takes a lively interest in all matters concerning the public welfare, and is an adherent of the Republican party. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the Kanadasaga Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He married, June 15, 1893, Caroline, born in Albany county, New York, July 24, 1869, daughter of Robert Sherman. They have one child, Robert Sherman, born April 26, 1894, at present a student in the Geneva high school.
LEAHY.
Patrick Henry Leahy, who is clerk of and counsel for the board of supervisors of Ontario county, New York, in addition to attending to his large legal practice, is a fine example of what may be achieved by earnest and unremitting striving, when heavily handicapped by adverse circum- stances. He owes his present high standing in his profession and in the community entirely to his own unaided efforts, and his inflexible and unfaltering courage in every relation of life have won for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. Judging from the success which has attended his labors in the past, a most brilliant future apparently lies before him.
John Leahy, his father, was born in Castle Island, Ireland, in 1833. and died in this country in April, 1873. He had labored diligently as a workman all his life, deeming no work too humble, as long as it was honorable. During the civil war he enlisted in 1862, served as a private in Company E, One Hundred and Sixtieth New York Volunteer In- fantry, and was mustered out with honor at the close of the war. His untimely death left his little family unprovided for.
Patrick Henry Leahy was born in a log cabin in Canadice, Ontario
Pre aly
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county, New York, June 21, 1873. He was educated in the public schools of this county, and in the Geneseo State Normal School, from the classical department of which he was graduated in 1895 with honor. Studious and ambitious as he had always been, it is small marvel that he made an excel- lent use of his time while he was at this institution, and upon leaving it that he found no difficulty in obtaining an appointment as a teacher. For the six years following his graduation he was engaged in teaching during the winter months, thus enabling him to earn a sufficient sum to pursue the study of law, a desire he had always entertained. During the sum- mer months of these six years, he studied law in Rochester, under the pre- ceptorship of George Raines and was admitted to the bar in 1902. He established himself in the practice of his profession in Honeoye, Ontario county, New York, in which he met with an encouraging amount of suc- cess. The death of his mother in 1903 caused him to make a change in his place of residence, and in the spring of 1905 he removed to Geneva, Ontario county, New York, where he has now a well-established and lucrative practice, which is constantly increasing. As an earnest and thoughtful member of the Republican party, he has taken an active inter- est in public affairs since his earliest voting years, and before making his home in Geneva, he served as a member of the county committee for the town of Richmond for a term of two years. In 1907 he was appointed clerk of the board of supervisors, and in 1908, was appointed county attorney. He is also a member of the Republican committee of the second ward of Geneva City and the chairman of that body. He and his wife are members and attendants at the services of the Catholic church, and his affiliations with fraternal organizations are as follows: The Delphic Fraternity of the State Normal schools; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Columbus, and Sons of Veterans.
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