USA > New York > Encyclopedia of biography of New York, a life record of men and women whose sterling character and energy and industry have made them preeminent in their own and many other states, Vol. 2 > Part 16
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Another of his works whose influence was felt beyond the confines of his city was performed as a member of the board of managers of the State Custodial Asy- lum for Feeble-Minded Women, at New- ark, to which office he was appointed by Governor Charles E. Hughes. Misman- agement of the affairs of the asylum had brought the institution into bad public odor, and Mr. Fowler's choice was in ac- cordance with the popular demand that a man of strong purpose and unimpeach- able motives be placed in a position with power to act in the reclamation of the asylum. To this end he labored with his accustomed fidelity and zeal, and when the baleful influences had been removed and their effects remedied, he resigned his trust.
In the social life of Syracuse he and his family held prominent position, their home on Oak street being always open in the entertainment of their many friends. He was an interesting and brilliant con- versationalist, a man of wide information, broad interests, and liberal views. He was a charter member and one of the first
directors of the University Club, of Syra- cuse, also belonging to the University Club of New York. Out-of-door life always held a strong appeal for him, and as opportunity offered he indulged this liking, holding membership in several athletic and country clubs. Rarely is there a man of whom, in all his varied relationships, naught but good can be spoken when he has left his earthly walks, but just such was true of Mr. Fowler. The personal tribute of Thomas W. Meachen, president of the New Pro- cess Gear Corporation, is here worthy of repetition as voicing the sentiments of Mr. Fowler's many friends :
The death of Mr. Fowler is a distinct, a seri- ous loss to the city of Syracuse. His remarkably sound judgement, his genius for close research, his high ability as an organizer, his indefatigable industry were cheerfully and unreservedly given to the promotion of all good causes for which our city is and has been striving. How greatly his services will be missed by the Chamber of Commerce, by our charitable associations, by all our hospitals, only those who are in close touch with the management of these various organizations can know. The loss to his inti- mate friends, of whom I am proud to count my- self one, is irreparable. "He was faithful."
Albert P. Fowler married Florence Dil- laye Vann, daughter of Judge Irving G. Vann, and had children: Catherine, Al- bert, Ruth, and Elizabeth.
WRIGHT, Alfred,
Manufacturer, Man of Affairs.
It was a privilege to know Alfred Wright. The following summary of his wonderful character is from his friends and official associates of the Rochester Board of Park Commissioners, men who knew him well and who deemed his friendship an honor :
On the passing away of Alfred Wright the Park Commissioners of the city of Rochester sustain a serious and corporate loss. His heart
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early enlisted itself in the park project, because he saw that it would add to the sum of human happiness, and where his heart went his judg- ment, energy and generosity followed in unre- served consecration. Decidedly a first citizen, his presence, counsel and labors were by us in constant and appreciative demand; to be de- prived of them therefore is a loss most regret- table.
Furthermore, we cannot withhold our willing tribute to his personality, so peculiar, so persua- sive, so admirable, so generous, and so alto- gether irreproachable, a personality it is seldom one's good fortune to discover. Affable, ap- proachable, sensible, he won universal respect and confidence. He abounded in works of un- heralded benevolence; his sympathies were always alive and ready for exercise under the sanction of a wise, business-like judgment.
In the commercial world, which for him was continental in extent, his name and character were standards of excellence and probity.
(Signed) GEORGE W. ELLIOTT, RICHARD CURRAN, WILLIAM C. BERRY.
To receive such a tribute from contem- poraries is honorable, to merit it, glorious. When life's activities redound only to the benefit of the doer, little praise is due, but when good results to a community, as did from Alfred Wright's life, all honor is willingly, abundantly and justly offered. Pure and sweet as the perfumes that bore his name was his life, and while his fame was world-wide as a manufacturer there was never a time when the stress of busi- ness life caused him to forget his duties as citizen or the obligations which he owed to his fellow-men, and few of his contemporaries were identified with so many enterprises of a public and charit- able nature.
Alfred Wright was born at Avon, Liv- ingston county, New York, November 6, 1830, died in Rochester, New York, Janu- ary 18, 1891. He was educated in public schools and at Genesee Wesleyan Semi- nary, Lima, New York, locating in Roch- ester at the age of twenty years, continu- ing his residence there until his death,
forty-one years later. He was connected with the hardware business until 1866, then entered the path of business en- deavor that led to fame and fortune. His business ventures began in a small way, but his disposition to do things well led him to delve deep into the study of so fascinating a branch of manufacture as the distilling and fabrication of perfumes, with the result that Alfred Wright's per- fumery won popular approval. When in- creased demand set in he enlarged his quarters, and after becoming firmly estab- lished as one of the leading manufacturers in this country erected a factory on West and Willowbank avenues, the most mod- ern and complete plant of its kind in the whole world. From city and state he passed to national fame, and from na- tional to international renown as a manu- facturer of perfumery. It is an attempt to "paint the lily" to speak of the world- wide fame of Alfred Wright's perfumes or to speak of the great volume of busi- ness he transacted. That is common his- tory, but the personality and character of the man who won so prominent a position in the commercial world is of deepest in- terest. His capacity for work was enor- mous and in addition to his large private concerns he was a trustee of the Me- chanics' Savings Bank, a director of the Commercial Bank, a trustee of the Roch- ester Electric Light Company, and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce aided in promoting the business interests of Rochester.
He was a Republican in politics, as an advisor sought after by the local leaders of the party, and had he so desired could have secured for himself almost any office within the gift of the people, but while ever inspired by a sincere desire to be of service to his fellow-men, he steadfastly refused all offers of political preferment. The office that he did accept was that of Park Commissioner, for there he saw that
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he could be of real and definite service. He also served for eight years as chair- man of the Republican Business Men's Committee and rendered hearty service in behalf of the candidates of his party. How well he performed his duties as Park Commissioner the tribute from his fellow members of the board tells. He served as trustee of the City Hospital, trustee of Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, vice-president of the Humane Society, president of the board of trustees of the Brick Church (Presbyterian), and held fraternal relations with the Masonic order. Time and energy consuming were these varied activities, but they show Mr. Wright's public spirit, his devotion to philanthropy, and his large-hearted in- terest in all that concerned the welfare of his fellow-men. His benevolences were many, but he gave very quietly and with- out ostentation, his right hand never knowing the doings of his left. Warm of impulse and sympathetic, he loved his fellow-men ; approachable and companion- able, he gave as freely to the social side of life as he could, numbering his friends among the leading men of the city. His life was a blessing to the public, his mem- ory is revered, and to those of his immedi- ate family he left a name unspotted and irreproachable, in honor enduring.
Mr. Wright married (first) Maria Gould, who died about 1869. He married (second) Mary J. Hunter, who died in 1877. He married (third) Mary D. But- terfield, who survives him. Child of first wife: Alfred. Children of second wife: John S., Marian H., Margaret J., wife of Roland C. Dryer.
ADAMS, Myron, Civil War Veteran, Clergyman.
The life of Myron Adams, "sweet, pure and noble," left its impress indelibly not only on the lives of those with whom he
came in contact but upon the trend of modern thought. Many through his efforts have been brought into a clearer understanding not of creed, of dogma, of superstition or religion, but of Christi- anity. Gifted with wonderful mental power, he was a close follower of Him who came not to be ministered unto but to minister. For almost twenty years he occupied the pulpit of the Plymouth Church in Rochester. Although his life span covered little more than a half cen- tury he lived to see the teachings which in his early ministry awakened strong opposition, in his later life endorsed by many who had formerly opposed him. He took no pride in this aside from the fact the world was drawing nearer to the truth and was accepting the spiritual revelations of the gospel without attempting to estab- lish the historicity or to accept with cre- dence the traditional or the figurative.
Myron Adams, the youngest son of My- ron and Sarah (Taylor) Adams, was born at East Bloomfield, New York, March 12, 1841. Following the completion of a pre- paratory course in Waterloo Academy he matriculated in Hamilton College as a member of the class of 1863. Less than two years after the beginning of the war he put aside his text-books to espouse the Union cause, enlisting with many other students of Hamilton in 1862 as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Infantry, which was immedi- ately ordered to the front. Sometime later he was promoted to the rank of lieuten- ant in the signal corps of the regular army and served upon the staff of General Can- by at New Orleans. In 1864 he joined Farragut and was at the famous battle of Mobile Bay, acting as signal officer on board the "Lackawanna." In May, 1865, he was the bearer of dispatches to the war department, conveying the news of the surrender of the last Confederate troops east of the Mississippi river. He
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was offered the rank of major but refused it. Mere "honors" had no attraction for him. He believed in the worth of the man and public recognition, as such, pos- sessed no value for him.
After his death he was honored by his old army comrades and the following was published at that time :
A new Grand Army post is to be instituted in this city to-morrow evening, to be called the "Myron Adams Mounted Post, No. 640." It is doubtless known to all our readers that all Grand Army posts are named after dead com- rades. No living soldier is thus honored. It is especially appropriate that now the name should be chosen of that dear citizen of Rochester whom we freshly mourn, whose young life was consecrated to his country, and whose whole career was dedicated to the truth, as it was given him to see the truth. The new post honors itself in honoring the name of one so noble, so lovely, and of such crystalline purity of soul as was Myron Adams.
When the war was over Mr. Adams became a student in the theological semi- mary at Auburn, New York, and while there formed the acquaintance of Hester R., the daughter of Professor S. M. Hop- kins, whom he married. One son was born of this marriage, Samuel Hopkins Adams, who is now well-known as a writer and journalist. Myron Adams en- tered upon his pastoral work at the Union Springs (New York) Presbyterian Church in 1868, and a year later accepted a call to the Dunkirk Presbyterian Church, where he remained until he became pas- tor of the Plymouth Congregational Church of Rochester in 1876. He con- tinued to fill this pulpit throughout his remaining days and became a forceful factor in the life of the city, albeit one of the most modest, unassuming and retiring of men. His influence, however, will re- main as a moving force in the lives of men long after the great builders of com- mercial and industrial enterprises, the
promoters of great schemes of trade and profit will have been forgotten.
Mr. Adams was what the world has been pleased to term an independent thinker. When his judgment, resulting from close and earnest study, found fal- lacy in any teaching or doctrine, he re- nounced it and in unmistakable terms. When he came to accept the verity of any vital idea he proclaimed it. From the be- ginning of his pastorate he attracted at- tention and from the first displayed what the conservative term eccentricities of theological opinion. In the Presbyterian church of Dunkirk he was observed as an independent and vigorous thinker, always rewarding the attention of his hearers by his forceful, original way of putting things. From the beginning of his min- istry he was a student, a searcher for truth ; and when his investigation brought to him some doubts concerning the doc- trines of the Presbytery he continued his studies and though it brought down upon him the criticism of brethren whom he dearly loved in the Presbyterian church, he fearlessly proclaimed his views. He was steadily growing into a dislike of ecclesiasticism and rigid orthodoxy. He felt more and more hampered as a Pres- byterian and it was with a feeling of relief that he received and accepted the call from the Plymouth Congregational Church of Rochester.
Here Mr. Adams entered upon work in a congregation of intelligent and cultured men and women who were in hearty sym- pathy with him in his positive rejection of certain orthodox dogmas. He came to reject utterly the dogma of everlasting punishment. In explanation of this he remarked that his experience on the field of battle and amid the carnage of the great fight of Mobile Bay, when scores of men fighting bravely for their country were swept out of life in an instant, made
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the thought that any such men were only plunged into "fiercer flames below" im- possible to him. Nor did he believe in plenary inspiration. Upon these charges he was called before the Ontario Associ- ation in the closing months of the year 1880. Upon their charge he stood self- confessed. He freely acknowledged that he did not know the answer to some ques- tions but he did believe firmly and fully in the infinite love and goodness of God.
After this action of the church Mr. Adams went on to develop more fully the theological ideas which he already held in the germ. He believed in evolution, not of the materialistic but of the theistic kind, that the world from the beginning has been going through a process of de- velopment that is bringing it nearer to truth and to the conception of the pur- poses of Christianity. Throughout his ministry his preachings set forth the truths of the universal Fatherhood of God and the duty of man in his relations to his fellowmen.
Mr. Adams was not gifted with that ex- ecutive force and power of coordination which results in the upbuilding of a large church. He was not even an eloquent pulpit orator, yet he spoke vigorously, earnestly and decisively upon those sub- jects which seemed to him of vital in- terest to mankind. He never sought to upbuild his church by any attempt to make himself popular with his parishioners. On the contrary he was rather reserved, desiring that those who attended his serv- ices should come to hear the great truths which he uttered rather than because of any interest in him. His sermons were robust in thought and in expression rather unconventional, yet admirable for their originality and vigor.
"He was an advanced thinker," said one who knew him intimately, "along ethical and sociological lines, who in his absolute
sincerity and freedom from prejudice in search for the truth was almost without a peer. His opinions were formed not according to rule laid down by theologi- cal seminaries or by any other influence but by the conclusions which he had reached himself after a careful and accu- rate survey of the grounds of belief. He had an eminently logical, trained mind, which looked thoroughly into all sides of a question and then went straight to the
root of the matter, and in forming his opinions no fear of consequences deterred him in the least." He had an extreme dislike of cant and religious affectation of all kinds. Simplicity pervaded his whole life. He never attached to his name the letters indicating the Doctor of Divinity degree which was conferred upon him by a collegiate institution, nor did he wish others to use it.
At his death Dr. Landsberg said: "In nature's realm he received a training which neither academy nor college can supply, which develops the intuition of the prophet and the poet, which expands the imagination and which made his ser- mons and even his ordinary conversation so rich in striking illustrations that none ever became tired of listening to him and none ever could listen without receiving fresh knowledge and noble impulses for purity and goodness." Mr. Adams had a most hearty love of nature. He rejoiced in the beauties of sky, of plain, of wood- land, of river and of lake, and his summer vacations at Quisisana on the banks of Owasco lake were periods of rare happi- ness to him. He rejoiced in butterflies and beetles, in the tiny manifestations of life as well as in the great beauties of nature, and found much pleasure in micro- scopic investigation, possessing for some years a fine instrument which he after- ward presented to Hamilton College. He was an active member of the Rochester
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Academy of Science and for several years its president. He believed in utilizing all of his individual forces, his physical as well as his mental powers, and in him the "dignity of labor" found expression. He obtained genuine delight from the use of tools and constructive work of that nature and could build a house or boat, as well as give scientific classification to insect life. His reading and investigation covered the widest possible range. He spoke be- fore the Fortnightly Club, of which he was a member from its organization in 1882, upon the most varied subjects, in- cluding "Schopenhauer ;" "Henry W. Grady's Side of the Southern Question ;" "Coleridge and Inspiration ;" "Milton and Vondel;" "Hymenopterous and Human Society, or Bees, Ants and Humans, So- cially Considered ;" "The Persecutions of the Quakers ;" "Theorists ;" "Biography, Socrates, and Others." His opinions were given to the world through two published volumes -"Continuous Creation" and "Creation of the Bible," and the title of the former perhaps is the best exponent of his own belief.
In manner Myron Adams was one of the most gentle and most kindly of men. In everything he was singularly unselfish and no one ever applied to him in vain for aid. All who came in contact with him had the greatest admiration and respect for his wonderful intellectual attainments and at the same time were deeply im- pressed by the kindly, loving nature which he showed to every one. While passing far beyond the many in mental realms, he retained the spirit of the light- hearted boy. Always with ready answer and often with quick wit, his replies were nevertheless kindly and considerate and even when he felt called upon to condemn a course of action or of thought he mani- fested the utmost spirit of charity and of love for those whom he thus opposed.
One of the Rochester papers at the time of his death said editorially: "It is not a conventionalism to say that the death of Myron Adams is a severe loss to this community; it is the exact and feeling expression that will come to the lips of every person that knew him. The extinc- tion of a life that has for a quarter of a century been making for liberality of thought and righteousness in conduct leaves a void that can never be filled in the same way. There remains only the sweet remembrance of its presence and the strong impulse to high thinking and doing that it always exerted. But this is a most precious heritage-one that will be deeply and reverently cherished." There was such a unanimity of opinion concerning the superior mentality, the integrity of purpose and the high ideals exemplified in Mr. Adams' life that per- haps this review cannot better be closed than by quoting from two other editorial writers in the Rochester press. One of them said :
Myron Adams' life was singularly true to the noblest ideals. As scholar, soldier, minister of the gospel, he delved and struck and taught for the uplifting of men. He was a soldier of con- science who left the halls of learning at Hamil- ton College to fight for an idea. He was among many who left that institution with the inspira- tion of liberty and the faith of true Americans in the ideas of the fathers, who broke away from all trammels and put trust in the masses of men. Myron Adams was honest and just with himself as with every man. He claimed for himself what he granted to everyone, the right to think, to examine in the light of reason, experience and research. Early attracted to the observation of natural phenomena Mr. Adams had seen what he considered a better interpretation of the ways and purposes of the all-wise Creator than could be gleaned from ancient men who attrib- uted to Him human passions and revenge. It was in his trust in the great verities of human life and of nature that he found strength and surpassing peace.
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Following are excerpts from the tribute of another writer:
In attempting to give an idea of him to those who knew him not we should say that Mr. Adams was the most distinctively American of the men we have known. In his way of looking at things, in his way of doing things, in his way of saying things, in his consideration for the rights of others, in his easy maintenance of his own rights, in his candor of thought, in his reti- cence of emotion, in his quaint fun, in his fertility of resource, in his moral strength, in his mental alertness and power, he was the flower and fruit of the farm life of the north. Among the affections of modern city society and in the discussion of great controversial themes, he seemed to carry with him the sug- gestion of the lilac blossom, the orchard and the meadow. You felt at once the reality of the individual and recognized his opinions as ulti- mate human facts, not faint conventional echoes. Without knowing it, he was a type of American- ism; and, unconscious of the glory, he bore upon his forehead the crism of sacrifice with which the great Civil war had touched its soldiers.
ATKINSON, Hobart Ford, Financier and Philanthropist.
A life more full, more useful and more blessed than that of Hobart Ford Atkin- son is rarely chronicled. Personally one of the most lovable of men, his sympathy was quickly awakened by any story of distress and his was a ready hand to re- lieve. The success of his friends pleased him and his hand was warmly extended in heartfelt congratulation. He preached little but he practiced much and men loved him for his goodness, his sunny dis- position, and his keen sense of humor, qualities that age but intensified. For nearly three-quarters of a century he had been identified with Rochester's banking interests, and wherever men value in- tegrity, justice, honorable purpose and ability, there his memory shines brightly and can never be forgotten. He was a conservative banker but one whose NY-Vol III-8
methods inspired confidence, the most valuable of all bank assets. Lofty was his position in the financial world, charm- ing his personality, pure and blameless his private life, most valuable his work for church, charity and philanthropy. Financiers sought his counsel in times of stress, depositors and friends asked his advice, the discouraged came to him for the kindly word and sympathy they were sure to hear, all trusted, all confided in him, and all loved him. The dean of Rochester bankers, he won the position he held by personal fitness and the wealth that came to him he used wisely.
Hobart Ford Atkinson was born in Rochester, October 5, 1825, his birthplace a two-story frame house on the north side of Main street, just east of St. Paul street. He died at his residence in East avenue, in his native city, August 14, 1908, after an illness of less than a week. He came from an old English family, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Ford) At- kinson.
He was educated in the best schools Rochester then possessed, and after com- pleting a course of English study he made his entrance into the business world. He was then in his sixteenth year and well equipped mentally as well as physically for life's battle. He spent his first year in business as clerk in the grocery store of Shepard Garbett on Exchange street, the Mechanics' Bank Building now oc- cupying the site of the old store. He con- tinued in mercantile life until 1843, then became an employee of the old Commer- cial Bank. Asa Sprague was then presi- dent of that bank, George R. Clark, cashier, Charles Hubbell, teller. He won the attention and the commendation of these men by the decided banking ability he displayed, by his promptness, his cheerful disposition and by his willing- ness to perform any task given him. He
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