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 26
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Colonel Tracy married, June 19, 1867, Ellen Sedgwick, a daughter of Charles B. Sedgwick, and they had children : Charles Sedgwick, James Grant, Lyndon San- ford and Frank Sedgwick.
The men who served by Colonel Tracy's side in the war say that he was a brave soldier and was always most considerate to his men, whose esteem he held. His associates in business say that he was most thorough and untiring and pos- sessed rare ability in that line. He was always public-spirited, and was ever ready to aid in public matters.
TRACY, William G.,
Veteran of Civil War, Lawyer.
William G. Tracy, brother of Colonel Osgood V. Tracy, was born at Syracuse, New York, April 7, 1843. He graduated NY-Vol III-12
of 1858. In the following spring he en- tered the Bank of Salina, and was book- keeper of that bank when the war be- tween the North and South broke out. He was a member of Butler's Zouaves and enlisted in the Third New York Regiment, where he was made fourth cor- poral. He served in that regiment until September, 1861, when he was promoted to be a first lieutenant in the Twelfth New York Volunteers. He served as such until February, 1862, when the regiment was consolidated with the Twelfth New York Volunteers from New York City, and he was mustered out as a super- numerary officer. He then west West and enlisted in the Tenth Indiana Regi- ment. He served in that regiment as a private soldier, marching twice across the states of Kentucky and Tennessee. On October 1, 1862, he received his discharge to accept a commission in a New York regiment. He became a second lieuten- ant in the One Hundred and Twenty- second New York; was appointed aide- de-camp on the staff of Major-General Henry W. Slocum, and served in that capacity during the remainder of the war. He was severely wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863, his right arm resected and three and one-half inches of bone removed therefrom. He returned to duty in August, 1863, and thereafter served on the staff of Major- General H. W. Slocum in the East and the West until the end of the war. He was brevetted major towards the close of the war, and afterwards given a medal of honor for gallantry at the battle of Chancellorsville. At the battle of Ben- tonville, North Carolina, March 19, 1865, he was slightly wounded in the right leg.
After the war he entered a bank in Syracuse, and in the spring of 1866 com- menced the study of law in the office of Sedgwick, Andrews & Kennedy. About
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a year after his admission to the bar, when Judge Andrews became a member of the Court of Appeals, 1875, he was succeeded in that firm by Charles H. Sedgwick and Mr. Tracy. The firm be- came Sedgwicks, Kennedy & Tracy, and so remained until 1877, when the Sedg- wicks having retired the firm became Kennedy & Tracy, and so remained until 1884, when Mr. Kennedy was made a judge of the Supreme Court. He was succeeded by G. A. Forbes and Wilbur M. Brown, the firm becoming Forbes, Brown & Tracy. In the year 1890 Mr. Forbes was elected a judge of the Su- preme Court, and Mr. Brown retired from the practice of the law. The firm of Tracy, McLennan & Ayling was then formed, composed of Mr. Tracy, Peter B. McLennan and Charles F. Ayling. In 1892 Mr. McLennan was elected justice of the Supreme Court in place of Judge Kennedy, retired by the age limit, who resumed the practice of the law, and the firm of Kennedy, Tracy, Mills & Ayling was formed, composed of Judge Kennedy, Mr. Tracy, Albert M. Mills and Mr. Ayling. This firm was succeeded in 1901 by the present firm of Tracy, Chapman & Tracy, composed of William G. Tracy, George D. Chapman and James G. Tracy. William G. Tracy is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, the Onondaga Golf and Country Club, the Sedgwick Farm Club and Root Post, Grand Army of the Republic.
He married, September 24, 1903, Marion Gill, daughter of Daniel F. Gill, of Syra- cuse ; no children.
KNOWLTON, Mark Dean, Business Man and Inventor.
The late Mark Dean Knowlton, who for many years was one of the prominent and influential business men of Roches-
ter, gaining not only success, but also an honored name as the result of the straightforward business principles which he ever followed, was a man of marked strength of character and intellectual abil- ity, the architect of his own fortune, a man whose mind was ever occupied with mighty projects for the advancement and welfare of the city of his adoption. He was born at Milford, New Hampshire, October 5, 1840, son of Samuel Dean and Nancy J. (Shattuck) Knowlton, the for- mer named a shoemaker and retail dealer in shoes.
Mark D. Knowlton attended the com- mon schools of Milford and the Milford Academy, completing his studies at the age of sixteen years. He then went to Nashua, New Hampshire, and served an apprenticeship at the trade of blacksmith- ing and carriage manufacturing, but he did not follow this for any length of time, having an opportunity to purchase a paper box manufactory, which he operated suc- cessfully, although at the time of pur- chase he was totally unacquainted with that line of work, but soon made himself master of every detail by persistent appli- cation thereto. For a time he was located in Nashua, New Hampshire, removing from that city in 1866 to Chicago, Illinois, where he continued in the paper box manufacturing business until the great Chicago conflagration, the greater part of his capital being swept away by that calamity. Being a man of great strength and force of character, he overcame these obstacles which to many others seemed unsurmountable, and not only retrieved his own lost possessions, but assisted others in regaining a footing. He was not in such terrible straits as many of his friends, as his home was not destroyed, this being in South Evanston, where, by the way, he held the only public office in his career, that of justice of the peace. Shortly afterward he located on the west
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Mark Do. Krouton ,
VI ET VIRTUTE
€ KNOWLTON
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side of the city of Chicago, where he re- sumed operations, but again was burned out and once more practically lost all his possessions, and subsequently he joined the W. C. Ritchie Company. While associ- ated with that firm he devoted consider- able time to completing the invention of his machine for paper box manufacture, on which he had been working for some time, and when completed and placed on the market it revolutionized the entire trade. In March, 1891, Mr. Knowlton disposed of his business interests in Chi- cago and removed to Rochester, New York, where under the style of Knowlton & Beace he started the manufacture of machinery for making paper boxes. This connection continued until May, 1904, when Mr. Knowlton purchased his part- ner's interest and continued business under the name of M. D. Knowlton Com- pany. Later he patented a number of appliances and machinery, all used in box-making, and became widely known as an inventor of great ability, largely giving his time to the business, which was subsequently organized as a stock com- pany, the officers being Mark D. Knowl- ton, president; Fred K. Knowlton, vice- president ; Annie D. Knowlton, treasurer, and Mrs. Fred K. Knowlton, secretary. From the beginning it proved a profitable enterprise, developing steadily and great- ly, giving employment to over one hun- dred operatives in the factory, thus con- tributing to the prosperity of that section of Rochester. The business has not de- clined since the death of Mr. Knowlton, owing to the fact that his son and daugh- ter are still in office, both of whom pos- sess in marked degree the executive abil- ity and keen business discernment of their father, with whom they were so closely associated in business. Mr. Knowlton was also the principal owner of the stock of the Auburn Ball Bearing Company. This still constitutes a part of the estate
and the business is practically managed by Miss Annie D. Knowlton, with her brother's assistance, these two being the executor and executrix of their father's large estate.
Mr. Knowlton married, October 5, 1864, Abbie E. Currier, daughter of Alfred and Abbie (Worcester) Currier, of Massachu- setts, her father being a railroad man. Children : I. Annie Dean, above referred to, who greatly resembles her father in personal appearance as well as in the splendid business qualities which he dis- played. 2. Grace E. 3. Hattie Gertrude. 4. Fred Kirk, above referred to, ob- tained his education at Purdue Univer- sity and Columbia College ; married Eliz- abeth Kent Stone. 5. Ola. The family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, of Rochester. The mother and daughters reside at No. 6 Granger place, where they have a fine residence. Mr. Knowlton was a dutiful son, a devoted husband, a loving father, ever mindful of the welfare and comfort of those near and dear to him, and his death was felt most severely in the home, where he spent the greater part of his leisure time and to which he was so devoted. It was also felt in business, church and social circles.
BACON, Byron H.,
Proprietary Medicine Manufacturer.
Byron H. Bacon, who established and conducted a substantial productive indus- try of Rochester and continued an active and honored factor in business life in the city until his death, was a native of Leroy, New York, and after acquiring a good education was engaged in the furniture business in his native town for a number of years. In 1891 he began the manu- facture of medicines which were placed upon the market under the name of the Byron H. Bacon medicines. His output included as the principal remedies, the
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Celery King and Dr. Otto's Cough medi- cines, which were sold by agents and ad- vertising wagons all over the country, covering nearly every State in the Union, with main offices at No. 187 West ave- nue in Rochester. Mr. Bacon gave nine years of his life to the conduct of this business, which grew in volume until it had reached extensive and profitable pro- portions.
Mr. Bacon was married to Amelia Ech- lin, of Leroy, New York, who was born in Canada, and they became the parents of three sons: Harold A., Goodell Weles and Ronald Henry. Mr. Bacon was a man of domestic tastes, devoted to his family, and found his greatest pleasure at his own fireside. He considered no per- sonal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children and he was a man who was well liked and respected by all. His widow has since become Mrs. Van Dusen and she resides at No. 4 Alli- ance street.
DAVIDGE, Sherwood B., Manufacturer, Financier.
The prosperity of any community, town or city depends upon its commercial activ- ity, its industrial interests and its trade relations, and therefore among the build- ers of a town are those who stand at the head of the business enterprises. Promi- nent among the leading business men of Binghamton, New York, was the late Sherwood B. Davidge, whose intense activity and energy yet enabled him to find time for club life and social duties. He was alert and enterprising, possessing the progressive spirit of the times, accom- plishing in business circles what he undertook, while his geniality and defer- ence for the opinions of others made his circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
James Davidge, his grandfather, was born in Somersetshire, England, in 1786, and married there. He came to America with his family in 1818, settled at Liberty, Sullivan county, New York, and died there at an advanced age, being the oldest resident of the town at that time.
John Davidge, son of James Davidge, was born in Somersetshire, England, about 1810, and died at Newark Valley, Tioga county, New York, in 1880. His earlier years were spent at Liberty, New York, from whence he removed to Lake Como, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, from that town to Hancock, Delaware county, New York, and then to Newark Valley. In the last mentioned place he engaged in the tanning business as a member of the firm of Allison, Davidge & Company, and Davidge, Landfield & Company, and became very prosperous. He married Eunice Burr, who died in Newark Valley in 1898. Of this mar- riage there were children: Edson Greg- ory, James, Sherwood B., whose name heads this sketch; Harriet Elizabeth, George Gifford, Samuel Philip, Mary D., John, and William Munson.
Sherwood B. Davidge, son of John and Eunice (Burr) Davidge, was born at Liberty, Sullivan county, New York, Oc- tober 17, 1843, and died at his home, No. 31 Front street, Binghamton, New York, December 10, 1911. His death was as beautiful and peaceful as his life had been, coming calmly on Sunday morn- ing just as he was preparing to go to church. His education was commenced in his native town, and continued and completed in Poughkeepsie, New York. Upon its completion he entered upon his business career, his first independent step in this direction being when he engaged in the mercantile business in Hancock, New York. In 1866 he was admitted as a partner of the firm of Davidge, Land- field & Company, mentiond above, and
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EST
SOLA
INVICTA
Davidge
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later he became actively identified with tanning interests at Berkshire, New York ; English Center, Pennsylvania ; and Torpedo, Pennsylvania. His executive ability in business affairs was soon the subject of comment in the circles in which he was engaged, and he was an important factor to be reckoned with. In 1894 he sold his tanning interests to the United States Leather Company. He removed to Binghamton about 1901, and there purchased the Jones property, in which he resided until his death. His connection with business enterprises was an extensive and varied one, a partial list of the companies with which he was identified officially and otherwise being as follows : With T. B. Crary and Robert H. Rose, of Binghamton, in the Alden- Batavia Natural Gas Company; he was the president of this, and a vice-president of the Akron Natural Gas Company ; vice-president and a director of the Cot- ton State Lumber Company of Meehan Junction, Mississippi; a director of the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company; a director in the Dare Lumber Company, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; a director of the People's Bank and the Chenango Valley Savings Bank of Bing- hamton. His religious affiliation was with the First Congregational Church of Bing- hamton. Fraternally he was a member of Newark Valley Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons; Owego Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Utica Commandery, Knights Templar; Kalurah Temple, An- cient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Binghamton City and Country clubs.
Mr. Davidge married, in 1877, M. Ella Ayer, of Newburgh, New York, who sur- vives him with two sons: S. Richard, of Binghamton ; and Warren A., a resident of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Davidge was the center of a large circle of friends, and the high esteem in which he was held was
expressed in editorials which appeared in various papers at the time of his death. The limits of this article will permit the reprint of only one, as follows :
The death of Sherwood B. Davidge removes a man who was, in the broadest and truest sense, a representative of all that is best in the commer- cial, social and religious life of Binghamton. It is the custom to speak of the wealth of a city in terms of its commercial and industrial greatness. But this is a mistake. The real wealth of any community is found in the character of the men and women whose energy and intelligence place them in positions of leadership in its enduring activities. Mr. Davidge was such a leader. Com- ing to Binghamton with his reputation already established as a business man of unquestioned in- tegrity and of remarkable discernment and force, he took at once a prominent place in the life of the community. During his residence here he was actively identified with the business growth of the city, but his influence extended far beyond his merely commercial interests. Countless friends feel in his death a keen personal loss. And in the religious and philanthropic activities of Bingham- ton his personality was an unfailing power for good. The city is the poorer for the death of one who devoted himself to what was highest and best in the life of the community.
DAVIS, Henry W.,
Financier, Legislator.
The true measure of a man's success is what lives after him, the things that out- live the transitory existence, for we are only remembered "by what we have done." It may be only sowing in the heart of some unknown and obscure per- son a seed of helpfulness and good cheer, which grew and developed into a sturdy tree bearing good fruit, which in due time rendered a like service to countless others, a service so far-reaching that from one kindly act it is as impossible to estimate the good done as it is to gather up the perfume spread royally around them by the fragrant flowers. We might say of the life of Henry W. Davis it could not be measured by the standard of business
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success, for there are men who have attained greater power in that line, nor by the prosperity which he was able to surround himself with, to a certain extent, for there have been wealthier men, but he possessed the lovable characteristics that are not the accompaniment of gold always, and the respect and esteem of his neighbors and friends were his as a man, an individual, a personality, not as a figurehead in the community, and through such qualities came his popularity.
Henry W. Davis was born in 1807, in the State of New York. When he was nine years of age his father removed with his family to Galway, New York, where he remained until 1827. In that year Henry W. Davis made his advent in Mon- roe county, which was still to a consid- erable degree in the pioneer stage. He settled in Pittsford, where he found em- ployment with Henry S. Potter, a mer- chant, as clerk, and remained at this occu- pation for several years, which might be regarded as the beginning of his subse- quent successful career. He was about twenty-five or thirty years of age when he became identified with the old Rochester Bank, his first connection with that insti- tution being as exchange cashier and for a quarter of a century he ably and effi- ciently filled that office and occupied a position of prominence in financial circles in the community. After retiring from the active work in the bank he removed to Churchville, where he bought a farm on which he made his home until his de- mise, which occurred in 1884. He re- moved to his country home about 1852 and was ever afterward actively inter- ested in agricultural matters, and ener- getic in his promotion of all kindred in- terests. His prudent and conservative measures won him success in business affairs and he was recognized as one of the leading agriculturalists of his section of the country.
Mr. Davis was also a man of influence in public life, doing his most effective work in the ranks of the Democratic party, in which he closely adhered to the principles of the early leaders. He served on the Board of Supervisors and also rep- resented his district in the General As- sembly, in both of these bodies his work was characterized by strictest fidelity and conscientious regard for what he con- sidered his duty. He never considered public office as a means of personal emolument, but rather as a most sacred trust and evidence of confidence placed in one by his fellowmen, a confidence that should never be abused.
Henry W. Davis married Sarah Louise Selkirk, and they became the parents of six children, who are all deceased.
Mr. Davis died February 26, 1884, and was buried in the Churchville Cemetery. Mrs. Davis died December 12, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were both affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church and active workers in that organization. Mr. Davis had a personality that called forth words of praise and appreciation from his many friends, for although a man of much deci- sion of character and strong opinions, un- faltering in his defense of what he deemed to be right, he was just and generous in spirit, and a gentleman in every thought and action. His residence of almost sixty years in the county was during the time of development, so that in truth he might be called one of the "Early Builders," and among those who built wisely and well for the succeeding generations to emu- late.
Henry W. Davis, Jr., son of Henry W. Davis, Sr., was born in Churchville, New York. During his early life he attended the local schools and assisted with the work on his father's large farm. Later he became a breeder of fine cattle, having splendid herds of registered Galloway cattle, and after his father's death he
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conducted the operations on the home- stead farm in a successful manner up to the time of his death, May 5, 1904. He was a man of character and integrity, took an active interest in community affairs, and was honored and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He was a member of Churchville Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and also held membership in the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Roches- ter. He married Emma Bell Scott, of Churchville. Children : I. Samuel, owner of and interested in fine riding and driv- ing horses; married Edith Walker, of Virgil, New York; he makes his home in Churchville, as does also his mother. 2. Marabelle, who became the wife of Ray- mond G. Carroll; they reside in Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Carroll being connected with the Curtis Publishing Company.
MANDEVILLE, Wilber J., Prominent Seedsman.
Wilber J. Mandeville, deceased, was born in Webster, Monroe county, New York, February 9, 1852, and was a son of Edward Mandeville. He was reared in Rochester and completed his education in De Graff Military School. Through- out his entire life he was connected with the seed business, Rochester largely being a center for that line of commer- cial activity in the United States. He bought out the business of John Board- man in 1875 and admitted in 1879 his brother-in-law, Herbert S. King, to a partnership under the firm style of Man- deville & King. This relation was main- tained until the death of Mr. King in 1890, when he formed a partnership with Fred A. King under the same firm name. A few months before his death, in 1902, the business was incorporated under the name of the Mandeville & King Company,
which still continues. Mr. Mandeville secured a very liberal patronage and pros- pered in his undertakings, using every energy to enlarge his business and make it a prosperous concern. He was only a child at the time of his father's death and was early thrown upon his own resources, so that he deserved much credit for what he accomplished.
In his political views Mr. Mandeville was a Republican, and he belonged to St. Luke's Church at Rochester, in which he served as a vestryman. His life was in many respects exemplary and he enjoyed in large measure the confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact. In his business career he was found thor- oughly reliable and trustworthy and all who knew him recognized in him the in- herent force of character and capability which enabled him to advance from a humble financial position to one of afflu- ence.
Mr. Mandeville married, June 14, 1876, Harriet King, a daughter of Jonathan King, who came to Rochester in 1825 from Massachusetts. Her mother was Sarah Sibley King, of Brighton. Her father settled on Sophia street in Roches- ter and cleared the land there, for at that time it was swampy. He continued to make his home upon that place through- out his remaining days and contributed in large measure to the substantial up- building of the city. His daughter, Mrs. Mandeville, is the only member of the family now living. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, Edna King, Lois Sibley and Arthur Wil- ber.
COBB, Amos Hubbell,
Pioneer in Canning Industry.
Typical of the successful business man and the useful citizen was the late Amos Hubbell Cobb, of Fairport, New York,
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who was one of the pioneers in the can- ning industry, which is one of such great importance in the State of New York. He was progressive and farseeing in busi- ness and private life, and could look back with pride and pleasure upon the work which he had accomplished, and which earned him the commendation of all.
Amos Hubbell Cobb, son of Tyler Perry and Catherine (Hubbell) Cobb, was born in Greenville, Greene county, New York, September 28, 1840, and died in Fairport, Monroe county, New York, August 27, 1891. Until the age of ten years he lived with his parents, and attended the district schools in the vicin- ity of his home, then went to Camden, Oneida county, New York, and there made his home with his cousin, Ezra A. Edgett, later of Newark, Wayne county, New York, and assisted him in planting the first field of sweet corn ever used for canning in the State of New York. Thus was started the canning industry in this State, which has grown to such impor- tance, and has added so greatly to its prosperity. Mr. Edgett subsequently founded the Wayne County Preserving Company, which is now the oldest estab- lished cannery in the State. Until he had attained young manhood Mr. Cobb re- mained with his cousin, and during this time acquired a full and accurate knowl- edge of the canning industry, in all its branches. He then went to the City of New York, where he was employed by the firm of Kemp, Day & Company, and formed a partnership with U. H. Dud- ley & Company in 1863, both important houses in the canned foods business. In 1868 he severed his connection with these firms and became associated with the paper commission business of Goodwin, Cobb & Company, as a member of the firm. This was an importing house, with connecting offices in Liverpool, England, and was the first firm to import soda ash
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