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 27
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to this country by steamer. Mr. Cobb removed to Fairport in 1881, having pur- chased of Ezra A. Edgett the canning fac- tory which the latter had estabished there in 1873, as a branch of the Wayne County Preserving Company, of Newark, New York. Mr. Cobb was at the head of this industry for a period of ten years, during which he managed it with skill and ability, and earned the respect and commendation of his fellow citizens. It was known as the Cobb Preserving Com- pany, was incorporated, and is now con- ducted along the lines inaugurated by Mr. Cobb by his widow and two sons, with the following official board: Mrs. Cobb, president; Amos H. Cobb, of Rochester, vice-president; and Clarence S. Cobb, of Fairport, secretary and treas- urer.
Mr. Cobb married, in 1864, Angie M. Hodgeman, who is still a resident of Fairport. In addition to the sons men- tioned above, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb were blessed with a daughter : Angie, who mar- ried Stanley Shepard, of Rochester ; Frederick D. H. Cobb, of Rochester, who died February 1I, 1914, formerly secre- tary of the Cobb Preserving Company ; and George Watson Cobb, of Montclair, New Jersey, vice-president and general manager of the Sanitary Can Company, also assistant general manager of sales American Can Company.
TRUESDALE, George,
Attorney and Public Official.
Rich indeed is the man who at the end of a life of eighty-two years can leave behind him so wonderful a record as to call forth from friends and men with whom he had often been in legal combat such an expression as contained in the following resolutions adopted by the Monroe County Bar Association in honor of their dead comrade.
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Ripe in years and rich in experience, George Truesdale, for more than fifty years a familiar figure among us, has passed on to the great beyond. As we pay our affectionate tribute to his memory, we need not, as we often must, pause to wonder at Providence's mysterious ways, for he was well past the goal of four-score years; and those who knew him best can in their mind's eye see him, as he passed out of this life, do so with a cheery wave of the hand, simply because his work was done. In his career at the bar, covering the unusual span of fifty-eight years, he not only won for himself an enviable record for industry, ability and integrity, but performed some very distinguished services. In his conduct of the famous Standard Oil conspiracy cases, tried at Buffalo while he was in the prime of his strength, he greatly enhanced his reputation and few lawyers have received such a tribute to their ability and learning as is found in the reports of these cases with regard to Mr. Truesdale. Kind, genial and honorable, full of sunshine and good humor, no one ever came from his presence with- out having felt the radiance of these splendid qualities, and by them he endeared himself to all who knew him in an unusual degree. Complete as his life was, he will be greatly missed by his brethren of the profession.
George Truesdale was of the third generation of his family in the United States, his grandfather coming from Ireland with his son Samuel and settling in Monroe county, New York, about 1822, the Erie Canal then being in course of construction. Samuel Truesdale, born in Ireland, was a young boy when his parents came to Monroe county, and there lived the long years of his after life. He became one of the substantial farmers of the town of Greece and took an active part in public affairs, serving his community as assessor and commis- sioner of highways. He married Charity Cummings, born in Pennsylvania, who bore him seven sons and two daughters. Samuel Truesdale died in 1886, his wife in 1884.
George Truesdale was born at the home farm in the town of Greece, Monroe county, New York, November 19, 1833,
died at his home, No. 135 Fulton avenue, Rochester, New York, May 14, 1916. He spent his early life on the farm and in the intervals of school life aided in its culti- vation. He attended the Podunk district school and after exhausting its advan- tages continued his education at Geneseo Academy and Benedict's Academy, there completing his preparation for college. He then entered the classical department of the University of Rochester, whence he was graduated class of 1857. He chose the profession of law and after adequate study passed the required ex- amination and in 1858 was admitted to practice at the Monroe county bar. For fifty-eight years from his admission Mr. Truesdale continued in active practice only surrendering to the grim enemy. But whether in youthful manhood, vigor- ous middle age, or in the "sere and yellow leaf," he was devoted to his clients' inter- ests, transacted a large general practice, presented his carefully prepared cases with force and vigor, with close reasoning and logical deduction which won and retained for him position among the ablest members of the Rochester bar. His clients were among the prominent men of his city and he was connected with many of the important cases tried in the Monroe county courts, as well as being called as counsel outside his own bar. In 1861 he was elected justice of the peace, at that time there being but two or three men in the entire city holding that office. He acted as justice for three years, then resigned and formed a part- nership with Frederick DeLano, the law firm of DeLano & Truesdale continuing in successful practice for several years. Mr. Truesdale, after serving a term as State Commissioner of the United States Deposit Fund, was elected police justice of Rochester, holding that office four years, 1877-81. Later he formed a part-
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nership with his son, Stephen C. Trues- dale, and as G. & S. C. Truesdale they were associated in practice with offices at No. 448 Powers Building until death re- moved the senior partner.
He was a member of the Monroe County Bar Association for over half a century, and was a member of lodge, chapter and commandery of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. He was president of the board of trustees of the North Presbyterian Church, his associates of the board serv- ing as pall bearers at his funeral. He is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Mr. Truesdale married (first) in 1861, Sarah Cole, of Greece, New York, who died in 1889. He married (second) in 1899, Mary A. Todd, who survives him. By his first marriage Mr. Truesdale had two sons and four daughters: I. Stephen C., born May 3, 1862, admitted to the bar in 1887, practiced with his father until his death, and is now his successor in the business of G. & S. C. Truesdale ; he is attorney for and actively interested in the Profit Loan Association ; is a well known clubman ; member of the Masonic order, and interested in the sports of the out-of- doors; he married, in December, 1887, Agnes B. Huther, of Rochester. 2. Samuel M., a machinist. 3. Fannie G., married Warren B. Huther, and has a son, George T. Huther. 4. Jessie A., residing in Rochester. 5. Mary F., mar- ried Sidney R. Clark, of New York City, and has a son Truesdale. 6. Alice C., died in infancy.
NORTON, A. Tiffany, Journalist.
From youth "Colonel" Norton, as he was universally known, was identified with newspaper work as his father's
assistant, as reporter, correspondent, editor and publisher of his own journal for twenty years, and from 1894 until his death as court reporter, assistant tele- graph editor, assistant editor and editor of the "Democrat and Chronicle," Roches- ter, New York. He was one of the best known newspaper men of Western New York and was also author of historical works of value. His "History of Living- ston County" is a most valuable work and his history of "General Sullivan's Campaign in Western New York" is a most intersting presentation of that won- derful campaign recognized as accurate in all its detail. He wrote all his articles with the greatest care and pains and was a most zealous, industrious worker for his employer's interest. While he ever made the paper's interest paramount, he was loyal to the reporters under his control and held the unvarying friendship and respect of the entire staff. Many men won their reportorial reputation under Colonel Norton and to them his passing was a matter of genuine personal regret. They admired his upright, manly char- acter, appreciated his editorial ability and knew that fair treatment would always be accorded them. Years have passed since he laid down his pen, but his name is interwoven with many of the best traditions of the "Democrat and Chron- icle," and his memory is yet lovingly cherished by those who were privileged to work under the unassuming man whom they called "Chief."
A. Tiffany Norton was born at Mount Morris, Livingston county, New York, September 5, 1844, died at his home No. 74 Manhattan street, Rochester, New York, October II, 1901. Not long after his birth his parents moved to Geneseo, New York, where his father, James T. Norton, a pioneer newspaper publisher of Livingston county, founded and edited
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the "Livingston Republican," he also at one time being county treasurer. After the death of his father, the son succeeded him as editor and publisher of the "Re- publican," but later sold the paper and became special correspondent for Cincin- nati papers. About 1870 he moved to Lima, New York, there purchasing the "Lima Recorder," a paper he edited and published for nearly twenty years. Those were years of great development for Mr. Norton and he became widely known in newspaperdom as a conscientious, able, fearless editorial writer. While in Lima he wrote his history of the Sullivan cam- paign previously referred to. That was not his first historical work, he having previously, while a resident of Geneseo, written a history of Livingston county, a work which was begun by Lockwood L. Doty, of Geneseo. In 1890 Colonel Norton sold the "Lima Recorder" which he had owned and published for about twenty years, and for a full year gave himself a much needed rest. In 1891 he located in Rochester, where for a time he was engaged in the printing business. In 1894 he became a member of the re- portorial staff of the "Democrat and Chronicle" as court reporter, soon after- ward becoming assistant telegraph editor, later city editor. In 1897 he became editor-in-chief, a position he most capably filled until his lifework ended, when he was called to the just man's reward.
While most unassuming in manner, Colonel Norton was a man of determined character and great firmness where a principle was involved. He was eminent- ly fairminded and in his editorial work never allowed himself to deviate from a most careful and just presentation of his argument or comment. He was respected by all who knew him and he made the editorial department of his paper a forum for full, free and high-minded discussion
of live issues. In early manhood he be- came a member of the Presbyterian church. At Lima he was superintendent of the Sunday school for several years and a pillar of strength to the church, his pastor feeling sure of his willing aid in every form of church work. In Roches- ter he was an attendant at St. Peter's Church, was faithful in every sense, was a Christian and a gentleman. In his social relations he was most kindly and cordial, delighting in the society of his friends, but was happiest and at his best in his own home circle. He is buried in Temple Hill Cemetery in Geneseo, New York, the village in which he spent his childhood and early manhood.
Mr. Norton married, January 26, 1871, Matilda E., daughter of V. P. Whitbeck, who survives him with her only son, Herbert E. Norton, a grocer in business at No. 200 Saratoga avenue, Rochester.
ROBSON, James Adam, Lawyer, Jurist.
Standing well over six feet in height, and well proportioned, Judge Robson was as commanding in his personal ap- pearance as he was lofty in intellect and culture. He was a polished gentleman, a profound thinker, conservative, but not narrow, warmly genial, even charming in his manner, the best beloved and highly respected of Ontario county's famous sons.
Judge Robson was of the third Amer- ican generation of his family. His father, James Robson, an Englishman, came to this country in 1820. He took up a large tract of land in the center of the town of Gorham, Ontario county, New York, and left three sons to perpetuate his name. These sons, William, James and John, were all large land owners, prosperous farmers and successful business men.
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William, the eldest son, inherited the homestead farm originally containing eight hundred acres; James Robson, the second son, owned three hundred and ·fifty acres in lot nineteen ; while John, the third son, owned two hundred and seventy acres in lot twenty-seven. John Robson married Isabella Telfer, and had seven children: James A., the dead jurist whom a State mourns; Jane I .; Anne; Mary, deceased ; Nellie, deceased ; Phoebe I. and Frances ; four of the sisters with their honored brother constituted the home group at "Spring Farm" until the circle was broken by death.
James A. Robson was born in Gorham, Ontario county, New York, January I, 1851, died at his home, "Spring Farm," Stanley, New York, near Canandaigua, February 1, 1916, son of John and Isabella (Telfer) Robson. Until he was fourteen years of age he attended the district public school; then for a year was a student at Haveling High School, Bath, New York. After another year as student at Canandaigua Academy, he entered Yale University, whence he was graduated Bachelor of Arts, class of 1873. Choosing the law as his profession he entered Columbia Law School, New York City, there continuing a student until 1876, when he was awarded his diploma and degree of Bachelor of Laws. After graduation he located in Canan- daigua, was admitted to the Ontario county bar and began practice. From 1876 until 1903 he continued in practice there, absolutely devoted to his work, winning the highest respect of his brethren and conducting an extensive practice in all State and Federal courts of the district. On October 19, 1903, he was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York to suc- ceed William H. Adams, deceased. In November, 1904, he was elected for a full
term of fourteen years. On January 8, 1907, he was appointed associate justice of the fourth department of the Appellate Division which meets at Rochester, and in January, 1912, was redesignated for the same position. He was a Republican in politics, and a bachelor.
Numerous were the expressions of regret and sorrow which followed the an- nouncement of the eminent jurist's death.
Justice Arthur E. Sutherland said : "The death of Justice Robson is a great loss to the State and a deep bereavement to a host of friends. He had a thoroughly trained and legal mind and the judicial temperament and was absolutely devoted to his work. His brethren of the bench and bar were greatly attached to him. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, and we share a common sorrow in his passing from among us."
Justice Nathaniel Foote who sat with Justice Robson on the Appellate Bench was so overcome by the news of the death of his associate with whom his relations were most intimate that he could hardly express himself. "Justice Robson was a tower of strength in the courts of the State" he said. "His death is a personal loss to all who knew him. His was a great mind. His sympathies were broad and his personal charm endeared him to all his friends and associates."
Philetus Chamberlain, speaking from a long acquaintanceship with Justice Rob- son said: "His was one of the grandest characters I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He had one of the best legal minds and he was the strongest man in equity cases who has ever sat on the bench of this district."
At a meeting of the Rochester Bar As- sociation high tribute was paid Judge Robson, and a memorial adopted. Judge Stephens, county judge, after sketching the life of the dead jurist, said: "He had
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the ideal qualities of the judge. Perhaps the most notable of these was the atmos- phere of dignified serenity and calm strength which ever pervaded his mind; a mind active and resolute, yet detached from the worries and strain of every day work, which so often overcome weaker men. Master of keen analytic powers, he paid a courteous defence to all opin- ions honestly held. Absorbed in the human aspects of every litigated dispute, he yet did not allow any theory of social justice to form or modify his judicial opinion on the law as it was. Preposses- sions and prejudices were ruthlessly cast aside. From such equipment could pro- ceed only sound, impartial, reasoned judgments. These great qualities gave to his commonwealth a judge who achieved justice in accordance with the forms of law. An enduring monument to his splendid judicial career is found in his opinions published in the reports. As his thinking was clear, direct and virile, so also was the expression of those thoughts. His opinions will live to in- struct and inspire future generations of lawyers. We falter in the expression of our appreciation of him in his personal relations to those who came within the charmed circle of his companionship lest, though we speak in impartial phrase, so modest was he, we should offend our sure conviction of what he would have us do at this hour; he would not have us praise nor tarry long where he has fallen, but rather that each in his place should go forward with quickened step toward the realization of better ideals; but yet he would not deny to us the contempla- tion of those simple virtues that moulded a heroic personality in a frame of heroic proportions. Doing kindly things was his habit ; he knew no other way ; he was charitable in his thought of others and reticent in blame; reserved, well poised,
self controlled, firm in his friendships, unyielding except to the right, hating nothing but hypocrisy, loving all that is true ; he was quiet with the quietness of the strong, and gentle with the gentle- ness of the great. Conscious of our own sense of loss we remember in generous sympathy the keener bereavement of his kindred whose comfort can be assured in the wealth of cherished memories that is theirs."
HOYT, David,
Prominent Financier.
During the long business life of David Hoyt he developed a love for the banking business which amounted almost to a passion and he was known throughout the State as one of the most enthusiastic members of the State Savings Bank Asso- ciation, and of the Savings Bank Branch of the American Bankers' Association. In his own city he had risen to the front rank among the financiers of Rochester, was dean of the banking fraternity, his active connection extending over a period of half a century. One of the most inter- esting events of the Rochester business world in 1915 was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his connection with the Monroe County Savings Bank, and at the dinner given to Mr. Hoyt a large silver vase was presented him on which was engraved his name, dates of service, also the names of the bank's trustees and officers.
His years, seventy, were spent in his native city and he was a party to the wonderful development of Rochester for half a century. When he entered the employ of the Monroe County Savings Bank, the deposits were $1,523,000. When he laid down the burden half a century later they were $25,000,000. He was one of the founders of the first trust company
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in Rochester in 1868 and was equally interested in church, political and social organizations, manifesting intense public spirit and a high order of citizenship. Of genial disposition, he had many warm personal friends and in the business world his name stood for all that was manly, upright and honorable.
The name Hoyt under a variety of spellings such as Hoit, Hoyte, Hoyet, Hayte, Haight or Hite, is found in New England records at an early date. The American founder, Simon Hoit, landed at Salem in 1629, was one of the first settlers of Charlestown and later moved to Dor- chester, thence to Scituate, Massachu- setts. About 1639 he located at Windsor, Connecticut, where he was granted land in 1640. He seems to have been pos- sessed of a spirit of unrest, for notwith- standing his already frequent changes of residence he moved to Fairfield, Connec- ticut, and was granted land there in 1649, later settling at Stamford, Connecticut, where he died according to Stamford records, September 1, 1657. He had six sons and three daughters by his two wives, they seemingly inheriting their father's restless, adventurous spirit, and twenty years after their father's death there was not a Hoyt living in any of the towns named except Stamford. The branch to which David Hoyt belongs located in Danbury, Connecticut, and his grandfather and his father David Hoyt were both born there. David Hoyt, Sr., early in life came to Rochester with his father who was one of the pioneer busi- ness men, successfully conducting a cooperage plant. David Hoyt was promi- nently engaged in business as a stationer. He married Mary M. Bullen.
David Hoyt, son of David and Mary M. (Bullen) Hoyt, was born in Rochester, February 18, 1846, died in his native city at his home, No. 493 University avenue, February 16, 1916, lacking but two days
of completing his seventieth year. Al- though his father was head of a large and prosperous stationery business, that line of activity did not appeal to the son, and after completing his public school course of study he entered the employ of Ward & Brother, private bankers on State street, with whom he remained about five years. He was fifteen years of age when he first engaged with Ward & Brother, and from that time until his death, fifty- five years later, he was continuously en- gaged in banking in Rochester. With the exception of the five years noted, those years were spent in the service of the Monroe County Savings Bank, an institution he helped to develop from a stripling to a giant. In 1865, being then twenty years of age, he first entered the employ of that bank, beginning as head bookkeeper. He continued in trusted confidential, clerical capacity for eighteen years, then became an official of the bank by election in 1883 to the office of secre- tary-treasurer, a position of responsibility he held for thirty-two years. He gave to the Monroe County Savings Bank all of his energy and business ability, confining himself to that institution and its inter- ests, the only exception being in 1868 when he aided in the organization of Rochester's first trust company and be- came a member of its first board of direc- tors. That institution was originally called the Rochester Safe Deposit Com- pany, and for twenty years occupied quarters in the Monroe County Savings Bank but in 1888 changed its title to the Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Com- pany, moving then to its own building at Main, West and Exchange streets.
Mr. Hoyt's hobby or ruling passion, however, was for savings banks and everywhere he preached their value. He was one of the most active members of the New York Savings Banks Association, and as a member of the executive council
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of the American Bankers' Association, was particularly devoted to the savings banks branch. He was widely known throughout the State for his insistent championship of the savings banks' prin- ciple and was an authority, frequently consulted on their organization and man- agement. The years brought him valu- able experience, wisdom and ripened judgment, while the reputation he held from youth for uprightness but grew in strength, no blot marring his record as a financier.
A Democrat in politics and interested in public affairs, National, State and local, Mr. Hoyt took no part in party affairs except in an advisory capacity, nor did he ever accept public office. He was a mem- ber of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church from its organization and for many years served as vestryman. Social, genial and public-spirited, he entered heartily into the social and philanthropic organizations of his city ; was a governor of the Homoeopathic Hospital and the well-known clubs, Rochester, Genesee Valley, Rochester Country and Roches- ter Athletic, claimed him as an active and interested member. Mr. Hoyt continued in good health until a short time previous to his death, which occurred on February 16, 1916.
Mr. Hoyt married, in 1868, Elizabeth R., daughter of Martin B. and Susan (Watts) Breck, her parents also early settlers in Rochester. Mrs. Hoyt sur- vives her husband with two sons: Martin B., member of the firm of C. P. Ford & Company, shoe manufacturers, and Burr C.
KNOX, Seymour Horace, Representative Business Man.
Seymour Horace Knox, who was re- garded as one of the nation's captains of industry, and who originated the Five and
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