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 31
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As a citizen he was deeply interested in the intellectual and cultural development of Rochester, having a fine appreciation of good literature as well as a keen in- terest in art. He was also interested in public improvements, especially those that were in any way related to his pro- fessional work. At the time of his death he was president of the staff of the Gen- eral Hospital and president of the board of directors of Iola, having given gener- ously of his time and ability to the work of these institutions, and having labored diligently to make their influence felt for good among all classes of people. And it has been largely owing to his inspiration and untiring labors that they have grown and flourished.
Dr. Whitbeck carried into his practice the fine instincts of a gentleman and a conscientious regard for his responsibility to those under his care. In his home, and within the circle of a large number of per- sonal friends, his relationships were ideal. His life has been one of immense useful- ness, and in all his endeavors he bore the
stamp of sincerity and truth. He served his day and generation nobly and well.
If the years spent in preparatory study at home and abroad be counted, Dr. Whitbeck had been connected with the medical profession for a half a century, his years of actual practice in the city of Rochester, New York, numbering forty- three, 1873-1916. He was a graduate of the old Rochester High School, class of 1863, and of the University of Rochester, class of "67." For over thirty years his father, Dr. John F. Whitbeck, practiced in Rochester, father and son being con- temporaries from 1873 until the death of the senior doctor in December, 1880, at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were graduates of the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- phia, and it was from the noble life and example of his honored father that Dr. John F. W. Whitbeck gained the inspira- tion which culminated in his own en- trance to the oldest of all professions.
During the forty-three years Dr. Whit- beck had been engaged in practice he gave special attention to surgery and gynecology, although he did not confine himself strictly to those branches until several years had been passed in general practice. For twelve years, 1892-1904, he conducted a private hospital on Park ave- nue, and under Governor Flower's admin- istration was a member of the State Board of Health. The literature of his profession is enriched by many contribu- tions from his able pen. He was an honored member of many professional so- cieties, and fairly won State reputation as a highly successful surgeon and gyne- cologist. Even when past the meridian and in the full evening of life he gave little evidence of the years he carried save in the depth of his wisdom and his cool, calm, deliberate manner and the sound- ness of his judgment. His practice was always large, and his friends were legion.
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Dr. John F. Whitbeck, the elder, was born in Herkimer county, New York, but after graduation from Fairfield Medical School and the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, located at Lima, Livingston county, New York, where his son, John F. W. Whitbeck, was born. He only practiced at Lima a few years, then located in Rochester, New York, where he conducted a successful practice until his death in 1880, full of years and honors. His wife, Elizabeth (Ward) Whitbeck, was also born in New York State, and was the mother of five children.
Dr. John F. W. Whitbeck, son of Dr. John F. and Elizabeth (Ward) Whit- beck, was born at Lima, New York, No- vember, 1844, his parents soon afterward moving to Rochester. He died at his home, No. 800 East avenue, July 3, 1916. He was educated in the public schools, the University of Rochester and the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, gaining his A. B. from the University of Rochester, class of 1867, his M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, class of 1870. He then spent three years abroad, studying in the hospitals and universities of Berlin, Vien- na, Breslau, Heidelberg and London, pur- suing special courses in surgery and gynecology, his instructors being men highly renowned in those special branches of the profession.
In 1873 Dr. Whitbeck returned to Rochester and began the practice of his profession. Father and son were closely associated for the following seven years, then the elder Doctor Whitbeck jour- neyed to that land "from which no traveler ever returns," leaving his son the inspiration of his valuable life, the benefit of his example and the legacy of an honored name. The "good doctor" stead- fastly followed his professional career in the years which followed and turned not aside to engage in other pursuits, nor was
he lured by the enticements of political life. He pursued his healing art to the great benefit of a large clientele, and most honorably bore the name transmitted to him through several generations of Amer- can ancestors, paternal and maternal. He served for many years and was president of the surgical staff of Rochester City Hospital; in 1893 was appointed a mem- ber of the State Board of Health by Gov- ernor Roswell P. Flower; established and conducted a private hospital, 1892-1904, freely gave to the service of the poor, without the hope of fee or reward. His life was one of usefulness and blessing, his labor severe, but his reward abundant in the consciousness of duty well per- formed.
Dr. Whitbeck was a member of the American Association, New York State Medical Society, an ex-president of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Monroe County Medi- cal Society, Rochester Academy of Medi- cine, ex-president and honorary member of the Rochester Pathological Society, and a fellow of the American College of Sur- geons. He contributed many papers to the proceedings of these societies and had for many years been a frequent and valued writer on his specialties for the medical journals. At the time of his death he was president of the board of managers of Iola Sanatorium, an institu- tion which lay very near his heart. Said Dr. Montgomery E. Leary, superintend- ent of the sanatorium, "Whatever was done at Iola was not the spirit of the Sanatorium, but the spirit of Dr. Whit- beck. I know of no one who can fill his place." Socially inclined but so devoted to his profession as to preclude his taking more than passing interest, he was a member of the Genesee Valley and Rochester Country clubs, and of Delta Kappa Epsilon.
Dr. Whitbeck married Fannie A. Van
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Husan, of Detroit, Michigan, and had two sons : Dr. Brainerd H., a graduate of Har- vard College, and of the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York City, now practicing his profes- sion in that city; Caleb Van Husan, a graduate of Harvard, a newspaper editor and publisher, died March 2, 1914. Dr. Whitbeck erected a beautiful house on East avenue, Rochester, and there a charming hospitality had ever been dispensed by a most gracious host and hostess, the latter surviving her honored husband.
Dr. Whitbeck sleeps in Mount Hope Cemetery near his eminent father and other members of his family. At the final services there were representatives present from the University of Pennsyl- vania, the city government, the medical societies, the various institutions he served and from the social organizations to which he had belonged. The pall bearers, active and honorary, were the leading physicians of the city, the active bearers professional brethren who had long known, loved and honored him.
JENNINGS, George E., Banker.
At the age of nineteen years, Mr. Jennings in 1853 entered the employ of the old Union Bank of Rochester and from that year until his death in 1884 was closely associated with banking in Rochester, his native city. His irre- proachable character and Christian graces secured for him the confidence of the public, and in all he was a plain dependa- ble man with that indefatigable personal magnetism which drew men to him. His high personal qualities which gained him public confidence, the esteem and warm affection of a host of friends were com- bined with a business ability and sagacity of a high order. Kind-hearted to a fault, he yet demanded the strictest attention
to duty from his subordinates, who were devoted to him, in fact one of the ele- ments of his success was his ability to surround himself with assistants and as- sociates who were able, loyal and de- voted. As a business man he was one of the foremost of his time, cautious, con- servative and careful, yet possessing a will to decide and the courage to venture when opportunity led the way. Until the time of his death he was actively engaged in private banking and was a factor in the successful management of other en- terprises. His reputation for integrity and fair mindedness was of the highest and he left a record without a stain.
George E. Jennings was born in Roches- ter, New York, February 19, 1834, son of Peter W. Jennings, a leather merchant, member of the firm of Jennings & Keeler, of Rochester. George E. Jennings passed his entire life in his native city and his death occurred on April 8, 1884. He was educated in the public schools of Roches- ter and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, New York. He began business life at the age of nineteen as clerk in the old Union Bank. He displayed great apti- tude for banking and at the time the Union Bank passed out of existence was its cashier, having been successively bookkeeper, teller, assistant cashier and cashier. In 1867 the Union Bank went out of business, the charter and such assets as it possessed being purchased by Aaron Erickson and George E. Jennings and they conducted the private banking house of Erickson & Jennings. For a time George E. Mumford was admitted as a partner and the firm was then known as Erickson, Jennings & Mumford. Mr. Mumford retired in 1879. Then the house continued as Erickson & Jennings until the death of the senior partner when Gil- man H. Perkins was admitted to the busi- ness and it was continued under the name and title of Erickson, Jennings & Com-
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pany. Mr. Jennings continued in busi- ness for many years, was a director of the Rochester Savings Bank, was interested in other corporations of the city and was uniformly successful in all his undertak- ings. He was a Republican in politics, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and of the Rochester Club, twice serving as president of the club.
Mr. Jennings married, October 14, 1858, Nancy B. Granger, of a prominent Troy, New York, family, who survives her hus- band, residing at No. 1005 East avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings were the parents of two sons: Edward R. Jennings, now engaged in the real estate business with offices in the Chamber of Commerce Building, Rochester, and Emmet H. Jen- nings, of Avon, New York.
REAM, Norman Bruce, Man of Affairs.
The preparation of a review of the lives of men whose careers have been of signal usefulness and honor to their country, and especially to certain localities, would be incomplete if mention were not made of the late Norman Bruce Ream, one of America's greatest financiers, and his connection with the great Empire State. Mr. Ream was one of the men who essentially belonged to the active class, wherever his residence might have been located, and few achieved greater results or enjoyed a higher standing. His was a personality that lives in the memory of his friends as that of the highest type of loyal citizen and progressive business man. From the humble beginning of a farmer boy, progressing through the grades of country school teacher to still higher fields of endeavor, becoming fi- nally one of the country's recognized au- thorities on all matters financial, all by sheer force of intellect and innate busi- nes ability, combined with unusual pluck
and perseverance, without which the greatest of talent might remain unde- veloped, he attained prominence and its consequent affluence.
Norman Bruce Ream was born in Som- erset county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1844, a son of Levi and Highly (King) Ream. His family is of historical lineage and in this country dates back to the colo- nial epoch, in which important period of our country's history his ancestors played an important part, both in business and civic affairs. His paternal great-grand- father, John Ream, fought as a private in the War for Independence of the colonies, and his descendants have shown them- selves of no less importance by being identified with the upbuilding and de- velopment of the country in the succeed- ing years. The earliest emigrants of the name were of German extraction, arriv- ing in this country at an early day, and were here engaged in agricultural pur- suits. Mr. Ream himself was brought up on a farm, where he acquired the very useful habits of industry and thrift, the discipline and environment being a valu- able one to him, as well as to anyone, no matter what their subsequent station in life, for the formative period of one's ex- istence. His early opportunities in the educational line were those of the com- mon school, followed by a course in the Normal Institute. But a scholar, as well as a poet, being "born and not made," he naturally improved those opportunities, and so well that at the age of fourteen years we find him serving in the capacity of teacher, a true evidence that he had succeeded so far beyond his fellows. His particular bent, however, was more in a business line, and with the aid of the photographic branch of business en- deavor he was enabled to procure the means for his course in the Normal Insti- tute at Somerset. In spite of the effort it had cost him, and his evident love of
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study, his sense of patriotism was stronger, and like the true American that he was he put aside his text books, after a brief attendance at the school, and on September 1, 1861, he enlisted in answer to the call of President Lincoln for troops to suppress the Rebellion, and as his an- cestor had fought in the cause of Free- dom, he also added his quota of patriot- ism to make that Freedom universal throughout this land. He assisted in or- ganizing, and became a member of Com- pany H, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, as private, although tendered a com- mission. It seems that no matter what was his endeavor the same spirit of thorough- ness was exhibited in all his enterprises, and in military affairs it was recognized by promotion to first lieutenant for gallantry on the battlefield He was wounded at Whitmarsh Island, Georgia, February 24, 1864, and again at Wearbottom Church, Virginia, on June 17, following, this time so badly that he was incapacitated for further military duty and resigned in Au- gust, 1864.
Desiring to make his business education more complete, on his return from the war, Mr. Ream attended a commercial college at Pittsburgh, and followed this with a position of clerk in Harnedsville, where he remained until September, 1866. Like so many others he became ambitious to try his fortune in the West, and found his next employment at Princeton, Illi- nois, where he secured a position as clerk in the general store of C. A. Stoner. His first independent business venture was when, early in 1867, C. H. Mosshart and he purchased Mr. Stoner's interests and continued to run the store under the firm name of Ream & Mosshart until Novem- ber of that year when the concern was annihilated by fire, along with thirty-five of Princeton's business houses. His next move was considerably farther into the West, for in 1868 he removed to Osceola,
Iowa, and engaged in the grain, live stock and farm implement business, which also suffered disaster through the failure of crops. Mr. Ream, having given credit to the farmers, and being unable to realize on his assets, was forced out of business in 1870. Notwithstanding these reverses there was never at any moment a shadow of doubt cast on his integrity or honesty, and this fact at this critical period of his career was of inestimable value. In 1871 he went to Chicago and formed a partner- ship with Mr. Coffman, under the firm name of Coffman & Ream, and carried on a live stock commission business. Hav- ing an extensive acquaintance with stock- raisers, he succeeded in having their con- signments made to him and it was not long before he had regained his former position, and to his great honor be it re- corded that he applied the first money earned toward settling the indebtedness of $15,000 caused by his failure This he continued to do until he had paid the en- tire principal and interest, the latter at the unusually generous rate of ten per cent.
From the beginning of his Chicago en- terprise Mr. Ream was singularly fortu- nate, or rather should we say-his honesty and ability met with a deserved reward, and he laid the foundation of his later and more complete success. In 1875 he retired from active participation with the firm of Coffman & Ream, but continued a connection with the company until 1878. He became a member of the Board of Trade in 1875, entering with George C. Ball & Company, of which his name was the "Company." In 1877 he withdrew from that firm also, and carried on an in- dependent commission business under the style of N. B. Ream & Company. In 1880 R. W. Clark purchased an interest in his business, but the firm name remained un- changed until 1884, when Mr. Ream with- drew from active business connections.
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The firm then became R. W. Clark & Company, with Mr. Ream as special part- ner, and he was likewise connected with the commission house of H. H. Carr & Company. Upon becoming a member of the Board of Trade, Mr. Ream's very first venture was crowned with success, and marked him as a man of keen perception and excellent judgment. He conducted some of the largest operations on the board, and so successful was his career that he was numbered among the most extensive operators, and ranked finan- cially among the millionaires He served as vice-president of the Call-Board, but his numerous business interests pre- vented him from accepting other posi- tions of a like nature. In 1883 he assisted in the reorganization of the Western Fire Insurance Company of Chicago, of which he was vice-president until he disposed of his interests. In 1888 Mr. Ream retired from the board and invested his means in various enterprises, the management of which engrossed his attention thereafter. As organizer, stockholder and director he was connected with numerous enterprises which have been great factors in the de- velopment of the business of the country.
Later Mr. Ream became a resident of the City of New York and from that time until his death he was identified to a greater or lesser degree in various enter- prises connected with the Metropolis, in all of them proving his worth and desira- bility as a citizen. He was the owner of considerable real estate, which he im- proved and developed, a proceeding which is not one of personal aggrandize- ment alone but adds materially to muni- cipal advancement as well. He was not a speculator, but his work was rather that of a constructor and creator, and one of vast industrial force, an operation that proves of great benefit to all classes of a community He was one of the most un-
assuming of men but withal of mighty force in the realm of industry, a veritable commander-in-chief. In this brief review it would be impossible to do justice to his many and varied accomplishments in the financial and industrial realm, for his ca- reer touched the immense field of the busi- ness world at so many points that a re- cital would be wearying, but he touched nothing in any line of endeavor that was not the better for his having been con- nected with it, and his special field of effort was one of magnitude and impor- tance.
Mr. Ream married, at Madison, New York, February 17, 1876, Caroline T. Put- nam, a woman of charming personality and many fine traits of character, greatly beloved by all with whom she was ever thrown in contact. She was a daughter of the late Dr. John Putnam, of Madison,
New York, and a descendant of Henry Putnam, a near relative of General Put- nam, of Revolutionary War fame. Mr and Mrs. Ream were the parents of nine children, six of whom are living: Marion B., wife of Redmond D. Stephens, of Chicago; Frances M., wife of John L. Kemmerer, of Short Hills, New Jersey ; Norman P. and Robert C., of New York; Edward K., of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Louis M., of Worcester, Massachu- setts.
Mr. Ream was prominent in social circles in New York, as he had been in Chicago. He was a member of the Chica- go, Chicago Athletic and Commercial clubs, and in their day of the Calumet and Washington Park clubs. In New York he belonged to the Metropolitan and Union clubs. He was also affiliated with the time honored Masonic frater- nity, was a Knight Templar, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Stock Ex- change in both cities. Before he took up his residence in New York he was the
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advisor and associate of many of the emi- nent figures in the financial world of the middle west, and here in the Metropolis he was on still greater and closer terms of intimacy with the mighty factors in the realm of finance in that for fifteen years he was a close and personal friend of J. Pierpont Morgan, as well as James J. Hill and Elbert H. Gary. His death came as a loss to countless numbers of friends and acquaintances, and brought a sense of desolation not alone to the immediate family, to whom the loss was of course heaviest, but caused a profound feeling of sorrow to many the world over, re- moving as it did one of America's most brilliant financiers, and a highly respected citizen, one who was beloved as well as admired for his eminent qualities.
Mr. Ream had a summer home at Thompson, Connecticut, but maintained an office in New York, and made this city his winter residence, although he had varied interests outside the municipality. In business life, to sum up the many ex- cellent qualities he possessed would be well nigh impossible, but suffice it to say he was alert, reliable and sagacious, as well as successful; as a citizen he was honorable, prompt and true to every en- gagement, while in private life he was genial, wholesouled, and a delightful host, and, needless to say, a welcome guest. In fact under all circumstances he measured up to the highest standards of manhood, a well rounded character, and a useful and valuable factor in the world's work for advancement and prog- ress. He died in February, 1915, peace- fully and honorably, and more, generously had he met and discharged all life's duties, and honored and beloved he passed away, sincerely mourned, but leaving a memory that will long be cherished for the good he had done as well as the great deeds he accomplished.
PHELPS, George Roswell,
Agriculturist.
Energy, self-confidence and a strict ad- herence to the moral law and those prin- ciples of human conduct that play so vital a part in the moulding of society, were the traits which lay at the base of the character of George Roswell Phelps, late of Gloversville, New York, acting as the mainspring of his life, shaping and guid- ing its whole development. His business success, as must all true success, de- pended first upon his highly moral char- acter and then upon the special knowl- edge of his subject, a later and acquired power. In all that he did for himself Mr. Phelps kept the interests of those about him ever in sight and made no step, how- ever conducive to his own advantage it might seem, if in his candid judgment it appeared inimical to theirs. It was in line with this-it should not be called policy, for it was too spontaneous for that -but in line with this instinct that all his relations with his fellows were carried out. He would not allow, for instance, his extremely exacting occupation to in- terfere with what he considered to be due his family any more than he erred in the opposite direction and allowed domestic ties to interfere with the dis- charge of his obligations to the outside world. Indeed, the only person whose inclinations and comfort he consistently sacrificed to the rest of the world was himself, for he rose early and retired late to fulfill his engagements with others and minister to their wants. His death at his home in Gloversville, May 19, 1903, was a loss to the entire community. George Roswell Phelps was typical of that fine class of rural manhood which is char- acteristic of New York State and upon which, as upon a sure foundation, its wealth and prosperity rests. It was for
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him and such as he to illustrate so clearly that all might discern that agriculture is not an occupation to be relegated to men without a due share of ambition and en- terprise, or even those who are content to remain without pecuniary reward, but that rather is it full of manifold un- suspected opportunities for any bright young man who, with a strong love of nature, withdraws from the more com- plex urban life and gives up his time and attention to this, the primitive, basic in- dustry. For this life, indeed, certain posi- tive virtues are necessary in order that success shall crown effort and these Mr. Phelps possessed in large measure. But to such as do possess them nature will make a bounteous return, even as it did in his case. It is to the presence of such men, progressive, wide awake and full of enterprise, that communities owe their prosperity.
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