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 47
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the business of the community and with the same result that all that was under- taken at his suggestion or under his direc- tion prospered and brought about its benefit to the community.
But it was not merely in his official capacity that he took a keen interest or an active part in the affairs of the city. In every worthy department of its life he was a prominent figure and in that of the clubs and general social affairs he was especially so. He was a member of the New Rochelle Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Echo Lodge, Knights of Pythias; and the Firemen's Benevolent Fund Association. In the matter of his religious belief, Mr. Valen- tine was a Presbyterian, a member of the North Avenue Church of that denomina- tion in the work of which he was ex- tremely active, giving liberally of his time and wealth in its support and especially toward the advancement of the philan- thropic movements connected therewith.
Mr. Valentine was united in marriage with Carrie Beaulah, of New York. To this union were born two children, George and Marion, who with their mother sur- vive Mr. Valentine and still make their residence in New Rochelle.
There is always an element of tragedy in the death of a man before the comple- tion of the allotted three score years and ten, but this is deepened and made com -. mon property when that man is gifted with the brilliant talents and capabilities of Mr. Valentine, especially when he is exerting them in the service of his fel- lows at the very zenith of so promising a career. His faculties may hardly be said to have reached their full development and certainly, with his youthful success behind him and his prominence in the community's regard still in his grasp, his career would have led him much higher and into realms in which he would have
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won great honor for himself and done a still more considerable service to his fel- lows. No one who followed his political course and realized the significance of his official acts but acknowledged frankly his remarkable grasp of affairs and that he was the right man in the right place. In his various capacities as a member of the Council, as its president, and, above all, as member of the board of estimate, he was brought into the most intimate con- tact with all the issues that were before the community in that day, and his hand- ling of the same displayed a quite unusual union of the idealistic and practical points of view which gave additional value and effect to his service. He was a man of large mental balance and the interests of the city were never in any danger of suf- fering either from neglect or lack of fore- sight on his part. As far as the former was concerned, so devoted was he to the task placed upon his shoulders by his fel- low citizens that he rather neglected his own interests, and even his health, in its discharge, and by the same token it was obvious how sincere were his motives and how deeply to heart he took his duties. Perhaps the greatest thing accomplished by Mr. Valentine, however, was not his services to the people as an officer of gov- ernment, important as these were, but the still more unusual feat of remaining the perfectly simple-minded, democratic figure that he had always been in spite of his somewhat extraordinary success. Whether president of the Council or member of the board of estimate, he was always famili- arly known to those who knew him at all as "George" and this would have un- doubtedly continued to the end of how- ever long a life he might have lived, what- ever posts he might have been called upon to fill. To remain the equal of one's fel- lows on all other grounds while rising above them officially, to remember that
great doctrine of democracy that the offi- cial is merely the servant of the people -. the common people, is one of the most difficult and one of the most worthy achievements a man may have to his credit, and it was preëminently the achievement of George Valentine. With him it was never the office in relation to himself and his ambitions that was to be considered, but the office in relation to the task it imposed, the functions in which it involved the incumbent. The same simplicity and singleness of outlook char- acterized him in all the relations of life and he had no time to think of what he was because of that more important prob- lem of what he was to do. The personal effect of such a character upon the com- munity in which he dwells is greater than any which springs from any official act, however important, but it was Mr. Val- entine's distinction that he could be of value to the community in both ways so that it may well be said that it was the better for his having lived therein.
ABRAMS, Alanson,
Representative Citizen.
It is not by any means the appearance of a few geniuses and men of extraordi- nary power in a community that give it a claim to be regarded as exceptional, for such men appear at all times and under all conditions, almost, it would seem, without any obvious connection with the society in which they take root. But that which marks a people as of more than usual worth and virtue is the pos- session by the rank and file of those quali- ties of courage and enterprise that spell success in the great struggle for ex- istence. In all communities where this is so, in our own, for instance, there is always a class of men not to be counted among the great men whose deeds affect
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the course of history, but rather types of the average man yet with their traits of character all pointed and enlarged so that they become their leaders and attain to a more vivid and notable individuality. Such a man was the late Alanson Abrams, of Hempstead, Long Island, whose death there on January 7, 1916, at the age of seventy-one years, was felt as a loss by the community generally. Alert, intelli- gent, enterprising beyond the average, he yet possessed the attitude of mind, the view point of his fellows generally so that he was in complete sympathy with their aims and motives, so that he was naturally among them a leader, a man respected and sought for because of the aid that men felt him able and willing to give either as advice or in some more material form.
Born in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York, October 19, 1844, Mr. Abrams was a son of Townsend and Sarah Ann (Fow- ler) Abrams, life-long residents of the town. His childhood was passed in the town of his birth and it was there that he obtained his education at the local schools. When he was still very young his parents removed to Brooklyn and he lived in that city until he had reached his thirty-seventh year. He then came to Long Island and there purchased two hundred acres of farm land at West Hempstead. As is well known this par- ticular section of Long Island has de- veloped enormously during the past sev- eral decades and the rapid growth of population gave to Mr. Abrams' tract a very great value which he still further increased by judicious improvements. The department in which he was best known to the community was politics, in which he was extremely active, particu- larly in local affairs. He was a staunch Republican and regarded as a leader in the Hempstead organization of the party,
taking a prominent part in its activities and working hard to advance its cause. In spite of this, however, he was entirely indifferent to political preferment and public office and though often urged to take posts of responsibility in the gift of his party, consented only once to do so. He did accept the appointment as receiver of taxes in Hempstead town and held the same for nine years, from 1900 to 1909. In this capacity he gave the community most efficient service and made himself satisfactory to both political friends and foes. Aside from this one exception, he was content and preferred to exert his in- fluence merely as a private citizen. Mr. Abrams was a conspicuous figure in so- cial and club circles in Hempstead and was a member of several important or- ganizations, among the most prominent of which was the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was also a member of the Queens and Nassau Counties Agri- cultural Society and for the two years be- tween 1911 and 1913 was president there- of.
Mr. Abrams was twice married. His first wife was S. Amelia Pearsall, daugh- ter of David and Phebe (Mott) Pearsall, whom he married December 13, 1865, and by whom he had one daughter, Adelaide. now Mrs. William W. Rapelye, of Hemp- stead, Long Island. Mrs. Abrams died March 20, 1876. On January 6, 1881, Mr. Abrams married Josephine Davison, daughter of Charles and Alma (Wright) Davison, by whom he had one daughter, Blanche Alansorene, now Mrs. George H. Lowden, of Hempstead, Long Island. Mrs. Abrams died March 3, 1898.
The personality of Mr. Abrams was a very attractive one, his character wholly commendable. Possessed of a broad and tolerant outlook, he judged charitably of his fellows and was quick to forgive them for faults he knew to be human. A true
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sense of humor which showed itself in a genial laugh and a twinkling eye added to his frank and open manner and made men feel sure of a gracious reception without regard to their outward circum- stances, and their feelings in this matter did not betray them, for Mr. Abrams had the seeing eye that penetrated beneath the habit of a man to the character under- lying it, so that rich and poor, high and low, found him easy of approach. He was a man's man, as the phrase goes, fond of the things that appeal to men, whose aims and feelings and opinions other men felt stood on common ground with their own, and who sought and found comradeship in the ranks of his fellows. He was a most delightful companion, witty and full of that essential good cheer so much more important than humor, even, and without which, wit is a weapon rather than a bond. In all the relations of life he measured up to the standards set by society but so rarely lived up to by its members.
TEALL, Isaac, Civil War Veteran, Business Man.
There was a fine quality characteristic of Isaac Teall, best understood and ap- preciated by more intimate friends. Al- though a successful business man, profit was not so sure a barometer of success as his own estimate of the service rendered in securing that profit. He had an honest pride in his ability to do things right and an honest pride in doing them in Roches- ter, for his love for his adopted city was not surpassed by any native son. This pride in himself as a director of public banquets was indeed largely founded on his civic pride. He was anxious that every celebrity who was publicly enter- tained in Rochester should be impressed with the fact that everything in the city
was of the highest class, that things were done equally well, if not a little better than elsewhere, and in his particular field he felt a heavy weight of responsibility that it should be of a quality unsurpassed. In striving for the highest ideals, catering became to him an art, not a business, and as his fame grew so grew his love for and pride in his art. For half a century he was a caterer, starting humbly and reach- ing a height of success where there were no rivals. In all Western New York he was the highest authority and no func- tion, political, social or otherwise, but gained additional distinction from the fact that "Teall" was the caterer. He took no part in public political life, but when a lad of twenty years enlisted and fought for the preservation of the integrity of the country which had adopted him. Courtly and courteous he was a gentle- man we love to refer to as one of the "old school" and his personal friends were "legion," numbered among the oldest and best families of Western New York as well as in his home city, Rochester, while his fame was State wide.
Isaac Teall was born in Chiltenham, Gloucestershire, England, April 3, 1844, died at his home, No. 84 Troup street. Rochester, New York, November 26, 1915, son of Philip and Ruth (Smith) Teall. He was brought to the United States by his parents when three years of age, the family settling in Rochester, New York, where Philip Teall died in August, 1864, his wife, Ruth, surviving him until Au- gust, 1895. He was educated in Rochester public schools. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, Fifty-fourth Regiment New York Volunteers, serving until honorably discharged at the close of the war.
In 1867 two very important events in his life occurred, his marriage and his start in business as a retail dealer in ice cream. He began business in a very
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John foryth.
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modest way but he attended closely to its details and made friends through his courtesy and willingness to serve. In three years from the start he was able to expand and in 1870 a small catering estab- lishment was opened on Plymouth ave- nue. He quickly demonstrated his pecu- liar fitness for the business he had chosen and was soon sought for as caterer at weddings and social functions. He re- moved to more suitable quarters at No. 25 North Fitzhugh street and finally to a permanent location at No. 263 East ave- nue. He bore the entire burden of man- aging the great business he created until 1907 when a stock company was formed incorporated as the I. Teall Catering Company, with Mr. Teall as president and manager.
The business grew in this nearly half- century until it extended from Roches- ter east, west and south, to Syracuse, Buffalo and the Pennsylvania border, Mr. Teall being caterer at every social event or public dinner of importance in his sec- tion of the State. But he gained this dis- tinction by close attention to details, by adhering strictly to absolute honesty and fairness in all his dealings and by a love for his calling that gave him a mastery over it which has been rarely equalled. He took genuine pride in catering well and became the accepted caterer at those functions that were distinctively the "best." In many instances he catered at wedding collations of daughters whose mothers he had similarly served a quarter of a century before. He won many friend- ships, true and lasting, and during his hours of suffering at the hospital so many were the floral remembrances of these friends that his room resembled a conser- vatory.
Mr. Teall was a charter member of Rochester's Chamber of Commerce, a member of Yonnondio Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons. He was quiet and re- tiring in nature, but most kindly, con- siderate and courteous. He ever held in remembrance his comrades of the war and was a faithful, loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was indeed the soul of loyalty, loyal to his family, his friends, his city and to his business. When the fact was learned that he had passed over to "that fairer land" numerous were the telegrams and letters received by his family, telling the story of his uniform courtesy, high regard for his calling, and the esteem in which he was held. He sleeps in Mount Hope Cemetery there with the friends of a lifetime to wait the great day of Resurrection.
Mr. Teall married, February 5, 1867, Frances Spencer, who survives him as does a daughter, Florence (Teall) Hall, of Rochester.
FORSYTH, John,
Business Man.
Among all the various races and peoples that go to make up the complex structure of American citizenship, one may look in vain for any who in proportion to the numbers that have come here have had a better influence upon the population or done more for its development than those strong and intelligent Scots who have made their abode in our midst, become naturalized citizens and now form an essential element in our body politic, a wholesome, healthy strain fast losing its individuality in the amalgamating process that in a future age shall result in a new American race. Other peoples have given more generously of their children, but though they may have exceeded the Scots in number, there is none of them that has done so in the quality of their gift to this great and growing Nation. For in none of those who have come as immi-
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grants to these shores has there been a greater proportion of virtues and abilities than these sturdy sons of the North have brought with them to leaven the mass of our population here. A fine example of his fellow countrymen was John Forsyth, late of New Rochelle, New York, exhibit- ing, as he did, in his own person all the characteristic Scottish virtues, whose death in the city of his adoption here on July 17, 1915, took from the community one of its most public spirited and active citizens.
Born December 12, 1867, in Paisley, Scotland, Mr. Forsyth passed the first twenty-two years of his life in his native land and there in his father's home formed the childish associations which ripened into a love of the old home that con- tinued the remainder of his life. He was a son of John and Janet (Speice) Forsyth, old residents of Paisley, Scotland, and it was under the influence of these good and worthy people that his character de- veloped in the excellent manner that it did. He attended the local schools of his native region and there received a good education, and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade as an apprentice. He was a clever student and afterwards displayed great aptitude in mastering the handicraft he had chosen, so that almost before he had reached manhood he was quite well able to provide for himself and it was when he was still little more than a youth that he added to his cares by taking a wife. Mr. Forsyth was not merely a bright man in his calling, but one who possessed real enterprise and it was as a youth that he heard the accounts of the great American republic that first awakened a desire in him to leave his native land and try his fortunes else- where in the world. Even his marriage and the consequent increased responsibili- ties could not divert his mind from this
wish, which still grew and developed un- til it became a set purpose and determina- tion ; and, accordingly, when but twenty- two years of age, he embarked with his wife for the new land. He landed at the port of New York and thence made his way to New Rochelle, where he found employment in his old trade. He was a man of unusual skill in this trade, as has already been remarked, and he now made a great reputation as the best carpenter in New Rochelle, a reputation which he maintained during the many years that he worked in this capacity in the city. He was rapidly promoted to a position as boss carpenter, and often had charge of many subordinates in important works. His trustworthiness was proverbial and everyone desired to have him in whatever work they were interested in, knowing well that if he were responsible all the details would be properly handled. He was appointed school carpenter by the city government and held this post for upwards of twelve years. As his fortunes were bettered, he gradually undertook some contracting business and in this he prospered well, becoming known in course of time as one of the city's most substantial business men. He was always keenly interested in the cause of labor and had joined the union in Scotland when he was twenty-one, nor did he lose that interest, as so many do, when he joined the ranks of those who employ others, but continued to work for its cause until the end of his life.
Mr. Forsyth was a man of too large a point of view to rest content with the mere pursuit of his private interests, but it was always his desire to give such of his time and energy as it was possible to do to the affairs of the community. He was naturally interested in politics and became a staunch supporter of the Re- publican party with the principles and
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policies of which he found himself in agreement. But although he was active in public affairs, and did much in the cause of government in the city, it was always in the capacity of private citizen and he shrank from rather than sought anything in the nature of political prefer- ment or public office. Socially he was a conspicuous figure and enjoyed keenly the informal intercourse with his fellow men. He was not a great club man, however, nor did he figure in the 'fraternal circles of the city, although he was a member of the Men's Club and interested in its ac- tivities. In the matter of religion Mr. Forsyth was a Presbyterian and strongly devoted to the cause of his church and during the whole of his residence in New Rochelle was a member of the Presby- terian church there, giving liberally in support of its work.
On April 9, 1889, Mr. Forsyth was united in marriage with Agnes Herd, who like himself was a native of Scotland, a daughter of Samuel and Agnes (McFar- land) Herd. Their marriage was cele- brated shortly before the young couple came to America and they were the par- ents of eight children, six of whom, with their mother, survive Mr. Forsyth. They were as follows: John, who died at the age of sixteen months; Agnes McFar- land, who died at the age of twenty years ; Jessie Spence, Margaret, Elizabeth Herd, Emma Neves, Isabelle Herd and Ruth, all of whom reside with their mother in New Rochelle.
The character of Mr. Forsyth was one particularly well balanced in which the sterner virtues were relieved by a most gracious exterior, his attractions appear- ing upon the former like blossoms on a gnarled apple tree, increasing the effect of both. An almost Puritanic sense of honor and the discharge of obligations was the very essence of his nature, but
this Puritanic conscience existed only in so far as his own conduct was concerned and for others he was tolerant to a fault, if that be possible. His industry and the courage with which he surmounted all obstacles in the way of his aim were well worthy of remark and all praise. These were the qualities that brought him suc- cess and the admiration of those with whom he came in contact, but there were others which, if less fundamental, were not less potent in their influence upon those about him. Such was his hearty friendship, his open candid manner, his warm greeting which did not alter for rich or poor, high or low, and such also was his ready charity which made all men feel that he was a friend who would not desert them in the time of need. In every relation of life his conduct was irreproachable, in the home, in the marts of trade or the forum of public opinion, in all he may well stand as a model upon which the youth of the community can afford to model themselves.
CONWAY, Henry,
Business Man.
Henry Conway and his sons, John and Henry L., have been known in Rochester, New York, since Henry Conway and his bride settled in that city in 1841. The cooperage business established by the father was conducted by the sons until about 1890, then passed to other hands, the sons going into the tobacco business yet conducted by Henry L. Conway. Father and sons were men of energy, keen in their business judgment, and bore an important part in the development of the ninth ward of Rochester, Henry Con- way at one time owning practically all the best property in that section. His first home was at No. 201 Frank street, the site of the present residence of his
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son Henry L. He was a man of plain life, strong character and as one of the olden time residents was connected with much that has now passed away. But his sons who succeeded him inherited the characteristics that won him success and worthily bore the name.
Henry Conway, son of Henry and Elizabeth Conway, was born in County Derry, Ireland, about 1815, died at Rochester, New York, August 12, 1875. He was connected with linen manufac- ture in Ireland and there spent his youth and early manhood. He was possessed of a good common school education and be- fore coming to America had proven his energy as well as his ability to make his way in the world. He married, in Ire- land, Margaret Maguire, and with her came to America in the spring of 1841, lured by the stories of the wonderful op- portunities here. The sailing vessel on which they came experienced rough weather, making the passage a long and disagreeable one. After arriving in New York City he carefully examined sev- eral available locations, finally choosing Rochester. He located his home on land he bought at No. 201 Frank street, and at once began the manufacture of barrels, a commodity which flour mills and apple growers there used in large quantities. He continued his cooperage business until his death thirty-four years later, and was very successful. As he prospered he ex- panded and invested in real estate having made a great deal of money as his once waste land came into the market
He was a Democrat in politics but never had any desire for office, his busi- ness and his real estate dealing keeping him fully occupied. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and he and his family were among the earlier mem- bers of the Cathedral parish. Quiet and retiring in disposition, he was well liked.
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