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 50
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Mr. Myers was very active socially in the city of Yonkers and was connected prominently with the Masonic order there. He was a member of the local lodges of the Free and Accepted Masons, the chapter of the Royal Arch Masons and the commandery of Knights Tem- plar. He was greatly interested in the order and was prominently identified with it for more than twenty-two years. In his religious belief Mr. Myers was an Episcopalian and attended St. Andrew's Church of that denomination in Yonkers.
On January 31, 1900, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with Henrietta Dop- man, of Alpine, Bergen county, New Jer- sey, a daughter of Herman and Alice (Dalton) Dopman, of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Dopman died when Mrs. Henrietta (Dopman) Myers was quite young ; they had four children: Anna, Sarah, Christo- pher and Henrietta. Mr. and Mrs. Myers were the parents of two children: Alice D., born April 16, 1903, in Yonkers; Wil- liam E., born June 4, 1905, in Yonkers.
MURPHY, Peter A., Public Official.
The word hero is one whose connota- tions are so magnificent, whose associ- ations lie close to the most sacred ideals of the race and stir such overwhelming and inspiring thoughts within us, that we very properly resent a light or ill-advised use of it, feeling that it should be re- served for those who have shown them- selves well worthy of it by some deed which thrills and stimulates the imagina-
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tions of us all. Such a deed was that done by the young man whose name heads this 1:rief and inadequate appreciation, Peter A. Murphy, late of New Rochelle, New York, who in the midst of circumstances of the utmost terror, in the midst of great pain, in the face of imminent death, calm- ly chose to reject the rescue that offered, until he had seen it accorded to all or many others, of whom, because of their sex, he felt himself the natural protector and champion. Pinned under the debris of a wrecked train, suffering with injuries that eventually proved his death, he sent those who would have assisted him to the aid of the women who shared that dread- ful situation with him, facing as a stoic might his own uncertain fate without flinching. For this piece of unusual and splendid courage, he was popularly dubbed the "Tunnel Hero," from the place where his dreadful experience occurred. A short, but valuable life ended in a fashion so glorious is a fortune from which perhaps we might all shrink, but it is a fortune which any man with a high ideal of honor must also envy in his better moments.
Born April 29, 1869, in New Rochelle, Peter A. Murphy was a son of Patrick and Bridget (Dee) Murphy, old and high- ly respected residents of the city. He grew to manhood in his native place and there obtained an excellent education in in the local schools, proving himself an apt and brilliant scholar. From early youth he took a keen interest in political questions, particularly those of local appli- cation, and allied himself with the Repub- lican organization of his city where he did such good work that he was quickly recognized as a leader. He identified him- self generally with the life of the place and joined the Relief Engine Company and many other organizations and was one of the best known figures in the city. At the time of the terrible accident in the
Park avenue tunnel, in which the Dan- bury express, of which he was a pas- senger, was telescoped by a New York Central train, and in which he received those injuries which finally caused his death, Mr. Murphy was but thirty-three years of age. The date was January 8, 1902, and for many months thereafter he was helpless, one of his legs being so badly hurt that amputation was neces- sary and his whole system suffering from shock and strain. Indeed the gravest of all the complications arising from the event was of this nature, his organism be- ing so greatly weakened that tuberculosis set in. In spite of these terrible circum- stances, however, Mr. Murphy regained a certain amount of health and strength and made a temporary recovery. With a courage truly remarkable he once more took up his activities and, although a great sufferer, was actually the Republi- can candidate for receiver of taxes in New Rochelle the following year. What was more he was elected and served most efficiently for upwards of two years. To- wards the close of 1905 he was compelled to go South for his health and returned somewhat benefited, but.it was necessary thereafter for him to repeat his southern trip every winter. Little by little the insidious disease which had seized him overmastered a constitution already gravely weakened, and in the winter of 1907-08 made its dread progress despite the southern climate and outdoor life. The following spring he returned to his home with the full realization that he could no longer resist its inroads and it was on May 7 in the latter year that he gave up the splendid battle he had been waging, although his courage and good cheer remained unbroken to the last. Be- sides his political and official activities, Mr. Murphy was a conspicuous figure in social circles and a member of a number
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of fraternal orders and similar organiza- tions. Chief of these was the Knights of Columbus in which he was especially active.
On June 27, 1894, Mr. Murphy was united in marriage with Mary C. Parker, a daughter of Michael and Bridget (Daly) Parker. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born five children, four sons and one daughter, as follows: Robert A., Francis E., Harold Peter, Marion C. and Kenneth P. Mrs. Murphy and her children survive Mr. Murphy and still make their home in New Rochelle. Through all the long and trying period in the life of Mr. Murphy after the accident, his wife was a partaker with him of all his sufferings and hard- ships, a constant companion forever min- istering to his wants and proving herself a worthy helpmeet to her afflicted but resolute husband.
The heroism of Mr. Murphy in the great emergency of his life has already been spoken of, but there is a courage exhibited by many in the performance of daily duties under trial which, if less striking, is perhaps equally difficult and praiseworthy. This courage was also Mr. Murphy's possession, who during the six years following his injury was a constant sufferer and no less a constant hero. From youth he had the keenest sense of justice and it was his constant endeavor, especi- ally in his official capacities, to treat every man with the utmost impartiality and fairness. For a man who is a victim of ill health and suffering this is no easy task, subject as he almost inevitably is to the most varying moods. Yet there were none of his friends who were aware of any difference in his conduct or manner. He never spoke ill of any man, and his greeting was always cordial and accom- panied by the warmest of smiles. It is unusual to preserve a ready sympathy with one's fellows when one's own for-
tune is hard, but it was the distinction of Mr. Murphy that he accomplished this great task in fact as well as appearance. His death has left a gap not to be filled, not only in the life of his family and friends, but in the affairs of the commu- nity of which he was so worthy a mem- ber.
PAULEY, George,
Business Man.
There are times when, in the perusal of the records of prominent men, especially those who have won their successes early in life, we are inclined to feel that destiny has her favorites with whom she deals with partiality, conferring upon them favors of all kinds that she withholds from other men, talents, abilities, quali- ties of mind and spirit, which make smooth to their feet paths, the roughest to others, and which help with compara- tive ease to achievements of which the average man often entirely despairs. Yet a closer examination generally dispels this illusion. Men, indeed, are given talents above the ordinary but none are reprieved from the necessity of using them, and we have it upon the highest authority that in proportion as we receive so we must render again in the final ac- count. No, the man of talent is not com- monly the one that works the least, but rather the most, and his accomplishments are more generally the result of efforts from which we would be apt to shrink than the spontaneous fruits of unculti- vated abilities, for there is a very great element of truth in the pronouncement of Carlyle that "genius is an infinite ca- pacity for taking pains." This was un- questionably true in the case of George Pauley, the distinguished gentleman whose name heads this brief sketch and whose death at Gloversville, New York,
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on April 22, 1912, deprived that town of one of its most active and public-spirited citizens.
Born October 23, 1854, at Northamp- ton, New York, Mr. Pauley was a son of Peter and Caroline Pauley, old and high- ly respected residents of that place. He did not remain in his native town very long, however, for it was only shortly after his birth that his parents removed to Gloversville, in the same State. It was thus that even his earliest associations were with the town that was to be his home for the remainder of his life, and with the activities of which he was so closely identified. His education was ob- tained in the public schools of Glovers- ville, where he made a considerable repu- tation for himself as an excellent student, intelligent, industrious and painstaking, and upon completing his studies at once entered his father's business of teaming and trucking, in which the elder man had successfully established himself. He re- mained in this association with his father until the latter's death and he then con- tinued it alone up to within a few months of his own death. He was extremely suc- cessful in this enterprise and did a large business and of such a kind that it brought with it a splendid reputation for integrity and probity, a reputation not surpassed by any other business man in the town. But although this always re- mained his first consideration, in so far as business matters were concerned, he by no means confined himself to the one ven- ture but associated himself with a num- ber of industrial concerns of importance, such as the Gloversville Knitting Com- pany, of which for some time he was the secretary.
He was a man of wide sympathies and interests, willing to devote all his energies to business under any circumstances, however varied his enterprises might be.
He sought and found at once pleasure and the elements of culture in other aspects of the community's life and was a promi- nent figure in many departments thereof. He was active in the social life and was once a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the matter of his re- ligious belief he was a Presbyterian and a faithful attendant upon divine service at the First Church of that denomination in Gloversville. Rather than soliciting anything in a political sense, Mr. Pauley was requested by many of his friends to run for various offices in town politics, but he declined these and would only take part as a conscientious voter. He was affiliated with the Republican party.
On December 27, 1876, Mr. Pauley was united in marriage with Josephine Pearse, of Schenectady, New York, a daughter of Nicholas and Anna M. (Bradt) Pearse, of that place. To Mr. and Mrs. Pauley were born two children as follows: I. Grace, born January 18, 1878, who married Harry A. Steele, of Gloversville, and they have three children : Josephine L., Harriet G. and Clara E. 2. Edna M., born November 26, 1887, who married Charles W. Broock- ins, of Gloversville.
Mr. Pauley was a man of unusual busi- ness acumen, a man whose noteworthy success was entirely due to his own un- aided efforts, his clear insight into con- ditions and his painstaking work for his objectives. None of the business houses with which he was associated at any time but felt the benefit of his judgment and his talent for organization and manage- ment. His virtues were of that funda- mental and sterling character that claimed the admiration of all men and he won the general respect of his fellow citizens in Gloversville with his candid straightfor- wardness in all the relations of life and the scrupulousness with which he ful- filled his obligations. There is no doubt
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but that his life might well serve as a model for the youth of the community who desire to succeed in business with clean hands and untroubled consciences.
WALTJEN, Henry,
Artistic Decorator.
An honorable life closed with the pass- ing of Henry Waltjen, of Rochester, who, born far across the seas, brought to his adopted country the sterling traits of his German ancestors and became one of the prosperous, capable business men of his adopted city and another illustration of the value of the German citizen in the United States. To this land of opportu- nity he brought the thrift, energy and per- severance of the Fatherland, combining the virtues of the German with the modern ideas of the New World and win- ning high reputation as an interior decora- tive artist. The business he followed in Rochester was learned in the Fatherland under the expert direction of his father, a veteran of the German Revolution of 1848, who carried on his business in the city of Bremen.
Henry Waltjen was born in Bremen, Germany, in 1851, died at his home in Rochester, New York, May 28, 1909, son of Henry and Louise Waltjen. He was educated in the excellent schools of Bremen, and on arriving at a suitable age he began learning the decoration trade with his father who carefully taught his son the business from its initial phase. At the age of seventeen years the young man sailed for the United States, believ- ing that greater opportunities awaited him here. He first located in New York City, where he worked at his trade until 1876, also acquiring American ways, methods and speech. In 1876 he came to Rochester, working for others for two years, then in 1878 establishing in busi- ness under his own name. He prospered
and as the years progressed became one of the leading decorators of the city, em- ployed many men and fully realized the ambition which brought him across the seas. He became well-known in Roches- ter and was highly esteemed as a man of honor and as a good citizen. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a leading member of the Rochester Maennerchor Society, serving the latter at one time as president. He was inde- pendent in his political action, supporting men and measures he deemed for the best interests of all. He was a member of Salem German Lutheran Church, and was ever ready to aid any good cause.
Mr. Waltjen married, in New York City, December 5, 1875, Margaret, daugh- ter of Christian and Dorothea Seebach, who survives him, residing at No. 146 Linden street, Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Waltjen were the parents of three daugh- ters: Louise, wife of Robert Buedingen, of the firm of William Buedingen & Son, paper box manufacturers of Rochester ; Dora and Meta, the two last named as managers for their mother, continuing the business established by their father, Waltjen's Painters and Decorators, han- dling everything in wall coverings with show rooms at No. 394 East Main street. Inheriting the business ability of their honored father, the daughters are splen- did examples of the American woman in business and "Waltjen's" retains all of its old time popularity under their manage- ment.
SEITZ, Frederick C., Builder and Contractor.
For a little over half a century Mr. Seitz was a resident of Rochester, New York, coming in 1854 from Germany, a lad of twelve years. He rapidly imbibed the spirit of American institutions and even before attaining citizenship wore
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the colors of his adopted country and proved the sincerity of his intentions by battling for the preservation of the Union. With the scars of battle upon him he re- turned to Rochester, and for forty-five years thereafter, as apprentice, journey- man and contractor, was identified with the building interests of his adopted city. He left a record of sterling integrity and capability as a contractor, efficiency as a public official, devotion to the First Lu- theran Church and to the principles of the Masonic order, that marks him as one of the men of his day whose memory will long be kept green in the hearts of all those with whom he came in contact. Württemberg, the German Kingdom from which he came, has long been noted for the excellence of its higher educational in- stitutions and for the widespread diffu- sion of public education. Amid such sur- roundings he acquired the love of knowl- edge that distinguished his life and there he laid the foundation of an excellent education that to one of his intelligence was ample for all the demands of an ac- tive business life.
Frederick C. Seitz was born at Hen- ingen, Württemberg, Germany, July 7, 1842, died at Rochester, New York, Au- gust 5, 1910, after an illness of several months. He came to the United States in 1854 and at once made Rochester his home. Seven years later he enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, serving with that command until transferred to Com- pany K, Third Regiment New York Cavalry, continuing in active service un- til honorably discharged and mustered out at the close of the war. He then returned to Rochester and completed his apprenticeship, becoming an expert worker in wood. He followed the house carpenter's trade for several years and after thoroughly mastering the details of
building construction applied this knowl- edge and his mechanical skill to his own advantage, beginning contracting in 1881. He was master of his business and proved this fact in the execution of his first con- tracts, and to his ability as a builder there are many edifices standing in Rochester as monuments. To efficiency he added a rugged honesty which, winning the public confidence, never betrayed it during the twenty-nine years he lived in the public eye as a master builder. He continued in prosperous business until his death and in fields outside that of building won distinction as an able man of affairs. He was one of the organizers of the Building Exchange, serving as vice-president and at other times as director. He was also a director of the American Brewing Com- pany, of Rochester, and of the German Insurance Company.
He took a deep interest in public affairs but had little inclination for office, al- though he was a member of the board of park commissioners, and for one term served on the executive board of the city of Rochester. He attained the highest degree in Masonry, thirty-third degree, and was held in high esteem by his brethren of the Rite. Other leading orders claimed his support and in him burned the true fraternal fires, friendship and brotherly love. He was a devoted mem- ber of the First German Lutheran Church and for the quarter of a century preced- ing his death he served that church as president of the board of trustees. He was liberal in his donations to church and charity, holding it a duty and a privilege to aid in the maintenance of Christian and philanthropic purpose.
Mr. Seitz married Magdalena Meier, who survives him. Children: Charles F., William C., Frederick A., Arthur G., Louise C., Emelie C. and Bertha M., wife of Fred H. Snyder. Mr. Seitz sleeps in Mount Hope Cemetery.
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VAY, Rudolph,
Business Man, Musician.
Of all the varied influences that have gone to make this country the most pros- perous and progressive on the face of the earth, perhaps none is so pronounced as the strong German element which has been infused into the Nation. It is felt as a tremendous force for good wherever men from the Fatherland have taken up their abode, and especially may we note how strongly the influence is discernible in the rapid advancement of New York State, and her chief city of the like name. There is an earnestness and purposeful- ness about the German people than can be claimed by no other nation on earth; distinguished at once by lofty ideals and a most intense practicality, it is their mission to definitely conceive of progress and to carry it into the fullest and highest realization.
Among these men of progress, deep thinkers and hard workers, who came to this country for its betterment, must be mentioned the late Rudolph Vay, of Rochester, New York, who was for many years a well-known business man in that city. As with most persons who have attained success, Mr. Vay made his way in the world with no other capital than his energy and determination, coupled with business foresight and ability, and his genuine worth and strict integrity won the confidence and high esteem of all with whom he came in contact. His his- tory is that of a strong man who set him- self to succeed in spite of all obstacles ; and he studied and fought and wrought until he stood as one of the foremost busi- ness men of the city.
Rudolph Vay was born in Breitbach, Bavaria, Germany, November 23, 1839, and died at his home, No. 395 Maple street, Rochester, after an illness of but a few days' duration, January 6, 1910.
He came to this country in very early manhood, and for a period of two years resided in Buffalo, New York, where he taught school, and was the organist of St. Mary's Church. He then came to Roches- ter, and from that time was identified with the interests of the city in a number of directions. He established himself in the dry goods business, which he carried on successfully for many years. As one of the organizers of the Rochester Ger- man Insurance Company, he became well known, and served as secretary of this corporation for some time. His influence was also of moment in the Flower City Brewing Company, of which he was presi- dent for some years. Another field of his activity was along musical lines; for a period of twenty-five years he was or- ganist and director of the choir in SS. Peter and Paul Church, and subsequently held a similar position in the Holy Fam- ily Church. With public affairs his active mind was also occupied, and he repre- sented the Eleventh Ward two years as a member of the Common Council of the city. He was a pioneer member of the Liederkranz of Rochester, a well known musical organization, and organized the Order of Knights of St. John of SS. Peter and Paul Church.
Mr. Vay married Eva Mandell, of Ba- varia, and of this marriage there were six sons and four daughters.
McGRAN, Frank J., Man of Affairs.
There have been many forms of aris- tocracy tried and discarded in the course of the mighty evolution that the social relations of man have undergone from the earliest period down to the present day, aristocracies of strength, of cunning, of race, of class, even of belief, of so many diverse things, indeed, as to defy the imagination and memory of those who
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would list them. It seems, so great is the tendency of men to organize their so- cial institutions about some such special and exclusive body, almost as though there was something inherent in human nature that demanded it, and this idea is given a startling support in the fact that even in the case of democracies that are supposed to be in revolt against all aris- tocracies the tendency to discover and emphasize certain classes is of recurrent appearance. It would be a very natural conclusion that such an aristocracy mak- ing its appearance in the midst of a de- mocracy must find its significant distinc- tion in the matter of brains, but if the de- mocracy be a true one, even this is con- trary to its spirit, for the man of no brains has rights quite as inviolate as the genius, who in very virtue of his own clear sight is continually tempted to disregard them. An aristocracy of worth-of which, un- doubtedly, brains is an essential element -- is the only one that a democracy can tolerate and remain true to itself, and also it may be said that this it must not only tolerate but encourage and foster if it is to remain vital and would continue to grow. This it is that the people of the United States have, with an instinctive wisdom, done, and this is what has ac- counted for the phenomenal progress made by them in the early years of their exis- tence as a nation. It has been that prac- tice that has made so many, even of the smaller communities, take on the bust- ling, wide-awake air so characteristic of America, and that accounts for the ap- pearance of so many men of talent from the ranks, as it were, men who under other institutions must have wasted their abilities in more or less vain endeavors to express themselves. Such a man was Frank J. McGran, the successful business man, the prominent man of affairs, who made himself felt as a factor in the life of
his community, and whose death in New Rochelle, New York, on March 7, 1914, was felt as a loss throughout that place.
Born August 9, 1871, in Newtown, Con- necticut, a son of John and Bridget (Wel- den) McGran, well-known residents of that town, he passed the years of his childhood and youth in his native region, engaged in the appropriate occupations of that period of life. His education was obtained in the excellent local schools, and upon completing his studies he en- gaged there in a furniture and undertak- ing business and was eminently success- ful. This enterprise he carried on in partnership with a Mr. Taylor, under the firm name of Taylor & McGran. His partner was a man much Mr. McGran's senior in years and from him he learned the business very fully. In 1896 Mr. Mc- Gran severed his connection with this concern, came to New Rochelle, New York, and there opened a similar estab- lishment in an old frame building situated at No. 17 Centre avenue. Here his suc- cess was great and in course of time he pulled the original building down and erected in its place the handsome stone structure which now stands on that site, and in which his business is conducted to this day.
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