Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 62

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co.
Number of Pages: 920

USA > New York > Genesee County > Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890 > Part 62

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

55I

TOWN OF LE ROY.

England were Joseph 5, the great-grandfather of our subject, Joseph 4, Joseph 3, William 2, and Robert1, the latter of whom came from England in 1638 with his wife and two children. The next year he took the Freeman's oath, and moved to Watertown, Mass., in 1642, and to Bos- ton about 1658. Andrew J. Sanderson was reared on a farm, received a good English education, and January 1, 1874, married Addie, daugh- ter of Luke and Fannie (Knight) Wilder, who were born in Northamp- ton, Mass. Luke Wilder came to Byron as early as 1820. His children were Luke Sylvester, of Dakota, Henry, of Eaton County, Mich., Dwight, of Crawford County, Kan., Alvin (deceased), Laura, Martha, Sarah A., Emily, and Addie. Luke was a son of Lot Wilder. Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson have two children, Ada R. and Bertha A. In 1880 they located on a farm of 75 acres two miles west of Le Roy village, and in 1882 removed to where they now reside. They are devoted members of the Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Steiner, son of John and Magdaline (Strahn) Steiner, natives of Switzerland, was born in July, 1829. His parents came to Church- ville in 1848, where they died. They reared nine sons. Samuel had a limited education, and came to where he now resides in 1873, where he purchased 125 acres of land. For 10 years he has been a breeder of fine horses. He married Catharine Maran. They are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Matthias M. Stevens, son of John and Charlotte E. (Walfrom) Stev- ens, natives of England, was born October 17, 1860, in Stafford. John Stevens came to Stafford, and has always lived there. His children are Matthias M. and Sarah K. His wife was first married to Levi K. Williams, by whom she had four children. Mr. Stevens is a carpenter and joiner.

William H. Smith, son of Leonard, was born in Monroe County, N. Y., April 27, 1850, and came to Le Roy when about five years of age. He learned the harnessmakers' trade of M. D. Brown, and opened a shop at 70 Main street in 1887, where he has since carried on a thriving busi- ness.

Dennis Scanlan, son of Michael and Margaret (Mullin) Scanlan, was born in 1828, in County Kerry, Ireland. January 10, 1850, he landed in New York city, where he remained until May, when he went to Skaneateles and engaged in farming. He removed to South Byron, and in 1853 came to Le Roy and engaged in farming until 1854, when he entered the Upham car works, where, after a brief experience, he re- ceived an injury, which disabled him for some time. In 1855 he became a salesman in the grocery store of Foreman, Starr & Co., where he re- mained until 1863, when he opened a general store in a frame building on the site now occupied by Lampson Hotel. In April, 1877, he moved into the store which he now occupies, and where he is meeting with suc- cess. Mr. Scanlan has increased his stock from time to time, until now he carries a choice line of clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, and gents'

552

GENESEE COUNTY.

furnishing goods. Starting in life without a dollar he has succeeded in accumulating a competency. Honorable in all the relations of life he has won for himself the confidence and esteem of all who know him, and he has been honored with several responsible positions. He has served as tax collector several terms and trustee for seven years. He married Bridget, daughter of Nicholas Kehoe, of Rochester. His wife was born in County Wexford, Ireland, 'and with her parents came to the United States about 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Scanlan have seven children, viz .: Anna J., Margaret, Mary, Theresa, Gertrude, James E., and Loretto J.

George F. Sprague, a prominent and substantial farmer, was born in Middlebury, Wyoming County, N. Y., April 30, 1825, a son of Jesse and Irena (Goddard) Sprague, natives of Massachusetts, who came from Poultney, Vt., in 1812. Jesse Sprague in 1811 came to Wyoming County, where he took up a farm. He sent a substitute to the War of 1812. He had 10 children, eight of whom attained maturity. Mr.

Sprague used to go to Perry to mill, 12 miles distant. He hauled wheat to Rochester and sold it for 31 cents ; it took nearly a load of wheat to buy a hat. He died in 1864, aged 85, and left a fine property. His father was William Sprague. George F. Sprague received a common school and academic education at Wyoming and Perry academies, and at the age of 18 he purchased a farm. He has been a farmer all his life except three years spent in Dansville. In 1867 he located where he now resides. He has been twice married, first to Susan, daughter of John Tomlinson, of Le Roy, who was an early pioneer of this town. They had seven children, of whom four are living, viz .: Jennie L., George F., of Lawrence, Kan., Susan L., and Jessie R., also of Lawrence, Kan. Mr. Sprague's second wife was Mary L., daughter of Isaac and Jane E. (Whitbeck) Baker.

Erastus Spring, born August 20, 1805, in Berkshire County, Mass., is a son of Amos and Reliance (Snow) Spring, natives of Massachusetts, who came to Genesee County in September, 1810, with an ox- team and one horse. They settled on 100 acres of land four miles south of Le Roy, on what is known as the State road. Their first cabin was of rough logs, with a puncheon floor. Amos was three times called out in the War of 1812, under Capt. Buell and Gen. Davis. He had a brother with him, who was a fife-major, and who was killed in Canada. Amos Spring, one of the early justices, had five sons and five daughters. In 1833 he sold his farm and moved to Attica, where he died in 1849, aged over 70 years. His wife died at the age of 94. His father was Amos Spring. Erastus Spring received his education in the common schools, and was married in March, after he became of age, to Eliza, daughter of B. Webb, of Pavilion, and they have three sons and two daughters, all of whom are living. About 1832 he went to Geneva, where he lived two years, when he returned to Pavilion, and afterwards moved to Niagara County, where he resided 10 years, after which he lived in Attica, Wyoming County, about 40 years, where he owned a fine farm of 619 acres. He came to

553

TOWN OF LE ROY.

Le Roy in 1887. His children are Sylvester P., Sidney S., George W., Helen, and Art. E.

L. K. Stowell was born in Cazenovia, Madison County, October 18, 1826, a son of Calvan B. and Mary (Southwell) Stowell, natives respec- tively of Vermont and Madison County, N. Y. Calvan B. Stowell, a black- smith by trade, in 1843 located in East Pavilion, and engaged in farm- ing. His children were Oscar P., of Nebraska, Lucian, L. K., John, of Kansas, Martin, of Ohio, George R. (deceased), Franklin, and Ralph, who died in the army. Calvan B. was a son of Calvan Stowell, a tailor by trade, who came from Vermont to Madison County, and reared four sons and one daughter. The sons were all blacksmiths. L. K. Stowell re- ceived a good English education, and at the age of 19 began life as a farmer, in which occupation he has since continued. He purchased his first farm, near Asbury Church, in 1853, and in January, 1858, located where he now resides, and where he has a pleasant home. His first wife was Genette, daughter of John McGregor, of Le Roy, by whom he had one son, William H., of Richardson County, Neb. He married, second, Sarah A., daughter of Capt. William Thomas, who was a sea captain. By this marriage he had one child, Ernest C. Mrs. Stowell died in 1873. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Thomas B. Tuttle was born in Yates County, N. Y., September 30, 1844. At the age of two. years his parents moved to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he was reared and received his elementary education in the common schools, suplemented by a thorough business education in the High School, from which he graduated. He spent two years in Hillsdale College. He early evinced a marked taste for the drug trade, and when but 17 years of age entered a drug store in Hillsdale, where he remained until he attained his majority, when he went to Dubuque, Ia., where he was actively and successfully engaged in the drug business until 1871, when he sold out and came East, in order to recuperate his health, which had been somewhat broken by his energetic and untiring efforts to succeed in his chosen profession. Having spent an active and industrious life he could not be content to remain idle, and in August, 1872, he came to Le Roy, where he purchased the drug store of J. M. Parker, at No. 18 Main street, an old and long established business. His thorough knowl- edge of drugs has drawn to him a large and substantial trade. Mr. Tuttle is a self-made man. Besides his business in Le Roy he has considerable interest with F. H. Mott in Washington (D. C.) real estate. Possessing a fine intellect, and good, clear judgment, his townsmen have honored him by electing him a member of the board of trustees, of which he has served as president. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and was a delegate to the Chicago convention in 1884. Mr. Tuttle mar- ried, in August, 1869, Henrietta, daughter of George Crocker, of Stafford, by whom he has one son, George. They are Episcopalians. Thomas Tuttle, grandfather of Thomas B., was born on Reade street, New York city, and when a young man emigrated to Yates County. Later he

554

GENESEE COUNTY.

removed to Michigan, where he died, aged 90 years. His ancestors came from England about 1640. The name was then spelled Tuthill. Thomas Tuttle reared three sons and three daughters, one of whom was Henry, the father of Thomas B. Henry Tuttle, born in Yates County, married Elmira Wells, of the same county, and they had three sons and two daughters. In 1846 they moved to Hillsdale County, Mich., where he died in 1869, aged 54. He was a substantial farmer.

Angus A. Tompkins, a prominent politician, and only child of Jerome J. J. and Eliza M. (Hulbert) Tompkins, was born October 16, 1835, in Le Roy village. Jerome J. J. Tompkins was born in 1805 in Easton, Washington County, and his wife in Bergen, this county. He came to Le Roy in 1815 with his uncle, John Lent, and entered a store as a sales- man in 1820. Having been a salesman and merchant all his active life he retired from business in 1852, and died in 1875. He filled several re- sponsible local offices. His father, Joseph Tompkins, an early settler of Washington County, N. Y., was a sea captain and ran a vessel on the Hudson River. He married a Miss Lent, and had one son and two daughters, as follows: Jerome J. J., Julia Graves, and Catharine Bennett. Eliza M. Tompkins was a daughter of Unni and Julia C. (Elmore) Hul- bert, who came from Hartford, Conn., to Bergen in 1816, and a few years later removed to Le Roy. They had two daughters. Mr. Hulbert worked in a woolen factory while in Hartford, and after coming to Gene- see County was engaged in the manufacture of brick and in farming. Angus A. Tompkins was reared and received his education in Le Roy. In 1853 he began his career as a clerk in a store, and in 1856 entered the law office of John R. Olmsted and began the study of law. One year later he entered the office of Bissell & Ballard, was admitted to the bar, and in 1862 went to California, thence to Central America. In 1866 he

was appointed Secretary of Legation to the American Consul to Central America. He returned to his home in Le Roy in 1872 and practiced law till 1886, when he was appointed assistant secretary to superintend- ent of State insurance at Albany. Mr. Tompkins is a staunch Democrat, has always taken an active interest in political affairs of his county and State, and aimed to promote the best interests of his party. He is well informed on all general topics of the day, and is an honored and respected citizen.

Timothy Toomey, born in Cork, Ireland, when a young man came to the United States and first settled in Vermont. He later removed to Utica, N. Y., where he married Mary Kennan, who was born in County Louth, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1854. They have had seven children, viz .: John, of Wisconsin, Michael (deceased), Kate, Tim, Anna, Pat W., and Mary. About three years after their marriage they came to Le Roy, where they resided until his death in January, 1888. Mr. Toomey while in Utica followed railroading, and after his removal to Le Roy engaged in farming.

Charles N. Vicary, son of William N. and Charlotte (Cook) Vicary,

555

TOWN OF LE ROY.

was born in Morgansville, N. Y., June 15, 1858. At the age of 14 he entered the store of S. C. Kelsey, of Le Roy, to learn the tailors' trade. Upon the death of Mr. Kelsey, in 1878, Mr. Vicary purchased the mer- chant tailoring branch of the trade, and in 1881 he bought the whole stock of goods, and has since carried on a successful business. Mr. Vicary, by energy, perseverance, and close application to business, has succeeded in building up a substantial and flourishing trade. He is courteous and genial, and an honored member of the F. & A. M. In August, 1881, he married Louise H., daughter of E. N. Bailey, of Le Roy, and they have three children : Arthur C., Grace L., and Mar- guerite B. The family are active members of the Presbyterian Church. William Vicary, born in Devonshire, Eng., came to Stafford in 1849, and worked on a farm for a short time, when he engaged in the mercan- tile business. About 1862 he became an agent for the Erie Railroad, and continued in that capacity until 1882, since which he resided upon a farm until his death, April 7, 1889. He was a prominent member of the Episcopal Church, and was at the time of his death one of the wardens. He had eight children, four of whom were born in England, viz .: Char- lotte, Thomas C, Margaret, and Carrie. All came to the United States except Margaret. Of the children born in this country three are living, namely : Annie, George, and Charles N. In January, 1890, Mr. Vicary took as partner in his business L. W. Steuber, who had been in his em- ploy for the past eight years, and the firm name became Vicary & Steu- ber.

John H. Van Valkenburgh, a prominent farmer of Genesee County, was born at Lyons, Wayne County, November 10, 1830, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of 16 he started in life at $4 per month, and afterwards received $120 per year. In 1856 he came to Le Roy and worked in the car works for a time. He then followed butchering for 20 years, and in 1868 purchased the farm where he now resides, and upon which he located in 1873. He has filled vari- ous local offices in the village. He married Mary P., daughter of Thomas P. Hedden, and they have one child, Effie (Mrs. Townsend). Mr. Van Valkenburgh is an honored and respected member of the F. & A. M. His parents, Abraham and Deborah (Craft) Van Valkenburgh, were born at Kinderhook and Peekskill, respectively, and were early settlers of Lyons. Abraham was a stage driver in his early life until after the canal was built. In the war he enlisted a regiment, made up ex- clusively of old men, for the purpose of defending Washington, D. C., but instead was sent to New Orleans and was killed in the battle of Baton Rouge, La. He had four sons and four daughters, and all but one reared families. His wife died in 1883. Abram Van Valkenburgh, grandfather of John H., was born in Holland, came to America during colonial days, and settled at Kinderhook. He was a farmer for a time, and later ran a vessel on the Hudson. He raised five sons and three daughters.

556

GENESEE COUNTY.

Peleg G. Vary was born December 1, 1818, in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, N. Y. His grandfather, Samuel L. Vary, of Welsh ancestry, reared a family of four sons and eight daughters, and died in Kinder- hook. His sons all came to Pittsford, Monroe County. Samuel T., the father of Peleg G., was born in Berlin, Rensselaer County, October II, 1791, and moved to Kinderhook and thence to Monroe County. He lived in Lima for a time, and died in Rochester, October 26, 1864. His wife, Mehetable Thomas, bore him five sons and three daughters, and died in Le Roy, September 7, 1882, aged 88. Peleg G., a retired farmer, received a common school education, and began life for himself at the age of 21. When 28 years of age he moved onto a farm near Avon, and in March, 1853, located on a farm about two miles east of Le Roy village. In 1874 he retired from farming and located in the vil- lage, where he has a beautiful and pleasant home. He married Lucinda, daughter of Luther and Rachel Landon, of Avon, who bore him chil- dren as follows : George P., Caroline (Mrs. Hollenbeck), Emma J., Hat- tie (Mrs. Clark), Jennie (Mrs. Johnson), and India. His wife died in December, 1883.

Schuyler C. Wells, for 20 years past numbered among the most suc- cessful business men of Genesee County, was born in Poultney, Vt., Feb- ruary 6, 1840. Reared upon his father's extensive farm he had ample opportunity for developing a naturally ambitious and persevering spirit. From the age of 15 years he took the lead in the management of the farm when not engaged in his studies at Troy Conference Academy, one of the most noted educational institutions of Vermont, which is located in his native town, and where he received a thorough business education. By judicious management of the opportunities afforded him he had accu- mulated, of his own earnings, when 25 years of age, a sum sufficient to enable him to enter business for himself.

From boyhood up he had always had a natural fondness for drugs and medicines, and only refrained from preparing himself for a physician, not being content with the limited opportunities to make a financial success out of the legitimate fields of the profession. In the fall of 1866 he decided to enter the drug trade at Le Roy, and with that end in view negotiated for the purchase of Medical Hall. Dr. L. S. Hooker, his brother in-law, then a practicing physician in Wisconsin, was sought, to whom he di- vulged his plans, the result being a copartnership under the firm name of Hooker & Wells. This partnership existed for three years, during which time Mr. Wells applied himself to the study of medicine, and the build- ing up of their drug trade. His restless and inquiring mind led him to devote his attention closely to the observation of the immediate results of certain formulas in respect to their favorable action upon various diseases that afflict the human system. The unusual success of these formulas ultimately created a great demand for them. During this time Mr. Wells had other projects in view, and was successful in securing the sole right to manufacture and sell "McLea's Patent Pail Ear" and "Eave Trough

Eng by JR. Face & Son. Phila,

557

TOWN OF LE ROY.

Former"- articles of merit and usefulness. Having confidence in the merits of these articles, and believing there was money to be made out of them, he sold out his interest in the drug business, and formed a co- partnership for three years with James P. Kneeland, for their manufac- ture and sale, under the firm name of Wells & Kneeland. Through his energy and push they built a large factory, and equipped it with steam- power and stamping presses, and built up an extensive business, being compelled to run night and day to fill their orders. Many men lost their heads and judgment over the success of the entprise, and numer- ous were the applicants anxious to purchase an interest in the concern. A favorable proposition to purchase Mr. Wells's interest having been made to him, he sold out a two-thirds interest at a handsome profit, after which a stock company was organized, but after it went out of his control the business soon went to pieces. He now again engaged in the drug trade alone, and with increased capital and facilities laid the foundation for his greater success. Taking up his formulas where he left off, two years be- fore, he brought out the several products now known as "Shiloh's Family Remedies," and which, from a small beginning in his own store in 1871, has grown to be the most important and successful business enterprise of the county. In 1873 he sold his interest in the store and devoted his whole attention to the introduction of his popular Remedies, which are now known and sold in every part of the United States, and in many for- eign countries.

In 1877, to keep pace with his growing trade, Mr. Wells was obliged to seek enlarged quarters, which resulted in his building the commodious four story brick block on Church street, a few rods below Main street bridge, to which, in 1882, he erected an addition, doubling its capacity, the whole being now occupied by the business of the firm. His phenom- enal success stimulated many imitators who sprung up throughout the county like mushrooms, but their feeble breath scarcely disturbed the autumn leaves, and one by one they soon became extinct, with perhaps a single exception. In 1882 he sold to his brother, George H. Wells, a one- third interest in his Shiloh's Family Remedies, and the business is carried on under the firm name of S. C. Wells & Co.

In September, 1865, Mr. Wells married Anna E., daughter of S. P. Hooker, then president of the bank at Poultney, Vt., and a prominent manufacturer there. Their children are Josephine H., Anna E., and Schuyler C., Jr.

In 1880 he purchased " Dreamland," a villa property on the elevation of East Main street, just within the corporate limits of the village. This fine property Mr. Wells has greatly improved, and having bought ad- joining lands now has a stock farm of 200 acres. The residence has been remodeled, and is now, with its beautiful surroundings, considered one of the most elegant homes in Genesee County.

Always an active man, and never satisfied unless with business enough to keep two men occupied, Mr. Wells, who had been fond of a horse

558

GENESEE COUNTY.

from boyhood, determined to go into the breeding of fashionable trotters and roadsters for recreation and pleasure. With him to wish is to act, and going to Kentucky he purchased, as his pioneer stallion, "St. Goth- ard," a son of "George Wilkes," which he brought back to " Dreamland," paying what was considered at that time an extravagant price. To-day no horse in the State stands higher in the estimation of Kentucky breed- ers than "St. Gothard." The breeding of fashionable horses, and the training incident thereto, demanded barns and buildings of large propor- tions; hence Mr. Wells built one of the most complete, largest, and commodious stock barns in the State, with room for 125 horses, a fast half mile track, and an eighth-mile track, the latter entirely under cover His stallions, brood mares, and colts number about 100 head. Dream- land, with its equipments, buildings, and stock, is one of the most com- plete enterprises of its kind in the United States. He organized the New York State Trotting Horse Breeders' Association, and was elected president of the organization, and served one term.

At the reorganization of Ingham University he was chosen one of the 15 incorporators and trustees. To him more than to any one else is due the magnificent Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee, as not only being the largest contributor to it, but also giving much of his time and executive ability, which was of even more importance than his purse. He was one of the original incorporators of the Le Roy Salt Co., going into it as much for the benefit of the village as for personal gain.

Mr. Wells is a very successful man, and there are few whose abilities are as varied. Yet in the prime of life, he is constantly looking for new fields for investment, and finds a real pleasure in work which to the aver- age man would be too exhaustive. His wealth has been accumulated from many counties, and to that extent has enriched this county.

Mr. Wells's grandfather was Noah Wells. a native of Colchester, Conn., who settled in Poultney, Vt., in 1795. He married Lucy Broughton, and their children were Abbie L., Anna R., and Pomeroy. The latter, the father of Schuyler C., was born in Poultney, December 3, 1810, on the Wells farm, where he also died. He married Rebecca Ann Blossom. Four children were born to them, namely: Helen (Mrs. George W. Gib- son), of Schenectady, now deceased ; Schuyler C .; Adelbert, who was. drowned in 1856; and George H., who is the junior member of the pres- ent firm of S. C. Wells & Co.

George H. Wells, son of Pomeroy and Rebecca Ann (Blossom) Wells, was born June 12, 1848, in Poultney, Vt., and received his education in the common schools and Linsley Commercial College. At the age of 17 he went to Rutland, Vt., and entered a dry goods store as salesman Upon reaching his majority he embarked in the flour and grain business at Ponlt- ney, which he sold in 1876, and came to Le Roy, where he has since been engaged with his brother S. C. in the manufacture and sale of the celebrated " Shiloh's Remedies," having charge of the correspondence. Mr. Wells is.

559

TOWN OF LE ROY.

one of the substantial and wealthy citizens of Le Roy. He has a pleasant home, and in his domestic and social relations he is kind and genial. Stran- gers always find him courteous and pleasant. He is liberal and public-spir- ited, and a free and cheerful giver to public enterprises that tend to promote the best interests of his community. Mr. Wells has been twice married, first to Alice C., daughter of Robert Bull. She died April 21, 1874, leaving one child, Helen. He married for his second wife Mary B., daughter of John R. and Sophia G. (Blodgett) Anderson, of Le Roy, by whom he has one child, Mary Blossom

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Gazetteer and biographical record of Genesee County, N.Y., 1788-1890, Part 62

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co. Number of Pages: 920

Author: Beers, F. W. (Frederick W.), ed. 1n; Vose, J.W., and Co
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : J.W. Vose & Co.
Number of Pages: 920