USA > New York > Monroe County > History of Monroe county, New York with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, Palatial residences > Part 46
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C. J. HILL MILLS .- These are among the oldest and best mills in the city. They have always maintainel a high reputation, and are now doing a.large and flourishing business. The name of C. J. llill has been prominently connected with the flour trade for a great many years, and no person has seen more of its history than he. The mills are located on South Water street, and are turning out a large quantity of flour annually.
EMPIRE MILLS .- On North Water street, near the corner of Main, are situated the Empire mills, owned by Gerling Brothers. The mills were erected about twenty-six years ago, and have been in constant operation ever since. The business was formerly entirely custom wurk, but they now do a large jobbing trade. In- oluding buckwheat flour, these mills turned out twenty thousand barrels in 1874. Three run of stone. and employ six men. Ship largely to the north west.
ARCADE MILLS .- These mills are located near the site of the old " Indian Allen mill," and are owned by Chase, Bristol & Veile. The old red mill was built by Nathaniel Rochester in 1821. In 1870 the old building was torn down and a new one erected upon its site by Chase, Ford & Smith. It subsequently passed into the hands of Chase & Smith, and from them to the present proprie- tors. These mills contain five run of stoue, two of which were in the original mill. Sixteen men are employed, and in 1974 sixty thousand barrels of four were manufactured, using two hundred and eighty thousand bushels of wheat. The greater part of the wheat comes from Minnesota, although a large quantity of Canada white wbeat is used.
CENTRAL MILLS .- These mills, owned by Jolin R. Pentecost & Co., situated at 5 East Main street, are doing a fine business. They were burned, with the Democrat und Chronicle, a few years since, and rebuilt in August, 1872. The mills have four run of stone, and employ twelve hands. In 1874 twenty-five thousand barrels of flour were manufactured, using one hundred and twenty-five thousand bushels of wheat. Three fourths of this wheat was purchased in Toledo, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Winona.
ONTARIO MILLS .- These mills are located on North Water street, and are in charge. of Wilson & Ashton. They have three run of stone, and employ four hands. About two hundred barrel: of flour are manufactured per week. State wheat is chiefly used.
UNION MILLS are located on North Water street, and do a custom business. These mills have three run of stone, employ four hands, and manufacture about twelve thousand barrels per annum. James Cornell, proprietor.
GRANITE MILLS, William Richardson, proprietor .- These immense mills are located on Brown's race, and are among the finest and largest mills in the city. They were erected in 1835, by II. B. Williams. They have ten run of stone, ent- ploy twelve hands, and have a capacity for manufacturing ninety thousand barrela per year. Western wheat is chiefly used, being transported via New York Central road.
JEFFERSON MILLS .- These mills were built hy Hliram Smith in 1835, ant in their construction he said he had put all his brains and experience. They are acknowledged to have uo superior as flouring mills. They originally contained four run of stone, and now have six. In 1974 the mills produced forty-two thousand barrels, and used two hundred thousand bushels of wheat. The present firm ia Jennings. Davis & Co. They employ twelve men.
WASHINGTON MILLS .- J. A. Hinds is the owner of these mills, which wen: also erected by lhram Smith in 1835. Have live run of stone, and turn out about thirty thousand barrels per annum, using one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of wheat, mostly western. They employ thirteen hands.
118
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
PEOPLE'S MILLS, George F. Merz, owner gad proprietor -These mills have three ruo of atone, and do a large custom business. About twelve thousand barrels of flour are manufactured annually, including custom work. Employ live hands. They were built about twenty years ago, by Edward Bradfield. From him they passed to George Moulson, and from bim to the present owners, five years ago.
IRVING MILLS,-These mills were built in 1840. J. C. Stone rebuilt the mills, making large additions. Until within five years ago the establishment was under the control of N. W. Carr & Co. It then came into the possession of the present owner, James Campbell. The mills have a capacity of forty thousand barrels. In 1874 twenty thousand barrels of Graham flour were produced. They have foor run of stone, and employ ten hands.
THE FRANKFORT MILLS were erected in 1860. by Rufus W. Main. The pres- ent firm, Smith & Chester, have had possession about eleven years ; the latter having been connected with the mills thirteen years. They manufacture about sixty thousand barrels of four annaally. These milla were the first after C. J. Hill to go into the trade. Then the rest followed, and all with success. Twenty men are employed. Their trade is to dealers in New England, Pennsylvania, and New York.
THE WHITNEY MILLS were built by Warham Whitney, in 1830. J. H. Pool & Co. owned the mill until 1875. The present proprietors are Farley, Furgesou & Wilson. The mill has six run of stone, and employs twelve men.
THE FLOUR CITY MILLS are excellent milla; owned and operated by J. B. Moseley and George Motley. They are located near Brown street.
THE EXCELSIOR MILLS, owned by Ellwood and Armstrong, were erected in 1876. These are custom mills, located in the rear of 7 West Main street, in what is known as the Robinson building.
The following is a summary of about the present annual business of the Rochester mills :
Barrels.
Ely Mills, James Wilson & Co.
40,000
Model Mills, Wilson & Pond.
45.000
Crescent Mills, W. S. MeMillan & Co ..
40.000
C. J. Hill ...
10,000
Empire Mills, Gerling Bros ...
20.000
Arcade Mills, Chase, Bristol & Viele
60.000
Central Mille, J. K. Pentecost & Co.
40,000
Ontario Mills, Wilson & Ashton.
12.000
Doian Mills, James Curnell.
12,400
Granite Mills. Wra. Richardson
35.000
Jefferson Mills, Jenings, D'avis & Co ...
410,000
Washington Mills. J A. Hinds.
12.000
Irving Mills, James Cumpbull
20,000
Flour City Mills. Moseley and Motley
40,000
Whitacy Mills, Farley, Furgesoo & Wilson
40,000
Frankfort Mills, Statth & Chester
35,000
Excelsior Mills, Ellwood & Armstrong.
12,000
Total
533,000
Number of bushels of wheat necessary to produce the amount, about two til- lions five hundred and seventy thousand. For much of the above information we are indebted to the columns of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS OF ROCHESTER.
PANCOST, SADE & MOORE, boots and shoes .- This business was originally commeneed by Oren Sage in 1827. It was continued by hin until 1835, when it came into the hands of Sage & Pancost. In 1860 it was known as Pancost, Sage & Co., and in 1868 changed to the present firm name. At the beginning of this business Mr. Sage manufactured goods to the amount of about eighteen thousand dollars per year. The trade has increased with additional facilities for manufacture until the present annual product amounts to one million dollars. They have a capital of four hundred thousand dollars, and employ six hundred and fifty persons. At first nothing but thick and kip boots were manufactured, but now over two hundred varieties are produced. ranging from a railroad cack to a stogie boot. The founders of the firm of Sage & Pancust both died within ten months of each other, in the years 1866 and 1867. The reputation of this house has been maintained by the quality rather than the qquantity, and they are known through- out the entire west as makers of the best kinds of goods for the common people, not aiming at the lowest or highest priced boots and shoes. This is the ohlest manufactory of bouts anıl shoes in Roche-ter.
J. H. & P. BYRNES are young mien who commenced husiness in Rochester six years ago. They have gradually worked their way up until now they are one of the leading manufacturing firms for furnishing ladies', misses', and children's stylish and dressy shoes, which are on an equality with those made by the most celebrated manufacturers in New York city and other places. The highest stand- ard of quality and taste has been their great endeavor, and it mast certainly be a gratification to know that, as a reward of their enterprise and industry, they have
succeeded in attaining it. Having succeeded in putting the best of goods in the market, they directed their attention to keeping step with the march of progress. By discarding old ideas they have become inventors, producing something in har- moby with the wants of the age. Acting upon this principle, they have invented and adapted an improvement in gaiter-shoes which must not only be of practical value to the firm as manufacturers, but must eventually come permanently iato publie notice and favor. The improvement relates to a gaiter-shoe, the In dy or foot-portion of which is made from a single piece of leather, doing away with seams on the vamps altogether. This shoe can be made of any material, and is so cut and slit that one side folds or doubles over upon the other, reaching to the heel, leaving the foot free from scams across the instep, the only ones bwiog at the heel and on the outer side, extending from the fly to the heel-seam, just below the top of the counter. This firm make from ninety to one hundred different styles of shoes from the choicest material-French and Curacoa kid, pebble.l and straight- grained goat, serges, and colored work. Their factory covers five floors in Lam- pert's block, eighty-five feet deep and forty feet wide, and they turn out over three hundred pairs daily, with an average of one hundred and twenty-five hands, the trade extending to Canada on the north, to Florida on the south, and to C'ali- fornia on the west.
REED & WEAVER, boot and shoe manufacturers. commenced business No- vember 1, 1875. They manufacture five hundred pairs per day, with a capacity for one thousand, and the present annual production amounts to about three hun- dred thousand dollars. This firm employs one hundred and fifty person -. Ma- ehinery aod all appartenances are first-class. They manufacture ladies', misses'. and children's fine shoes, and their trade extends to Colorado, including all the western States. Messrs. Reed & Weaver, through honorable dealing and the manufacture of a superior quality of goods, have attained an enviable reputation, which they justly merit.
D W WRIGHT & Co-Wright & Cowles founded this business in 1969. In 1872 the firm became D. W. Wright & Co., consisting of D. W. Wright. W. R. Peters, and W. R. Craig. This business has rapidly increased. as is shown from the fact that in the beginning the annual product amounted to fifty thousand dollars. and at the present time it amounts to two hundred thousand dollars. This estab- lishment is one of the largest in the city, and employs one hundred and twenty- five persons. They manufacture a full line of men's, women's, youths'. misses', and children's fine boots and shoes. Capital, fifty thousand dollars.
JAMES J. EVANS, successor of J. D. Stewart & Son, commenced business in 1875. Mr. Evans manufactures a line of staple boots and shoes. The e-tablish- ment is furnished with the most improved machinery, aod employs one hundred and twenty persons. Sales are made throughout the west and in Bostr.l.
COWLES BROS., manufacturers of children's turned shoes .- Cowle- & Harris commenced this business in 1875-E. W. Cowles, C. H. Harris. It was carried on by them until October 1, 1875, when E. H. Cowles was admitted a- a partner. C. H. Harris withdrew frout the firm in September, 1876. They employ twenty- five hands, and their business is rapidly increasing.
A. J. JOHNSON & Co., wholesale shoe manufacturers .- The business was com- menced by A. J. Johnson in the spring of 1860, and continued antil October 25. 1875, when the present firmi was formed, consisting of .A. J. Johnson and J. I. Robins, Jr. At the commencement of business the annual produrt was ten thousand dollars, and it has increased until at the present time it amount- to three hundred thousand dollars. The junior member of the firm was an employee in the establishment from January, 1864. to 1875. when D. G. Weaver retired. and he became a member of the firm. This establishment manufactures a full line of women's and misses' work, and intend soon to add a complete line of boots and shoes.
PHELAN & BOLTON. shoe manufacturers, began business in February. 1873. and the first year they manufactured goods to the amount of seven thousand dul- lars. They employ about one hundred persons, and the annual prolurt now amounts to one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Ladies', boys, youths'. misses', and children's fine shoes for the western and southern trade are mang- factured.
ELLISON & STODDARD, manufacturers of hoots and shoes. have been in busi- Dess about three years. They employ about seventy-five persons, and manufac- ture a full line of men's first-class fine boots and shoes, also a good line of ladies' shoes. The annual product amounts to one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.
D. H. WESTBURY .- This business flates its origin to 1870. when it was cum- menced hy C'hapin & Leonard. Lennard withdrew in 1874, and it was con- ducted by Mr. Chapin until March, 1876, when the entire establishment was purchased by Mr. We-thury, the present proprietor. The product per year in the beginning was sowall, but has increased steadily, and at present this is one of the leading boot and «hoe manufactories in Rochester. Ile employs thirty mien, and
Peopic's Mills, Geo. F. Merz.
119
HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
manufactures men's, boys', sed youths' calf and kip pegged boots, women's, misses', men's, boys', and youths' call' jegzed shoes, women's and nieu's split- leather shoes, ood men's and boys' opera bouts. Mr. Westbury is an old resident of Rochester, and is one of the present alderme'n of the Third ward.
P. Cox & BROTHER, shoe manufacturers .- This business was founded by Patrick Cos, in New York city; in 1861 was removed to this city. Here be carried on the establishment as sole proprietor until July 1, 1876, when bis brother, Joseph D., also of New York, became associated with him as copartner. The factory is furnished with improved machinery, and the aneaal product amounts to one hundred and sixty thensand dollars ; employ ninety persons. and the manufactory is run during the whole year. They make boys', youths', misses', and children's fine machine and cable-wire sewed shoes. Daily produc- tion is three hundred pairs. Their goods are widely celebrated, and shipments are made throughout the United States and Canada.
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GEO. P. MEYER & Co., shee manufacturers, commenced business in 1875; employ twenty-five persons ; anenal preduet, titty thousand dollars. This firm manufactures ladies', misses', and childree's shoes.
KEELER & GOODEINE are located at ST North Water street .- This firm is doing a large business, and justly merits its present success.
THE HATCH PATENT CRIMIPER COMPANY .- This enterprise was begun in the summer of 1873, and in the same year organized as a stock company, with J. W. Hatch, president, C. B. Hlatch, vice-president, A. J. Hatch, treasurer, and James L. Hatch, secretary and manager. This company are manufacturing an - improved heel-counter or stiffening for boots and shoes. A few years since these were made by cach shoemaker out of leather, which was formed and cut by hand. These were more or less perfect in proportine to the quality of leather wed and akill of the workman. Here are manufactured counters made from one piece each of leather and extra counter-leather board, united by the best rubber cement, making them net only water-proof. but also rendering the stiffening as pliable and easy to work as the best sole-leather counter. They are a very superior counter, and orders for them are received from all parts of the world. This invention was made by the present secretary and manager of the company, MIr. J. L. Hatch. The establishment is furnished with the most improved machinery for the busi- ness, also the invention of Mr. Hatch, and each machine has a capacity of from four thousand to six thousand pairs of counters per day.
Otber boot aed shoe manufacturers are Cowles, Curtis & Co., C. A. Cleveland, Chapman & Stewart, Brooks & Reynolds, J. W. Bradford ( uppers), F. End (slip- pers), E. A. Jaquith, James Gant, J. Kelly, MI. E. Wood, Williams & Hoyt, E. Wiegand, Stockbridge. Brayton & Co., J. P Smith, and Rochester Boot aud Shoe Manufacturing Co.
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J. C. LIGHTHOUSE, wholesale manufacturer of horse-collars .- This business was commenced in August, 1865, under the firm name of Mulligan & Lighthouse. May 10, 1867, the firmi was dissolved and the business continued by the present proprietor, J. C. Lighthouse. The business has constantly increased, and where three thousand five hundred dollars' worth of goods were manufactured per annum at the beginning of business, now goods to the amount of over sixty thousand dollars per year are produced, with iudicatiens of a much larger production. Capital, fifty thousand dollars. Number of men employed, twenty-seven. Goods are sold in every State in the Union, also in Cuba, South America, Australia, and France. The highest award-medal and diploma-was given to this collar at the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, in Isit.
ROCHESTER TOBACCO WORKS, R. D. KELLOGG & Co .- TI e business now carried on by this firmu was originally begun by Henry Suggett, in 1835. One year afterwards the firm changed to Suggett & Ruusley, in 1857 to Leggett & Bower, and in 1859 to Leggett, Bower & Co., the company being R. D. Kel- logg. In 1863 the firm assumed the style of Bower & Kellogg, and was con- tioned as such until 1870, when Mr. Kellogg purchased Mr. Bower's interest, aud the firm became R. D. Kellogg & Co., the ". Co." being W. Hart Spencer.
The nuqual production varies from seventy-five to two hundred thousand dollars. At present, it amounts to about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum. Employ aboat fifty persons. This is one of the oldest houses o:' the kind in the city, and, with the others, is in a prosperous condition.
S. F. HESS' TOBACCO MANUFACTORY-This branch of industry was com- menced in 1838, by John Disbrow. He was succeeded by Leyman. The pres- ent proprietor took charge of the business in 1867. It was begun en a small scale, but has risen rapidly, as is showo by the annual production at the com- medcement, which amounted to about twenty-five thousand dollars, and at the present time, which is three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Capital about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Employ one hundred persons. The Prisent location is at No. 7 Exchange atrret. A building is to be erected the coming season, on the south side of the canal, for a manufactory, which is intended to be complete in all its appointments.
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R. & T. WHALEN, tobacco manufacturers -This business was originally es- tublished by Abraham Van Slyke, in the year 1840. Iu 1560 it passed into the hands of U. G. Iloyte. In 1862, the firm was Ketchum, Woodbury & Co., in 1803, Edward Woodbury, aud io 1864, Woodbury & Whilee. whe continued the business until 1565, when R. & T. Whalen became proprietors, and have since conducted the establishment. They are doing a large business, and employ thirty persons.
PEERLESS TOBACCO WORKS, W. S. Kimball & Co., proprietors .- This husi- Dess was organized ie 1846, by Henry Surgett, and continued by him until 1858, whee the firin became Suggett & Bower, and the business was carried on by them uetil 1863. In that year it passed into the hands of Suggett & Kimball, and was continued by this firm until 1567, when the entire interest was purchased by Mr. Kimball. Two years later he admitted as a partner B. B. Keeler, who re- maived in the firm three years, when he withdrew. and James C. Hart became 3 member of the firm.
Ne business in Rochester has increased with greater rapidity than this, as is shown from the fact that at the beginning twelve thousand dollars' werth of goods were manufactured per year, and now the annual product amounts to seven hun- dred thousand dollars. Employ three hundred persoes ; pay-roll is six thousand dollars per month. Here is manufactured the celebrated " Vanity Fair" tobacco, which is shipped to all parts of the globe. This is the only cigarette manufac- tory west of New York, and the second largest in the world.
C. & G. GUCKER are manufacturers ef cut tobacco and cigars. Office and fac- tory-mill, corner Factory street. Established in 1860.
WALTER B. DUFFY & Co., distillers and rectifiers .- Edward Duffy founded this establishment in 1842. Ile conducted the business until about IS68, when his son, Walter B. Daffy, became a partner with Mr. A. S. Biglow. Two years later Mr. Biglow disposed of his interest to Edward Duffy, and the business has since been carried on under the firm name of Walter B. Duffy & Co. Ie the beginning the annual product amounted to about three thousand dollars, and now amounts to over a quarter of a million. An important feature of the institution is the cider-mill, which has a capacity of three thousand bushels per day. Their grinder is the largest in the world, and has a capacity of one hundred and teu busliels per aix minutes. About fifteen thousand barrels of cider were manufac- tured during 1876. Its superior quality has not only secured them an immense trade in this country, but large shipments are also made to Europe. The cider department is under the general superintendence of A. S. Biglow, who has made many improvements in this manufacture. A specialty is made of malteil wheat- whisky. Messrs. Duffy & Co. are also direct importers of foreign wines and liquors.
CITY SPRINGS BREWERY, E. K. Warren, proprietor .- This business was founded by Samuel Warren, father of the present proprietor, in 1842, and con- tinned by him until his death, which occurred in 1843. The brewery was then managed by the widow, Louis MI. Warren, and Henry Warren, brother of the deceased, until the sons Edward K. and F. L. became of age. when it passed into their hands. F. L. Warren died in 1864, and Edward K. became sole pro- prietor. The beginning of business was sinall, the annual product amounting to only six hundred barrels. The present annual product is nine thousand barreis. Employ fifteen men. Samnel Warren was the first to manufacture and introduce pale ale in the city of Rochester. This brewery is known as the City Springs Brewery from the fact that it is supplied with water from a never-failing living spring east of the establishment.
FREDERICK MILLER'S BREWING ESTABLISHMENT .- MIr. Miller commenced the business of brewing in 1850, on Brown street. In 1857 he erected a brewery on Lake avenue, and continued the business at this place until 1869, when the entire establishment was destroyed by fire. A new building was immediately erected, and this was injured by fire in 1873. With commendable enterprise, he soon repaired and enlarged the structure, and has now one of the finest and most complete brewing establishments in the city. It is complete in all its appoint- ments, with a capacity of one hundred barrels per day. Employs sixteen hands.
ROCHESTER BREWING COMPANY was organized in September, 1874, with the following officers: A. II. Martin, president ; Gus Ran, vice-president; John B. Hahn, treasurer ; Wm. N. Onthout, secretary. In the following year a large and commodious building was erected on ('liff street, at a cost of ninety-six thousand dollars. It was furnished with machinery put in by Frederick Schmidt of New York, except the engine and boiler, which were from the celebrated works of Woodbury, Booth & C'o., of this city. The main building of this fine structure was destroyed by fire March 11, 1 -76. With commemlable energy, it was rebuilt within two months, and the ruined machinery was replaced with the very hitest improvements. One of the marked features of the establishment is the erllar, which is lifty feet below the surface This buibling is one of the finest brick edifices in Rochester, and reflects great credit upon the city as well as upon its
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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY, NEW YORK.
enterprising progenitors. The brewery has a capacity of two hundred and twenty barrels per day, and the annual product amounts to two hundred thousand dollars. Employ thirty persons. Capital, one hundred thon-and dollars. The present officers of the company are, Gustavus Mannel, president; John B. Ifabn, vice- president ; Wm. N. Oothout, treasurer ; Frank A. Rust, secretary.
BARTHOLOMAY BREWING COMPANY .- This business was originally com- menced oy Will & Buurtbolomay, and continued under that firm name until May 1, 1874, wbeo the present company was formed. The business was begun in a small way, and but five thousand dollars' worth of stock was produced during the first year. By judicious management, honorable dealing, and the manufacture of the best quality of goods, the business has rapidly increased until the present time, wben the annual production amounts to two hundred and eighty thousand dollars. The annual production of the malt-house, in connection with the brewery, is eighty thousand bushels of malt. The company has a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and employs about forty-five persons. The present officers are as follows : H. Bartholomay, president; Frederick Cook, vice-president; P. H. Will, treasurer ; George Arnoldt, secretary.
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