USA > New York > Ontario County > History of Ontario county, New York : with illustrations and family sketches of some of the prominent men and families > Part 46
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Henry L. Taylor was educated in the Fort Edward Institute, which he entered at an early age. This was followed by a period in the
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State Normal School at Albany, and after graduation he taught the sciences in Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. In 1880 he entered Syracuse University, from which he graduated with honor in the class of 1884.
Leaving college, Mr. Taylor accepted the principalship of the Yates Union Free School and Academy at Chittenango, N. Y., which posi- tion he filled three years, leaving it to accept the more responsible work of organizing the academical department of the Union Free School in Canandaigua. Since that time he has remained at the head of this school.
In giving to the readers of this volume a brief record of Doctor Taylor's career, it was not his wish that it should be extended beyond the facts above noted ; but it seems eminently proper to add that at the present time he occupies a conspicuous position among the advanced and progressive educators of this State. In the organization of the department over which he now presides, he exhibited executive ability of a commendable order, and his practical labors since that time have produced results which give the school a high reputation and gain for him the full approbation of the Board of Education.
Doctor Taylor was married in 1885 to Marion E. Giddings, of Bald- winsville, N. Y. They have three children : Mabel, Beth and Henry Burr Taylor.
JEREMIAH HAWKINS.
W. F. Hawkins was born at the old homestead farm north of the vil- lage of Victor, April 8, 1827. He was educated in district schools and Canandaigua Academy, and was a farmer, but now retired from busi- ness. In April, 1855, he married Phebe J. Mulock, of Middletown, Orange county, and they have four children : Jeremiah W., born No- vember 8, 1860. He was educated in the public schools, Lima Semi- nary and Canandaigua Academy, and is a farmer. December 28, 1881, he married Helen E., daughter of George H. Bennett, of Lima, Liv- ingston county. They have one son, George W., born October 22, 1885 ; Nettie E., who married Dr. Daniel Tillotson, a graduate of Buf- falo Medical College and now a successful practicing physician of the
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city of Corning, Steuben county. They have one daughter, Callie L ; G. Frank is a farmer on the homestead and unmarried ; Nellie M., who resides with her parents. Mr. Hawkins's father, Jeremiah Hawkins, was born in Otisville, Orange county, March 5, 1792. When quite young he began to learn the carpenter's trade. He was a volunteer in the War of 1812-14, and drew a pension for his service during his life. He married Mahala Tooker, of Newburg, Orange county. After exacting a promise from his brother to care for his father and mother, he started with his wife and household possessions on a one-horse wagon which he made himself. After looking over the territory, he lo- cated one-half mile east of where his son, William F., now resides. He followed his trade together with farming for ten years. At one time he owned 1,000 acres of the best farm lands in Victor and vicinity. He was a man of strict integrity, great energy and indomitable perse- verance, a quick, active mind and sound judgment ; in politics a stead- fast Republican. Ever ready to lend a helping hand to projects for the advancement of town and county interests, he frequently represented his town in the Board of Supervisors, and as frequently performed the duties of commissioner of highway and other minor offices. He was a liberal subscriber for the stock of the old Auburn and Rochester Rail- road, and took an active interest in the New York Central, holding a large amount of its stock until a short time prior to his death. Kind hearted and generous, the worthy poor never asked help in vain.
In early life he became a member of the M. E. Church in Victor, pay- ing his subscription for the building of the first M. E. Church built in Victor in making sash for its windows, he being the only competent carpenter in town, and too poor to pay his subscription in cash. Toward the fund for the erection of the church in which the society now worships, he was a liberal subscriber, besides donating $1,000 for the purchase of an organ.
He died November 20, 1875, and his wife July 6, 1889.
FRANK O. CHAMBERLAIN.
The subject of this sketch was born in the town of Cohocton, Steuben county, N. Y., on the 2d of April, 1830 His boyhood was passed in
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attendance at the district schools and labor on his father's farm. Leav- ing home at the age of fifteen years he went to Rushville, where he continued farm work for a time and then learned the milling business. For a few years afterward he managed the Rushville mill and then associated himself with Lyman Loomis in the livery business. Early in life he took an interest in politics and in 1852 was appointed post- master of Rushville, which office he held eight years. In 1860 he took the management of the Rushville hotel, where he was engaged at the
breaking out of the war. Believing that the government had a valid claim upon the services of every citizen, he enlisted in September, 1861, in the Eighth New York Cavalry, but after one year of active service in the field he was forced to resign on account of ill health. During his term of service he participated in the celebrated retreat of General Banks, acting at that time as quartermaster, with the rank of major, which gives him his familiar title.
Returning to Rushville he conducted a farm and livery for about four years. In 1865 he removed to Canandaigua where he took the management of the Webster House, the leading hotel of the village. This house he successfully conducted ten years, making it one of the popular hotels of Western New York and largely extending his ac- quaintance. While proprietor of the hotel he purchased the farm of 153 acres, on the west shore of Canandaigua Lake, which is his present residence, and in 1873 removed his family thereto, but conducting the hotel two years longer. This farm is most beautifully situated and the extensive improvements made by Mr. Chamberlain in its buildings and otherwise make it one of the finest country residences on the lake.
Mr. Chamberlain's intelligent participation in politics after his removal to Canandaigua soon brought him into public notice. His ardent sup- port of Republican principles and his standing in the community as a man of affairs and high character, gave him the confidence of his fellow citizens who honored him with repeated positions of responsibility. In 1869 he was elected supervisor of the town, and for four years he was watchful in that body for the promotion of the welfare of the commu- nity. Subsequently for a term he served as under sheriff, and was chairman of the Republican County Committee during the presidential administration of R. B. Hayes. In 1876 he was appointed by the president as postmaster of Canandaigua and held the office two terms.
7.OGhambulam
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In 1890 Mr. Chamberlain was nominated for the lower house of the State Legislature, against a very popular Democrat who had held the office one term ; but Mr. Chamberlain won the election by a majority of 230 votes. At the expiration of his term in 1891 he was re- elected by a largely increased majority of 835. In the Assembly he was a member of the committees on railroads and on public education, in which posi- tions he gained the respect of his colleagues and the approbation of his constituents.
Outside of his political career Mr. Chamberlain has long occupied a position among the foremost of the advanced agriculturists of the western part of the State. This fact has led to his selection for im- portant offices and duties in connection with the County and State Agricultural Societies. He was for three years the president and sev- eral years treasurer of the Ontario County Agricultural Society, and a trustee a number of years of the State Agricultural Society, resigning the office recently on account of ill health. He was a conspicuous member of the committee for the permanent location of the State fair grounds in 1889, and during the four years ending with 1892 was treasurer of that society. When the Canandaigua Street Railway Com- pany was organized he was elected its president, and resigned this office also in 1892, with the several other positions which the condition of his health prompted him to abandon. Mr. Chamberlain is a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, and with his family is an attendant of the Congregational church. In all of these relations of life, public and private, he has made a record which reflects ability, integrity and honor.
Mr. Chamberlain was first married in 1849 to Fear Yeackley; they had three sons: Oliver H., now a government employee of Washing ton ; James H., now in the Wagner Palace Car service ; and Frank D., in the Northern Central Railroad offices in Canandaigua. Mrs. Cham- berlain died in 1863. He married for his second wife, Elizabeth H. Hulse, of Yates county, N. Y.
ANSEL ELLIOTT MACKEY.
Ansel Elliott Mackey, youngest son of Alexander and Clarrissa El- liott Mackey, was born in the town of Rensselaerville, Albany county,
64
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N. Y., June 3, 1836. His parents and three of his brothers have al- ready departed this life. His brother, James E., was a resident of Al- bany, Alexander, jr., of Guthrie Centre, Ia., Willet B. in the vicinity of Preston Hollow, and Horace W., the surviving brother, still retains pos- session of the old homestead in said town. Major Alexander Mackey, their grandfather, was one of the early settlers of the town above men- tioned, a man of sterling qualities, worthy of honor. When he was twelve years of age he enlisted, with an older brother, in the drum corps of a branch of Gen. Washington's army, then stationed in New Jersey. Later in life, by industry and frugality, he gained possession of a large tract of land, and made ample provision for each member of his family. He was nearly eighty years of age when called to the spirit land. He was of Scotch and Dutch descent. Their grandfather Elliott was of English descent, and lived to be nearly eighty-six years of age. The last years of his life were spent with his youngest son, Ansel Elliott, of Peach Orchard, Schuyler county, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch was given an academic education, and at the age of eighteen was duly licensed to teach, and in November, 1854, he entered his chosen field of labor. After five years of faithful serv- ice in the public schools (of this State) he decided to take a business course of study at the Albany Business College, in which institution, soon after graduation, he became principal teacher, and the school pros- pered during his stay there as never before.
Prof. Mackey was married to Carrie Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Casper F. and Anna C. Hoag, of Schenectady, N. Y., November 7, 1867. Rev. Dr. Henry Darling, of Albany, officiated in his usual happy manner. Mr. Hoag was a sea captain in early life, after which he located in said city and engaged in the manufacture of hollow-ware with marked success. Mrs. Hoag was the youngest daughter of Peter I. Clute, a wealthy citizen of the city, and a remote descendant of King Cannte.
A coat of arms is in possession of the family.
Prof. M. spent a good portion of his vacation seasons in search of practical information to aid him in his professional duties. He was bookkeeper, cashier and salesman for several leading firms in Albany, and for a time he was engaged in the real estate and insurance business,
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in which he had a financial interest. In October, 1873, he removed from Albany to Hudson, for the purpose of establishing a commercial department in that city. Though the great panic of 1873 was at its high water mark, the school was opened at the appointed time in No- vember, and it gradually increased in interest, till the spacious rooms were filled with a select class of students. After five years of success - ful service, he sold out his interest there and removed to Elmira, N. Y. He was associate principal of the Elmira Business College two years, during which time the prosperity of the school was greatly enhanced, and really took out a new lease of life and activity. In August, 1880, he decided to locate a college in Geneva. The school was formally opened September 6, and though the attendance was limited at first, he assured the good people of Geneva that he came to stay. " Per- severancia omnia vincit" appears to be his favorite motto. It was not long before the attendance assumed a more encouraging aspect, and with patient persevering effort the school soon became what it was designed to be, a model business college. The college rooms are pleas- antly located in the Hydrant Hose building, easy of access, well lighted, nicely furnished, with business offices, banks, etc., in the main depart- ment for the use of students in business practice. Modern improve- ments, modern methods of imparting instruction, etc, all combine to make the institution first-class in every respect. Telegraphy, shorthand, typewriting, card writing, engrossing, etc., receive special attention from competent teachers. There appears to be an increased demand for well-trained men and women in almost every branch of business, a fact never before so apparent as at the World's Columbian Exposi- tion of 1893 at Chicago, Ill.
The Geneva Business Training College, as it is now called, is one of the permanent institutions of the county, and one deserving the gener- ous patronage of the public, especially of those who dessire to prepare for business life in a brief period of time. Residents of this and ad- joining counties are highly favored in having such a desirable enter- prise in their midst, and it rarely occurs that any one who has a per- sonal knowledge of its merit will be induced to go elsewhere for a business course of study. Home patronage should always be consid- ered first in every business relation, let it be large or small. Thou-
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sands of dollars have been saved to the county already, and thousands more may be, with discretion in the right direction.
A business course of study is not an expensive luxury, but an actual necessity for successful competition, so much so that no young man or middle aged person can well afford to go on through life without it when it can be obtained at so little expense. Graduates of the col- lege have thus far been very successful in securing lucrative positions, many of whom have already become partners, while others are holding desirable positions in business offices, banks, etc., with credit to them- selves and to the institution. The citizens of Geneva and vicinity have done much to aid and encourage the enterprise in various ways, and the growth of the village since 1880 has been progressive and rapid. Business enterprises have multiplied on every hand, and the outlook is indeed flattering to all classes who are willing to put head and shoulder to the wheel of business adventure.
The parents of Prof. M. were very ambitious and frugal, always kind and helpful to those in need. They contributed freely to the building and support of churches, schools, colleges and societies, at home and abroad. Both lived to be aged, the mother nearly seventy-eight, the father nearly eighty one. Their second son, Alexander, jr., gave the best part of his life to the gospel ministry, which was his chief delight. James, Willet and Horace were actively engaged in agricultural pur- suits for several years. It may seem strange that their youngest son should be inclined to leave a luxurious home so early in life, and go out to battle with the world ; still, it may be accounted for in a meas- ure, in that at the age of ten he was seriously impressed with the idea. of being an exemplary Christian, according to his ability, and he mani- fested an earnest desire to do good to others, as he might have oppor- tunity ; "choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." After a few years of probation he united with the Baptist church of Preston Hollow, of which his parents and brothers were active members, and soon became very active in church and Sunday school work, as teacher and superin- tendent, lending a helping hand in support of good morals and progress- ive christianity. He also took part in the Y. M. C. A work at Al- bany, while located there, and at Hudson as member and secretary.
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He is now identified with the active members of the Geneva Y. M. C. A., and freely contributes to its support, and to the First Baptist Church of Geneva, of which he is a consistent member, and to other benevolent objects. He is also a member of the Business Educators' Association of America, and has contributed several valuable articles for publica- tion. For several years he has edited and published a college annual in the interest of the Geneva Business Training College, of which he is president and proprietor, and in the interest of business education in a general sense.
His success as a teacher is largely due to his natural adaptation to his work, to his untiring interest in and devotion to the same, and to his large and varied experience in his profession. Whatever he at- tempts to do he generally succeeds in doing, and does it well. This is evidently a marked characteristic of his nature, worthy of imitation. He seldom fails to impress moral and religious sentiments and strict temperate habits in the mind and heart of those entrusted to his care. His daughter, Anna C., and son, Casper A., have recently completed courses of study and practice at the G. B. T. College, and their names have been added to the roll of honor.
His political views have always been of a conservative nature, giving preference to men of pure morals and superior qualifications, whenever great and responsible interests are at stake. He does not believe in supporting men merely on account of their partisan principles, when they are known to be corrupt and unworthy. He is a strong advocate of reform in every branch of the government, independent of party affil- iations, which legalizes anything that tends to degrade and destroy the life and happiness of our American citizens. He may be addressed at the Geneva Business Training College, or at his family residence, No. 26 North Main street, Geneva, N. Y.
JOSEPH S. LEWIS.
Joseph S. Lewis, who is familiarly known to all his acquaintances by the title of " Captain," was born in Washington county, N. Y., on the 7th of July, 1810. His father was Barnet Lewis, who removed
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while his son was still an infant to Madison county, where Joseph served an apprenticeship at the trade of harness making. While still a young man he started out to make his own way in the world. Going first to Oswego, N. Y., he worked about three months in a hotel, after which and on the 29th of November, 1830, he came to Geneva, and has since made it his permanent home. His first employment was in the old Franklin House, then kept by Solomon St. John. That hotel was built in 1824, and is still in use for its original purpose. A few months later Mr. Lewis transferred his services to the proprietor of the old Geneva Hotel, the frame of which still stands in a part of Dr. Smith's Geneva Sanitarium. He remained with that house in the ad- ministration of proprietors Beebe and Hemingway, respectively, and during the proprietorship of the last named man he had special charge of the stages which made that popular hostelry their headquarters. Not long after this Mr. Lewis engaged in his first business venture, by starting a small grocery and confectionery store, in company with a Mr. Naglee. This connection continued only one year, but Mr. Lewis left the business with a fair profit, and returned to the care of the stages at the old hotel.
In the year 1836 there was only one steamer running on Seneca Lake. It is an evidence of the confidence felt in Mr. Lewis in this com- munity that he was appointed captain of the steamer, thus gaining his right to the title by which he has since been populary known. After two seasons on this boat, Captain Lewis took command of the Keuka, the first steamer on Keuka (or Crooked Lake.) He commanded this boat for five years. His popularity in these positions was great, and he became widely known to the traveling public throughout Central New York. About this time Captain Lewis secured an interest in a line of stages that ran into Geneva, and in 1841 he took up his residence here. He purchased the livery business connected with the Franklin House, and thereafter for twenty years ran the stage lines between this place and Penn Yan, Lyons and Ovid. During another period of twenty years he carried on a livery business on Seneca street, with D. W. Colvin as a partner. During the war period Captain Lewis carried on an extensive wool business, associated with S S. Cobb, and was con- spicuous in raising the recruits for the 126th and the 128th Regiments of Infantry.
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Captain Lewis made investments of his accummulated means in Geneva property, and for some years past has given his attention to its care and development. He has twice filled the office of village trustee, and once held the office of president of the village. In these positions he evinced a commendable public spirit, and gave freely of his energies for the welfare of the community. He has taken an active interest in educational affairs, and held the position of president of the Board of Education for about ten years preceding December, 1891. He is chair- man of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, one of the Cemetery Commissioners, and a director of the Geneva National Bank, in which he is a large stockholder. All this indicates that Captain Lewis has led a busy life, and has been conspicuously identified with the public affairs of Geneva. In his advancing years he looks back upon a well spent life, and has made a record for public spirit and good citi- zenship.
JAMES COSSLETT SMITH.
James Cosslett Smith, son of Thomas and Rachel Cosslett, born at Phelps, N. Y., August 14, 1817, received a preparatory education in the district and classical schools in that village; entered Geneva (now Hobart) College in September, 1831, and remained in that institution until 1834, when he went to Union College, where he graduated in July, 1835 ; resided one year in Marshall, Mich .; returned to this State in 1836 and entered the office of Walter Hubbell, of Canandaigua, as a law student ; in April, 1838, removed to Lyons, Wayne county, and continued his law studies in the office of Lyman Sherwood ; was ad- mitted to practice in October, 1838, and formed a partnership with Mr. Sherwood ; in April, 1842, was appointed by Governor Bouck surro- gate of Wayne county, which office he held till July, 1847 ; in 1854, removed to Canandaigua, and entered into partnership with Elbridge G. Lapham ; was one of the commissioners from the State of New York to the Peace Congress, held in Washington in 1861; in May, 1862, the office of justice of the Supreme Court having become vacant by the resignation of the late Judge Knox, Governor Morgan appointed Mr. Smith to that office, which he continued to hold by successive elections
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till December 31, 1887, when his term ended by constitutional limita- tion. Since that time Mr. Smith has continued to reside at Canan - daigua, and has engaged in the practice of his profession as a counsel- lor, and also in the trial of causes as a referee. The degree of LL.D. has been conferred upon him by Hobart, Union and Hamilton Colleges. He was a member of the commission appointed in 1890 to propose amendments to the constitution of the State.
In 1846 Mr. Smith married Emily Ward, daughter of the late John Adams of Lyons. Their three sons and two of their three daughters are now living.
JOHN CALLISTER.
John Callister was born in Albany, N. Y., in February, 1828. He was one of eight children, and by the death of both his parents before he reached early manhood he was thrown wholly upon his own re- sources. When he was eleven years old his parents removed to the vicinity of Rochester, where they died. In Rochester the lad was taken from school at thirteen years of age, and very much against his wishes was apprenticed to a man named Gray to learn the finishing of leather as a part of the tanner's trade. He possessed from his early boyhood an intense desire to obtain a good education, and in order to attain his ambition in this direction he devoted his evening hours to the work. His employer took him from his other work when about four- teen and sent him out into the country to purchase hides on commis- sion. In this business he was remarkably successful, and might have continued in it to his own and his employer's gain ; but he had other objects, and with the first money he thus earned he purchased a Greek Testament and began a course of lingual study which did not cease wholly while he lived. After nine months of work for Mr. Gray, he arranged to buy the remainder of his time as an apprentice by paying $50 which he had saved from his earnings, and giving his father's note for the remainder, which he himself made good. He was then fifteen years old, and he came to Canandaigua and entered the academy, giv- ing his nights to study and his days, or portions of them at least, to work in a tannery to pay his expenses. At the close of his studies in
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