USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > History of Rochester and Monroe county, New York, from the earliest historic times to the beginning of 1907, Vol. II > Part 11
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Lewis Edelman accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States in 1851, at- tended the public schools of this city in his boy- hood days and also St. Joseph's parochial school. After putting aside his text-books he began learn- ing the printing trade, devoting three years to that work. He next turned his attention to the har- ness-making trade, which he followed from 1860 until 1868. In that year he began business on his own account in the Sibley building on Main street, where he continued until 1874, when he retired from the harness business and turned his attention to the coal trade, forming a partnership with George Engert, with whom he was associated until 1882. He then engaged in the same business with George Worell on Exchange street until 1885, when he started upon an independent business venture, with office at No. 88 Cortland avenue. He has prospered as a coal merchant and now utilizes about thirteen teams in handling his prod- uct, making a specialty of the Delaware, Lacka- wanna & Western coal, his special grade being the Princeton. He has become one of the largest dealers in Rochester and well merits the success that has come to him, for it has resulted from his close application and intense and well directed activity.
In 1873 Mr. Edelman was married to Miss Mary A. George, a native of Rochester, who was born in 1845 and is a daughter of Andrew and Mary A. George. They now have six children: Edward, who is an attorney, with offices in the Powers' building, having graduated from the Georgetown College, Washington; Carrie, who is a sister in a Catholic convent; Louis, who is a priest at the cathedral at Rochester; George L.,
LEWIS EDELMAN.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
who is a dentist on North Clinton avenue ; Adolph, a student at St. Barnard Seminary ; and Pauline, who is a graduate of St. Elizabeth's Academy in New Jersey.
The family are communicants of the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Edelman is a promi- nent democrat, who for some years past has been an influential factor in the councils of his party. For ten years he has been alderman of the city as representative of the thirteenth and seventh wards, in which connection he has exercised his official prerogatives in support of many measures that are deemed of great benefit to Rochester. Mr. Edelman is at all times an alert, wide-awake, energetic man and his spirit of determination and enterprise are manifest in his official career as well as in his business life.
DAVID A. CARTER.
David A. Carter is the owner of a farm of seventy-five acres on the Lyell road, three miles west of the city limits of Rochester, and for twenty-three years has been engaged in the milk business, conducting a dairy farm. He was born in Irondequoit, now a part of the city of Rochester, his home being on Carter street, which was named in honor of his father, one-half of the street being taken from the old Carter farm. His birth oc- curred on the 21st of January, 1842. his parents being Archibald and Adeline (Hutchin) Carter. The father was horn in the Black river country near Watertown, New York, in 1800, and came to Rochester in 1812 with his parents, spending his remaining days where Carter street was afterward laid out. He owned a farm and after continuing its cultivation for a time he took the first contract for furnishing ties for the New York Central Rail- road, which was being built to Rochester and Ba- tavia. He was a contracting carpenter during the remainder of his life and erected a great many buildings, contributing in substantial measure to the improvement and development of his locality. He was also prominent in public affairs affecting the general interests of society, belonged to the state militia in the early days and served as high- way commissioner under the old system. His po- litical allegiance was given first to the whig and afterward to the republican party and he was a well known and influential resident of the county at an early day. His death occurred in the year 1876, while his wife, who was also a native of the Black river country of New York, died on the old home farm at the age of sixty-six years. In their family were four children: Emily, who became the wife of E. W. Wearing and died about four years ago; Elmira, who married David D. Sim-
mons and died about 1902; Louisa, who became the wife of William Strowger and after his death married Alvin Anderson, while her death occurred in 1905; and David A., of this review.
The last named was reared to agricultural pur- suits, remaining with his parents until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil War. He was twenty-one years of age when on the 17th of August, 1863, he joined the Union army, which struck the shackles from thousands of slaves and which upheld the supremacy of the national gov- ernment. He became a member of Company D. One Hundred and Eighth New York Volunteer Infantry, under Captain George C. Cramer and took part in many of the engagements of the Army of the Potomac, from Antietam to Petersburg. The second day after the regiment arrived in front of Petersburg he was shot through the fore- arm and was then sent to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he spent four weeks in the hospital. On the expiration of that period he was granted a furlough and returned home, being transferred to the city hospital in Rochester, where he re- mained until the close of the war.
The year following the close of hostilities David A. Carter was married on the 25th of January, 1866, to Miss Eugenia M. Rapalje, who was born in Rochester in 1844, a daughter of John Ra- palje, one of the oldest residents of the city and a native of this state. Following their marriage Mr. Carter remained upon the old homestead for a year and operated his father's farm and other land which he rented. He next went to Henri- etta, where he lived for four years, his time and energies being devoted to general agricultural pur- suits. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode at Pavilion, Genesee county, and bought a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which two years later he traded for city property. He then returned to Gates township and cultivated his brother-in-law's farm for six years, at the end of which time he purchased his present farm of seventy-five acres on the-Lyell road, three miles west of the city limits. For twenty-three years he has been engaged in the milk business, con- ducting a dairy farm, and for eighteen years he and his sons have sold milk to the retail trade. The business has been carefully conducted and has resulted in bringing to Mr. Carter a comfortable competence. His farm is well equipped for the purposes for which it is used and everything about the place is indicative of the care and supervision of a progressive owner.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carter have been born seven children who are yet living: Archie R., who owns and cultivates a large farm of one hundred and seven acres in Gates township; Addie, the wife of Ross Baker, of Adams Basin; Eugenia, the wife of William Hewey. foreman for Gleason's Machine Company of Rochester ; Louisa, the wife of Frank
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Hart, of Ogden; David, of Rochester; Ezra, at home; and Frank, of Rochester. They also lost two children, Emma and Allen.
In his political views Mr. Carter has been a life-long republican, casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln while serving in the army and for each nominee at the head of the ticket since that time. He believes firmly in the principles of the party and his belief is based upon a thorough understanding of political questions and issues. He served for three years as assessor under the old system, was highway commissioner two years and then after an interval of two years was again elected to that office, so that he is now serving for the second term. He has made a creditable record as an official as well as a busi- ness man and in both relations has been as true and loyal as he was when he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields in defense of the Union cause.
JOHN G. IDEMAN.
Among the capable and efficient members of the board of supervisors is John G. Ideman, who is now representing the second ward, and who in community affairs is progressive and public spir- ited, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the general good.
Mr. Ideman was born at East Hamlin, Monroe county, New York, April 8, 1869, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. When not busy with his text-books he was engaged in farming until twenty years of age, when he came to Rochester and engaged in the ice busi- ness, selling to the retail trade for about thirteen years, as the representative of the Caledonia Ice Company. After ten years' service he was pro- moted to the position of superintendent of that company, in which capacity he remained for three years. Previous to this time he was business agent for the Ice Handlers and Peddlers' Local, of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. Ideman was a member of the organizing committee for two years and assisted in organizing eighteen locals in Rochester. For two years he was president of the Ice Handlers' Local.
Mr. Ideman has figured quite prominently in political circles. In 1903 he was elected super- visor and that he discharged his duties in a most capable and reliable manner is indicated by the fact that he was re-elected in 1905 and is now serving for the second term. He was chairman of the building committee for two years at the time the Monroe County Hospital was built, the new heating plant installed at the penitentiary, and the new morgue was built. He is now chair-
man of accounts and claims of the superintendent of the poor for the county of Monroe and is also serving on several other committees.
Fraternally Mr. Ideman is connected with the Elks, the Masons, the Eagles, the Liberal Knights, the White Cloud and the Red Men. On the 10th of July, 1892, he was married to Miss Nellie Budd, of Oswego, New York, and they have one daughter, Mahel.
HEMAN W. MORRIS.
Heman W. Morris, who since October, 1876, has been a member of the Rochester bar, was born in the town of Conesus, Livingston county, New York. March 3, 1854, his parents being William C. and Sarah (Washburn) Morris, who were natives of the state of New York. The father was a farmer, who was born, lived and died in Livings- ton county.
The son was reared amid the usual environ- ments and conditions of agricultural life and was provided with good educational privileges. After attending the common schools he became a student in Genesee college, of Lima, New York, and later entered Syracuse University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1872. He taught school for one year in Goveneur Academy in St. Lawrence county, New York, and in 1873 he came to Rochester, where he entered the law office of the firm of Cogswell & Perkins as a clerk. At the same time he began studying law and after he had largely mastered the principles of jurisprudence he was admitted to the bar in October, 1876 .. He remained with the firm, however, until July, 1877, when he began practice on his own account, his previous experience and training having well qual- ified him for the work. He was a member of the firm of Sullivan & Morris from 1881 until 1890, when a re-organization in the firm led to the adoption of the title of Morris, Sullivan & Jerome. His relation was continued until 1894, since which time Mr. Morris has been alone. He has a good practice which has long since reached lucrative proportions and, in fact, from the beginning his practice has steadily grown in volume and im- portance. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Rochester Bar Associa- tion and he thus keeps in touch with the leading members of the profession.
On the 31st of May, 1883, in Rochester, was cel- ebrated the marriage of Mr. Morris and Miss Emma Hobart Perkins. This union has been blessed with two sons, Edward E. and George W. The family are much esteemed in the community, having many warm friends here. Mr. Morris is a member of the Genesce Valley Club, of the Kent Club and of the Delta Kappa Epsilon. His
JOHN G. IDEMAN.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
industry and perseverance are strong elements in his professional advancement and he makes a thor- ough study of his cause before he enters the court- room, so that he is able to present his client's in- terests in the best possible light.
WILLIAM PURCELL.
William Purcell, prominently known as a rep- resentative of journalism in western New York and of perhaps still wider acquaintance in polit- ical circles, being one of the acknowledged leaders of the democracy in New York, exerted a widely felt influence in both fields of activity and his public spirit finds tangible proof in valuable work which he did for his city, his party and the state at large. His connection with the business inter- ests of Rochester was as editor in chief and presi- dent of the Rochester Union and Advertiser.
A native of Fort Covington, Franklin county, New York, Mr. Purcell was born August 15, 1830, and was a resident of Rochester from 1833. After attending the common schools he spent one year in an academy and made his initial step in the business world by delivering a route of the Daily Advertiser to subscribers in the mornings before attending school. He afterward entered the of- fice of that paper and learned the printer's trade, thoroughly mastering the business in principle and detail. He gradually advanced, each step in his career being a forward one, and in 1854 he became associate editor. Ten years later he was chosen editor in chief of the Union and Advertiser, the oldest daily in the United States west of the Hudson river, the first number having been issued on the 25th of October, 1852.
Throughout the years of manhood William Purcell figured prominently in public concerns, standing always for progressive citizenship, for municipal honor and for the adoption of those principles which lead to higher ideals in the indi- vidual and community life. He was a member of the Rochester board of education in 1852-3 and in 1872-3 a member of the board of public works. From 1886 until 1899 he was a member of the New York state board of mediation and arbitra- tion and from 1870 until 1893 was a member of the board of managers of the New York State In- dustrial School for juvenile delinquents, acting as president of that board during the last twelve years of his connection therewith, from 1881 to 1893. His service through twenty-three years was marked by far-reaching and effective labor to im- prove conditions found in the school in accordance with the tendency of the age to recognize and de- velop the possibilities for good in each individual, believing that through wise and careful training
the young delinquent can be redeemed for honor- able citizenship.
Coming into prominence in political circles by reason of his editorial and his individual endorse- ment of the principles of democracy, Mr. Purcell was chosen as delegate to the democratic national conventions of 1872, 1876 and 1884. He was nominated elector at large on the New Year presi- dential ticket in 1884, but declined to become a candidate. In 1887-8 he served as chairman of the New York democratic state committee and in 1881 was his party's candidate for secretary of the state of New York but the ticket was defeated. While strong in his partisanship, he was never bit- terly aggressive and was interested in that move- ment toward higher politics wherein general good takes precedence of party lines and where the wel- fare of city or country is placed before personal aggrandizement.
JOHN S. KRATZ.
John S. Kratz, who was at one time closely as- sociated with boat-building interests in Rochester. but is now living retired at No. 11 Comfort street, was born on Adams street, this city, December 18, 1840, and has been a resident of the thirteenth ward for sixteen years. His parents were John and Anna (Dumm) Kratz. The father came to Rochester in 1838 from Germany and for some time worked on St. Joseph's church as carpenter. Later he began building boats on Byron street with John McGomery, and later was associated with C. C. Meyers. He followed boat-building throughout his remaining days and possessed ex- cellent mechanical skill and ingenuity, not only along construction lines but also in making pat- terns. His family numbered eight children of whom the following are living and reside in Rochester, namely: Charles P., Mrs. Philip Shaf- fer. Mrs. O. Oliver, John S. and Mrs. Blacklock.
In the public schools John S. Kratz acquired his education and when a boy assisted his father as opportunity offered. Subsequently he conducted a meat market at Mt. Hope and South avenue, carrying on the business with success for four- teen years. In 1874 he joined his father in boat- building operations and continued in that line also for fourteen years or until 1888, since which time he has lived retired. He built the last grain boat that was constructed in Rochester and for some time enjoyed an excellent business in boat- building. He also became treasurer for the Rochester Loan Association and acted as collector of rents for that company for several years.
Mr. Kratz was married to Miss Anna Witt, who was born in Germany and came to Rochester in
784
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
her girlhood days. Their family numbers three sons and a daughter: Edward C., who is now in the grocery business on South avenue, Rochester ; Martin L., of Buffalo ; Herbert S., also in Buffalo ; and Emma A., who is with the firm of Chase Brothers in Rochester. The family home is at No. 11 Comfort street, Mr. Kratz having erected his residence in 1868. Politically he is a demo- crat and he and his family are members of the Lutheran church. Their friends are many in the community and in the social circles in which they move they are popular. Mr. Kratz has now for a number of years lived practically retired, merely giving his attention to the renting of houses which he owns, for, while in active business, he made judicious investments in real estate. Few resi- dents of the thirteenth ward have so long remained here. Mr. Kratz, however, for six decades has been closely identified with this section of the city as an interested witness of the changes that have been wrought and as a co-operant factor in many movements for the public good.
CONRAD GRENNER.
Conrad Grenner, who since 1905 has ably and creditably served as supervisor of the twentieth ward of Rochester, has labored most earnestly for the welfare of this city and as a public official dis- charges his duties with the same promptness and fidelity as he does his private business affairs. A native son of Rochester, Mr. Grenner was born January 30, 1858, 'on the east side of the city. His father, Henry Grenner, was a native of Prus- sia, and came with his family to Rochester in 1855, but died during the infancy of his son. After the father's demise, the mother, who bore the maiden name of Katharine Kortz, and was born in Hesse, Germany, was married again, her second union being with Ernest Wollenhaupt.
Conrad Grenner, the only child of the mother's first marriage, attended the public and grammar schools of Rochester to the age of fourteen years and then engaged in the tailoring business with his stepfather. They did an extensive business, having in their employ thirty people and made coats for Stein & Bloch and Michael Stern & Com- pany. Mr. Grenner was thus engaged until eight years ago, when he severed his connection with the tailoring establishment and engaged in the real- estate business, in which he has met with gratify- ing success.
Mr. Grenner has always supported the men and measures of the republican party and as a public- spirited citizen has taken an active interest in local political affairs. He has been a member of the twentieth ward committee, formerly the old
eleventh ward, for the past twenty years, and in 1905 was elected to the office of supervisor of the twentieth ward, in which connection he is dis- charging his duties to the entire satisfaction of the general public. He is a man whose ability well qualifies him to fill such an important position and his appreciation of the responsibilities which rest upon him is such as to make him a most ac- ceptable incumbent in the office and his worth is widely acknowledged. Mr. Grenner is a member of the Evangelical Family church and is a member of the Men's Society of that denomination.
GEORGE FORT SLOCUM.
In a history of the bar of Rochester mention should be made of George Fort Slocum, who since 1882 has practiced here. His ability, both natural and acquired, has led to his steady advancement in the calling and he is now accounted a leading lawyer. He was born in Scottsville, New York, March 2, 1856, his parents being George E. and Lydia A. (Fort) Slocum. The father was a na- tive of Delphi, New York, and the mother of Clifton Park, Saratoga county, New York. The father engaged in business as a hardware merchant at Scottsville after having resided in Rochester from 1843 until 1849. Tak- ing up his abode in Scottsville in the lat- ter year, he continued in business there up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 13th of November, 1906. He was a prominent and influential citizen, who held various town of- fices and at one time was also collector of tolls on the Genesee canal, while for many years he served as clerk of the school district. He was a brother of Major General Henry W. Slocum, a famous officer of the Civil war who commanded General Sherman's right wing on the march through Geor- gia to the sea. George E. Slocum was married to Miss Lydia A. Fort, who died April 22, 1904. In the family were four sons: Earl H., deputy clerk of the supreme court at Rochester; George Fort; LeRoy M., who resides at Scottsville, where he is engaged in business as a hardware merchant ; and Mors O., who is living in Chicago, Illinois, where he is connected with the Western Electric Company.
George F. Slocum was educated at the Roches- ter Free Academy and at Brockport Normal school, from which he was graduated in 1874. He then entered the University of Rochester and was graduated in 1878 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He pursued post-graduate work in Yale College and entered business life as a teacher. He was principal of the academy at Mount Morris, in 1878-9 and was principal of the Union school at Charlotte, New York, in 1881. He was also
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
school commissioner of the second district of Mon- roe county in 1880 and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. In 1882, after thorough preliminary reading, he was ad- mitted to the bar. He began practice in Roches- ter and has since continued a member of the legal profession at this place. He was for several years connected with the firm of Putnam & Slocum and later a partner of the firm of Slocum & Denton, while subsequently he was the senior partner of the firm of Slocum & Wallace. He is now alone, however, and has a large and growing clientage which classes him with the able lawyers of the Rochester bar. From 1883 until 1886 he served as assistant city attorney and in 1903 and 1904 he was deputy attorney general at Albany. He is a member of both the State and the Rochester Bar Associations and thus keeps in close touch with the leading members of the profession. In poli- tics he has always been a stalwart democrat and he was the nominee of his party for the office of justice of the supreme court in 1905. Although the district is overwhelmingly republican he polled a very large vote, which indicates his personal popularity.
On the 19th of October. 1882, Mr. Slocum was married to Miss Mabel Hopper, of Friendship, New York. They have four children: Mary P., who was born September 6, 1884; Isla, born May 8, 1886; Raymond F., born September 19, 1892; and Ruth, born February 19, 1894. The parents are members of the First Unitarian church and Mr. Slocum belongs to the Delta Kappa Epsilon. In his profession he has made steady progress, rising from the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few, his ability as a lawyer being many times demonstrated by his able handling of intricate litigated interests in the courts.
NELSON E. SPENCER.
Nelson E. Spencer, counselor at law in Roches- ter, is a native son of Monroe county. for his birth occurred in Spencerport, on the 30th of October, 1869. His parents were Riley A. and Lucretia (Palmer) Spencer, both of whom were descended from old New England families, the father's fam- ily coming to New York from Massachusetts, while his mother's came from Connecticut. The grand- father, Austin Spencer, was one of the pioneers of this county and surveyed a great portion of its lands. In addition he followed the occupation of farming and was closely associated with the early development and improvement of this portion of the state, aiding in its reclamation for the uses of the white race. He served as justice of the peace and was a very prominent and influential
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