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 14
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JAMES CUNNINGHAM.
James Cunningham, whose business activity and breadth of view concerning industrial ques- tions led to his classification with Rochester's cap- tains of industry, left a monument to his memory in the extensive carriage manufactory which is to- dav one of the leading productive enterprises of Rochester, now conducted under the name of
FRANK SCHWIKERT.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
James Cunningham, Son & Company. His record reflected credit alike upon the land of his adop- tion and the land of his birth. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in December, 1815, and lost his father when but four years of age. The mother with her five children afterward came to America, settling first at Cobourg, Canada.
James Cunningham, the fourth son, was edu- cated in the country schools and when not busy with his text-books was employed at farm labor. He early manifested a decided inclination for working in wood and developed unusual talent for designing. Leaving the farm, he became employed at carriage-making in Canada, but wishing to see more of the country he paid a visit to an uncle, who was an architect in New York. After spending a few weeks in this state he passed through Rochester on the return trip and for a brief period worked in this city. He then again went to Cobourg but had become convinced that the United States offered superior advantages for business advancement. He therefore determined to try his fortune across the border and in 1834, at the age of nineteen years, returned to Rochester, where he learned the carriage-making trade in all its branches. His ambition, his determination and his diligence gained for him successive promotions as his ability and skill increased and in 1838 he became a member of a firm of carriage manufac- turers operating under the name of Kerr, Cun- ningham & Company. This was the beginning of the present extensive enterprise, which now consti- tutes one of Rochester's most important busi- ness concerns. After some time he bought land on Canal street, where he long resided and where the James Cunningham, Son & Company carriage manufactory is now located. Additions have been made to the original purchase until the grounds include four acres and the works are among the most extensive of this character in the world. In 1847 Mr. Cunningham built the first of the pres- ent factory buildings and others have been added as necessity has demanded in order to meet the growth of the trade. The product soon gained a high reputation for excellence and durability and the business grew rapidly. Mr. Cunningham not only gave supervision to the work of finan- cing the enterprise but also to the mechanical labor and as the result of his study and investigation, combined with inventive genius, he invented sev- eral machines which simplified the constructive process and at the same time brought forth bet- ter work than had previously been secured by the old-time methods. Year by year saw an increase in the business, the company not only following the lead of others but introducing many new styles in carriage manufacturing as well as im- proved methods in construction. Mr. Cunning- ham continued in business to a ripe old age but in 1881 formed a stock company and transferred the
management of the enterprise to younger men, being succeeded by his sons and son-in-law, the former having been trained to the business and thus were well qualified to take up the work which their father laid down. His was a well merited rest, the fitting reward of years of earnest, un- wearied and honorable activity. His relations with his workmen were always those of a consid- erate, just employer, quick to recognize faithful- ness and capability on the part of one who served him.
Mr. Cunningham was married in early manhood to Miss Jennings. The surviving children are : Mrs. Charles H. Wilkin, Mrs. R. K. Dryer, Joseph T. and Charles E. Cunningham. The father, James Cunningham, died at his home in Roches- ter, May 15, 1886. It is not alone as a most suc- cessful manufacturer that his memory is held in esteem, for he displayed many splendid traits of character which endeared him to those with whom he was associated. He was a friend of charitable and benevolent institutions, contributing liberal- ly to their support and in all matters of citizen- ship he stood for needed reform, for progress and improvement. Advancement might well be termed the watchword of his life. It was manifest in his business, his social and his public relations. He wrought well for his day and for succeeding generations and seemed to have accomplished at any one point in his career the posibilities for suc- cessful accomplishment at that point.
LEWIS BISSELL DAVIS.
On the roll of Rochester's dead, who were at one time active, respected and influential residents of the city, appears the name of Lewis Bissell Davis. He was born in Gainesville, New York, on the 10th of April, 1842, and was a son of Joel G. Davis, a farmer by occupation who, putting aside agricultural pursuits, turned his attention to the milling business, in which he continued until his death on the 26th of February, 1900. He passed away at the home of his son, H. Wheeler, in Roch- ester.
Lewis B. Davis was indebted to the public schools for his early educational privileges, and later he spent one year as a student in Oberlin (Ohio) College. He then joined his father in the milling business in Gainesville, and in 1865 re- moved to Aurora, Illinois, where they established a milling enterprise. After some time spent in the middle west, they returned to Rochester and in partnership with James Hinds purchased the Washington Mills, which they conducted with suc- cess until the plant was destroyed by fire.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
On the 12th of May, 1863, Lewis B. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Palmer, who was educated in Gainesville Seminary, completing a three years' course there by graduation. She is a daughter of E. W. Palmer, who was born Janu- ary 15, 1811, in Jefferson county, near Water- town, and in early manhood married Miss Laura Woodruff. He was a tanner by trade and lived in Gainesville. - He had four children, Mary, Julia, William and Emma, all of whom are now deceased, with the exception of Mrs. Davis. Following her graduation, Mrs. Davis continued under the par- ental roof up to the time of her marriage.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born four chil- dren : William E., Lewis B., Mary Elizabeth and Henry Wheeler, all of whom have passed away. The eldest son, William E., was a lawyer of Roches- ter, who won distinction at the bar. He was edu- cated in Harvard and manifested marked ability in the practice of his chosen profession. The sec- ond son, Lewis B., married Clara Drake, and had three daughters, Alice Palmer, Edith Drake and Mildred. He gave his attention to the manufac- turing business and died on the 30th of October, 1898. Mary Elizabeth pursued her education in the schools of Rochester and made her home with her mother until called to her final rest on the 4th of March, 1904. Henry Wheeler died at the age of seven and a half years.
Throughout his entire life Lewis B. Davis, whose name introduces this review, continued in the milling business and displayed close applica- tion and an aptitude for successful management. He was always reliable as well as energetic in his business career and won an excellent reputation for straightforward dealing. In his family he was a devoted husband and father, reserving the best traits of his character for his own fireside. His friends, however, knew him as a man of genuine personal worth, true to every trust, and with ex- cellent qualities of heart and mind. He died on the 3d of September, 1892.
MRS. SARAH HOUSE VAN EPPS.
Mrs. Sarah House Van Epps is one of the nota- ble figures in Rochester's history, residing at No. 69 Westminster road. She has now passed her eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey and in spirit and interests seems a much younger woman. With faculties scarcely impaired by the stress of years, possessing a keen sense of humor and a deep interest in the things that go on about her, she is a most entertaining and interesting com- panion.
Mrs. Van Epps is a daughter of Anson House, who was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, July
14, 1790. His father, Eleazer House, removed to Lewis county, New York, about 1800, when he founded the hamlet of Houseville and erected and kept the historic tavern which is still standing and at which King Joseph Bonaparte was hospitably entertained while locating his lands and starting his unfortunate French colony not far distant. Anson House, the father of Mrs. Van Epps, on ar- riving at years of maturity, married Lucinda Blossom, who was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, May 25, 1801. Her father, Ezra Blossom, served in the Revolutionary army in defense of the New England coast, was afterward a captain of militia and became one of the first settlers of Brighton, Monroe county, where for years he conducted a well known tavern, in which house Anson House and Lucinda Blossom were married. They estab- lished their home in Rochester, from which place he, on a hot summer day, walked to Canandaigua in his shirt sleeves to be admitted to the practice of law. He also served as justice of the peace and amusing stories are told of scenes in his court. His sense of humor and justice was prov- erbial, and on one occasion he prolonged the ex- amination of a man who was accused of stealing rolls of butter by keeping him near the open fire- place until his guilt became manifest to all pres- ent by the tell-tale goods escaping from beneath his hat. Mr. House afterward abandoned the practice of law, becoming interested in real estate. He purchased the valuable piece of land running from Minerva alley to South St. Paul street and from that corner to the store opposite Cook's Opera House. On that spot he erected the then famous Minerva Block, and Minerva Hall was at that time the largest assembly hall in Rochester. This entire block was destroyed by fire on the night of the cel- ebration of the laying of the Atlantic cable. An- son House died in 1864, and his wife survived him until 1883.
Mrs. Van Epps was born March 28, 1821. She began her education in the old high school taught by Professor Dewey and Miss M. B. Allen, and afterward attended Miss Seward's Female Semin- ary. On the 18th of May, 1840, she gave her hand in marriage to John C. Van Epps, of New York, with whom she traveled life's journey for forty- four years, when they were separated by the death of the husband, who passed away in Rochester in 1884 and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Brigh- ton.
John C. Van Epps was of Dutch descent, whose forebears at an early date settled in the Mohawk valley. In his youth he started out for himself and went to Albany, where he read law and in due course of time was admitted to the bar to practice his profession. After his marriage he removed to Rochester, where he became well known among his legal associates, owing to the conscientious man- ner in which he guarded the interests committed
ANSON HOUSE.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
to his charge. He was faithful to his clients, but never forgot that he owed his highest allegiance to the principles of his profession. In the course of time it fell to him to accept the management of Mrs. Van Epps' large real-estate interests and his later years were devoted to that business.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Epps gained a wide circle of friends and the home of Mrs. Van Epps is yet a favorite resort with many residents of Rochester and of Monroe county. She is remark- ably well preserved for one of her years, and on the eightieth anniversary of her birth gave a recep- tion at the home, entertaining a large company of friends. She has been a witness of the growth and development of this part of the state for more than eight decades and relates many interesting incidents of the early days in Monroe county. Well does she deserve mention in this volume with the representative residents of Rochester.
THOMAS J. REYNOLDS.
Thomas J. Reynolds was born in Springwater, Livingston county, New York, in 1850, and died October 19, 1902. His life record, compassing fifty years, constituted a period of untiring activ- ity crowned with a large measure of success by reason of his important and extensive connections with business interests. He was reared in the place of his nativity and completed his education by study in Lima Seminary.
At the age of nineteen years he started out in life on his own account, going to Lavonia, where for six years he was engaged in the produce busi- ness. In the fall of 1882 he turned his attention to the lumber trade and began furnishing ties and bridge timber for the construction of the railroad between Binghamton and Buffalo. He bought thirty thousand acres of timber land in Ken- tucky, which his widow still owns, and he also had large tracts of timber land in Pennsylvania and furnished lumber under contract for many import- ant railway systems, including the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western, the New York Central, the Erie and other roads. He became a resident of Rochester in 1885 and had his offices in the Wilder Building, being one of the first to occupy that structure. As the years passed by he devel- oped a lumber business of great magnitude, be- coming one of the successful lumber merchants of this part of the country. He was also president of the Pyramid Silver Mining Company in New Mexico, was interested in mining at Kettle Falls and was recognized as one of the progressive men of his day. In his life he displayed an initiative spirit. There are many men who can success- fully execute the carefully laid plans of others huit there are comparatively few who can institute
new methods and develop a business along original lines. Mr. Reynolds was regarded as a man of broad capabilities, who formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution. One of the strong elements in his success was that he recognized the fact that the present and not the future holds his opportunity. Neither was he afraid of that laborious attention to business which is one of the essential elements of success. In- dolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and his close application, strong purpose and laudable ambition constituted the foundation upon which he builded his splendid prosperity. During the greater part of his connection with the lumber trade he had his office in Rochester first in the Wilder Building and afterward in the Chamber of Commerce. His interests, however, called him to various parts of the country and he became widely known in business circles.
While living in Lavonia, New York, Mr. Rey- nolds was married to Miss Mary Augusta Keyes, a daughter of Alvin C. Keyes, of Lavonia, who resided at that place for about forty-five years. He was a contractor and builder. His wife, Mary Jane Egbert, was born in Lima, New York, in 1832, and is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Reynolds, who also has five brothers residing in Rochester. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were born two sons, Walter Wheeler, the elder, was educated in Lima Seminary and the Keuga Lake Military School. He won his di- ploma in law in Kentucky and is now practicing in Georgia. He is married and has one child, Alice M. Thurlow J. Reynolds, the younger son, also received his education in Lima Seminary and in the Keuga Lake Military School. He is now in Kentucky, supervising the lumber interests there for his mother.
In 1885 Mr. Reynolds erected in Rochester, the present beautiful home which his widow has oc- cupied for twenty-one years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lavonia and Mrs. Reynolds and her younger son are now mem- bers of Christ church in Rochester. In politics Mr. Reynolds was a republican. He also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in Masonry and was very active in the work of the craft. He also belonged to the Rochester Club. While he attained pre-eminent success in business, his time and interests were by no means entirely concentrated upon his commercial pursuits. He was a man who held to high ideals and his life was most notable in its varied relations. He was always genial and approachable and won the kind- ly regard and friendship of all who knew him. A man honored, respected and esteemed wherever known, and most of all where he was best known, his memory is still held as a sacred treasure by those with whom he came in contact. He was al- ways willing to devote his wealth and energies
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
to any feasible undertaking that would increase the prosperity of the city and add to the com- fort of its inhabitants. His life was assuredly a success and while he accumulated a large for- tune he used only such means as will bear the clos- est scrutiny. Although a man of wealth he was unostentatious in a marked degree and in this age when anarchistic and socialistic doctrines are inflaming the masses, the demeanor and actions of such men as he do more to quench the fire of envy and malice than all other means combined. While his life was not filled with thrilling incidents, probably no history published in this volume can serve as a better illustration to young men of the power of close application, honesty and integ- rity in assuring success.
HENRY W. DAVIS.
There are men who in business life have at- tained remarkable success who will be forgotten long before the memory of Henry W. Davis ceases te be cherished by those who knew him while he was still an active factor in the world's work. This was not because he won for himself a fair measure of prosperity nor even because he figured promi- nently in the public life of the community in which he lived but because he possessed many lovable characteristics and manly qualities that gained him the highest esteem of friends, neigh- bors and all with whom he came in contact.
He was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1807. At the age of nine years he went with his father's family to Galway, Saratoga county, New York, where he remained until 1827. In that year he arrived in Monroe county, which was regarded as a frontier district of the "far west." Making his way to Pittsford, he there found employment with Henry S. Potter, as a clerk, and for a few years remained in Mr. Potter's employ. That consti- tuted the beginning of his successful business career. When about twenty-five or thirty years of age he became identified with the old Rochester Bank as exchange cashier and for a quarter of a century continued in that position, thus figuring prominently in financial circles of the city. On the expiration of that period he removed to Church- ville, taking up his abode upon a farm, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1884. It was about the year 1852 that he removed from the city and from that time forward he was actively and prominently associated with agricul- tural interests. His carefully managed business affairs won him a gratifying measure of success and he became recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of his community.
Mr. Davis was also prominent and influential in public life. He was active in the ranks of the democratic party, closely adhering to the princi- ples as set forth by its earlier leaders. He was su- pervisor and also represented his district in the general assembly, where his course was character- ized by the utmost devotion to duty. He regarded a public office as a public trust and was ever most loyal to the confidence reposed in him in his election.
Mr. Davis was married to Miss Sarah Louisa Selkreg, and unto them were born six children, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Albert D. Stone, of Churchville. She was married in 1875 and has one child, Mrs. Frank T. Sage, of Roches- ter.
Mr. Davis departed this life in 1884 and was laid to rest in Churchville cemetery. He was an earnest Christian man, holding membership in the First Presbyterian church and his life dis- played many qualities that endeared him to those with whom he came in contact. He was frequent- ly spoken of among his friends in terms of ap- preciation and praise. He was generous in spir- it, manly in thought and action, albeit a strong man of decided opinions and unfaltering in his defense of what he believed to be right. His resi- dence in the county covered almost six decades and thus compassed the period from early pioneer de- velopment to that of modern day progress and upbuilding.
FREDERICK P. ALLEN.
Frederick P. Allen, whose name is on the list of Rochester's honored dead, was for a long period closely associated with the moneyed interests of the city, being identified with the German Ameri- can Bank at the time of his death. He was born in Rochester on the 26th day of February, 1853. and was a son of Samuel P. Allen, of this city. He acquired his education in Rochester and was graduated from the school conducted by Mr. Sat- terlee. When he had put aside his text-books he turned his attention to the banking business, ac- cepting a position as teller in the Traders Nation- al Bank, where he remained for a number of years, thoroughly acquainting himself with the business. On leaving the Traders National Bank he became associated with the German American Bank, as cashier, with which he was connected up to the time of his demise. He became well known in financial circles as one thoroughly familiar with the banking business in every department and in Rochester his opinion was largely considered authority upon questions of interest to the bank- ing world.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Mr. Allen was married in 1874 to Miss Caro- line Clarke and unto them were born two daugh- ters and one son: Henrietta; Mary Allen; and Freeman Clarke Allen, who is manager of the Con- crete Block Works and is also treasurer of the Hollister Lumber Company and a member of the firm of Beckley, Allen Realty Company. He has thus become a prominent factor in the business life of the city and is also well known socially, being a member of the Genesee Valley Club and the Friars Club.
Frederick Allen was likewise a member of the Genesee Valley Club and he belonged to St. Pet- er's Presbyterian church. In politics he was a stalwart republican, with firm faith in the prin- ciples of the party, which he believed to be most conducive to good government. He died May 2, 1905, at the age of fifty-two years, having spent his entire life in Rochester, where his record was as an open book. There was not one esoteric phase in his career and his strongly marked character enabled him to leave the impress of his individ- vality upon public life.
WILLIAM F. BALKAM.
William F. Balkam, residing at No. 7 Strath- allan Park, Rochester, is a native of Boston, born February 5, 1849. His paternal grandfather, John Balkam, was twice married and died when well advanced in years. His son, Gilbert Balkam, was a native of Maine and was engaged in ship building at Robbinston, Maine, prior to 1860. He then retired from business life, spending his last days in Boston, where he died in 1888 at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Susan Dutch, whose father was a man of considerable promi- nence. Mrs. Balkam survived her husband and passed away in Robbinston, Maine, in July, 1906, in her ninetieth year. The father was prominent in political circles, serving as a member of the Maine legislature, and in early manhood he com- manded a regiment in the Aroostook war. Their family numbered four sons and two daughters, of whom four are yet living.
William F. Balkam spent his early boyhood in Maine and afterward went to Boston, where he resided nutil 1873. His education, however, was largely acquired in the schools of Maine. In Janu- ary, 1873, he came to Rochester as superintendent of Bradstreet's agency and in 1885 he became the treasurer and business manager of the Union & Advertiser. There he remained until the fall of 1898, successfully controlling the business. He was also interested in the New York & Kentucky Company, a large distilling and medicine com- pany. of which he was director and secretary. He
held the same position in the American Fruit Pro- duct Company until February, 1905, and he is now president of the Menihan Company, makers of women's shoes and the Winslow Mining Com- pany, while in other corporations and business con- cerns he is financially interested. His connection has been extended into various fields of commer- cial and financial activity and he was a member of the organization committee of the Guardian Trust Company at New York city and is director in the National Bank of Rochester. For two years he was president of the New York State Associated Press and for several years a member of its ex- ecutive committee.
Politically Mr. Balkam is a democrat in princi- ple and was a member of the executive committee of the Albany conference which supported the democratic ticket except for governor in 1906. He has figured prominently in the ranks of his party, serving for several years as a member of the democratic state committee and its treasurer for four years.
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