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 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89
Christian faith and faithfulness are correct no one of us can possibly doubt where he is today. His spirit has been gathered back to God who gave it. In that bright world where robes and crowns are ready for the ransomed of the Lord he is robed and crowned. He has entered upon the inheritance of the saints in light. He is a citizen of Jerusalem, the Golden. Henceforth he will worship in that city where John saw no temple because it is all the temple of the Lord, God Almighty and the Lamb. And his exalted and ennobling service will have for its range the wide fields of the universe. What shall we say of them ? That on such a day in time our brother died? Shall we mark it in our calendars as a day of mournful memory? Shall we go to his grave as though he were there? Shall we think despairingly of the vacancies he has left in our personal and church life, as though the drop had fallen back into the sea and everything concern- ing him except his memory had forever ended ? "Shall we not rather say :
"'Upon the tide
That throbs against those glorious palace walls, A soul of beauty, a white, rythmic flame,
Passed singing forth into the eternal beauty whence it came.' "
BARNABUS CURTIS.
The name of Curtis has from an early period been identified with the agricultural interests of Monroe county, for the family was established here in 1825, when Barnabus Curtis came from Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, to this state, making the journey with team and wagon, while his household goods were shipped by canal boat. This was during the pioneer de- velopment of Monroe county, and in the work of progress and improvement Mr. Curtis bore his part in bringing this section of the state to its present standard. Although he has long since passed away, his memory still lives in the minds of many of the residents of this portion of the state.
Upon his arrival in Monroe county, Mr. Curtis made his way to Brighton, where he purchased fifty acres of unimproved land, on which was a log house, and in this the family lived in true pioneer style. The father at once undertook the work of cultivating his land and making improve- ments upon the place and in due course of time it was transformed into a valuable property. As time passed and he accumulated from the sale of his crops an income that justified the purchase of more land, he added to his original holdings a tract of forty acres, making in all ninety acres. He was successfully engaged in agricultural pur-
MISS E. E. CURTIS.
.
847
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
suits throughout a long period, and at that early day the nearest market was at Rochester, to which city the products of the farm were hauled with ox teams. There were many other inconveniences which the family had to endure, for the work of progress and improvement remained to the future and there was little promise of early development, owing to the fact that as vet few settlers had dared to venture into this wild and unbroken district.
Mr. Curtis was united in marriage to Miss A. Martin, who was a native of Vermont, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom two still survive. He gave his political allegiance to the whig party and served in the war of 1812, where he distinguished himself as a brave and gallant soldier. As a pioneer of the Empire state Mr. Curtis nobly did his duty during the quarter of a century in which he resided here in establishing and maintaining the material interests of his community, and thus he is still remembered as one of its most honorable and honored citizens.
Miss Electa E. Curtis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barnabus Curtis, was reared under the par- ental roof and during her girlhood and early womanhood was trained to the duties of the house- hold, while in the winter seasons she pursued her studies at the Allen Creek school and in Clover Street Seminary. After the death of her father, which occurred in 1859, the daughter assumed the management of the homestead property and she has since capably conducted the same. She has carried on the work of improvement which was begun by the father, has replaced the original residence by a more modern and up-to-date struc- ture, has built a barn and set out a good orchard, devoting about sixty acres of the place to horti- cultural pursuits. The property is well located, the main line of the New York Central Railroad having been built through the place, as is also the Rochester, Syracuse & Eastern Railroad.
Miss Curtis possesses excellent business ability and sound judgment and is therefore able to manage her affairs in capable manner. She has spent her entire life on the farm which is still her home and which has been in possession of the Curtis family for more than eighty years, and she is therefore well known in this locality, where she has many warm personal friends.
FRANK WILMOT.
Rochester in recent years has become the center for the production and sale of photographic sup- plies and it is in this line that Frank Wilmot figures in business circles, being the president of the Defender Photo Supply Company. A native of England, he was born in Birmingham on the
1st of March, 1869, a son of Frank and Elizabeth (Harvey) Wilmot, who were also natives of that country, where the father's death occurred.
Frank Wilmot was a youth of fifteen years when he crossed the Atlantic to Canada and having completed his school life he acquainted himself with the photographic art in the United States. Through close application and by reason of his great interest he acquired an extensive and ac- curate knowledge of photography and its appli- ances. He located at Rochester and the present extensive business, of which he is now the head, had its inception in one little room, all of the work being done by Mr. Wilmot. Gradually his patronage extended, necessitating the employment of a number of assistants and in 1895 the pre- sent company was established. By reason of the broad knowledge and capable management of Mr. Wilmot the business has steadily grown until it has assumed large proportions and the company now employs one hundred and fifty people, while the output of its factory is sent to all parts of the United States and a large export business is also enjoyed. They occupy commodious buildings on Driving Park avenue at its junction with the New York Central Railroad and thus have excellent shipping facilities. They are now, however, erect- ing a large new plant, which was necessitated by the rapid growth of the business. The company manufactures an extensive line of photographic supplies, including photographic papers and chemicals. They have offices in many states and a branch factory in Philadelphia. The company is officered by Frank Wilmot as president; Henry Kuhn, vice president; and Martin B. Hoyt, secre- tary and treasurer. The business is conducted under the name of the Defender Photo Supply Company, manufacturers, importers and dealers in photographic papers, chemicals and supplies.
In 1899 Mr. Wilmot was married to Miss Eva Frame, a daughter of Hugh Frame, of Rochester, and they have one son, Nelson. Mr. Wilmot is a member of Genesee Falls lodge F. & A. M., and has attained high rank in York and Scottish rite Masonry. In fact he is one of the prominent Masons of Rochester and is a member of Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Rochester Club and many other social organiza- tions, gives his political allegiance to tbe repub- lican party and is a member of the Brick (Presby- terian) church.
Mr. Wilmot stands as a splendid type of the enterprising business man whose inherent force of character, ready solution of intricate problems and laudable ambition have enabled him to rise from a humble position to the presidency of an important productive industry, furnishing employ- ment to many people and thus contributing to the material prosperity of the city. In a compara- tively short time he has won a host of business
848
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
and social friends in Rochester and is accounted a valuable acquisition to her citizenship.
FLETCHER C. PECK.
Fletcher C. Peck, attorney at law at Rochester, was born in the village of Nunda, Livingston county, New York, August 7, 1841. His parents were Luther C. and Cynthia (Fletcher) Peck, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Washington, D. C. The father was a whig, prom- inent in national politics, representing his dis- trict in congress from 1837 until 1841. It was while serving in the legislative councils of the nation that he was married in the capital city. He was a political rival of the Hon. Martin Grover, one of the members of the court of ap- peals. His influence was widely recognized as that of a leading member of his party and more- over he figured prominently in legal circles for a number of years. He served as district attorney of Allegany county, New York, filling the position at the time he was elected to congress. His death occurred at his home in Livingston county in 1875 and three years later his wife passed away. "They were the parents of four sons and one daugh- ter: Harry, a merchant of Nunda, New York; Fletcher C .; Alvin, deceased; Charles F., who for many years was editor of the Hornellsville (New York) Tribune and was appointed commissioner of labor statistics under Governor Grover Cleve- land; and Frances E., the widow of James S. M.cMaster.
Fletcher C. Peck supplemented his preliminary education by study in Nunda Academy, from which he graduated, and in 1857 he entered Union College, completing a classical course in 1862. He read law in the office of his father and afterward in the office of Judge Danforth of Rochester, be- ing admitted to practice in June, 1865. He has since been in the practice of his profession and from the beginning has made continuous ad- vancement, long since leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the more successful few. He is felicitous and clear in argument, thoroughly in earnest, full of the vigor of conviction, never abusive of adversaries, imbued with highest cour- tesy and yet a foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent. He belongs to the Livingston County Bar Association and is also one of the trustees and a member of the Monroe County Bar Association.
Mr. Peck has moreover figured prominently in political circles as a leader of the New York democracy and was a delegate to the convention that nominated the original court of appeals in Rochester. He was likewise a delegate to the na-
tional convention of 1888 in St. Louis and to the Chicago convention of 1892. He is now a mem- ber of the democratic state committee for the forty-fourth senatorial district. His opinions carry weight in the councils of his party and he is one whose leadership results from his firm be- lief in the principles and policy which he advo- cates, combined with a persuasive eloquence that is manifest also in his legal career. He is a mem- ber of the Psi Upsilon, a college fraternity which was established in 1833.
Mr. Peck was married in 1869 to Miss Mary S. Metcalf, of Nunda, and they have three daugh- ters and a son; Marion G., at home; Louise, the wife of Ernest C. Whitbeck, attorney at law of Rochester; Mary F., the wife of Harry Moul- throp, of this city ; and Fletcher W., a graduate of the Rochester University and now a law student.
WALLACE SIBLEY, M. D.
Dr. Wallace Sibley, who for sixteen years was a medical practitioner of Rochester, recognized, however, throughout the country as one of the distinguished representatives of the profession, of which tangible proof was given in his election as the first president of the National Sanitary As- sociation, was born at Cuba, Allegany county, New York, May 15, 1846. His parents were Liberty and Cemira (Webster) Sibley. His father a merchant of Cuba, died when Dr. Sibley was but five years of age. The mother was a grand- daughter of Ashabel Webster, a Revolutionary war soldier, who enlisted three different times in the Continental army. His forefathers came ยท from England in 1647 and settled in Salem, Massachu- setts, three members of the family crossing the Atlantic to the new world at the same time.
Dr. Sibley pursued his early education in the common schools of Cuba and afterward attended Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, New York, ere entering upon preparation for his professional career. He was graduated from the medical department of the University of Buffalo in 1875. From the beginning he was successful as a member of the medical fraternity and in different localities in which he lived also figured prominently in community affairs. At different times he was postmaster and town clerk of Ischua, Cattaraugus county, New York, was president of the school board at Portville, Cattaraugus county, and president of the Cattaraugus County Medical Society.
In 1884 Dr. Sibley sought a broader field of professional service in Rochester and here con- tinued actively and prominently in the practice of medicine until his death, which occurred Octo- ber 28, 1900. Well fitted for leadership, he was
849
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
honored with various positions of public trust. He was a member of the Monroe County Medical Society and served for one term as its president. He also belonged to the Pathological Society of Rochester and for several years was health officer of the city. He gave close study to the questions affecting the city in this connection, advanced many new and valuable ideas and when the health officers of the leading cities met at Atlanta, Georgia, to organize the National Sanitary Asso- ciation, public recognition of the worth of his work was manifest in his election as its first presi- dent. He was for many years coroner of Monroe county, continuing in the position up to the time of his death. His work was of worth in the world not only in local affairs but also in those broader concerns affecting the people at large.
Dr. Sibley is survived by one son, Dr. Frank L. Sibley, of Rochester. The latter was born in Franklinville, New York, March 4, 1869, and is a graduate of the University of Buffalo, completing his course in that institution in 1894. On the 1st of June of that year he began the practice of dentistry in Rochester and in the ensuing years has secured a gratifying patronage. He is a mem- ber of the Rochester Dental Society, of which he has been president, of the Seventh District Dental Society and various other organizations for the promulgation of scientific knowledge. He is likewise associate editor of the Dental Forum, published at Buffalo and is one whose broad ex- perience and knowledge have rendered his opinions upon professional questions largely conclusive. Socially he is connected with the Rochester Ath- letic Club and has wide and favorable acquaint- ance in Rochester and in professional circles throughout this section of the state.
REV. MATHIAS J. HARGATHER.
Rev. Mathias J. Hargather has for eleven years been rector of St. Michael's church of Rochester. His connection with the priesthood covers twenty- nine years and the occasion of his Silver Jubilee was most appropriately celebrated by St. Mi- chael's church, on which occasion a souvenir vol- ume was published, from which we note the fol- lowing account of his life.
"The Rev. Mathias J. Hargather was born in Rochester in 1855. After finishing his course in SS. Peter's and Paul's parochial school he at- tended the Christian Brothers Academy. Having graduated, he was sent at an early age to Milwau- kee, to make his preparatory studies for the priest- hood at St. Francis de Sales' College, commonly known as the Salesianum. Thence he went to St. Joseph's Provincial Seminary, Troy, New York,
to pursue his theological studies. Upon their completion he returned to Rochester, and there as a deacon accompanied the Rt. Rev. B. J. Mc- Quaid on his first canonical visitation of his dio- cese. During this time he also taught plain chant, Latin, and German at St. Andrew's Seminary. He was ordained to the holy priesthood on St.Michael's day, September 29, 1878. His first work in the vineyard of the Lord was as assistant priest at St. Patrick's Cathedral and chaplain of St. Mary's Hospital and St. Mary's Orphan Boys' Asylum in this city, in which capacity he soon won the es- teem and respect of those with whom he came in ' contact. During this time he also attended the mission of Naples, Ontario county. In the early part of the year 1880 he was appointed by the bishop as rector of the churches at Greece and Coldwater. During his eight years of ministry in these places he did great work, especially as re- gards the building up of good Catholic schools, and it is still remembered how, for nearly two years, he himself taught in the little school at Greece.
"In the year 1888 our Rt. Rev. Bishop decided to start a new German parish in the northeastern section of the city, and his choice fell on the young rector of Greece and Coldwater. Father Hargather was sent out to what was then known as the Wakelee Farm to organize the proposed parish and build a church. What his success was is a matter of record. In the short space of a few years St. Francis Xavier parish was equipped with church, school and hall, and the organization of the parish was so thorough as to be a matter of comment. Father Hargather also won the hearts of his people and it was sad news indeed for the good people of St. Francis' when they heard that they were about to lose their father and friend. St. Francis' Xavier parish will always remain a monument to the untiring zeal and en- ergy of Father Hargather.
"When, in April, 1896, Rev. Fridolin Pascalar, the rector of St. Michael's church, owing to ill health, decided to lay down the heavy burdens of the pastorate, the Rt. Rev. Bishop, well aware of the success, the business ahility, and the sterling priestly qualities of Father Hargather, decided that he would be the most suitable successor of Father Pascalar. Great was the sorrow of the people of St. Michael's to lose good Father Pasca- lar, but their sorrow was tempered somewhat when it was announced that Father Hargather would be their future rector.
"For over eleven years Father Hargather has guided the destinies of St. Michael's church. His grand success in every undertaking is still fresh in the minds of his parishioners. Among the many improvements made by him must be men- tioned the erection of St. Michael's school, one of the largest, the best and most up-to-date school
$50
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
edifices of our beautiful Flower City. Lack of space forbids us to recount here all that Father Hargather has accomplished during his pastorate at St. Michael's; suffice it to say that he is ac- knowledged by all, regardless of creed or nation- ality, as a man of the greatest energy and zeal, and that he has the love and respect of the whole community. Old and young of his parish are de- votedly attached to him and hope that he will be with them for many years to carry on the great work entrusted to his care."
It will be interesting in this connection to note something of the history of the parish and of the work that is being carried on. In June, 1872, some members of St. Joseph and Holy Redeemer parishes started a subscription for a new church nearer to their homes. For a year and a half meetings were held every month and in January, 1873, a committee waited on the bishop and re- quested him to appoint a pastor. In July, 1873, Father Pingel took active charge, there being at the time two hundred families in the new congre- gation. On the 8th of March, 1874, the first church edifice was finished and dedicated and in November of the same year Rev. Fridolin Pasca- lar was appointed permanent rector. In the spring of 1888 the present splendid stone edifice was begun and on St. Michael's day, September 29, 1890, was dedicated. In 1893 the handsome pa- rochial residence was erected. In 1898 a fine new school was built by Father Hargather and the old church was converted into a parish hall, while in 1901 the sacristy of the church was enlarged and & chapel built for the sisters. In 1903, as a jubi- lee gift to the rector on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee, there was placed in the tower of the church a chime of thirteen bells and a beautiful tower clock, while a new organ was installed. St. Michael's parish numbers about nine hundred families, with about nine hundred children in the school, which is conducted under the supervision of the priests of the parish by fifteen school sisters de Notre Dame and two assistants. There are va- rious church societies, all in good working condi- tion, and aside from the regular work of the church one of the most interesting events in its history was the occasion of the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the ministry of the pastor, the Rev. Mathias J. Hargather. It was well known that Father Hargather would be averse to any personal gift and so they resolved to carry out a long cherished plan of his for placing in the tower a chime of bells and a tower clock, and in the church an organ. This was done through the liberality of members, who on the jubilee occa- sion presented Father Hargather with an illumi- nated check for fourteen thousand dollars. The celebration ceremonies were inaugurated by the singing of the five largest bells at six o'clock on the evening of September 28 and an entertain-
ment was held in the parish hall in the evening. On Tuesday, September 29, a brilliant celebration was held in the church, which was beautifully decorated with the papal and the national colors, while silver wreaths were used in profusion. Bishop McQuaid preached the sermon and Rev. Hargather celebrated solemn high mass, which was attended by over one hundred priests of the diocese, and a vast congregation of people from all parts of the city.
MYRON W. GREENE.
Myron W. Greene, who conducts a private bank- ing and investment business in Rochester and acts as executor, administrator and trustee of estates and trust funds has gained distinction in financial circles, and is a representative of one of the oldest and most prominent American families. He is the author of a family genealogy from 1639 to 1891. His grandfather, Nathan Greene, married Maria Greene, a descendant of John Greene, of Warwick, Rhode Island, to which line belongs General Nathaniel Greene, hero of the war of the Revolution and contemporary with General George Washington.
John Greene, of Quidnessett, Rhode Island, was fifteenth in descent from Lord Alexander de Greene de Boketon, who received his titles and estates A. D. 1202, head and founder of the "Greene line"; ninth in descent from Sir Henry Greene, Lord Chief Justice of England, who died in 1370; and on the "Capeteian line" was twenty-fifth in descent from Robert the Strong, made Duke de France in A. D. 861; twenty-second from King Hugo Capet; and nineteenth from Hugh de Ver- mandois, the great crusader. In the Revolutionary war Samuel Greene of Rhode Island sent eight sons into the war, a record no one else ever equal- led and Joseph Greene, of New York, volunteer, twelve years old, was the youngest soldier of the same war. The Greene family, so closely identi- fied with the early history of Rhode Island, have enjoved more state and civic honors than any other family within her borders, there being more Greenes in the state than of any other name what- ever and extending over a period of nearly three hundred years of American history not one has been found to have ever been convicted of crime and not one was a drunkard. The Greene coat-of- arms, with the motto, "Nec Timeo, Nec Sperno," consists of three bucks trippant on an azure field, as it was borne by the founder of the line. The crescent, a mark of cadency denoting the line of a second son, is used by all the Warwick and Quidnessett Greenes.
MYRON W. GREENE.
853
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Ira W. Greene, father of our subject, was a native of Monroe county, New York, born at Greene's Corners, now Mann's Corners in the township of Rush on the 2nd of May, 1832: He was a man of distinguished presence and com- manding influence in politics, although never as- piring or accepting office. For twenty-five years he was superintendent of the Sunday school and president of the board of trustees of the Rush Methodist Episcopal church, his father, Nathan
Mr. Greene is a member of the Zeta Psi (col- Greene having settled on a farm in this county in. lege) fraternity of North America, also belongs to
1804. For many years Tra W. Greene carried on business as a farmer and dealer in live stock, coal and produce. He was also propagator and grower of choice field seeds and figured for many years as a respected and worthy resident of this coun- ty, being at the time of his death, which occurred on the 22nd of June, 1905, one of the oldest native sons of the county. On the distaff side Myron W. Greene is also a descendant from an old pioneer family of western New York. His mother, who bore the maiden name of Hester Ann Ruliffson, was born in Henrietta, Monroe county, daughter of Isaac Ruliffson. She died in April, 1866. The father was twice married and by his first wife had three children, two sons and one daughter, and by his second wife he had two sons and a daughter.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.