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 28
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CLARENCE J. BROWNING.
New York has always been distinguished for high rank of her bench and bar and Rochester has had her full quota of able and eminent lawyers. Among those whose close application, wide learn- ing and devotion to their clients' interests have gained them success and prominence in the active practice of the courts and as counselors at law, is numbered Clarence J. Browning, one of Monroe county's native sons. He was born in Mendon, on the 27th of March, 1856. his parents being Alfred
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
P. and Delia (Stearns) Browning. The family or the manufacture of paper in Vermont, New York was established in this county by Dr. John Brown- and Massachusetts. During the infancy of his son Francis he established a paper manufactory at Malone, New York, and the boy there spent the greater part of his boyhood, acquiring his pre- liminary education in the common schools. Later he continued his studies in Worcester, Massachu- setts, subsequent to the removal of the family to that city and for a brief period was a student in an academy. ing, who removed from Massachusetts in 1816 and settled at Mendon. He was a physician and con- tinued in the active practice of medicine and sur- gery in Mendon until his death. His ability was marked and his learning broad and thus he gained prominence as one whose labors were most effec- tive and beneficial in his chosen calling. His death occurred in 1866, when he was about eighty- two years of age. In the maternal line Mr. Brown- ing is also a representative of one of the old families of Monroe county, for the Stearns came from Massachusetts about 1816 among the pioneers of the county.
Alfred P. Browning was born in Mendon, New York, in 1821, and devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He passed away on the 5th of December, 1906, having for fifteen years sur- vived his wife, who died in 1891. They had but two children, the daughter being Mrs. William F. Woolston, a resident of Pittsford, this county.
Clarence J. Browning acquired a liberal educa- tion, for after attending the public schools he was afforded the privilege of becoming a student in Lima Seminary, from which he was graduated in the class of 1877. He continued his studies, how- ever, for some time afterward and became a law student in the office of John Van Voorhis ,of Rochester, now deceased. At length, successfully passing the required examination, he was ad- mitted to the bar in 1882, after which he remained with the Van Voorhis firm until 1888, several changes, however, occurring in the partnership in that time. Mr. Browning has been alone in prac- tice since 1899 and has secured a good clientage, giving his attention exclusively to his chosen call- ing. Many important cases have been entrusted to him and he has won notable forensic victories, displaying in the presentation of his cause before the court a broad and accurate knowledge of legal principles.
On the 6th of March, 1883, Mr. Browning was married to Miss Hattie S. Hastings of Lima, and they are well known socially, having a host of warm friends in the county where his entire life has been passed.
FRANCIS GORTON.
Francis Gorton, who as president of the Flour City National Bank occupied a most prominent position in financial circles in Rochester, was born in Middlebury, Vermont, December 13, 1817, and died in Rochester, June 1, 1882. He was the third in a family of nine children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gorton. The father engaged in
Francis Gorton entered business life as a sales- man in the employ of Horace B. Claflin, then a dry-goods merchant of Worcester, Massachusetts, who two years later removed to New York city. Mr. Gorton on the advice of Mr. Claflin then came to Rochester, where he entered the dry-goods house of Britton & Wilder. In 1843 Mr. Britton retired from the business and in 1844 Mr. Gorton became an equal partner, under the firm style of Wilder & Gorton. The enterprise prospered under the new management, the trade reaching extensive proportions. Mr. Gorton was a man of great dili- gence and enterprise, and his close and assiduous attention to the business impaired his health, caus- ing his retirement from the firm in 1854. He re- entered business circles two years later as one of the organizers of the Flour City Bank, which owed its existence largely to his efforts, and was elected president and remained at the head of the insti- tution throughout the residue of his days. When the bank had been in successful operation for a year the capital stock was increased from two hun- dred thousand to three hundred thousand dollars. The patronage of the bank continually increased and the business was extended until the Flour City Bank gained a front rank among the leading financial enterprises of western New York. Since the death of Mr. Gorton it has been merged with the German American Bank and under its new name, the National Bank of Rochester, is one of the leading financial institutions of the city. The policy of the bank during the period of the Civil war indicated a most "pronounced patriotism on the part of its officers, for when the credit of the government was impaired both at home and abroad, it invested the whole of its unemployed funds in United States securities and continued to deal largely in them." In 1865 it was re-organized under the general banking act as the Flour City National Bank. Mr. Gorton remained at the head of the institution, controlling its interests with sagacity and enterprise and while maintaining a progressive policy the methods instituted were suf- ficiently conservative to awaken general trust and confidence. He was also treasurer of the Bankers & Merchants Express Company, which was merged in one of the older companies. He was likewise treasurer of the Rochester City & Brighton Rail- way Company and held other important connec- tions with prominent business interests.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Mr. Gorton was married in early manhood to Miss Martha A. Crosby, of Lowell, Massachusetts, who died many years ago, survived by two sons, Charles W. and Harry C. Gorton. He afterward wedded the widow of William Jeffrey, who also survives him. In his own home he is remembered for the gracious courtesy of an ideal host, and in business circles he was recognized as one of Roches- ter's most prominent men. He was selected for many important trusts and in all his service was characterized by a fidelity and capability which was irreproachable. Early during the Civil war he was active in raising means for the relief of the necessities of soldiers' families and was made treasurer of the Soldiers Aid Society. Charitable and kindly, he gave freely to various benevolent institutions, while his individual benefactions were many, all being characterized by a spirit of unos- tentation. The great public movements for the benefit of the city also received his endorsement and Rochester profited by his co-operation in movements for municipal progress. That he had the highest respect, esteem and friendship of his colleagues in the bank is indicated by the resolu- tions which were placed upon the minutes of the institution : "With a rare combination of mental vigor, clear judgment, sagacious foresight and prudence, generous sympathies and unswerving fidelity to duty, he won the highest regard and implicit confidence throughout the wide circles of his personal and official relations."
B. T. BAILEY.
B. T. Bailey, who for a quarter of a century has been clerk of Henrietta school district No. 7, is the owner of a fine farming property in west Henrietta township. This was the place of his birth, his natal day being July 26, 1848, while his parents were David and Laura A. Bailey. At the usual age he entered the common schools and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he continued his studies in the Rochester Collegiate Institute. Throughout his entire life he has given his time and energies to general ag- ricultural pursuits and is now engaged in the cul- tivation of one hundred and fifty acres of land, which under his control has become a valuable property, improved with substantial buildings and modern conveniences. In all of his farm work he is practical and at the same time does not lack that progressive spirit which is ever attended with modern successes.
Mr. Bailey is interested in everything that bears upon the agricultural development of the Empire state. In politics he is a republican, loyal in his support of the party and although he has never
been a politician in the sense of office seeking, he has served for twenty-five years as clerk of Hen- rietta school district No. 7 and the cause of edu- cation finds in him a warm friend. He belongs to the Congregational church and whatever tends to promote material, intellectual and moral prog- ress receives his cooperation and endorsement.
LYMAN M. OTIS.
Lyman M. Otis has long figured prominently in community affairs and has been honored with several positions of public trust. He is not a pol- itician in the commonly accepted sense of office seeking but his recognized business ability and his public spirit have led to his selection for various positions in which good business qualifica- tions, enterprise and loyalty are necessary con- comitants of acceptable service. At the present time he is city treasurer of Rochester. One of Monroe county's native citizens, he was born in Henrietta, November 12, 1831, and is the eldest son of David G. and Maria (Morris) Otis. The father came from Connecticut to Perry, New York, at a very early day and engaged in teaching school in this county. In 1839 he established his home in Henrietta, where he died in 1837. He was a general in the old state militia and was serving as school commissioner at the time of his demise. His business interests were those of the farm.
Lyman M. Otis was educated in the district schools, in Monroe Academy and in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima. In early manhood he engaged in teaching school through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he followed farming. In 1855 he engaged in the nursery business with D. W. Chase and they also bought wool, live stock and produce. Since 1867 Mr. Otis has been connected with Rochester, in which vear he removed to this city and purchased the lumber business of J. H. Robinson & Son. The partnership with Mr. Chase was continued until the death of the latter in 1888, after which the firm became L. M. Otis & Company. From the beginning success attended the enterprise and the firm enjoyed a large patronage in the lumber trade. In 1890 the company sold the site now occupied by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and re- moved to East Main street, just west of the rail- road bridge, where the Otis Lumber Company is still conducting business. Mr. Otis, however, re- tired from the lumber business in 1899, having accumulated therein a handsome competence.
Mr. Otis was married in 1864 to Miss Amanda M. Cornwell, a daughter of Ambrose Cornwell, of Henrietta, and they have one daughter, Mary S. Mr. Otis has served as treasurer of the Monroe
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
County Agricultural Society and at all times has been actively connected with interests bearing upon the welfare, progress and improvement of the city and this portion of the state. In politics he was a democrat until the organization of the republican party, since which time he has affiliated with that great political movement. He served as town clerk of Henrietta in 1857, was justice of the peace for nine years and in 1889 was elected supervisor for the fourth ward of Rochester. He acted in that capacity for six terms and was chair- man of the board for two terms. He was also alderman for two years and at all times has ex- ercised his official prerogatives in support of pro- gressive public measures. In 1885 he was elected as a west side sewer commissioner by the town board of the town of Gates. In 1894 he was chosen chairman of the building committee of the new courthouse, which position he filled until the completion of that structure. From 1900 until 1904 he was city assessor and on the 1st of Janu- ary of the latter year was elected city treasurer and re-elected in 1905, so that he is now the incumbent in the office. He has taken an active interest in politics and has held official positions more than half of his time since he attained his majority. He is not a politician, however, in the popular sense of the term but his aid has been sought by his party and he has served the public well. Few men of his years yet continue an active factor in public life but in spirit and interests Mr. Otis seems yet in his prime and his ability seems un- dimmed by the weight of years. He is indeed an active factor in municipal life and one whose worth is widely acknowledged by all who know him.
HON. FREDERICK P. ROOT.
Frederick P. Root was not only a pioneer of Monroe county, but an active participant in events that shaped its history and molded its policy and thus his name is inseparably inter- woven with its annals. He was probably the best known and most prominent man in his part of the county in his day and although his ad- vantages in early life were limited he became a force and power in his community because of the sterling worth of his character, his marked individuality and his known devotion to the public good. His labors for the welfare of the com- munity were of a most practical character, fol- . lowed by far-reaching and beneficial effects. For almost a century he lived upon the farm and there his death occurred when he had reached the age of ninety-two years.
Mr. Root was born on the 23d of October, 1814, being a native of Charlton, Saratoga county, New York. The ancestry of the family could be traced back to England in 1636, in which year representatives of the name came to the new world and several generations of the ancestors lived at Hebron, Connecticut. In the spring of 1818 Mr. Root's parents with four children started for western New York. It was then a long and tedious journey, not free from danger. There were no railroads and they traveled across the country in a covered wagon after the primitive manner of the times, at length settling upon the farm which was the home of Frederick P. Root until his demise. They found here a district largely unimproved and undeveloped, but settle- ments were being made in the forest, land was be- ing cleared and the work of civilization was thus being carried forward by sturdy, resolute, fear- less pioneers. The death of his father in 1833 thrust upon Mr. Root the care of the family when he was but eighteen years of age. He was the eldest and he had already had much prac- tical training in the work of the farm. His op- portunities for an education were somewhat lim- ited, as he never had the privilege of attending school after he reached the age of sixteen years. However, school training is not always a synonym for education and Mr. Root was recognized as one of the best educated men of his locality. Through reading he added greatly to his knowledge year by year and experience and observation also broadened his mental ken. He possessed, too, an observing eye and retentive memory and he had the faculty of assimilating and utilizing the knowledge that he acquired.
Mr. Root, in addition to providing for his mother and the younger members of the family during the early years of his manhood, managed to make and carry out arrangements for the pur- chase of the old homestead farm, which up to the day of his death he still occupied, and as time passed he added to his property as his finan- cial resources permitted until by the time he had reached the prime of life he was the owner of seven hundred acres of very valuable and pro- ductive land, making him one of the extensive property holders of this part of the county. He erected thereon one of the most commodious and attractive residences in this part of the country and added to his place all modern equipments to promote the work of the fields or add to the com- fort of the family.
In the year 1839 Mr. Root was united in mar- riage to Miss Marion Phelps of New London, Connecticut, and for more than half a century they traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. The wife was called first, passing away in 1892. In 1893 Mr. Root was again mar-
FREDERICK P. ROOT.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
ried, his second union being with Mrs. Harriet White of Sweden, who died two years ago. Of the three children born unto him only one sur- vives, Mrs. T. Henry Dewey, of Brockport.
Mr. Root was deeply interested in all that per- tained to the welfare and improvement of the county and especially to the advancement of ag- ricultural interests. He was one of the early or- ganizers of the Farmers' Alliance and was chosen its first president in the state. He prepared and read many papers and delivered many lectures before farmers' associations and for many years was president of the Agricultural Society and the Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Company of Monroe county. He was continually studying to improve the methods used by farmers in the cul- tivation of their fields and the production of crops and he demonstrated the feasibility of his plans in the work upon his home place. He was also one of the organizers of the State Grange.
Mr. Root certainly lived a life of great activity and usefulness, always upholding the best inter- ests of society. A republican in politics, he stanchly supported the principles of the party and at the time of the Civil war was employed by the government as revenue collector for this dis- trict. He served for one term, 1879-1880, in the state legislature as assemblyman and for five suc- cessive terms was supervisor of the town of Sweden. He took a public-spirited interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and up to the time of his death he read the daily pa- pers and was thoroughly well posted on all sub- jects. He wrote for papers until more than eighty-eight years of age, his statements being clear, concise and convincing, showing his thor- ough understanding and mastery of the subject under discussion. He upheld every progressive measure that he deemed would prove of benefit to the community, supporting these by his influ- ence and through substantial aid as well. A be- liever in the Christian religion, at the time of his death he left a bequest of one thousand dollars to the Presbyterian church of Sweden. He had long held membership with that denomination, for many years regularly attending its services and at the time of his demise was its oldest member. As a man he was universally respected and honored for the many noble qualities which he possessed.
Mr. Root retained his mental and physical fac- ulties to a remarkable degree and his death was undoubtedly hastened by a fall which he sustained two weeks before his demise, which occurred No- vember 9, 1904. At a meeting of the Brockport Grange the following resolution was adopted :
"The death of Hon. Frederick P. Root removes from us a charter member of this Grange whose influence was very largely responsible for its or- ganization and immediate success.
"As its first lecturer his wise counsels, his in- teresting and instructive addresses, and his en- thusiastic advocacy of Grange principles, was of great assistance in attracting most of the promi- nent farmers of this vicinity to its membership. Brother Root was one of the sturdy pioneers, of whom so very few remain, that found western New York a wilderness and left it a garden, a man of excellent judgment, strong common sense, energy and perseverance, it is not singular that he made for himself so prominent a place in the agricultural, political and business affairs, not only of his own town, but of Monroe county.
"He was a kind and obliging neighbor, a lov- ing husband and father, a man who during his life long connected with the Sweden Presbyterian church, by his purse, by his counsel and by his regular attendance, showed his sincerely Christian spirit.
"He has 'served his day and generation' and has gone to his grave 'in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season,' we the members of Brockport Grange mourn his loss, and will cherish his memory."
He had outlived the scriptural span of life by twenty years and there came to him no help- less old age but one which grew stronger and better mentally and spiritually as the years passed and gave out of its rich stores of wisdom and ex- perience for the benefit of his fellowmen.
FEDOR WILLIMEK.
The executive force, watchfulness and accuracy demanded in banking circles find exemplification in the business record of Fedor Willimek, who is assistant secretary of the Mechanics Savings Bank. A native of Germany, he was born in Prussia on the 1st of June, 1849, a son of Hermann Willi- mek, who was a Prussian by birth and had charge of the estates of the Duke of Ratibor.
In 1868, at the age of nineteen years, Fedor Willimek left his native country for the new world. He had previously acquired a good education in the public and high schools of Germany and had served as an officer in the army of the fatherland. He came to Rochester in 1869 but after a brief sojourn here went to Syracuse, New York, where he remained for several years, being there engaged in the piano and musical instrument business. Later he took up his abode at Auburn, New York, where he was connected with the firm of Terrill, Johnson & Company, wholesale dealers in hard- ware, occupying a clerical position in that house for a number of years. He then returned to Rochester in 1886 and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Mechanics Savings Bank. Later
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
he was made cashier and two years ago was elected assistant secretary, in which position he has since remained. Since becoming connected with this institution his business capacity and enterprise have proven active and useful factors in its suc- cessful conduct and in the enlargement of its bus- iness.
In 1889 Mr. Willimek was married to Miss Rosa H. Pfaefflin, of Rochester, and they have two children: Fannie, who is now attending the Mechanics Institute; and Hermione, now a stu- dent in the Rochester public schools. Mr. Willi- mek is one of the substantial and worthy German- American citizens of Monroe county and among the native sons of the fatherland and those of German descent he is very popular. He possesses the love for and talent in music so characteristic of his race and is well known in musical circles. The opportunities of the new world for business advancement attracted him in early manhood and with the realization of the fact that in this country where labor is king he has put forth effective and unremitting effort to attain that success which is the reward of honorable and persistent labor.
EUGENE E. AND GEORGE R. COLLAMER.
Eugene E. and George R. Collamer, well known in Parma township and this section of Monroe county, are managing and conducting the Or- chard Valley Fruit Farm, the estate of John B. Collamer. For almost half a century the name of Collamer has been closely associated with fruit- growing interests in this part of the state and has ever been a synonym for progress and suc- cessful accomplishment in horticultural lines.
The father, John B. Collamer, was born in Sara- toga county, New York, in 1843, and was the eld- est son of Nelson and Mary (Brill) Collamer, who removed to western New York in 1847, when their son, John B. Collamer, was but four years of age. Nelson Collamer first purchased a farm on the north side of Braddock's bay and afterward bought the present Peter Smith farm, while event- vally he purchased the property upon which he spent his remaining days. It was in 1859 that the family began fruit-raising, setting out an or- chard of twenty acres that is intersected by the highway. It was Mrs. Mary Brill Collamer who suggested the planting of this orchard, saying that "though it would not benefit her financially it would he for the boys." Thus at sixteen years of age John B. Collamer assisted in establishing the orchards on his father's farm, which in later years have proved so large a source of profit. He had been educated in the district schools and had been trained to the work of field and meadow. As
stated, the business of fruit-raising as undertaken by the family and the name of Collamer has since been closely, actively and prominently associated with horticultural interests.
In the year 1864 John B. Collamer was united in marriage to Miss Alice D. Smith, who was born in the town of Hamlin, Monroe county, in 1848. They lived for a time on the Noah Wright farm and in 1867 Mr. Collamer purchased the old family homestead, where he spent his remaining days with the exception of a brief period of four years. In 1884, in company with his brother, he took a trip to the Pacific coast, going by way of the northern tier of states, but though he traveled extensively in the west he saw no opportunities which he considered equal to those offered in this section of the country and therefore returned home, enlarging his operations as a fruit-grower, in which he continued with marked success up to to the time of his demise. He was one of the carliest pioneers in the production of fruit along scientific and progressive lines and stood as one of the leaders in opening up what is now the promi- ment and important business enterprise of the county. The community owes to him a debt of gratitude for the information and inspiration he has furnished in connection with profitable and thoroughly modernized fruit-growing. This suc- cess and the methods of its achievement have con- stituted the needful encouragement for many more now connected with the fruit-raising industry of this vicinity. Not only did Mr. Collamer gather rich crops upon his place, winning him a gratify- ing measure of success, but also became known as an enthusiastic member of the Western New York Horticultural Society and a vice president of the New York State Fruit Growers' Association. His reputation thus extended throughout the state and his labors were directly beneficial to his commu- nity.
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