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 36
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
On the 23d of February, 1886, Mr. Widener was married to Miss Anna L. Brooks, a daughter of Lyman and Mary J. (Hamlin) Brooks. Mr. Widener is the author of the "Widener History," a genealogical record of the family compiled with great care, containing three hundred and thirty pages. His political allegiance is given to the re- publican party and he is a prominent Mason, be- longing to Yonnondio lodge, No. 163, A. F. & A. M .; Rochester consistory, in which he has at- tained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite ; and Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
His time and attention are naturally most large- ly given to his profession. No one better knows the necessity for thorough preparation and no one more industriously prepares his cases than he. He is always courteous and deferential toward the court, kind and forbearing toward his adversaries. He examines a witness carefully and thoroughly,
H. H. WIDENER.
1003
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
but treats him with the respect which makes the witness grateful for his kindness and forbearance. His handling of his cases is always full, compre- hensive and accurate; his analysis of the facts is clear and exhaustive; he sees without effort.the relation and dependence of the facts and so groups them as to enable him to throw their combined force upon the point they tend to prove.
.
JOHN HOFMAN. 1
Within the last half century America has dem- onstrated her right to the leadership of the world in the realm of invention. At first through the brilliancy of her achievements she won the atten- tion of the old counties, then commanded respect, which rapidly developed into a wondering admira- tion. In all lines, however, and in all parts of the world, are found devices which owe their ex- istence to the talent and genius of American men, and among American inventors of more recent years is numbered John Hofman of this review, who, in 1896, incorporated the John Hofman Company for the manufacture of showcases and store fixtures. He was born in Baden, Germany, on the 14th of May, 1853. His father, Carl Hof- man, a native of Germany, is now deceased.
In the schools of the fatherland and of Switzerland John Hofman pursued his education and afterward learned the cabinet maker's trade in Germany. He came to the United States in 1872, when a young man of nineteen years, at- tracted by the favorable reports which he heard concerning business opportunities and advantages in America. He had no capital, but he possessed a resolute spirit and unfaltering determination, to- gether with excellent knowledge of his trade. For seven years he was in the employ of Samuel Stein as a cabinetmaker. his long connection with the house being proof of his ability and fidelity. He began business on his own account in 1880, buying out the Stein Manufacturing Company and conducting the enterprise under the firm name of Farley & Hofman for nine years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Hofman sold out and organized the firm of Service & Hofman, which had a continuous existence six years prior to the incorporation, in 1896. As stated, the busi- ness was incorporated in that year with the fol- lowing officers: John Hofman, president and treasurer; Charles H. Hofman, vice president ; and Mrs. Harry Buckley, secretary. They employ from sixty to eighty people and occupy the entire building at Nos. 30 and 32 South Water street. This is a large brick structure, six stories in height, with thirty-seven thousand five hundred square feet of floor space. They manufacture
showcases and store fixtures and have a trade which extends not only to all parts of this country but to various points in Europe and other foreign lands. The business has reached mammoth pro- portions and has become one of the leading indus- trial enterprises of Rochester. Mr. Hofman is widely recognized as a man of genius, and his in- ventive ability has many times been demonstrated. He has invented a wonderful closet for dis- playing clothes in stores, on which he secured a patent on the 1st of January, 1907. He has also been the inventor and placed upon the market beautiful and ornamental showcases, and the work of the factory is found in some of the finest mer- cantile establishments throughout the entire coun- try. The plant is thoroughly equipped with all modern machinery necessary for the manufac- ture and the production of high-grade goods, and it is Mr. Hofman's aim and delight to turn out the best work possible. The house has thus sus- tained an unassailable reputation for the excel- lence of its product as well as for the integrity of its business methods, which neither seek nor require disguise.
On the 10th of January, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of John Hofman and Miss Louisa Carp, who was born in Philadelphia and is of Ger- man descent. They have three sons and three daughters, and one of the sons is now with his father in business.
Mr. Hofman helongs to Germania lodge, No. 722. A. F. & A. M., and is a Scottish rite Mason. He is also a member of Damascus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and is a life member of the Masonic Club. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in all that pertains to the city's development and progress, and, moreover, the dominant qualities of his character are indicated by the fact that he is esteemed by employes, business associates, friends and social acquaintances. He has made an ex- cellent record since he came to America as a young man, of nineteen years. He brought with him only a knowledge of his trade and a laudable ambition to achieve success. Gradually he has made ad- vancement and his business career is such as any man might be proud to possess. Moreover, he is a gentleman of broad humanitarian principles and his name is associated with the advancement of many lines of work contributing to the general good.
CHARLES WINSLOW SMITH.
Charles Winslow Smith. associated with the business interests of Rochester as treasurer of the Sherwood Shoe Company, belongs to one of the old New England families, his ancestry being dis- tinctively American in its lineal and collateral
.
1001
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
lines for many generations. He was born in Waterbury, Connectieut, June 6, 1880, and was a grandson of Norman Smith, a native of Con- necticut, who was reared in Plymouth, and fol- lowed farming as a life occupation. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and a daughter: Charles Wiard Smith, who has a plantation and extensive lumber interests in Florida: Edward Winslow, deceased; and Jennie, now the wife of Cornelius Terry, of New York city.
Edward Winslow Smith was born in Plymouth, Connecticut, where he spent his early life, re- moving thence to Waterbury, Connecticut, and subsequently to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he was connected with the Terry Cloek Company, being engaged in business there as a clock manu- facturer until the company sold out, when he re- moved to East Hampton and engaged in the coal and lumber business. He died there in December, 1904, at the age of fifty-eight years. In early manhood he wedded Jennie Webb, who was born in Brighton, England, and was a descendant of the Earl of Derwinwater. Her father, William Webb, was also a native of Brighton, England, and was connected with the queen's mail service in that country. He came to America ahout 1859 and engaged in contracting and in brass work in Waterbury, Connecticut, taking the contract for making dies for coining Mexiean money. His wife bore the maiden name of Barbara Scott and both are still living in Waterbury at the age of eighty-one years. They have a family of one son and three daughters: Jennie, now Mrs. Smith : Elizabeth, the wife of Albert Watson, of Ovid, Michigan : William, who is now residing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; and Eva, the wife of W. A. Plump- ton, of Waterbury. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born two sons, Burton Webb and Charles Winslow. The mother is still living, and makes her home with a brother.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Smith were members of the Congregational church and he was prominent in community affairs. He held a number of municipal offices, being clerk of the selectmen. city assessor and a member of the town board. He was also chairman of the parish com- mittee and member of several other offices, his influence and labors constituting an important factor in the substantial development of the com- munity along material, intellectual and moral lines. His wife came to America with her parents when a maiden of ten summers and was reared to womanhood in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Charles Winslow Smith accompanied his parents on their removal from Waterbury to Pittsfield, Connecticut, and afterward to East Hampton, Massachusetts. He prepared for college at Willis- ton Seminary and was graduated from Yale Uni- versity in 1902, with the Bachelor of Arts de- gree. He afterward engaged in teaching for two
years in Hoosic, New York, and in the fall of 1904 came to Rochester, where he entered the employ of the Sherwood Shoe Company. His business capacity, enterprise and laudable ambition gained him recognition and when one and a half years passed he was made treasurer of the company, which is his present official connection therewith. The business of the house is extensive, its output being shipped to all parts of the United States.
On the 28th of September, 1905, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Carolyn. A. Sher- wood, a daughter of Frederick A. and Effie C. (Dodd) Sherwood. The young couple are promi- nent socially and are active and valued members of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. Smith is serving at the present writing as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also a member of the Rochester Tennis Club. Although one of the more recent additions to business circles here, he has already demonstrated his worth to an extent that causes him to be classed with the valued young men of the city.
RICHARD R. CANFIELD.
Although almost a quarter of a century has passed since Richard R. Canfield passed from this life, his memory is still cherished by many who knew him in Mendon, where he made his home, as well as in other sections of Monroe county. He was a native son of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Dutchess county, May 22, 1827, and he was a little lad of ten years when he removed with his father's family to Monroe conn- ty, the family home being established on a farm in Mendon. There the son was educated in the common schools and remained with his parents until he attained his majority, when, starting out upon an independent business venture, he chose the occupation to which he had been reared. He possessed those sterling characteristics which al- ways win success-industry, energy and economy, -and from a humble beginning he worked his way upward until he became the possessor of three hundred and fifty acres of land, which is still in possession of the family. He was there engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a long period and by his honorable and upright life became one of the highly esteemed citizens of his community. He was ever willing to lend a help- ing hand to those in need and his sole aim in life seemed to be to do good to his fellowmen. He departed this life February 7, 1884, at the age of fifty-seven years. He had one brother, Jacob C'anfield, and a sister, Mrs. Eliza N. Sherwood, who have also departed this life.
R. R. CANFIELD.
MRS. R. R. CANFIELD.
1009
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Richard R. Canfield chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Charlotte L. Smead, their marriage being celebrated in Roches- ter, April 9, 1861. She was born in England, August 11, 1841, and when an infant of ten months was brought to New York by her parents, William and Margaret A. (Rose) Smead, the fam- ily home being established in Henrietta. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Canfield was born a son, Stewart A. Mr. Canfield gave stalwart support to the repub- lican party.
Following the death of the husband and father, the widow and son continued their residence on the farm in Mendon for one year, subsequent to which time they leased the land and removed to Pittsford, where they have since made their home. Here the mother makes her home with her son, Stewart A. Canfield, who superintends the farm and intends to become an architect, being very clever at drawing. He was married in Pittsford to Miss Grace E. Snyder, a daughter of Charles G. Snyder, one of the early settlers of the town. The family are yet remembered by their many friends in Mendon, and in Pittsford, where they have resided for more than two decades, they have won the confidence and esteem of all with whom they are associated.
WALTER D. PHETEPLACE.
Walter D. Pheteplace is assistant secretary of the Pfaudler Company, makers of glass enameled steel tanks, in which connection he has become well known in manufacturing and industrial circles in Rochester. He is yet a young man but has gained a success and won an honorable record which many an older man might well envy. His birth occurred in this city on the 21st of Novem- ber, 1873, his parents being Daniel and Nellie M. (Guild) Pheteplace. They were natives of Ver- mont and lived for some time at Shelburne Falls. Coming to Rochester many years ago, the father was with the Sargent & Greenleaf Company, lock manufacturers, for a number of years. He died in 1880, at the age of forty-seven, and is still survived by his widow, who yet lives in Rochester. He served his country as a valiant soldier in the Civil war for about two years and in religious faith was a Universalist, his wife being still a member of that church.
Walter D. Pheteplace has lived for about twen- ty-four years in Rochester and was a student in the public schools here. After completing his education he was connected with the fur trade at Minneapolis, Minnesota, for seven years but sub- sequently disposed of his business there and re- turned to his native city to accept the position of
assistant secretary with the Pfaudler Company, which position he still retains. The officers are : C. C. Puffer, president; E. G. Miner, vice presi- dent and general manager; W. G. Markham, sec- retary ; and Robert Ranlet, treasurer.
Mr. Pheteplace is a member of the Universalist church. He belongs to Yonnondio lodge, No. 123, A. F. & A. M., to the Elks lodge at Rochester, to the Masonic Club, the Rochester Club and the Oak Hill Country Club, and in all of these organi- zations is popular and well liked. Since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his political support to the republican party. He resides at No. 50 Elm street and is well known in his native city, where much of his life has been passed. He has made a creditable business record and possesses the laudable ambition and firm de- termination which promise well for the future.
ZENAS FREEMAN WESTERVELT.
Zenas Freeman Westervelt, superintendent of the Deaf and Dumb Institute since its establish- ment in Rochester in 1876, was born at Columbus, Ohio, March 15, 1849. His paternal grandparents were William and Sarah (Bishop) Westervelt, who were residents of Poughkeepsie, New York, while their son, William Bishop Westervelt, was born June 10, 1821, in Westerville, Ohio, and for many years was engaged in the grocery business at Co- lumbus, that state, where his last days were passed, his death occurring February 3, 1850. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Freeman and their marriage was celebrated on the 14th of March, 1844. Mrs. Westervelt was born October 4, 1819, in Steuben county, New York. She was a daughter of Elijah Woodruff Freeman, whose birth occurred in Newark, New Jersey, No- vember 9, 1791, but when he was only six years of age his parents removed with their family to Rushford, New York, where he acquired his educa- tion. He learned the carpenter's trade at Canan- daigua, New York, but later determined to devote his life work to the ministry. At Canandaigua, on the 7th of November, 1816, he married Sarah Going, and their daughter Martha became the wife of William Bishop Westervelt. After his death Mrs. Westervelt engaged in teaching school at Columbus, Ohio, for a time, but subsequently became matron of the State School for the Deaf there. She had three sons, but George and Syl- vanus died in boyhood, leaving Zenas F. as the only surviving member of the family, for on the 27th of February, 1896. the mother passed away. a life of usefulness and untiring activity being thus ended.
Zenas F. Westervelt was named for Zenas Freeman, his mother's uncle, who was the first
1010
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
corresponding secretary of the Rochester Theo- logieal Seminary. He acquired his education in the public schools of Columbus, Ohio, where for seventeen years his mother was matron of the State School for the Deaf, Mr. Westervelt making his home there during the time he was pursuing his education. He was graduated at the Columbus high school in 1868 and afterward was employed in the office of a contractor on the Hocking Valley Railroad, where he remained until the completion of the road. He next became agent for the White Line Fast Freight and subsequently was clerk in the office of the American Express Company at Columbus, Ohio. On retiring from that position he took charge of the school at Galena, Ohio, in the fall of 1869, and at the close of the school year ac- cepted a elerkship in a Topeka, Kansas. bank, where he continued until August, 1871. He then went to Frederick. Maryland, to enter upon the work of teaching the deaf in connection with Charles W. Ely, who at the same time became principal of the state school for deaf mutes, andl with whom he remained for two years. He then went to the Fan Wood Institution at Washington Heights, New York city, where he engaged in teaching the deaf until his removal to Rochester in 1876. He has since been, superintendent of the school for the deaf at No. 945 St. Paul street, and has done splendid work in this connection. That he is a man of broad humanitarian princi- ples, of benevolent and sympathetic nature is con- stantly manifest in his work. For thirtv-one years he has remained at the head of this institution and his labors in this connection entitle him to be known as a publie benefactor.
The Western New York Institution for Deaf Mutes was organized at a meeting of the citizens of Rochester, convened by the mayor February 3, 1876, and was placed under the control of the state department of education and the supervision of the state board of charitifes, without, however, affecting its eleemosynarv character as an. inde- pendent corporation. Prior to this time Mr. Wes- le: velt had been making a list of deaf children in central and western New York who were not in school. The project was brought to the attention of Mrs. Gilman H. Perkins, of Rochester, whose little deaf daughter had been under the instrue- tion of Miss Mary H. Nodine, the lady who sub- sequently became Mrs. Westervelt. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins then proposed that Mr. and Mrs. Wester- velt should come to Rochester and start a private school, the support of which they, with others, were ready to guarantee. From the beginning the school has done a splendid work. On the opening day there were twenty pupils in attendance, the youngest being five years of age and the eldest :wenty-three. By the close of the first school year the number had increased to eighty-seven. The attendance has increased continuously since that
time. In the second year the institute leased what had formerly been the Children's Home. The growth of the institution is indicated by the present commodious building now owned by the school. There is a main building extending nearly across the property, separating the boys' play- ground from that of the girls'. In addition there is a schoolhouse south of the main building, fifty- five by sixty-five feet, containing seven schoolrooms and a chapel. There is also a kindergarten build- ing and laundry building and a hospital for con- tagious diseases, distant a hundred rods from the main building. Each building is thoroughly equipped for its special needs, having the latest appliances and conveniences. What is known as the manual oral method is taught, pupils receiv- ing instruction through speech and also through manual spelling. Mr. Westervelt has stood as an advocate of the constant use of written language as an aid in teaching the deaf to speak, believing that there is no such thing from natural causes as a deaf mute mind and consequently there ean be no inherent and real need for a deaf mute . language. The language of gesture is not used in the school. He has taken an advanced step in support of the more modern methods of teaching deaf mutes and the value and praetieability of his ideas have been demonstrated in the work done in this school. The pupils are graduated as they are in public schools. Industrial instruction was also begun in 1878, and in 1886 a cooking class was organized.
Mr. Westervelt has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary Hart Nodine, who was born in New York city in 1847, and died January 6, 1893. She was a daughter of Rohert Crawford and Clarissa (Hart) Nodine, who were married in 1839. Her father was a commission merchant of New York city and unto him and his wife were born two children, the elder being Crawford No- dine, who was killed in the battle of Cedar Moun- tain in the Civil war. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Westervelt was celebrated at Cornwall. Con- necticut, October 14, 1875. Her father died in 1847, and the mother removed with her family to Yonkers and afterward to Kingston, New York, where with the aid of sisters and a brother she engaged in conducting a ladies' seminary. The next move of the family was to Charleston, West Virginia, in 1860, but the outbreak of the war forced these northern people to leave the south and Mary Hart Nodine and her mother went to Connectient. In 1861 Mrs. Nodine became matron of Paeker's Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and the daughter entered that school at the age of seventeen and was graduated therefrom in 1865. On the completion of her course she began, teach- ing music in Middletown, Ohio, and later removed to Hudson, Ohio, where she took a four years' course at Western Reserve College, although as
S. A. CANFIELD.
1013
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
this was not a co-educational institution she was not regularly matriculated. Her next educational work was in the school for the deaf in Frederick, Maryland, in 1872. She became greatly interested in the work and displayed rare skill in finding a way to the intelligence of her pupils and so reach- ing them. Ideas in the instruction of the deaf that were then, new, though advanced, seemed to her true and of immense promise for the future. Her musical training made it easy for her to utilize new methods for teaching the deaf to ar- ticulate and to read the lips of others. In 1874 she was called to Rochester to take charge of the education of a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilman H. Perkins. The following year she became the wife of Zenas Freeman Westervelt, whom she had met in. Frederick, and the following year the Western New York Institution for Deaf Mutes at Roches- ter was founded, very, largely through her interest in the work and the interest of Mr. and Mrs. Per- kins in her. To the pupils she was not a mere in- structor, but a loving mother, ministering to them and hlessing their lives with the warmth of a con- secrated affection.
The teachers of the school in memorial volume said of her: "We wish that it were possible for us to put upon paper our memories of Mrs. Wes- tervelt as the center of the home life in our school- family, but those only who knew her best can realize how insufficient are the ordinary custom- worn words of eulogy, adequately to set forth her beautiful life and character. Fully sharing with her husband the cares and responsibilities of a large and growing school, with the social and domestic interests in her charge of from a hundred and fifty to two hundred persons-officers, teach- ers and pupils-continually surrounded by the members of this large school-family, with hardly a waking moment free from the burden of these responsibilities, the requirements of her position were such that only a person of rare qualities of mind and character could meet them. And it is but scant justice to the memory of Mrs. Wester- velt to say that exacting as were the necessary demands of her position, her life and work were such as to win the abiding admiration, and loving regard of all who were brought into close associa- tion with her. Mrs. Westervelt possessed a high order of executive ability, so that she seemed able to handle the countless details of her work with the greatest ease. Her judgment was wise and true, and in the practical problems arising among us from time to time, her opinions were always received as of great weight. And rarely if ever did results prove that her judgment was in error. Her tact and resources seemed equal to every call that circumstances made upon them. But we whose privilege it was to be in the school-family while Mrs. Westervelt was its center, cannot in our thoughts of her give prominence to her mental en-
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.