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 38
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CHARLES STORRS BARROWS.
As long as memory remains to those who knew Charles Storrs Barrows, the recollection of his life with its kindly purposes, its lofty ideals and its successful accomplishments will be cherished. He was prominently connected with one of the most important business concerns of Rochester, which was largely developed to its present exten- sive proportions through his labors. While this alone would entitle him to public recognition, it was the sterling qualities which he displayed in every phase of life that endeared him to his fel- lowmen.
A native of Illinois, Mr. Barrows was born in Greenwood, McHenry county, on the 27th of April, 1858, and passed away at the family resi- dence at No. 56 North Goodman street, in Roches- ter, April 28, 1901, at the comparatively early age of forty-three years. His parents, Lathrop and Emily (Parker) Barrows, are residents of Pasadena, California, and both are descendants
from early colonial families, two great-grand- fathers of our subject having valiantly served as officers in the Revolutionary war.
A student in the public schools in early boy- hood, Charles Storrs Barrows completed his liter- ary education in the University of Illinois, where he was a classmate of Ex-Governor Richard Yates and Professor Lorado Taft, the noted sculp- tor, from whom he received instructions in clay modeling, which laid the foundation of a high artistic culture which was of great advantage to him in his later life. He pursued a course in mechanical engineering while in the university and left that institution to accept a position as draughtsman with a railroad company in the west. Later he made his way to New England to enter upon a similar position with the Pratt & Whitney Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and, desiring to gain still broader knowledge he afterward spent some time in travel and study in Europe. Follow- ing his return to his native country, he was em- ployed by the Standard Oil Company as mechani- cal expert. Throughout all these years his course was marked by steady progress. He was contin- ually promoting his talents by the exercise of his natural powers and by the acquirement of knowl- edge bearing upon his specialty through every possible avenue. Thus was brought into play his inventive genius and artistic taste, which served him well after he became connected with the Snow Wire Works of Rochester and which constituted important elements in the success of that large industry. After some time devoted to the busi- ness of the Snow Wire Works of Rochester he joined his brother-in-law, Albert Snow, in the purchase of the enterprise and later became sole proprietor of the business in the manufacture of all kinds of commodities, including ornamental screens. Here his artistic and creative taste found ample field and his artistic ideas are embodied in many beautiful designs which are now seen in the numerous important banks, insurance offices and counting houses throughout the United States. His reputation in this direction extended far and wide and was followed by an ever increasing pat- ronage which made the Snow Wire Works one of the largest manufactories of the city .. He manu- factured all kinds of metal office fixtures and wire work appliances, most of which were made from designs which he created, and the volume of his business constantly increased until it reached mammoth proportions, becoming a very important industry of the city, as it furnished employment to a large force of workmen. In all of his busi- ness relations, Mr. Barrows was honorable, was just and considerate to his employes and straight- forward in his dealings with his patrons.
In 1888 occurred the marriage of Charles Storrs Barrows, and Miss Evelyn Snow, a native
CHARLES S. BARROWS.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
of New York, and a daughter of Samuel and Emily ( Lang) Snow. Her father was the founder of the Snow Wire Works of Rochester and a mem- ber of one of the old families of Monroe county, established here in 1821. He was also a direct de- scendant of Nicholas Snow, who became a mem- ber of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in 1623 and was known there as a man of worth and prominence. He married Constance Hopkins, who had crossed the Atlantic with her father on the memorable voyage of the Mayflower in 1620. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barrows were born seven children, Charles Storrs, Ralph Gillett, Emily Ruth, Cor- nelia Adele, Alice, Harlan and Katharine, all vet living in Rochester with the exception of Alice. Mr. Barrows was devoted to the welfare and hap- piness of his wife and children and the best traits of his character were reserved for his own home and fireside. It was only there he displayed the full depth of his nature and the breadth of mis generous spirit. For some years he was a con- sistent, faithful and helpful member of the Third Presbyterian church, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its in- fluence. He also served as president of the Men's Guild and was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Tem- plar degree. He adhered closely to high ideals, never stepped aside from the path of rectitude, and nothing could swerve him from a course which he believed to be right. He recognized man's in- dividual responsibility in his obligations to his fellowmen and was conscientious in the discharge of every duty that devolved upon him. To have won success is a fact worthy of note but to have lived worthily is far better, leaving behind a name that is ever honored and a memory which serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others. Mrs. Barrows still resides in Rochester, being pleasantly located with her family at No. 8 Livingston park.
FRANK E. WOODWORTH.
Frank E. Woodworth, whose rare aptitude and ability for achieving results are being constantly manifest in his business career, is president of the C. B. Woodworth Sons Company. He has spent his entire life in Rochester, where he has so di- rected his labors as to gain recognition as one of the leading business men. The Woodworths are a pioneer family of Monroe county, arriving here in 1819. Spencer Woodworth, the grandfather of Frank E. Woodworth, removed from South Coven- try, Connecticut, to western New York and settled
in the town of Gates, where he cleared and culti- vated several hundred acres of land. His son, Chauncey B. Woodworth, was from early manhood a factor in the business life of Rochester and became the founder of the extensive perfume and extract manufacturing business now conducted under the name of the C. B. Woodworth Sons Company.
Frank E. Woodworth was born in this city in 1855 and has here remained to the present day. His education completed, he became his father's associate in his manufacturing interests. About the middle of the nineteenth century Chauncey B. Woodworth established business as a manufacturer of perfumes and extracts and for three years, from 1856 until 1859, conducted this enterprise in part- nership with Reuben A. Bunnell. After pur- chasing his partner's interest he was alone in busi- ness until the admission of his son, Chauncey C. Woodworth. On attaining his majority Frank E. Woodworth became connected with the business which, being continually developed along modern commercial lines, has grown to mammoth propor- tions. In 1893 the business was re-organized and incorporated under the name of the C. B. Wood- worth Sons Company, and Frank E. Woodworth was chosen president and still remains at the head of the enterprise. His career has been that of an enterprising business man who is continu- ally watchful of opportunities and puts forth effective effort in the execution of his well defined plans. With him as officers of the company are his son, Frank K. Woodworth, who is vice presi- dent, and his nephew, Charles C. Woodworth, who is secretary and treasurer. Their output includes perfumes, which are sold all over the United States, toilet powders, face washes, cold cream and other toilet preparations. All of the sons of C. B. Woodworth have at one time or another been con- nected with the firm which is one of the oldest establishments of this character in the United States, having had a continuous existence of more than a half century.
Frank E. Woodworth was married in 1879 to Miss Annie Warren, a native of Rochester, and a daughter of Edward Kingsbury Warren, one of the early settlers of the city, who conducted the E. K. Warren brewery here for many years. Her mother was Mrs. Melissa (Cushman) Warren. Two sons and a daughter have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Woodworth: Warren, who is now engaged in the mannfacture of rubber goods in San Francisco, California ; Frank K., who is asso- ciated with his father as vice president of the company ; and Helen, at home.
From the time when political questions became a matter of interest to him, Mr. Woodworth has continuously given his support to the republican party. His interest in municipal affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen who realizes the possi-
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
bilities for advancement and labors toward the adoption of means that will promote the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the com- munity.
HENRY SAYRE POTTER.
Henry Sayre Potter was born in Galway, Sara- toga county, New York, February 14, 1798. He was the oldest of four children born to Nathaniel .Job Potter and Mary Sayre, and was of the seventh generation in the male line from Na- thaniel Potter, who came from England in about the year 1635 and settled at Portsmouth, Rhode Island. On his mother's side he was of equally sturdy colonial English stock, Mary Sayre being a descendant of Thomas Sayre, who came from Bedfordshire to Lynn, Massachusetts, about 1637.
In 1801 his parents removed from Galway to a farm of one hundred and twenty acres between Seneca Falls and Cayuga lake, occupying a small log house. Seven years later the family moved to Canandaigua, where the father kept a hotel for two years, dying in the year 1810. The mother then moved her family back to the farm, where for two years young Henry did farm work sum- mers and attended school the short winter terms. In 1812 he became store boy for Ebenezer Hale of Canandaigua. In 1814 he was clerk in Samuel Hildreth's branch store at Williamson, New York, remaining there nearly two years. During this time he was intrusted to drive a team alone on the long journey of more than two hundred miles to Albany, and to return with a load of merchan- dise. He had a great love for horses and they became his chief source of pleasure and amuse- ment throughout his long life. He also taught school one winter and pursued his studies as op- portunity afforded. In 1818 Mr. Potter removed to Pittsford, New York, where he resided for thirty-two years. During the first four years of this time he was a clerk in the store of Sylvanus Lathrop, and then for four years he was a partner, buying out Lathrop in 1826. During the next twenty years, until 1846, he owned and conducted alone a large business of general merchandizing, laying the foundations of his future fortune. Mr. Potter was married in 1824, to Harriet Benedict, daughter of Thomas Benedict and Mary Dunning. Six children were born of this marriage, all but one of whom survived both their parents.
The most active and successful period of Mr. Potter's life began with his removal to Rochester in 1850 at the age of fifty-two years. In 1851 he became one of the organizers, incorporators, directors and largest stockholders of the New
York & Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Company with a capital of three hundred and sixty thousand dollars. He was elected its first president and entered as a pioneer with great vigor and enthusiasm into this new enterprise, which was ultimately to make the fortunes of so many Rochester families. This company was the original Western Union Telegraph Company, and the parent company into which scores of smaller companies throughout the country were gradually merged and combined over a period of many years. By a special act of the New York state legislature, passed April 4, 1856, the name of the original company was changed to The Western Union Telegraph Company. Mr. Potter served as president continuously for more than five years from April 2, 1851, till July 30, 1856, when he declined re-election and was succeeded by Hiram Sibley, who served for the next nine years until July 26, 1865.
James D. Reid in his volume on "The Tele- graph in America," after mentioning the organiza- tion of the company in April, 1851, says: "Of course, nothing was so essential, after the glamour of organization was over, as money. Few of the parties were the possessors of great wealth, even in its then restricted sense. The subscriptions were somewhat limited, and their payment, partly because of a rising jealousy of the advantageous position seen now to be held by the owners of the patent, was not prompt, and, to some extent, doubtful. But money was absolutely necessary. 'To secure funds, the holders of the patent in- terests, who had thereby acquired a large issue of stock, very wisely determined to part with a liberal amount of their interest to induce the subscribers to pay up in full, and so to enable the company to start operations with vigor. Henry S. Potter, a rich, active, stirring citizen, had subscribed ten thousand dollars. To him an additional ten thousand dollars of stock-twenty thousand dollars in all- was issued. He was then elected president of the company. This was very adroit action, and Mr. Potter entered into his duties with much zeal. About eighty-three thousand dollars of stock was thus discreetly distributed among desirable men who would give strength and character to the enterprise, and all subscriptions were promptly paid. With the sinews of war thus provided, the work became lively."
Mr. Potter early became interested in the bank- ing business in Rochester. He was one of the incorporators of the Eagle Bank in 1852 and served continuously as a director in that bank and its successors until the time of his death. This bank and the Manufacturers Bank were consoli- dated in 1859 into the Traders Bank, a state bank ; and in 1865 this was reorganized into the present Traders National Bank. During his lifetime he was the largest single stockholder in this bank and
HENRY S. POTTER.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
in the Flour City National Bank, the two largest and strongest banks in the city. He was also a large stockholder in the New York Central, the Harlem and the Lake Shore Railways, his activity in the telegraph business having brought him in early and close relations with the Vanderbilt railway interests.
In politics he was a whig in his early life and later a republican. He and his family attended the Presbyterian church. He was a life-long ear- nest advocate of total abstinence; during the period of his youth and early manhood, such prin- ciples required great firmness and seriousness of character, considering the social customs then pre- vailing. The largest building which he owned is at the corner of State and Andrews streets and still bears in prominent letters the name he gave it-H. S. Potter's Temperance Building. He died at his residence on South Fitzhugh street, Janu- ary 9, 1884, at the age of eighty-six years.
LUTHER GORDON.
Few men of Brockport were more prominent or widely known than Luther Gordon, who for a quarter of a century was prominently identified with the commmercial and banking interests of that city. He was a man of keen discernment and sound judgment and his executive ability and excellent management brought to the concerns with which he was connected a large degree of success. Moreover, he displayed in the conduct of his business interests those traits of character which ever command regard and confidence, and he belonged to that class of representative Amer- ican citizens who promote the general prosperity while advancing individual interests.
A native of New York state, Mr. Gordon was born in Rushford, February 8, 1822, and inherited many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry. The founder of the family in America was his grandfather, James Gordon, who was born in the land of hills and heather and was a son of James and Kastorn (Davis) Gordon, of Lead, Perthshire, Scotland. Leaving his native land, James Gordon, Jr., crossed the Atlantic when a young man and landed on the shores of the new world June 15, 1775, becoming a resident of Ep- ping, Rockingham county, New Hampshire. His sympathies being with the colonists in their strug- gle for independence, he joined the American army and served with distinction until honorably dis- charged from service at the close of the war, July 1, 1782. He married Miss Jerusha Tarbell, at Groton, Massachusetts, and they became the par- ents of seven children, namely: Thomas, Kastorn,
James, Tarbell, William, John and Wilson. The father of this family died at Rushford, New York, on the 9th of December, 1844, at the advanced age of ninety-two years.
His son, John Gordon, the father of Luther Gor- don, was born in Cavendish, Vermont, on the 4th of August, 1790, and in early manhood was united in marriage to Miss Harmony Woodworth, a na- tive of Connecticut, by whom he had five children : James, Luther, Walter, Matilda and Wilson. Leav- ing New England in the early part of 1809, he came to the Empire state. In company with the Gary brothers he made his way to Allegany coun- ty, being one of the first to locate in that region, and on the 12th of June, 1809, he and Wil- liam Gary felled the first tree ever cut in the town of Rushford, New York. He continued to make bis home there throughout the remainder of his life and died February 12, 1842.
Luther Gordon was reared to manhood in his native town and after his father's death started out to make his own way in the world. Forming a part- nership with Henry White, he leased a furnace be- longing to Samuel White, and after operating it for seven weeks he purchased the entire plant, which he at once began to enlarge and improve in order to meet the growing demands of his trade. At the end of eight months it was completed and in full operation. Seven months later he sold the business to Mr. White with the understanding that he would not again engage in that line of business in Rushford. In the meantime Mr. Gordon had invented the well-known Genesee plow, which con- stantly grew in popular favor and was extensively manufactured in his foundry. Later he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, erecting two buildings and opening two general stores in the year after his retirement from the foundry busi- ness. He then continued in mercantile lines with marked success for fourteen years. At the same time he was also interested in the live-stock busi- ness, buying and driving stock to the eastern mar- kets through the summer months for sixteen years, while in the winter seasons he devoted his attention to the lumber trade. These enterprises also proved profitable, as he never depended upon agents, but personally transacted his business af- fairs, giving to each detail due consideration and care.
It was in 1856 that Mr. Gordon embarked in the lumber business at Brockport, New York, pur- chasing the interests of Boswell and Walker in the firm of Boswell, Walker & Hood, while five years later he became sole owner. He then erected an extensive steam sawmill and steam planing- mill in Brockport and purchased several hundred acres of timber land at Portville, Cattaraugus county, New York, on which he built another saw- mill, carrying on an extensive wholesale lumber business. Disposing of bis property in Rushford
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
in 1858 he brought his family to Brockport, where he had erected an elegant residence, continuing to make it his home until his death, which occurred in March, 1881.
In the meantime Mr. Gordon had extended his business interests into other fields and in all met with gratifying success. In partnership with George S. Weaver, of Albany, New York, he leased a large sawmill at East Saginaw, Michigan, in 1860, and there manufactured lumber which he shipped to Brockport and various other points. Two years later he bought a half interest and after four years' ownership sold it to the Flint & Pere Marquette Railway Company. The extension of his lumber interests led to the erection of a large sawmill at Sterling, Michigan, in the owner- ship of which he was associated with his brother, Walter, and there they manufactured lumber on an extensive scale, taking the raw material from a tract of pine timber land of nearly seven thousand acres which they owned. They made extensive ship- ments to the eastern markets and the business proved a very profitable one. Mr. Gordon also had a steam mill and gristmill at Holley, New York, and operated all of these mills up to the time of his death. He was ever watchful of opportunities, quick to note and utilize a possibility and his ex- ecutive force and keen discernment led to a mar- velous success. Mr. Gordon also extended his lumber interests in 1867 to the building of a saw- mill on the Allegany river, four miles above Olean, New York, and there gave his attention largely to the manufacture of hemlock and hardwood lumber. In the early days of his operations as a lumber merchant he dealt largely in Rochester, selling a great portion of his lumber to the agents of Anson Brown. In 1873 he disposed of his lumber busi- ness in Brockport to Ellis Garrison and Charles Benedict, but after three months, in connection with his brother, James Gordon, repurchased the business, which was then carried on under the firm style of Luther Gordon, Brother & Son.
In the meantime Mr. Gordon had become equal- ly well known as a financier and owned a controll- ing interest in the National Bank Association, which was organized in Brockport in 1863. In fact he was largely instrumental in the establish- ment of this institution and was made its presi- dent. His adaptability for finance was soon ac- knowledged and in moneyed circles he displayed most sound judgment, placing the institution upon such a practical and safe basis as to give it an en- viable position in the financial world. He re- mained at the head of the hank until his death and it is today one of the institutions which stands as a monument to his business ability.
As a financier Mr. Gordon ranked among the ablest and in the business affairs was prompt, en- ergetic and notably reliable. He was watchful of all details and of all indications pointing toward
success and the prosperity that crowned his efforts was the merited reward of a life of industry. He started out when a young man of eighteen years without capital or influential friends to aid him, but, brooking no obstacles that could be overcome by honest effort, he worked his way steadily up- ward until he left the ranks of the many and stood among the successful few-a man honored and esteemed wherever known and most of all where best known.
On the 24th of April, 1848, in Allegany county, Mr. Gordon was married to Miss Florilla Cooley, of Attica, Wyoming county, New York, who, after a happy married life of almost twenty-one years, died in Brockport, New York, February 8, 1869. Their only son, George Cooley, became a worthy follower of his father in the business world and a most honored citizen of Brockport, so that the name of Gordon has long figured conspicuously and prominently in connection with the business development of the history of the city.
SQUIRE TEAL.
Squire Teal, for many years a prominent repre- sentative of industrial interests in Rochester, who assisted in establishing an industry which still endures, was a native of England, having been born in Yorkshire, October 1, 1837. His father, James Teal, was a machinist and inventor of no little skill and was likewise an expert in clock- making, the clock in the tower of St. Peter's church in Sowerby remaining to this day a monu- ment of his skillful workmanship. All of his six sons inherited more or less of their father's genius, and his son Squire perhaps to an especial degree. At the age of fourteen the latter entered a machine shop at Sowerby Bridge in Yorkshire, . where he served an apprenticeship of seven years.
In the year 1859 Mr. Teal came to Rochester and soon after his arrival entered the employ of John Greenwood, who then conducted a machine shop on Mill street. About this time Mr. Green- wood began experimenting in barrel machinery and found in Mr. Teal an expert machinist who was peculiarly fitted to make a practical applica- tion of his ideas along that line. In 1865 a ma- chine for making slack barrels was perfected and a patent obtained therefor.
Mr. Teal now entered into partnership with Mr. Greenwood, and the firm, under the name of John Greenwood & Company, made the manufac- ture and sale of barrel machinery their chief busi- ness. For a number of years they had a monopoly of the business in their line, their slack barrel machinery being the first invention of its kind,
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