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 44
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Mr. Taylor is not only controlling a business of magnitude, but is recognized as one of the best known men of this section of the state. A gentle- man of sterling character, he is classed as a model citizen of Fairport. He never tastes either liquor or tobacco and is strictly temperate in his life, never running to extremes in any particular. In politics he is a democrat, but he accords to others the right of forming their own opinions.
In 1862 was celebrated the marriage of George C. Taylor and Miss Wealthy A. Fuller, of Spring- boro, Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He belongs to no church or societies, but is a most liberal sup- porter of all church and charitable work. The consensus of public opinion regarding Mr. Taylor is altogether favorable. Young and old, rich and poor, business and social associates, all speak of him in terms of high praise, and he is a man whom to know is to respect and honor.
ISAAC ADLER.
Isaac Adler, who is engaged in the practice of law with offices in the Granite building in Roch- ester, has been continuously a member of the bar of this city since 1892. He was born in Medina, New York, May 10, 1868, son of the late Levi Adler, formerly president of L. Adler Brothers & Company, clothing manufacturers of this city.
Isaac Adler has been a resident of Rochester since 1869. Study in the city public schools, two
years in the University of Rochester, two years in Harvard College completed by graduation in 1890, two years in the Harvard Law School, and a year in the University of Berlin, 1889-1890, con- stituted his course of study prior to admission to the bar in 1892. His education was liberal and he took up the work of the profession well quali- fied for the duties that devolved upon him. He was first associated with Theodore Bacon and later formed a partnership with his cousin under the firm style of Adler & Adler. They have been accorded a liberal clientage, which has constantly grown in extent and importance.
Mr. Adler was married to Miss Cora Barnet, of Boston, and they have two children, Theresa and Helen. Mr. Adler was elected in 1904 a mem- ber of the board of education.
ABIEL D. COOK.
Abiel D. Cook, who since 1897 has filled the office of postmaster at Despatch, having been ap- pointed to the position by President Mckinley and reappointed by President Roosevelt, is a native son of Monroe county, his birth having oc- curred on a farm in Perinton township, in 1872. The family was established in this county at an early day, when the paternal grandfather settled in Penfield township, where the father of our subject, Alonzo Cook, was born and there followed farming until his death in 1895. He was also engaged in buying and selling produce for a num- ber of years and was a well known and highly respected citizen of that locality. He gave his political support to the republican party. His marriage to Sarah E. Treadwell, who was born in Perinton township, was blessed with five chil- dren, of whom four still survive, our subject being the youngest, while the others are Orson, Ar- thur and Albert. Mrs. Cook's father came to Perinton township from Connecticut at an early day and here made his home throughout his re- maining years.
Abiel D. Cook, the youngest of the four sur- viving sons of his father's family, was educated in the country schools of Perinton township. He was reared to the pursuits of farm life, giving his father the benefit of his services during the period of his boyhood and youth. Upon reaching man- hood he engaged in the insurance business for a time and also served as town clerk. In 1897 he was appointed by President Mckinley to the posi- tion of postmaster of Despatch and by reappoint- ment of President Roosevelt he has been continued in the office to the present time. He is a popular official, discharging the duties of the office in a capable and business-like manner.
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Mr. Cook was married in Despatch to Miss Susie E. Stell, who was born in Lyons, New York. Like his father, Mr. Cook gives his political sup- port to the republican party. He is public-spirited in a marked degree, giving his aid to every move- ment which tends to advance the interests of his home town and county, while his enterprise and business ability will fit him to carry on the impor- tant duties of the office which is entrusted to his care. In social circles he and his wife are popular, their many sterling traits of character winning for them warm and lasting friendships.
FRED B. GRAVES.
Fred B. Graves is one of the well known and enterprising business men of Rochester, engaged in the building and sale of elevators. . He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1854. His father, Lorenzo S. Graves, was a native of Con- necticut and in 1850 removed to Rochester, where he began business as a shoe manufacturer. In 1860 he began the building and sale of elevators, establishing the enterprise, however, on a small scale. Since that time the work has been carried forward by the father and son, the latter joining the father in 1876. Lorenzo S. Graves continued an active factor in the business life of the city until his death, which occurred April 4, 1904. He was a most highly respected man, prom- inent in industrial and commercial circles, and further mention is made of him on another page of this volume.
Fred B. Graves, reared in Rochester, passed through successive grades in the schools of the city until he was graduated from the Rochester high school. He was a young man of about twenty-two years when he was admitted to a part- nership by his father, since which time he has been engaged in the construction and sale of elevators. To this end he owns a large and well equipped plant, supplied with all modern accessories for carrying on the business. Employment is given to a large force of men and this is one of the strong industrial and productive concerns of the city. He is also agent for the Otis elevator. The business has kept pace with the tendency of the times for improvement in all lines of manufactur- ing enterprises ard the extensive patronage of the house is incontrovertible evidence of the value of the manufactured product.
In 1876 Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Frances Oswald, of Batavia, New York. They have three children, all now married. Mr. Graves is a prominent representative of Masonry, belonging to Frank R. Lawrence Lodge, No. 797, A. F. & A. M., while he has also attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite in the consistory. He belongs to the Mystic Shrine and to the Grotto, is a member of the Rochester Whist Club and a life member of the Masonic Club. He is likewise a charter member of the Rochester Yacht Club and his social qualities are such as have won for him a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Graves. spending practically his entire life in Rochester, is well known in the city in busi- ness, fraternal and social circles, and the consen- sus of public opinion regarding him is altogether favorable. It is true that he entered upon a busi- ness already established, but in successfully con- trolling and enlarging this he has shown excellent business capacity and executive force and he does things with an ability and energy that show he is master of the situation.
WILLIAM L. ORMROD.
William L. Ormrod, a man of prominence, is the owner of one of the most beautiful coun- try estates in New York, comprising two hun- dred acres at Churchville. The land, naturally rich and fertile, has, under the care of able super- visors, been rendered productive, while the work of improvement that has been carried on has made this estate one of the most beautiful in all New York. In the midst of grounds showing the high art of the landscape gardiner, stands a magnificent palatial residence, equipped with every convenience known to the city home and supplied with all the furnisings and adornments that wealth can secure and refined taste suggest. While Mr. Ormrod feels a justifiable pride in his beautiful home, his interest also centers in large measure upon community affairs and his labor and influence have been potent factors in promot- ing public progress and improvement here.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, William L. Orm- rod was born September 8, 1863. In the public schools of Cleveland he began his education, pass- ing through successive grades until he became a high-school student. At a youthful age he began his business career as telegraph operator in the old Forest City Hotel. In the evenings he at- tended the Spencerian Business College and in this way prepared for the practical duties of a business life. Abandoning telegraphy he obtained a position as clerk and subsequently went to New Orleans, where he became clerk of the old St. Charles Hotel. A year later he was made man- ager of the Hotel Royal, and in that capacity re- mained in New Orleans for about ten years during the winter seasons, while in the summer months he was manager of the famous old Clifton House at Niagara Falls for nine years, and then entered
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WILLIAM L. ORMROD.
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM L. ORMROD.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
into partnership with George M. Colbrun in con- trol of the Monmouth House at Spring Lake Beach, New Jersey, which was the largest sum- mer resort hotel on the Atlantic coast. This relationship continued for two years, when Mr. Ormrod retired from business.
On the 23d of October, 1899, was solemnized the marriage of William L. Ormrod and Miss Harriet E. Brooks, a native of Monroe county, New York, and a daughter of the Rev. Lemuel Brooks, a pioneer minister of this locality. In the year of their marriage Mr. Ormrod took up his abode in Rochester, becoming a heavy stockholder in the Flour City National Bank and having a voice in its active management. It was not alone private business interests, however, which claimed his time and attention, for in the study of in- terests bearing upon the city's welfare, he be- came deeply aroused concerning the smoke nui- sance and was largely instrumental in agitating this question to a point where his efforts were finally crowned with success in its abolishment.
In 1905 Mr. Ormrod decided to take up his residence in Churchville, the birth-place of his wife, and purchased the fine property of Henry W. Davis, now deceased, comprising one hundred and forty acres. To this he has added sixty acres, making in all two hundred acres. In the midst of this he has erected a magnificent resi- dence, containing thirty rooms. thoroughly equipped with all modern conveniences. It is a beautiful home, ideally situated and lacking in none of the modern appointments which promote the comforts and ease of life. It is adorned, too, with many beautiful works of art and rich furnishings. He has fine stables upon his place and a fine herd of blooded Jersey cattle of seventy-five head. The raising of fine cattle is one of his chief interests and he owns some of the most splendid specimens of Jerseys to be found in the country. Indeed, his is one of the finest estates in this entire section of the country and is in full accord with the taste of the owner.
Since taking up his abode in Churchville Mr. Ormrod has not only co-operated in the progres- sive measures and plans for its benefit and up- building, but has been the 'promoter of many of these, taking an active and helpful part in the town's development. He organized the telephone system, one of the finest and most complete in the state. He has been the constructor of the cable system, and his company was the first to adopt the continuous service plan of any rural company. Because of the expense of building his idea met with considerable opposition but its practicability was soon demonstrated and numer- ous subscribers are now found upon the roll of its patrons. Mr. Ormrod is president of the
company and was also an active factor in the development of the Churchville Light & Heating Company, organized in 1905, of which he is like- wise the president. This modern idea also met with some opposition, but with persistent effort it was finally overcome and streets were piped and homes furnished with this modern conven- ience, the venture now proving a success. Orm- rod Road, named in his honor, is a thoroughfare two miles in length, bordering his new home. It is an object of special interest to him, upon which he has at his own expense built an excellent new bridge at considerable cost. In 1905 Mr. Ormrod was elected township supervisor, in which con- nection he has labored persistently and effect- ively for the best interests of the locality.
In politics Mr. Ormrod is a republican, taking an active interest in the party. He is an earnest worker in the Congregational church, in which he holds membership, contributing generously to its support. He is especially interested in, and has recently presented a fine church organ to, the First Congregational church of Riga, the oldest church in Monroe county, where the Rev. Lemuel Brooks was ordained in 1828. Mr. Ormrod is a successful man, not only carrying forward to com- pletion whatever he undertakes in a financial way but also accomplishing what he undertakes for the good of the community. A man of large heart, easily approachable, he possesses a most benevo- lent spirit, combined with humanitarian princi- ples and generous purposes. The question of pub- lic improvement would be solved if the men of wealth would follow the course Mr. Ormrod has pursued for the substantial development of Churchville. He has agitated good roads and it is through his efforts that the first state roads in the town of Riga are now under construction, namely the Buffalo Road from the east to the west town line, and the Ormrod Road from the four corners in Churchville to Riga Center.
HENRY N. JOHNSTON.
Henry N. Johnston, a well known manufac- turer of Brockport, was born November 13, 1838, in Niagara county, New York, a son of John and Mehetabel Johnston. His ancestry can be traced back to worthy Scottish people, his great-grand- father, Jacob Johnston, being a member of a Scot- tish regiment of soldiers in his native land. His grandfather conducted a farm in Scotland for many years, moving to Ireland in 1795. Two years later he came to America, locating in Or- ange county, New York, on a farm which he oper- ated until 1805. He then moved to Shelby, Or- Jeans county, New York, where he conducted a
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farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres. The father of our subject, John Johnston, was a native of Orange county and a Congregational minister up to the time of his death, which occurred in his seventy-second year.
Henry N. Johnston received a common-school education at Newfane, Niagara county, New York, and had practical training on the farm. With this equipment, at the age of nineteen years he was able to engage in farming on his own ac- count, owning and operating land at Appleton, Niagara county, New York, which he continued to work until 1868. He then came to Brockport to become manager of the Johnston Harvesting Works. His experience on the farm was of great practical value to him in this business, in which he continued for fifteen years. For a similar period he was also engaged in the manufacture of harness, but at present he gives his attention to real estate, handling his own property. At one time he spent eight years in Chicago, where he erected thirteen residences and also owned a large amount of land near Pullman. He built his own beautiful home in Brockport in 1881.
On the 5th of October, 1859, Mr. Johnston married Miss Teresa E. Goodspeed, a daughter of Heman Goodspeed, who was a pioneer of Niag- ara county, New York, and a native of Vermont. Her maternal grandfather, Jacob Albright, came from the same state and was also an early settler of Niagara county.
Mr. Johnston has always given his stanch support to the republican party. Although he has never sought its offices or honors, he has been ready always to assist those who have. In fra- ternal organization he is connected with the Ma- sons, and while he is not a member of any church he gives his loyal support to them.
JOSEPH A. CRANE.
Joseph A. Crane, now serving as assistant post- master of Rochester, was commissioner of chari- ties and corrections for seven years. He was particularly well qualified for the po- sition on account of his ready sympathy and his excellent business ability and exec- utive force. He is adverse to that indis- criminate giving which fosters vagrancy and idle- ness, and at the same time no one is more easily touched by a tale of real distress. His official record is indeed creditable and through his effi- ciency in putting the able-bodied idle to work he saved large sums to the city.
Mr. Crane is a native of Rochester, born on the 20th of January, 1855. His father, Thomas
Crane, who died September 25, 1907, settled in this city in 1843 and lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was supervisor for two terms, in 1878 and again in 1882, being re-elected by the republican party. In the field of business he was a manufacturer of machinery patterns and conducted a place on Mill street for many years.
At the usual age Joseph A. Crane became a pupil in the public schools of Rochester and sub- sequently attended the Rochester Business Uni- versity. On putting aside his text-books he en- gaged in the pattern-making business with his father for several years and subsequently contin- ned as a manufacturer of his own patented spe- cial pattern-making machinery. The business was conducted under the firm name of Joseph A. Crane & Company.
In more recent years Mr. Crane has given his time largely to his official duties. In 1897 he was elected alderman from the sixteenth ward and served for one term. He received appoint- ment to the position of commissioner of charities and corrections by Mayor George A. Carnahan, being the first commissioner under the White char- ter. He was re-appointed by Mayor Adolph J. Rodenbeck, by Mayor James G. Cutler and again by Mayor Cutler, thus being continued in the po- sition for eight years. His record in this position is remarkable because of the saving in expendi- tures. During seven years the sum total expense was at least two hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars less than during the seven years previous, and at the same time those receiving assistance were provided with a larger allowance than ever before. This shows that Mr. Crane weeded out those who were not justly entitled to assistance and made those of physical ability do work and provide for their own support. The vagrancy of the city is therefore less than it has been in vears and Mr. Crane deserves the gratitude of all those who care for a clean city and an honorable citizenship. On the 13th of March, 1907, he ten- dered his resignation as commissioner of chari- ties and corrections to accept the position of assist- ant postmaster. While a member of the common council he served on the committee on finance, was chairman of the railroad committee and was instrumental in securing the extension of at least two miles of track on Central Park, Hudson ave- nue and Clinton street. In all his official work he has been eminently practical, his labors being resultant forces in promoting the general good.
Mr. Crane has been a member of the Rochester Club for a number of years. He was president of the Masonic Club for two years, and it was largely through his labors that it was permanent- ly established and is now in a flourishing condi- tion. He is a life member of all the Masonic bodies, including the blue lodge, chapter, council and com-
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
mandery, the Scottish rite bodies of the Mystic Shrine, and the Masonic Club, and is past grand high priest of the grand chapter of the state of New York, while for five years he was chair- man of the committee on finance and accounts of the grand chapter, the most important com- mittee of this body. He is likewise an Odd Fel- low and an Elk and is secretary of the Undia Club, located on Irondequoit bay. As a business man and official he has made a creditable rec- ord and in social circles has gained that warm regard which arises from genuine personal worth and the possession of those characteristics which have won friendship and confidence.
WILLIAM BAUSCH.
William Bausch, as a representative of a fam- ily that has long figured prominently in Roches- ter, is too well known here to need special intro- duction to the readers of this volume. He was born in 1861 and his early education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by study in the Collegiate Institute, while later he attended L. L. Williams Business University. Soon after leaving that school he entered his father's factory and today occupies the position of assistant secretary of the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company. His advancement has come not by rea- son of the fact of his close connection with the founders of the business, but because of his thor- ough understanding of the business in principle and detail. He has excellent executive ability and firm purpose, which enables him to carry for- ward to successful completion whatever he under- takes. His financial interests extend to other business enterprises and he is now a trustee of the East Side Savings Bank and a director in the General Railway Signal Company and the Seneca Hotel Company.
Mr. Bausch was married to Miss Kate M. Zim- mer. Politically he is a republican and socially he is connected with the Rochester Club, of which he is president; the Rochester Yacht Club and the Oak Hill Country Club. He belongs to Genesee Falls lodge and has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish rite in the con- sistory. He is also a trustee of the Rochester Athletic Club and his interests extend to those activities which indicate his broad humanitarian spirit and his recognition of a sense of individual responsibility. He is now serving as a member of the board of managers of the State Indus- trial School, as trustee of the Rochester Orphan Asylum, and was a member of the school board from 1903 to 1907. He is spoken of as a general favorite among his business associates, while his
many friends outside of business circles esteem him by reason of a kindly spirit and sociability that is unforced, arising from a sincere interest in his fellowmen.
FOSTER UDELL.
At a time when our orchards all over the coun- try are in a deplorable condition because of lack of attention it is interesting to read of Foster Udell, who has seen the necessity of well cultivat- cd orchards and has catered to the public demand in a way that has brought profit to himself and benefit to the public. His father, Wheelock Udell, was a man of stalwart character and a generous heart. With his usual willingness to help his friends, he signed notes which in the panic that followed caused his financial ruin, but he was not the man to be discouraged and he entered into the nursery business with John Bordan of Brigh- ton. This proved to be a very great success, but required such diligent attention and such con- tinued hard work that Mr. Udell's health failed and he was obliged to give up business. He passed away in 1817, at the age of seventy-seven.
Foster Udell, born in Windham, Greene coun- ty, New York, on the 24th of August, 1826, re- ceived his education in the common schools, as- sisting his father in the hours outside of school. At the age of sixteen he laid aside his school books to enter into business with his father. Even at this early age he was looking after the men, watching the corners and in other important ways giving his father his help. When he began on his own account he had sixty acres of land. To this he has added until he now owns one hundred and fifty acres, fifty of which are devoted to bear- ing orchards and forty to a young orchard, con- sisting of pears, apples and cherries. So thor- onghlv has he mastered the necessary details of his business that it has brought him large re- turns. The consciousness of having won it all hy an honest enterprise in which he has furnished first class products must be a great satisfaction to Mr. Udell. That this is true is evidenced by the fact that he has sold his products to one man for thirty years. This man brings his pickers out to the farm, boards them and makes the barrels on the farm, so that all Mr. Udell does is to haul the apples to the station. He is considered the king apple man of the east.
Mr. Udell's wife bore the maiden name of Mary Louise Ingalls, a daughter of Louis Ingalls, a well known farmer of Albion, New York. Louis Wheelock Udell, one of their sons, is now living in Brockport in a very beautiful home. William, another son, is also a resident of Brockport and looks after his father's orchard. He owns a splendid home very near to that of his father.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
These young men have followed in the footsteps of their father and their fellow citizens testify to their sterling character and business integrity.
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