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 50
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
ADDISON EDWIN BICKFORD.
From a modest beginning Addison Edwin Bick- ford has developed one of the largest and most important art furniture and decorating enterprises of Rochester and belongs to that class of American men who, regarding necessity as their opportunity, have worked their way upward to a position of prominence in trade circles. He was born at Oswego, New York, July 23, 1856, a son of Edwin and Frances Sarah (Richardson) Biekford. The father, son of James and Eliza (Walsworth ) Bick- ford, was a manufacturer of and dealer in furniture of Oswego under the firm style of James Bickford & Son, the business having been established by his father, the senior partner of the firm, in 1832,
upon his removal from New Hampshire to New York. The family is of English and Scotch line- age. The mother, Mrs. Frances S. Bickford, was a daughter of William and Hannah (Cozens) Richardson, both representatives of pioneer fami- lies of Cayuga county. The Richardsons were one of the first families in that county and were large landowners at Union Springs on Cayuga lake in the eighteenth century. William Richardson, the grandfather of A. E. Bickford, was for several years county clerk of Cayuga county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bickford have been dead for many years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Addison Edwin is the eldest. Four others are still living: Lizzie F., of Roches- ter; Frederic W., who is now proprietor of the Metropolitan Storage Warehouse of Rochester; Samuel R., of New York; and Walter W., now a partner of his elder brother in the furniture busi- ness.
Having acquired his education in public and private schools at Oswego, New York, Addison Edwin Bickford afterward entered the employ of the New York & Oswego Midland Railroad in the civil engineering department, where he remained for only a short time. He then joined his father
mained with him until his death. He removed to Rochester in 1879. Here he secured a position, as salesman with the firm of Schantz, Minges & Shale, furniture dealers. Having few acquaint- ances, he was at first unable to make a good show- ing in comparison with other salesmen in the en- ploy of the house but was determined to continue in this line. He started on small salary and by energy and perseverance he became a successful salesman and gained a wide acquaintance among the representatives of the furniture trade. A few months after his arrival in Rochester, ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he estab- lished a small factory but continued to hold his position with Schantz, Minges & Shale. Mr. Bickford formed a partnership with William H. Bond, then shipping clerk for Schantz, Minges & Shale, and his brother F. W. Bickford under firm name of Bickford, Bond & Company. Mr. Bond severed his connection with the firm, how- ever. within a few months. Addison Edwin and Frederic W. Bickford then established the firm of Bickford Brothers, Addison Edwin Bickford devoting his evenings to the new enterprise, at- tending to the books and correspondence while re- taining his position with Shantz, Minges & Shale for several years. The brothers at first manufac- tured only spring beds and mattresses, beginning the work in a rear room of an upper story of the old McDonald building in State street. Later they removed to Mill street, where they had factories, and from time to time they extended the scope of their business to include other lines of' sanitary
.
A. E. BICKFORD.
1133
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
bedding and furniture manufacture. When their increasing trade demanded larger quarters they located at No. 50 State street, having salesrooms with street frontage and a factory in the rear on Mill street. (In 1902 Mr. Bickford purchased the interest of his brother Frederic W. and admitted his brother Walter W. to the business, continuing under the name of Bickford Brothers). There they continued until 1904, when the growth of their business again forced them to seek larger and better quarters at their present location, 342-344 Main street East in the New Hiram Sibley block. Here they have one of the most extensive retail furniture stores in western New York. They still have a salesroom at 59 State street for the sale of awnings, decorations, etc., with a factory in the rear. Their fine collection of period furniture, antiques and correct reproductions are attracting wide attention and their work is well known for high quality.
In 1877 Addison Edwin Bickford was married to Miss Grace E. Babbott, a daughter of Fred- erick E. and Louisa (Gage) Babbott, of Oswego, New York. They had six children, all living. Mrs. Bickford died in 1890. Frederick E., the eldest, a graduate of the University of Rochester and now with the Curtice Brothers Company, mar- ried Louise B. Curtice, daughter of E. N. Curtice, and has one child, Dorothy C .; William Norton, who is in the office of the Distilling Company of America at New York, wedded Louise Wentworth, daughter of T. H. Wentworth, of Brooklyn, New York, who is secretary of the Distilling Company ; Robert Foote, manager of the awning department of his father's business, married Florence Harri- son, of Rochester, and has one son, Robert Harri- son ; Frances Louise is at home; Lawrence Rich- ardson is employed in the draughting room of the Eastman Kodak Company; Grace Lucile, the youngest, is the wife of Clarence E. Curtice, son of Ward G. Curtice, of Rochester, and they have one child, Marion.
Mr. Bickford was again married in 1895, his second union being wtih Fannie E. Cole, daughter of Alonzo W. and Sarah (Strong) Cole. Mr. Cole was connected with the retail clothing busi- ness for many years. By this marriage there were five children: Elizabeth Cole, deceased; Sarah Strong; Edwin Cole; Marjorie Louise; and Ade- laide Cole.
Mr. Bickford is a Mason, belonging to Frank R. Lawrence lodge, No. 797, A. F. & A. M .; Ham- ilton chapter, R. A. M .; Doric council, R. & S. M .; Monroe commandery, K T .; Lalla Rookh Grotto and Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Chamber of Com- merce, the Rochester Whist Club, the Rochester Yacht Club and the Grand View Beach Club. Al- though not active as a political worker, he gives stalwart support at the polls to the republican
party. He is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church. His present success is the just recom- pense of indomitable industry and enterprise.
FREDERICK A. SHERWOOD.
Frederick A. Sherwood is the president of the Sherwood Shoe Company and president and treas- urer of the F. A. Sherwood Leather Company. Rochester has long been a center of shoe manu- facture in the United States and the enterprises with which Mr. Sherwood is connected contribute to this reputation. He has continued in this line since 1877 or for a period of thirty years, during which time his business has developed from a small beginning to one of the leading productive industries of the city.
A native of the Empire state, Frederick A. Sherwood was born near Syracuse on the 25th of August, 1852, his parents being Daniel and Abby Augusta (Sanford) Sherwood. The father, who throughout his business life was connected with agricultural pursuits, died in 1907. In the public schools of his native town, Frederick A. Sherwood began his education, which he supplemented by a course in Penn Yan Academy. In 1874 he came to Rochester to accept the position of bookkeeper. In 1877 he engaged in business on his own ac- count, establishing the leather business, which proved the nucleus of the present extensive house. He developed his trade along safe, conservative lines, gained an unassailable reputation by honor- able dealing, and as the public became acquainted with his products the demand therefor increased until the F. A. Sherwood Leather Company, of which he is president, today controls one of the largest factories in the city. It was a logical step from the leather business to the manufacture of shoes, and in 1902 Frederick A. Sherwood became connected with the business which in July, 1905, was incorporated under the name of the Sherwood Shoe Company. The present officers are: F. A. Sherwood, president; George E. Woodcock, vice- president ; Charles O. Fox, secretary ; and Charles W. Smith, treasurer. The firm manufactures a medium grade of women's shoes and employs some four hundred skilled operators, both men and women, in the factory. They occupy a fine new factory and office building about two hundred by fifty feet, five stories in height and covering fifty thousand square feet of floor space. This build- ing was constructed especially for the use of the company, is well lighted and is supplied with every convenience and equipment necessary for the manufacture of shoes. The development of the business has been exceedingly rapid and has twice necessitated securing larger quarters. In-
1134
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
deed, the business is today one of the largest shoe manufacturing concerns in a city which is noted for its extensive production in this line.
In 1879 Mr. Sherwood was married to Miss Effie C. Dodd, a granddaughter of William H. Cheney, and they have one daughter, Mrs. Charles W. Smith, her husband being treasurer of the company. The family are members and support- ers of the First Presbyterian church, are deeply interested in its work and the extension of its in- fluence and at the present writing Mr. Sherwood is serving as elder and trustee. While his busi- ness interests make extensive demands upon his time and have gained him a large measure of prosperity, he has never been neglectful of his duties to his fellowmen nor to his city, and public spirit and a recognition of individual responsibil- ity have gained and retained for him the regard and esteem of those with whom he has been asso- ciated.
ABRAM PICARD.
Abram Picard, who for the past twenty years has been engaged in buying and selling high grades of horses, is a native of Germany, his birth having there occurred December 26. 1834. When a young man of twenty years he emigrated to Rochester, where lived his brother, Jacob Pic- ard, who had emigrated to this country about twenty years previous to that time. He was en- gaged in the jewelry business in this city and later removed to Paris, where he conducted the largest diamond business in that city and there became a baron.
Abram Picard after coming to Rochester was for a time engaged in peddling, while later he opened a horse and sale stable, which has been his l.nsiness connection for the past two decades. He buys and sells high grade animals, both for driving and for draft purposes, and his long con- nection with the business enables him to place the proper value upon an animal. so that he is meet- ing with gratifying snecess in his undertaking. For a number of vears he also dealt in blooded cattle, making shipments to Europe, where he commanded a good price. He owns his stable and has likewise erected a nice residence. which he oc- cupies. He also owns a farm in Penfield town- ship, which returns him. a good rental.
Mr. Picard was married in Europe, in 1866, to Miss Fanny Rothchild, who was born in that coun- trv. They have one daughter, Celia, now the wife of Simon Hummel, a clothing manufacturer of Rochester, and she is the mother of two chil- dren, Margery and Alyce. Mr. Picard gives his political support to the republican party and he-
longs to the Jewish Temple. He takes an active and helpful interest in every movement which tends to advance his home city and promote its progress and has gained many friends during the years of his residence here, both in business and social circles.
FRANK J. FOX.
Frank J. Fox owns and controls the most ex- tensive manufactory of infants' shoes in the world, and in this connection contributes largely to the commercial prosperity and business activity of Rochester, his native city. He was here born on the 17th of April, 1843, his parents being Ja- cob and Elizabeth (Sprau) Fox. The father was born in Germany in 1840 and came to the United States soon after his marriage, settling in Roch- ester, where he has since made his home. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, of whom seven are yet living: Jacob, of Rochester ; John, a commercial traveler living in Chicago; Frank J .; Rose, the wife of Frank Marks, of Rochester; Catherine, the wife of Adam Dous- bach of this city; and Harry and William, who are employed by their brother Frank.
Reared in Rochester and educated in the paro- chial schools, when twelve years of age Frank J. Fox began working in the shoe factory of Good- year & Naylor. Three years later the firm dis- solved and he continued in the employ of J. W. Naylor for a time, while later he was with W. H. Goodyear, his services in this direction covering a period of twelve years. Gradually he worked his way upward, being advanced from one position to another until he had finally mastered the busi- ness in principle and detail, becoming an expert workman and learning much concerning the exec- ntive department of the business. In 1900 he embarked in the same line on his own account, and in partnership with H. H. Freeland, under the firm style of Freeland & Fox, began the manu- facture of shoes on a small scale at Mill and An- drew streets. He manufactures infants' shoes and has continued in this line for seven years. After eighteen months the partnership was dis- solved and Mr. Fox then engaged in business for himself in a private house, which was later sold to the fire department and the engine house was erected thereon. Mr. Fox then removed to his present quarters at No. 192 Mill street. He em- ploys on an average of about sixty-five people throughout the year. Rochester is the center of the infants' shoe manufacturing industry and Mr. Fox has developed his business until it is the largest of the kind in the world, while his goods are shipped extensively not only to all parts of the United States, hut to foreign lands as well.
FRANK J. FOX.
1137
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
In 1898 Mr. Fox was united in marriage to Miss Anna Kueble, of Rochester, and they have one child, Leona. The parents are communicants of St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic church, and in politics Mr. Fox is independent. He is yet a young man, but has already attained an enviable position in business circles and possesses the quali- ties which argue well for a still more prosperous future.
EDWIN S. GORDON.
Edwin S. Gordon, of the firm of Gordon & Madden, architects of Rochester, was born in this city, March 28, 1867. The family has long been represented in New York and in Rochester from an early period, for in his boyhood days Henry R. Gordon, the father of our subject, was brought thither by his parents and has been in business here the greater part of his life, being now a manufacturer. His wife was Jane Benton, whose father was the first superintendent of Mount Hope cemetery, and he was one of the pioneers of Rochester. He was closely associated with its early development, was a carpenter and at one time was superintendent of the carpenter- ing department of the prison at Kingston, Can- ada. He was also one of the first men to run a packet line on the canal.
At the usual age Edwin S. Gordon entered the public schools and passed through successive grades. He is also à graduate of several courses in the Mechanics' Institute and thus was well qualified for business life. He began the study of architecture with the firm of Fay & Dryer, and was subsequently with James G. Cutler, while he completed his studies with J. Foster Warner, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1902 he formed a partnership with William F. Madden, under the firm name of Gordon & Mad- den, and has since continued business, occupying offices on the top floor of the Sibley block and employing eight assistants. This is one of the leading firms of architects in the city of Roch- ester. The partners are young men, who have spent their entire lives here, and their business and personal worth is widely recognized. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Rochester Engineer- ing Society and the central New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He also belongs to the Archeological Institute of Amer- ica. He has ever been deeply interested in his profession and reads broadly all that bears upon the subject. His efficiency is continually being promoted by his study and research and today there stand in Rochester many buildings indica- tive of his superior skill and ability.
Mr. Gordon was married in 1888 to Miss Mary Larke, of Rochester, and unto them have been born four children, Stewart H., Constance, Grace O. and Ruth.
WILLIAM V. MADDEN.
William V. Madden, a member of the firm of Gordon & Madden, architects of Rochester, has always remained a resident of this, his native city. He was born June 25, 1868, and is a rep- resentative of one of the old families of Monroe county, his grandfather, Garrett A. Madden, hav- ing settled here before Rochester was incorpor- ated as a city. He was identified with its com- mercial interests during the pioneer epoch in its history, conducting a clothing and tailoring busi- ness for a number of years. He aided in its busi- ness growth and development and since that time the name of Madden has figured in connection with its commercial prosperity. His son, James Madden, father of our subject, was also born in Rochester and for a number of years was a cloth- ing merchant here. He died in this city in 1891. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Lester, was born in New York city and is the only one of the immediate family now living.
William V. Madden supplemented his early education, acquired in the parochial schools, by study in the high school and Mechanics' Institute and he further qualified for an active business career by taking up the study of architecture un- der the direction of W. F. Kelley and completing with J. Foster Warner, one of the most promi- nent and successful architects in the city. Mr. Madden spent five years in the building business with Thomas W. Finucane and in 1902 he formed a partnership with Edwin S. Gordon, under the firm name of Gordon & Madden. This relation "has since been maintained, with offices in the Sibley building, and they have obtained a large clientage, having been architects for some of the prominent buildings of the city, including the Corpus Christi church of Rochester, the Sibley block, the Central building, the largest portion of the Stromberg & Carlson telephone manufac- turing building, St. Mary's church of Canandai- gua, New York, St. Mary's Hospital chapel, the residences of George D. B. Bonbright and George C. Gordon, the Immaculate Conception convent and numerous other fine structures, which stand as evidence of the superior skill and ability of the firm in their profession.
Mr. Madden is a member of the Central New York chapter of American Institute of Archi- tects and the Rochester Engineering Society and he neglects no opportunity to add to his knowl-
1138
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
edge and promote his skill in the line of his chosen profession, in which he has already at- tained more than local distinction. He is like- wise a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Rochester Yacht Club, the Oak Hill Country Club and the Union Club-associations which in- dicate the social element in his nature and a friendly spirit, which in turn has won him many warm friends.
HENRY LOEWER.
Henry Loewer, who arose from humble ap- prenticeship to become one of the well known manufacturers of Rochester, his business being one of the oldest enterprises of this character in the state, showed prominently in his life those sterling principles which win honor as well as success in the business world. He was born in Hessen, Germany, January 8, 1850, his father being Henry Loewer. His mother died during his infancy and he was reared by his step-mother. He was about a year old when his father sailed with the family for America, crossing the Atlan- tic in 1851, and making a settlement at Detroit, Michigan. Henry Loewer, Sr., was a tailor by trade and followed that pursuit in Detroit until 1870, when he came to Rochester, where he work- ed at his trade until his death, which occurred a few years later.
Henry Loewer of this review acquired his edu- cation in the common schools of Detroit and earned his first money by selling newspapers on the streets of that city. He was thus engaged for several years, or until he became old enough to learn a trade, when he began work in a factory in Detroit, being apprenticed to learn the busi- ness of making lasts. He was thus employed in Detroit until the removal of the family to Roches- ter in 1870, and for two years thereafter worked in the last factory of Thomas Boddy. He next entered the service of John Duffner, as foreman of a last factory and was so engaged for four years. after which he began business on his own account, forming a partnership with a Mr. Hughes and a Mr. Frey in 1882. They established the Roches- ter Last, Die & Pattern Works, locating their business at No. 250 Mill street. In 1887 Mr. Hughes withdrew from the business and it was then continued by Mr. Frey and Mr. Loewer. Their trade steadily increased, so that they de- manded larger quarters and a more commodious factory was secured at No. 208 Mill street. Here many operatives were employed and they con- tinued the manufacture and shipment of lasts, which were sent out to all parts of the country. The gradual and healthful development of their business made this one of the leading industries
.
of the city and one of the most important enter- prises of its kind in the state.
On the 25th of June, 1844, Mr. Loewer was married to Miss Elizabeth Yauchzi, a native of Rochester and a daughter of John Yauchzi, who came to America in an early day. settling in Rochester, where he was a laborer throughout the remainder of his days, his wife and he having both died in this city. There were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Loewer: Elizabeth, the wife of Fred Schminke of Rochester; Henry F., who is now president and manager of the Roch- ester Last Works, and who married a Miss Jacobs, their home being at No. 87 Belmont street ; Fred- erick S., who is also connected with the business, and wedded a Miss Stupn. now living at No. 944 St. Paul street : and William, who is treasurer of the Rochester Last Works, and married a Miss Bymer.
The father continned in business until his death, which occurred on the 29th of April, 1902. His three sons succeeded to the management of the Loewer interests in the business and the firm style was later changed to the Rochester Last Works. The plant is still located at No. 208 Mill street, where they conduct a successful enterprise, it being one of the leading industries of the city. Mr. Loewer was very successful in business and stood as a fine illustration of a self-made man, his career well serving as a lesson to the young. He started out in life under adverse circumstances. being compelled to make his own way unaided, and his success illustrates most forcibly the power of determined and persistent effort and self-reli- ance. Socially he was connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Masons and the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and in politics he was a stanch republican, but never an office seeker. Mrs. Loewer is a member of the Salem church, on Franklin street, and lives at No. 31 Gorham street. Mr. Lower stood for many years as a sterling representative of trade interests in Roch- ester and his life record should ever serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to oth- ers, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
JOHN S. SHEEHAN.
Jolın S. Sheehan is successfully conducting a sand and gravel business in East avenue, Roches- ter, and his trade has now reached extensive and mammoth proportions, being one of the important industrial enterprises of this section of the state. Mr. Sheehan was born in what was formerly the village of Brighton in 1862, a son of Michael Sheehan, one of the pioneer settlers here. He was reared in the usual manner of lads of his period
1139
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
and pursued his studies in the public schools, wherein he mastered the common branches of English learning. His first business venture was that of handling milk, which he sold to the retail trade for two years. " He was then engaged in the coal business for some time, but seeking still broad- er business advantages, he purchased of J. B. Nor- r'is some land on South Winton road, on which he opened a sand and gravel pit, and this he has continued to operate to the present time. He furnishes sand and gravel for all kinds of con- struction work, supplying the Monroe County Block Company with this product and likewise furnished the sand and gravel for the new market and courthouse. His sand is of a very fine quality, such as is used in all kinds of concrete work, and his trade is now quite extensive, eight teams being used in carrying on the business, while at times he employs as high as twenty teams. In this con- nection he has become well known in business circles and he is known for his reliability and trustworthiness in the discharge of every business obligation which devolves upon him.
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.