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 58
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
Here Mr. Adams entered upon work in a con- gregation of intelligent and cultured men and women who were in hearty sympathy with him in his positive rejection of certain orthodox dog- mas. He came to reject utterly the dogma of everlasting punishment. In explanation of this he remarked that his experience on the field of battle and amid the carnage of the great fight of Mobile Bay, when scores of men, fighting bravely for their country, were swept out of life in an in- stant, made the thought that any such men were only plunged into "fiercer flames below" imposs- ible to him. Nor did he believe in plenary inspira- tion. Upon these charges he was called before the Ontario Association in the closing months of the year 1880. Upon their charge he stood self- confessed. He freely acknowledged that he did not know the answer to some questions but he did believe firmly and fully in the infinite love and goodness of God.
After this action of the church Mr. Adams went on to develop more fully the theological ideas which he already held in the germ. He believed in evolution, not of the materialistic but of the theistic kind, that the world from the beginning has been going through a process of development that is bringing it nearer to truth and to the con- ception of the purposes of Christianity. Through- out his ministry his preachings set forth the truths of the universal Fatherhood of God and the duty of man in his relations to his fellowmen.
Mr. Adams was not gifted with that executive force and power of co-ordination which results in the upbuilding of a large church. He was not even an eloquent pulpit orator, yet he spoke vig- orously, earnestly and decisively upon those sub- jects which seemed to him of vital interest to mankind. He never sought to upbuild his church by an attempt to make himself popular with his parishioners. On the contrary he was rather re- served, desiring that those who attended his ser- vices should come to hear the great truths which
he uttered than because of any personal interest in him. His sermon was robust in thought and in expression rather unconventional, yet admirable for its originality and vigor.
"He was an advanced thinker," said one who knew him intimately, "along ethical and sociologi- cal lines, who in his absolute sincerity and free- dom from prejudice in search for the truth was almost without a peer. His opinions were formed not according to rule laid down by theological sem- inaries or by any other influence but by the con- clusion which he had reached himself after a careful and accurate survey of the grounds of be- lief. He had an eminently logical, trained mind, which looked thoroughly into all sides of a ques- tion and then went straight to the root of the matter, and in forming his opinions no fear of consequences deterred him in the least." He had an extreme dislike of cant and religions affectation of all kinds. Simplicity pervaded his whole life. He never attached to his name the letters indi- cating the Doctor of Divinity degree which was conferred upon him by a collegiate institution, nor did he wish others to use it.
At his death Dr. Landsberg said: "In nature's realm he received a training which neither acade- my nor college can supply, which develops the in- tuition of the prophet and the poet, which ex- pands the imagination and which made his ser- mons and even his ordinary conversation so rich in striking illustrations that none ever became tired of listening to him and none ever could lis- ten without receiving fresh knowledge and noble impulses for purity and goodness." Mr. Adams had a most hearty love of nature. He rejoiced in the beauties of sky, of plain, of woodland, of river and of lake, and his summer vacations at Quisisana on the banks of Owasco lake were per- iods of rare happiness to him. He rejoiced in but- terflies and beetles, in the tiny manifestations of life as well as in the great beauties of nature, and found much pleasure in microscopic investigation, possessing for some years a fine instrument which he afterward presented to Hamilton College. He was an active member of the Rochester Academy of Science and for several years its president. He believed in utilizing all of his individual forces, his physical as well as his mental powers, and in him "the dignity of labor" found expression. He obtained genuine delight from the use of tools and constructive work of that nature and could build a house or boat, as well as give scientific classification to insect life. His reading and in- vestigation covered the widest possible range. He spoke before the Fortnightly Club, of which he was a member from its organization in 1882, upon the most varied subjects, including Schopenhauer; Henry W. Grady's Side of the Southern Question ; Coleridge and Inspiration; Milton and Vondel ; Hymenopterous and Human Society, or Bees,
1202
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
.
Ants and Humans, Socially Considered ; The Per- secutions of the Quakers; Theorists; Biography ; Socrates; and others. His opinions were given to the world through two published volumes-"Con- tinuous Creation" and "Creation of the Bible," and the title of the former perhaps is the best ex- ponent of his own belief.
In manner Myron Adams was one of the most gentle and most kindly of men. In everything he was singularly unselfish and no one ever applied to him in vain for aid. All who came in contact with him had the greatest admiration and respect for his wonderful intellectual attainments and at the same time were deeply impressed by the kind- ly, loving nature which he showed to every one. While passing far beyond the many in mental realms, he retained the spirit of the light-hearted boy. Always with ready answer and often with quick wit, his replies were nevertheless kindly and considerate and even when he felt called upon to condemn a conrse of action or of thought he manifested the utmost spirit of charity and of love for those whom he thus opposed. One of the Rochester papers at the time of his death said editorially: "It is not a conventionalism to say that the death of Myron Adams is a severe loss to this community; it is the exact and feeling ex- pression that will come to the lips of every per- son that knew him. The extinction of a life that has for a quarter of a century been making for lib- erality of thought and righteousness in conduct leaves a void that can never be filled in the same way. There remains only the sweet remem- brance of its presence and the strong impulse to high thinking and doing that is always exerted. But this is a most precious heritage-one that will be deeply and reverently cherished." There was such a unanimity of opinion concerning the superior mentality, the integrity of purpose and the high ideals exemplified in Mr. Adams' life that perhaps this review cannot be better closed than by quoting from two other editorial writers in the Rochester press. One of them said: "Myron Adams' life was singularly true to the noblest ideals. As scholar, soldier, min- ister of the gospel, he delved and struck and taught for the uplifting of men. He was a soldier of conscience who left the halls of learning at Ham- ilton College to fight for an idea. He was among many who left that institution with the inspira- tion of liberty and the faith of true Americans in the ideas of the fathers, who broke away from all trammels and put trust in the masses of men. Myron Adams was honest and just with himself as with every man. He claimed for himself what he granted to everyone, the right to think, to examine in the light of reason, experience and re- search. Early attracted to the observation of natural phenomena, Mr. Adams had seen what he considered a better interpretation of the ways
and purposes of the all-wise Creator than could be gleaned from ancient men who attributed to Him human passions and revenge. It was in his trust in the great verities of human life and of nature that he found strength and surpassing peace."
Following are excerpts from the tribute of the other writer: "In attempting to give an idea of him to those who knew him not we should say that Mr. Adams was the most distinctively American of the men we have known. In his way of looking at things, in his way of doing things, in his way of saying things, in his consideration for the rights of others, in his easy maintenance of his own rights, in his candor of thought, in his reti- cence of emotion, in his quaint fun, in his fertil- ity of resource, in his moral strength, in his mental alertness and power, he was the flower and fruit of the farm life of the north. Among the affectations of modern city society, and in the discussion of great controversial themes, he seem- ed to carry with him the suggestion of the lilac blossom, the orchard and the meadow. You felt at once the reality of the individual and recog- nized his opinions as ultimate human facts, not faint conventional echoes. Without knowing it he was a type of Americanism; and, unconscious of the glory, he bore upon his forehead the chrism of sacrifice with which the great Civil war had touched its soldiers."
C. S. WILLIAMS.
C. S. Williams was throughout his active busi- ness career connected with the agricultural life of Monroe county, but for the past year has lived retired in the city of Brockport, the rental of his landed possessions supplying him with all the con- forts and many of the luxuries of life. The farm which he now owns was located by his maternal grandfather, Samuel Smith, in 1826. He came to this state on the first canal boat that was run on that body of water and for a long period was closely identified with the development and prog- ress that was made in this section of the state. The father, Mark F. Williams, was a native of Vermont, born in 1821, and owned a farm of one hundred and seven acres, situated on the township line of Sweden and Clarkson, a mile and a half from the city of Brockport. He successfully en- gaged in both agricultural and horticultural pur- suits and in addition to this branch of his busi- ress was also engaged in the produce business in Brockport, dealing in apples, beans, grain, and other commodities. He was a firm believer in the principles of the republican party and kept well informed on all political questions of the day, and never failed to cast his ballot at an election, be- lieving it the duty as well as the privilege of every
1203
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
true citizen to interest himself in the welfare of his community. He is now deceased, his death having occurred in 1894. He was for many years survived by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Smith and was a native of Cayuga coun- ty, New York, born in 1817, while her death oc- curred in January, 1906, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty-nine years.
C. S. Williams, whose name introduces this record, was the eldest son and the second in order of birth in a family of two sons and two daughters, the others being: Mary, the wife of George Upton, and a resident of Brockport; Bell; and Frank, who resides in Rochester. Mr. Williams pursued his early education in the district schools near his father's home, this being supplemented by more advanced study in the Brockport Normal. He was reared to farm life and always followed that occu- pation until about a year ago, when he removed to Brockport, having since that time rented his land to others. He is a public-spirited citizen. giving his support to all local measures which he deems will prove of benefit to the community. His political views endorse the republican party. He has served as assessor and is also a member of the Grange.
LAWRENCE G. McGREAL.
Lawrence G. McGreal, president of McGreal Brothers Company, wholesale liquor dealers, is a native of Walworth, Wayne county, New York, born on the 18th of February, 1856. His parents were James and Anna (Gannon) McGreal, both of whom were natives of Ireland and came to this country about 1850. The father was a farmer by occupation and located at Walworth, where for many years he carried on general agricultural pur- suits. He has now departed this life, but his wife is still living.
In the public schools of Macedon, New York, Lawrence G. McGreal acquired his education and afterward engaged in the nursery business at that place. Subsequently he was connected with the Lakeview Nursery. Jones and Palmer, proprietors, of Rochester, New York, remaining with that firm for about ten years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the nursery business on his own account, meeting with success in the under- taking. In the spring of 1883, however, he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, establishing and conducting a grocery business in connection with his brother John J. McGreal. They con- ducted the store for four vears, or until 1887, when they sold their stock of groceries and in the same room opened a stock of cigars, tobaccos and liquors, beginning business in that line in a small
way. Their patronage rapidly increased until their trade became very extensive and they entered into the field of wholesale operations, now owning and occupying two places in this city, one at No. 457- 459 Main street East and the other at No. 25 North avenue. In July, 1905, the business was incorporated under the name of McGreal Brothers Company with Lawrence G. McGreal as president and treasurer, John J. McGreal vice president, and Anthony McGreal secretary. There is a paid up capital of fifty thousand dollars and the business is now growing satisfactorily and has already reached extensive proportions. Their goods find a ready sale over the entire western part of New York. The company has been fortunate in getting hold of such brands as the Gibson whiskies and a choice line of domestic champagnes, gins and bran- dies. They are also direct importers of the leading wines, brandies and cordials of Europe, now hav- ing extensive sales, and from a small beginning the business has reached large proportions.
In 1887 Lawrence G. McGreal was married to Miss Alice Fitzgerald, of Rochester, and they have two sous and three daughters: William J., Ray- mond, Helen, Florence and Catharine. Mr. Mc- Greal is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Credit Association and is connected with several fraternal and benevolent organiza- tions. He belongs to the Ancient Order of Hi- bernians, of which he is county treasurer, and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to the Catholic Mutual Benefit Associa- tion, was one of the first presidents of branch No. 87 and at one time grand deputy of the diocese of Rochester. He served on the finance committee of the grand council of the state of New York for six years. The association now has a reserve fund of over a milloin and a half dollars and has clone a most excellent work in connection with the relief of its members. Mr. McGreal is a man of ready sympathy and broad charity, responding quickly to any tale of distress and giving ready aid wherever substantial assistance is needed. In business life he has displayed careful management and keen discernment and his watchfulness and diligence have constituted the elements in the suc- cess which he is now enjoying.
DAVID HOYT.
David Hoyt, one of the distinguished financiers of western New York and a representative of that class of citizens who, while advancing individual interests and successes, contribute to the general prosperity, was born in Rochester, February 18, 1846. His father, David Hoyt, Sr., was born in Danbury, Connecticut, as was the grandfather.
1204
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
The latter became a pioneer resident of Roches- ter, where he conducted a coopering establishment. He manufactured barrels for the old Genesee flour mill and became one of the most successful business men of this city. David Hoyt, Sr., father of our subject, was a stationer and conducted one of the leading business enterprises of this charac- ter in Rochester, building up a business which grew in extent and importance until it was scarcely equalled in all western New York. His wife was Mary M. Bullen.
David Hovt. whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the public schools of Rochester, and at the age of fifteen years entered the banking business of Ward & Brother, with whom he continued for five years. Throughout his entire life he has been associated with banking interests in his native city and few men have broader or more accurate knowledge thereof or are better qualified to successfully conduct important financial interests. In 1865 he entered the em- ploy of the Monroe County Savings Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper and his ability and enter- prise won him promotion through various ad- vances until in 1883 he was made secretary and treasurer of the institution. He has now been connected with the bank for forty-two years. The growth of the business is indicated by the fact that when Mr. Hoyt assumed the position of secretary and treasurer the deposits were only.six million dollars. Today they are seventeen mil- lions with a surplus of over one million five hun- dred thousand dollars. Mr. Hovt was also one of the original directors of the Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Company and his prominence in banking circles is indicated by the fact that for a number of years he has been on the executive committee of the savings bank section of the American Bankers Association and on the execu- tive committee of the Savings Bank Association of the State of New York. The solution to intricate business problems he comprehends most readily and manifests the keenest foresight in determin- ing the outcome of any business situation connect- ed with banking.
Mr. Hoyt was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Breck, a daughter of Martin B. and Susan ( Watts) Breck. who were among the earliest settlers of Rochester. They have two sons: Martin B. Hoyt. who is a member of the firm of C. P. Ford & Company, shoe manufacturers, and also associated with the Defender Photo Supply Company, of Rochester: and Burr C., who is also connected with the Photo Supply Company.
Mr. Hoyt is a member of the Rochester Club. the Genesee Valley Club. the Country Club and the Rochester Athletic Club and possesses a social mature that has gained him many warm friends. His political allegiance is given to the democracy. His public-spirited citizenship has been manifest
in many ways. finding tangible evidence in his ac -- tive co-operation in various movements for mate- rial, intellectual, benevolent, social and moral progress. He was a charter member of the board of governors of the Homeopathic Hospital and was secretary of the board until the pressure of his business interests obliged him to resign the office. He is a communicant of Christ church and one of its vestrymen. He possesses a genial dis- position and the honesty and uprightness of his character have won for him the confidence and re- spect of his fellowmen, while his business ability and enterprise places him in the front rank among Rochester's financiers.
GEORGE M. COLE.
George MI. Cole. one of the enterprising and en- ergetic merchants of the village of Spencerport and also one of the organizers of the Bank of Spencerport. was born in Hartland, Niagara county, New York, May 23, 1846, and was there- fore but six years of age when brought to this village by his parents, Cornelius S. and Philetus E. (Rice) Cole, who were natives of the Empire state. The father died in 1898 at the venerable age of eighty-two years, while the mother still sur- vives and is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-six years. making her home with her son George, an only child.
At the usual age George M. Cole became a pupil in the public schools, wherein he continued his education until he had largely mastered the com- mon branches of English learning. He then en- gaged with his father in the nursery business for a number of years under the firm style of C. S. Cole & Son. and when he withdrew from that field of activity he became connected with the grocery trade in partnership with J. B. Garsey under the firm name of Garsey & Cole. At a later date he purchased his partner's interest and conducted the business alone, continuing as a grocer for about ten years. In 1891, in connection with Harry A. Freeman, he bought the business of I. H. Andrews, a general merchant, and they have since con- dneted the store under the firm name of Cole & Freeman. They remained at the old location until June, 1906, when they removed to the new Ma- sonic temple, the finest and largst business struc- ture in Spencerport. This splendid edifice is indicative of the spirit of progress and advance- ment which characterizes the firm in the conduct of their business interests. They occupy the en- tire ground floor and basement, ninety by seventy feet. and the establishment is known as the Cole & Freeman Country Store. It is one of the finest country stores in western New York, thoroughly
G. M. COLE.
1207
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
equipped with all modern accessories for carrying on the business, while the stock is large and care- fully selected. Mr. Cole was one of the organ- izers of the Bank of Spencerport in June, 1907, and is president of this institution. He is rapidly winning popular favor and thereby gaining suc- cess. He has that strong purpose and unfaltering diligence which enable him to carry forward to a prosperous termination anything that he under- takes. He allows no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by honorable effort, and in commercial circles he sustains an un- assailable reputation.
In 1878 George M. Cole was united in marriage to Lydia Brown, a native of Spencerport and a daughter of William Brown. They are well known socially and have the warm regard of a very extensive circle of friends. Mr. Cole belongs to the Congregational church; to Etolian lodge, No. 479, A. F. & A. M .; and to the republican party. He is interested in local political circles, and in the performance of any duty of citizenship and is ever a co-operant factor in plans which are formed for the advancement of the county's welfare and growth.
CALEB SHERMAN POST.
Caleb Sherman Post, who owns and controls ninety-two acres of land lying in the town of Hen- rietta, is a public-spirited citizen, who, while ac- tively engaged in his private business interests, also contributes to the general welfare by his co- operation in movements for the public good. He is a son of Abel and Eunice (Gibbs) Post. The father was ?, native of Rutland, Vermont, where he pursued his education, and in the spring of 1815 he became a resident of West Henrietta, re- moving thither with his wife and three children. This was during the pioneer period in the early history of this section of the state, when the work of improvement and progress had only been be- gun. Time and men have wrought many changes, and as the years have passed the Post family have borne their part in the work of development and improvement.
Caleb Sherman Post was born in West Henri- etta on the 10th of January, 1825. At the usual âge he became a pupil in the district schools and he afterward pursued his studies in the Henrietta Academy. His school-life ended, he gave his at- tention to farming, and as a companion and help- meet for life's journey he chose Miss Harriet J. Diver, who came from Massachusetts in 1850. For many years they traveled life's journey together, beginning their domestic life on the old home- stead, which has continued to be Mr. Post's place
of residence to the present time. In 1896 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month of February. Her death was deeply regretted by many friends who had learned to know and esteem her because of her many good traits of character. Their eldest son, Warren Diver Post, died in Canada. Charles Gibbs Post, the second son, is married and has three children. Clara and Herbert are at home. Bertha is mar- ried, has two children and resides in Rush, George W., living in Brighton, is married and has three children. Harriet M. is the wife of Walter Clark, and has one son.
Mr. Post is independent in politics, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He is a public-spirited man who throughout his entire life has been deeply interested in community affairs and has given active co-operation to various move- ments for the general good. He has served as road inspector, but has never been an office seeker, preferring to do his public service in a private ca- pacity. He derives his income from a good farm- ing property of ninety-two acres and has led a busy and active life. The work of the farm, however, is now largely left to others, for Mr. Post has attained the venerable age of eighty- two years and is enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. His entire life has been spent in the house which is still his home with the exception of six years, and he is widely known. His memory compasses the period of the county's greatest development and improve- ment, going back to the time when set- tlements were widely scattered and when the land was just being brought under cultiva- tion for the first time. He has watched the intro- duction of railroads, telegraph and telephone, to- gether with many other modern improvements, which bespeak the onward march of civilization, and at all times he has been most interested in local advancement and national progress.
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.