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 65
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
He opened an office in Rochester in June, 1878, and engaged in general practice for nine years bnt finally decided to devote his attention to surgery and with this end in view he took post- graduate work in the Polyclinic of New York city in 1889 and the Post Graduate School of New York in 1890, 1891, 1892 and 1894. He is to- day numbered among the most eminent surgeons of the state and has met with remarkable success in his practice. He assisted in founding the Rochester Homeopathic Hospital and its Training School for Nurses and was vice president of the medical and surgical staff of the hospital during the first ten years of its existence. He has also been surgeon, surgeon-in-chief, and consulting surgeon at different times. In 1897 he established a private hospital at 179 Lake avenue and from the start success has attended his efforts in this direction.
DR. JOHN M. LEE'S HOSPITAL.
DR. JOHN M. LEE'S HOSPITAL.
1257
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Dr. Lee stands deservedly high in the estima- tion of his fellow practitioners and he has been called upon to serve in many positions of honor and trust, such as president of the homeopathic medical societies of Monroe county, of western New York and of the New York state society. He is a member of the Alpha Sigma fraternity, Ann Arbor chapter; president of the Alumni Associa- tion of the Homeopathic Department of the Uni- versity of Michigan ; an honorary member of the Homeopathic Medical Society of the state of Michigan ; and a member of the American Insti- tute of Homeopathy. He was also chairman of the legislative committee appointed by the State Homeopathic Medical Society of New York, which committee secured the appropriation for the es- tablishment of the Gowanda State Homeopathic Hospital for the Insane, an institution which has accommodations for about nine hundred patients. The Doctor has been president of the New York state board of homeopathic medical examiners and the joint board composed of the three recognized schools of medicine. He is an associate alumnus of the New York Homeopathic Medical College, and belongs to the Medico-Chirurgical Society of Central New York ; the Surgical and Gynecologi- cal Association of the American Institute of Homeopathy, the National Society of Electro- therapeutists, consulting surgeon to the Gowanda State Hospital and censor of the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College. For several years Dr. Lee was associate editor of the Physicians and Surgeons Investigator and was one of the corp of writers of the Homeopathic Text-Book of Surg- ery. His original research and investigation have led to the preparation of many valuable papers and addresses which may be found in the trans- actions of these societies and the magazines of his school.
Dr. Lee was married September 28, 1876, to Miss Idella Ives, a daughter of Dr. Charles E. Ives, of Savannah, Wayne county, New York. She died October 11, 1897, leaving two children ; Mand, the wife of A. Dix Bissell, of Le Roy, New York; and Carrie Elizabeth. On the 20th of June, 1899, the Doctor was again married to Miss Carrie M. Thomson, a daughter of the late John Church Thomson, of Battle Creek, Michigan.
In religious faith Dr. Lee is a Baptist ; he be- longs to the Baptist Social Union, the Lake Ave- nue Baptist church and is chairman of its board of trustees. In his fraternal relations he is connected with Corinthian Temple lodge, No. 805, F. & A. M .; Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R. A. M .; Doric council, No 19, R. & S. M .; and Monroe commandery. He has attained the thirty-second degree in Scottish rite Masonry and is second lieutenant commander of Rochester consistory, and president of the Rochester Masonic Temple Asso- ciation. He is also a member of Damascus Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S .; Lalla Rookh Grotto, No. 113, M. O. V. P. E. R. ; and the Rochester Masonic Club. He belongs to the Genesee Valley Club, the Oak Hill Country Club, and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and by his ballot supports the men and measures of the republican party. Although prominent socially his time and attention are al- most wholly devoted to his professional duties and he has that love for his work which has been rewarded by success, so that he ranks with the ablest representatives of the medical fraternity in the state of New York.
THE LEE PRIVATE HOSPITAL.
The Lee Private Hospital, which was desig- nated by the Medical Century as "one of the most elegant private surgical hospitals of the United States," is a credit to its founder, to the city and to the profession. Founded in 1897 it entered upon a remarkably successful career. It is de- voted to surgical, obstetrical and medical cases, although Dr. Lee is pre-eminently a surgeon and one who has attained distinguished honors in this branch of professional service. For hospital nses he purchased one of Rochester's most pretentious private dwellings, erected at a cost for residence and grounds, of one hundred and nineteen thou- sand dollars, and in its alteration and equipment for hospital purposes Dr. Lee expended an addi- tional twenty-six thousand dollars. When the hos- pital had been in existence for a little more than two years it was found necessary to double its capacity and an additional building was therefore secured with the same complete equipment that was installed in the first. At the beginning it was the object to make this purely a surgical hos- pital but a department has since been opened for maternity and medical cases in order that the nurses may be provided in the hospital with thor- ough practical and didactic instruction in all branches except contagious diseases.
The building is situated on a beautiful ter- raced corner lot, two hundred and twenty-seven feet square, giving ample grounds for sunlight and air. On the drive entrance there is a spacious reception room with private office adjoining and on the opposite side of the reception room is the library. The dining room, kitchen, butler's pantry and other domestic appointments are those of an elegant home. The first floor has accommodations for seven patients, the second floor for seventeen patients and the third floor for twenty-eight pa- tients. On the second floor there is also a library of interesting readable books. On the first floor there is a bath-room, on the second floor two bath- rooms and a linen closet and on the third floor
1258
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
two bath-rooms, a store-room, the diet kitchen and the operating room. The furnishings are elegant but simple and all the bedrooms are de- lightfully fresh and airy and into each the sun shines at least a part of the day. The building is lighted by gas and electricity and heated by steam. The operating room has been characterized by a member of the profession in the words, "It is fascinating and a perfect gem." Dr. Lee has in fact put forth every effort possible to secure perfection in this hospital. It is free from the set type of public institutions and appears to be a home rather than a hospital in the usual sense.
There is a nurses' home on the premises and a nurses' training school is doing excellent work. They have a three years' course of training with considerable outside work in the third year, bring- ing to them practical experience that comes to them after they leave the institution. Dr. Lee looks after their training in person and is as- sisted by the superintendent and a large corps of physicians, who lecture to the nurses weekly and to each is given instruction as comprehensive as is covered by the curricula of the best training schools in public institutions. The nurses go on day duty at seven A. M. Each nurse has to spend six weeks in the diet kitchen under a competent in- structor that she may learn how to prepare nour- ishing and dainty dishes for her patients. Each nurse is on duty for twelve hours at a time and each takes her turn in the operating room. The lecture work of the nurses is accompanied by the preparation of papers upon what they have heard, which are carefully examined and marked by the lecturers, and the superintendent holds classes and quizzes.
It seems that nothing has been neglected that can be secured for the comfort and convenience of the patients and their attendants and for the ad- vancement of the great humane work that is be- ing done here. Every possible protection is made against fire and there is direct communication with the fire companies by means of the Standard Electric Signal system. The death rate has been exceedingly small considering the number and the character of the patients treated, and Dr. Lee is to be congratulated upon establishing an institu- tion of which Rochester has every reason to be proud. In all that is done perfection is the standard and progress is continually being made in that direction.
JAMES G. HASKELL.
James G. Haskell, the present efficient post- master of Penfield, in which office he is faithfully discharging the duties devolving upon him, is also operating a stage and express line from Penfield
to Rochester. Mr. Haskell was born in Geneva, New York, in 1851, a son of Rev. Abel and Es- ther (Green) Haskell, the former a minister of the Baptist church at Penfield, to which place he removed in 1860, while his death here occurred six years later. The mother's birth occurred in Yates county, this state.
James G. Haskell accompanied his parents on their various removals and in his youth learned the cabinetmaker's trade, following that pursuit for a time. In 1880 he engaged in the stage and express business, running a line from Penfield to Rochester, and he has since been engaged in that business. He likewise conducts a branch laundry agency. In 1897 he was appointed to the position of postmaster at Penfield and has since acted in that capacity, being assisted in the office by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Miss Mary Hipp, who was born in Michigan, their marriage being celebrated in Penfield in February, 1896. Since Mr. Haskell took charge of the office two rural routes have been established, mail being de- livered to one hundred and forty-five families in the rural districts, a stage being sent to Despatch twice each day to receive the mail at that point. He and his wife occupy a comfortable home in this village, this being surrounded by three acres of ground, devoted to the raising of small fruits.
Mr. Haskell gives his political support to the republican party and he is a member of the Ma- sonic order and the Grange, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Bap- tist church. Both he and his wife are prominent in business circles, for their genial and kindly dis- positions, and their unfailing courtesy commend them to the confidence and good will of the general public.
JOHN C. NUSBICKEL.
John C. Nusbickel, a well known lumber mer- chant of Rochester, was born in Fairville, Wayne county, New York, in 1859. He was the son of John Nusbickel, a native of Germany, where he was born in 1812. He came to the shores of Amer- ica in 1852, locating first at Waterloo and remov- ing later to Wayne county, where he followed the trade of a shoemaker up to the time of his death in 1882. His wife, Barbara (White) Nusbickel, was also a native of Germany, but came to this country when a child. This worthy couple were the parents of two children : Emma, who married August Amish and resides at No. 356 Grand ave- nue, this city; and the subject of this sketch.
John C. Nusbickel came to Rochester when he was four and a half years old and received his edu- cation in the public schools. During his leisure hours outside of school he learned the shoemaker's
1263
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
trade, working for his father until his school days were over. He then secured employment, first with A. J. Johnson, shoe manufacturer, and later with Hough & Ford. In 1891 he started out in a line of business new to him, forming a partnership with F. C. Malling under the firm name of the German-American Lumber Company. They es- tablished their business at No. 134 Portland ave- nue. The past few years have been especially profitable in this line of business and by making the most of these advantages and following along the line of sound business principles, this company has grown and prospered. Mr. Nusbickel is also interested in the Atlantic Stamping Company.
On January 6, 1897, occurred the marriage of John C. Nusbickel and Miss Anna Haller, a native of Rochester and a daughter of Christian Haller. She received her schooling in this city. This couple have one child, Edith, who is nine years old. Mr. Nusbickel is a member of Toronto lodge. He is likewise a member of the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 8, of Rochester. In religion he early became a member of the Salem Evangelical church, in which he is still interested and to which he gives very loyal support. In his political views he is a stal- wart republican, ever ready to aid his party dur- ing its campaigns, and has been active in politics. He is one of the directors of the German Old Peo- ple's Home. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and has gained most satisfac- tory reward. His life is exemplary in all respects, and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit his fellow- citizens, while his own high moral worth is deserv- ing of the highest commendation, and he has the esteem of his friends and the confidence of the business public.
HENRY KUHN.
Henry Kuhn, as vice president of the Defender Photo Supply Company, has contributed in large measure to the upbuilding of one of the foremost industries of Rochester, and, moreover, through the location of the business at its present site, has been the means of developing a center of manu- facture and an attractive residence district of the city. A man is judged not by the theories he sets forth or even the plans that he makes, but by the results which he achieves, and, determined in this way, the position of Henry Kuhn in business cir- cles is a foremost one. Born in the Netherlands on the 21st of November, 1850, he is one of the five living children of Henry and Bertha (Jacobs) Kuhn, also natives of Holland, where the mother is still living at the very advanced age of eighty- seven years. The father, who was a photographer,
came to the United States in 1880 and died on Staten Island about ten years ago.
The same year Henry Kuhn crossed the Atlantic to the new world and, having become acquainted with the photographic art in all of its practical workings in his native land, he established a pho- tographie studio in St. Louis, Missouri. He had been liberally educated in Cologne, Germany, and mental and business training had well equipped him for his chosen life work. In 1885 he came to Rochester and as an expert in photo chemistry and the manufacture of photo papers he was given en- tire supervision of this branch of the business of the Photo Materials Company. Before accepting this position he had engaged in the manufacture of photo papers by hand in a small way and had acquired a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the business. For several years he remained with the Photo Materials Company and then re- signed in 1888 to become one of the organizers of the Defender Photo Supply Company, of which he ' is vice president. The success of this enterprise is due in large measure to his practical and exten- sive knowledge of the business. The company are large manufacturers of photo papers and supplies, with branch houses in many large cities. The company now employs one hundred and fifty op- eratives in the factory, while the output is sent to all parts of the United States, and a large export business is enjoyed. Some vears ago Mr. Kuhn bought a large tract of land at what is now known as Driving Park avenue and the New York Cen- tral Railroad. It was then an uncultivated prairie. The large plant of the business was located there and the district has become a center of manufac- ture and an attractive residence district as well, with fine streets, beautiful homes and excellent car service. The city is indebted to Mr. Kuhn for his improvement of this part of its territory. Al- though the original factories seemed amply com- modious for any increase of business for years to come, the company has recently completed a large new plant that was necessitated by the rapid growth of the trade. Mr. Kuhn is recognized as an expert in this country in the manufacture of photo papers and chemicals and has been instru- mental in organizing and promoting a business that aims at the highest standards in the character of its materials, its methods of manufacture and its service to the public. It meets competition in a rivalry of merit rather than in a war of prices. It puts a premium on high grade work by eni- ploying high grade workers and paying them their legitimate share of the profits which their talents bring to the business. The relations of the house with the public and with other business houses are above reproach. It is managed by men who un- derstand the business themselves and who know how to develop the latent capacity of their em- ployes. It has opportunities of expansion and is
1264
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
permeated by a spirit of courtesy, thoroughness, energy, enthusiasm and progressiveness. Its pride is not merely to increase in sales, but to improve in character, personnel and service, and so ap- proach an ideal business standard.
In 1870 Mr. Kuhn was married to Miss Rosa Kuhn, who was of Holland birth. They have a beautiful home at No. 3 Burke Terrace and also a fine country residence at Forest Lawn. Mr. Kuhn is a member of the Rochester Whist Club, the Rochester Athletic Club, the Rochester Club, and Yonnondio lodge, No. 105, F. & A. M., and gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
WILLIAM A. WILLIAMSON.
By the death of this honorable and upright citi- zen the community sustained an irreparable loss and is deprived of the presence of one whom it had come to look upon as a guardian, benefactor and friend. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to spare, whose lives have been all that is exemplary of the true citizen. Such a one was Mr. Williamson, whose whole career, both business and social, served as a model to the young and as an inspiration to the aged. By his usefulness and general benevolence he created a memory whose perpetuation does not depend upon brick or stone, but upon the spontaneous and free will offering of a grateful and enlightened people. He stood prominently for business devel- opment, was the founder of a leading commercial enterprise and aside from his business interests contributed to the growth and advancement of the city by his hearty co-operation in many movements for the public good.
Mr. Williamson was one of Rochester's native sons, born on 16th of September, 1848. He represented one of the old and honored pioneer families of the city, his parents be- ing William and Sarah (Sterritt) Wil- liamson, who were natives of Pointz Pass, Ireland. They came to America in 1840, making their way at once to Rochester, and the father, who in early life had learned and followed the shoemaker's trade, here began the manufacture of shoes on West Main street, continuing in that busi- ness throughout the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife died in Rochester.
William A. Williamson was a student in the public schools of his native city and he entered business life as a clerk in the book store of D. M. Dewey in the old Arcade in 1863. There he re- mained for several years. In 1870 he started in business on his own account, forming a partner- ship with W. W. Wadsworth, as a dealer in books and stationery in the second story of the old Pow-
ers block. A few years later he became a partner of Horace A. Higbie in the book and stationery business at No. 20 West Main street, where he continued for several years. The firm enjoyed a liberal patronage, the venture proving a profitable one, and as opportunity offered Mr. Williamson extended his efforts into other lines of commercial activity. The Williamson Law Book Company was organized, of which he became president. This enterprise grew so rapidly that Mr. Williamson was obliged to give it his entire time and attention and continued at the head of the concern throughout the remainder of his life. Since his death his two sons and his two brothers have carried on the business at No. 41 State street, Rochester, with a branch store in Ellicott Square in Buffalo. They do a very extensive business, including all kinds of law-book publishing, printing and the furnish- ing of office stationery and supplies. The business is still carried on under the firm name of the Wil- liamson Law Book Company, with Harry A. Wil- liamson as president; David F. Williamson, vice president; Robert S. Williamson, treasurer ; and William H. Williamson, secretary. The first and last named are sons of William A. Williamson and the other two are brothers. David F. Williamson resides in Buffalo, being in charge of the branch store there.
Mr. Williamson was married to Miss Hattie Bull, of this city, a daughter of Henry Bull, wlio was a pioneer resident of Rochester and for many years, or until his death, was connected with the Hayden Furniture Company. In 1875 Mr. Wil- liamson was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 10th of May of that year. There were three children by their mar- riage : Harry A., who is the president of the firm and married Pauline Weller, their home being on Plymouth avenue; William H., who is secretary of the Williamson Law Book Company, and resides with Mrs. William A. Williamson ; and Clifton P., who is a very prominent attorney of New York city. In 1878 Mr. Williamson was again married, his second union being with Miss A. Isabel Bassett, a native of Rushville, New York, and a daughter of William T. and Caroline M. Bassett, the former a native of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the latter of Rushville, New York. Her father was engaged in the dry-goods business in Rushville until 1871, when he removed to Rochester and purchased the City Laundry, which he conducted until failing health caused him to withdraw from business life. He then sold the plant and lived retired until his death, which occurred in 1893. Mrs. Bassett now resides with Mrs. Williamson and has reached the advanced age of eighty-four years.
The death of Mr. Williamson occurred on the 3d of February, 1906. He was a republican in politics and stood at all times for progressive citi- zenship, for civic virtue and for general advance-
1265
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
ment. He was a member of the Rochester Light Guards for many years and his fraternal spirit was manifest in his membership relations with the Monroe County Royal Arcanum and with the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he affiliated in early days. He held membership in the Brick (Presbyterian) church, to which Mrs. Williamson also belongs, and he stood for progress along commercial, intellectual and moral lines. His life was a success. His entire career was illus- trative of the fact that certain actions are followed by certain results and that the law of destiny ac- cords to tireless energy and capable management its sure rewards. Hating sham of all kinds in work, in word or in conduct, his own life was al- ways frank and outspoken and his friendship was prized most by those who knew him best.
GRIFF D. PALMER.
The name of Griff D. Palmer is well known in commercial, financial, political, fraternal and so- cial circles in Rochester. He is president of the Weaver, Palmer & Richmond Company, proprie- tors of one of the largest wholesale hardware es- tablishments of western New York, a director of the National Bank of Commerce, supervisor for the twelfth ward and a valued representative of various fraternal and social orgnizations. His life has been so varied in its activity, so honorable in its purpose, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it has become an integral part of the history of Rochester.
Mr. Palmer is a native of Elmira, New York, born March 26, 1847. His father, Henry T. Palmer, a native of the Empire state and for many years a merchant of Elmira, died about seven years ago. His mother, Mrs. Sarah J. (McKinney) Palmer, is of Scotch descent and is now living in Elmira at an advanced age. Three children of the family still survive.
In the public schools of his native city Griff D. Palmer began his education, which he pursued through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school. His initial step in the busi- ness world was made as clerk in the employ of the United States Express Company at Elmira, where he remained for three years. With the ex- ception of that period, throughout his entire busi- ness career he has been connected with the hard- ware trade. He entered upon active connection with the business as clerk for Rigs, Watrous & Company, proprietors of a large hardware house of Elmira, and from an obscure position worked his way upward through the various departments, remaining with the firm for a number of years. He was afterward with Pratt & Company, hard- ware dealers of Elmira, for eight years, and in
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.