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 72
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WILLIAM J. IRELAND.
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William J. Ireland, president of the village of Spencerport, is giving to the city in this connec- tion a public-spirited administration, calculated to advance the interests of the community at large and to work for progress, development and im- provement along specific lines. He has also been chief of the fire department and has been closely associated with the interests of the village, stand- ing always strong in support of those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He was born in the town of Clarkson on the 25th of January, 1863, and has spent his entire life in Monroe county.
His parents were James and Mary J. (Fowler) Ireland, and the father, a native of Clarkson, still resides in that locality. The mother was born in Westchester county, New York, and is also yet liv- ing. Her father was a miller. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Ireland, a native of England, who came to the United States with his wife and two children and soon afterward purchased a farm near the one upon which James Ireland now resides. There he spent his remain- ing days, carrying on general agricultural pur- suits. The father of our subject was reared to farm life and has always continued in that line of activity, being one of the substantial and re- spected residents of his community. In his fam- ily were five children : William J .; Fannie A., the wife of George McCulla, of Hamlin; George B., who for nine years has been with the firm of Tay- lor Brothers at Rochester, occupying a responsible position as foreman ; Mary, at home : and John J.,
who is employed by a commission house in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, and resides in Clarkson.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for William J. Ireland in his boyhood. He attended the public schools, de- voting his time between his studies, the pleasures of the playground and the duties of the fields. He remained with his parents until thirty-five years of age and in 1901 took up his abode in Spencer- port, where he purchased a half interest in the Hoy potato digger, being since engaged in its manufacture. For some time E. L. Wallace was his partner in this enterprise, but in the spring of 1907 Mr. Wallace sold his interest to Phillip L. Helfrich and the firm is now Ireland & Hel- frich. They are doing a good business as repre- sentatives of the manufacturing interests of Spencerport, their product finding a ready sale on the market.
In 1900 Mr. Ireland was married to Miss Nettie Blanche Adams, a native of Lawrence, Michigan, and a daughter of Walter B. Adams. They now have one child, Leora Blanche. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are much interested, Mr. Ireland serving as one of its trustees. He be- longs to the Modern Woodmen camp, of which he is serving as consul. His political allegiance is unfalteringly given to the republican party, for he believes its principles most conducive to good gov- ernment. Of the great issues which divide the two parties, with their roots extending down to the very bedrock of the foundation of the republic, he has the true statesman's grasp. Strong and positive in his republicanism, his party fealty is not grounded on partisan prejudice and he en- joys the respect and confidence of all his asso- ciates irrespective of party. He has filled the office of chief of the fire department in Spencer- port, was justice of the peace of the town of Clark- son for one term, and in the spring of 1907 was elected president of the village without opposi- tion, being endorsed by both parties-a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the unquali- fied confidence reposed in him in the community where he is well and widely known.
JOHN McGARVEY. -
John McGarvey enjoys the well earned distinc- tion of being what the public calls "a self made man." The measure of individual success is not the height to which one has attained, but the distance between the starting point and the pres- ent position, and viewed in this way Mr. McGarvey has made an excellent record.
A native of Ireland, he was born June 3, 1851. His father, John McGarvey, coming to the United
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States, spent his last days in this country, and the mother, Mrs. Hannah Gillespie, died in LeRoy, New York. In the schools of his native country John McGarvey acquired his education and in 1869, when about eighteen years of age, came to the United States. He landed at New York city and secured work in the grading of a railroad in Wayne county, Pennsylvania. For one year he was connected with the Erie Railroad and later was engaged in repairing the track of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad at Redhouse. He con- tinued in that employ for two years, subsequent to which time he was with the New York, Ohio & Western Railroad at Liberty in Sullivan county, New York, until June, 1877. At that date he be- came connected with the Rochester State Line Road and since that time has been with the Buf- falo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad, being now superintendent of the Buffalo & Rochester divi- sion. He has worked his way upward from a laborer to his present important and responsible position. No outside aid or influence has assisted him in his business life, his advancement coming in recognition of his capability, trustworthiness and progressiveness.
Mr. McGarvey is a member of the Rochester Whist Club and also of the Masonic Club. He be- longs to F. R. Lawrence lodge, A. F. & A. M., and to Hamilton chapter, R. A. M., and in his life ex- emplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft.
HENRY BAUSCH.
Henry Bansch, the third son of J. J. Bausch, was born in Rochester, and was educated in the public schools of this city and attended the old high school and Cornell University. In 1875 he entered the factory, working, as did his brothers, at the bench with the other workmen and starting in at the very bottom to learn every part of the business. He has been especially interested in the microscope and scientific apparatus department, his early training and natural aptitude making him particularly competent to assist in developing the manufacture of these instruments and to supervise their construction. He has given much time and attention to the manufacture of the optical parts of instruments and this in the face of extraordi- nary difficulties, for it must be remembered that in the days when he was struggling with this branch of science the opportunities for learning same in this country were few indeed. He is now second vice president of the Bausch & Lomb Opti- cal Company.
In 1888 Mr. Bausch married Henrietta Schu- bert, of Philadelphia, and they have one daughter, Elsa. Mr. Bausch is a republican in politics and
has been a member of the board of park commis- sion for some years. He is also on the board of di- rectors of the Infants Summer Hospital. Modest, retiring in disposition, Mr. Bausch is a man of forceful, sterling character, of whom the city may well be proud.
NATHANIEL P. OSBORN.
Nathaniel P. Osborn, deceased, was for many years a representative business man of Rochester, engaged in the grocery trade and later in real- estate dealing. He was born in Gilmanton, Belk- nap county, New Hampshire, in the year 1810. He was one of thirteen children and the father was a prosperous New Hampshire farmer, who removed from the east to Iowa, where he continued his res- idence np to the time of his death.
Nathaniel P. Osborn pursued his education in the common schools of his native city, where he passed through successive grades until he com- pleted the high-school course by graduation. He then engaged in teaching school in Gilmanton and also assisted in the work of the home farm. He came to Rochester, thinking to find commercial pursuits more congenial than those along agricul- tural lines. Here he invested in a grocery business, which he built up until it had assumed extensive proportions. He carried it on successfully until 1870, when he retired from that line. He after- ward dealt to some extent in real estate, but large- ly enjoyed a well earned rest. His investments in property proved profitable and at different times he owned valuable realty interests there. During the early years of his residence in Rochester he built a home at No. 18, South Clinton street (now No. 37 Clinton avenue South), where he lived until his death. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Diver and was born in West Henrietta. Her father was engaged in the iron foundry business for a time and on selling out removed to West Henrietta, where he purchased a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days. He had a family of six children, all of whom are now deceased.
The death of Nathaniel P. Osborn occurred on the 20th of October, 1883, and his wife died May 26, 1907. They were the parents of two children, but George died in infancy. The daughter, Mrs. William J. Stewart, was born in Rochester and was married October 17, 1883, to William J. Stewart, now first assistant city engineer. Their children are: Harold O., now a student in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Mabel R., a graduate of Livingston Park Seminary; Helen B., a student at the same; and Nathaniel P., who is attending high school.
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In politics Mr. Osborn was a stalwart democrat and in 1879 he was the candidate of his party for the office of supervisor. He belonged to the Ma- sonic fraternity, affiliating with Valley lodge, and his life was in harmony with the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based on mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. In all of his business re- lations he was honorable and straightforward and commanded the confidence and trust of those with whom he was associated. For many years he fig- ured prominently in commercial circles in Roches- ter and at his death he left a comfortable compe- tence and an untarnished name.
CHARLES E. KELLY.
Charles E. Kelly, who is now living retired in Rochester, was born in Canada in 1854, and comes of Irish ancestry, the family having been estal)- lished in this country by the paternal grandfather, William Kelly, who emigrated here from Dublin, Ireland, in 1818. He located upon a section of land in Brighton township, a part of which is still in possession of our subject. He built a log cabin upon the place and there made his home for some years, but later replaced that primitive structure by a one-story frame residence. By trade he was a shoemaker, being thus engaged prior to his emi- gration to this country, but later he followed the sea. However, after coming to America he was engaged in farming and also conducted a nursery in connection with a Mr. Boardman, who was the first nurseryman in Monroe county. His wife was of Welsh descent and their family numbered five children, Charles, Libby, Silas, George and Ed- mond, of whom all are now deceased. The fath- er's death occurred in 1840.
Edmond Kelly, father of our subject, was born on the old homestead farm in Brighton township and for a time after reaching manhood he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in the nursery business, he and his brother Silas having at one time owned the New York Central Nursery. After taking up his abode in Canada, however, he was engaged in the lumber business and at one time owned the powder mills at Hamilton, Canada. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Young and their marriage was celebrated in Canada. Their family numbered five children, but the eldest, Warren H., is now deceased, those still surviving being Charles E., Augusta, Harry T. and Eliza- beth. Out of the kindness of their hearts they also reared two boys, William and John Demorest, who at an early age were left orphans through the burning of their father's log cabin, in which the father, mother and sister perished. John Dem- orest is the husband of Madame Demorest, of world wide reputation. Mr. Kelly was a republi-
can and took a deep interest in the local ranks of his party, having served for twenty-five years as justice of the peace. He was a man highly re- spected in the community in which he lived and thuis his death, which occurred in 1896, was deep- ly deplored by all who knew him. His wife is still living.
Charles E. Kelly, the second son and eldest liv- ing member of the father's family, was educated in the schools of Brighton and in Clover Street Sem- inary. He remained under the parental roof dur- ing the period of his boyhood and youth. After reaching years of maturity he traveled on the road for ten years, subsequent to which time he was en- gaged in the agricultural and dairy business on the home place for a time. Later he removed to Rochester, where he opened a livery and boarding stable and also conducted a dining hall, meeting with gratifying success in these various undertak- ings. He is now living a retired life in Rochester and owns a part of the old Kelly homestead, which was settled by his paternal grandfather.
Mr. Kelly was married in Brighton, in 1877, to Miss Mary Salmon, who was born in England, and their marriage has been blessed with four children, but their first born, George E., is now deceased, the living members being William H., Herbert C. and Cora E., all under the parental roof.
Mr. Kelly has always given stanch support to the republican party and for fourteen years served on the board of assessors, while for twenty years he acted as trustee of the school board, the cause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in the advancement of his home city and his aid can ever be counted upon in any movement which tends to the betterment of his city or county. His business life was one of continuous activity and today he is numbered among the substantial and retired citizens of his county.
WILLIAM MULCOCK.
William Mulcock, a well known resident of Irondequoit, was born in England in 1840, and is a son of William Mulcock, Sr. It was in his na- tive land that he acquired his education and that he spent his early manhood, there following farm- ing. Before leaving England he was married in 1864 to Miss Jane Rudman and in 1872 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, becoming residents of Monroe county, New York. On his arrival here Mr. Mulcock began work for George H. Rudman and was in his employ for some time, but in 1887 he formed a partnership which lasted until 1893 and engaged in business on his own account as a market gardener. He removed to his present farm in Irondequoit in 1893 and has since
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
made many valuable improvements on the place. He has erected a large hothouse for the raising of early vegetables, three hundred by thirty feet in dimensions, and the business has proved very profitable, largely because he has known exactly how to conduct it.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mul- cock ere their emigration to the United States: John W., who was born October 6, 1868; and Emma J., August 14, 1871. The former is now deceased, having died August 10, 1896. His death was the cause of deep and sincere regret not only to his wife and parents but also to a large circle of friends.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mulcock since coming to America are: Walter H., born Au- gust 7, 1874 ; Elizabeth M., born February 7, 1876; George R., who was born November 28, 1877, and died in July, 1896; David C., born May 23, 1879; Clara I., born February 20, 1881; and Edward T., born January 19, 1885. The farm is now conducted by Walter H. and David C. in a very systematic manner and is fitted with all modern improvements which make agriculture a science and which have brought to the two sons prosperity and success. Both are members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the family is one of prominence in the community where they reside.
HENRY WALTJEN.
There is no element which has entered into our composite national fabric that has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Germany, of whom Henry Walt- jen is one. He was born in 1851 and was a son of H. and Louise Waltjen, residents of Bremen, Germany. His father was a veteran of the German Revolution of 1848 and was engaged in the busi- ness of decorating.
No schools have quite the reputation for thor- oughness that those of Germany enjoy and in these it was the privilege of our subject to receive his early education. In trade he was wise enough to follow his father, who, as has been said, was an efficient decorator and who took great pains to prepare his son in the details of this business. At the early age of seventeen the boy set out for America, where he hoped to find larger business opportunities. He secured work in New York, where he remained until 1876, when he came to Rochester, where he worked for several years for many well known business men and in this way was thoroughly initiated into American business methods. In 1878 he set up a business for him- self and in this he has prospered.
Mr. Waltjen was married in New York city to Margaret Seebach, and they are the parents of three daughters, of whom they are very proud. Mr. Waltjen is past president of the Rochester Maennerchor Society and a former member of the Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is inde- pendent. The hope which led him across the ocean has been fully realized. With a prosperous business, a splendid family and home and the confidence of having spent his fifty-six years to the best advantage, he is today in an enviable position and one of which he may well be proud.
FRANK X. KELLY.
Frank X. Kelly, president of the John Kelly in- corporation, manufacturers of ladies' shoes, was born in Rochester, December 17, 1874. He be- longs to that class of young men who, native sons of Rochester, have gained for themselves credita- ble positions in business circles and have contrib- uted to the commercial prominence of the city. His father, John Kelly, came from Ireland to America at the age of sixteen years and settled at Owego, New York, where he engaged in the retail shoe business and in shoemaking. Subsequently he removed to Auburn, where he engaged in the
manufacture of shoes. In 1874 he came to Roch- ester, where he established business under the name of John Kelly. The business thus founded has become one of the leading manufacturing in- dustries of the city. At the time of his death, nine years ago, he had been engaged in shoe manufac- turing for twenty-six years, and in that period had worked his way steadily upward, gaining promi- nence by reason of his success and also on account of the excellence of the manufactured product.
While spending his boyhood and youth in his parents' home, Frank X. Kelly attended the com- mon and high schools of Rochester and in 1892 entered the field of business with his father, with whom he was associated until the latter's death in 1898. The business was then incorporated and Mr. Kelly was elected president of the company, which position he has since occupied, having charge of the general management of the business affairs when but twenty-four years of age. He has, how- ever, displayed an aptitude for successful manage- ment which has resulted in an ever increasing business and the output of the house is now exten- sive. Two of his brothers are also interested in the business. J. Raymond Kelly, having been treasurer of the firm since its incorporation, while Arthur E. Kelly, vice president, entered the firm in 1902. They manufactured only women's shoes for the retail trade. The annual sales have reached a large figure and the business is one of the in-
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portant manufacturing concerns which contributes to Rochester's commercial greatness.
In addition to his manufacturing interests Frank X. Kelly is a director of the National Bank of Commerce and is interested in other financial and commercial enterprises. He is a young man of marked business ability, recognizing opportuni- ties which others pass by unheeded and in trade circles his judgment is regarded as sound, while his energy and determination have often excited the admiration of his acquaintances.
On the 12th of June, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kelly and Miss Madeleine R. Mc- Cauley, a daughter of the late James F. McCauley, a merchant tailor of Rochester. They are members of the Corpus Christi Roman Catholic church and are well known socially.
GEORGE M. FORBES.
George M. Forbes, educator and scientist, who for many years has figured prominently in intel- lectual circles in Rochester, is now president of the board of education and professor of philos- ophy and pedagogy in Rochester University. In these connections he has done and is doing much for the mental development of the city. He was born in Middlesex, Yates county, New York, June 13, 1853, a son of Rev. Merrill and Maria (Pal- mer) Forbes, both of whom were natives of New York. The father was a Baptist clergyman who served a number of churches in New York in his ministerial capacity and during the Civil war was pastor at Fairport, New York. In fact, his whole career as a minister of the gospel was spent in western New York and his influence was a potent element for good in the communities where he lived and labored.
George M. Forbes was liberally educated, attend- ing successively the public schools of Fairport, the high school at Medina and the Middlebury Acad- emy at Wyoming, New York, where he prepared for college. In the fall of 1871 he entered the University of Rochester and was graduated in June, 1828, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His college course was interrupted by three years' service as principal of Union Schools in Alexander and in Arcade, New York. He spent one year abroad in study of German and French, and in travel on the continent.
Following his graduation from the university, Professor Forbes spent three years as associate principal of the Overhiser Preparatory School of Brooklyn, New York, and was then appointed instructor of Greek in the University of Roches- ter. He has since been a professor in this institu- tion. In 1887 he was appointed professor of Greek
and later received appointment to the chair of philosophy and pedagogy, which position he still occupies. He is well known as a prominent edu- cator, having marked ability and imparting to oth- ers in clear and interesting manner the knowledge that he has acquired. He is a member of the Na- tional Society for Scientific Study of Education and of the American Social Science Association.
Rochester, recognizing his ability, elected him a commissioner of schools in 1899 and re-elected him in 1903 and in 1907. On the retirement of Com- missioner Andrew J. Townson, January 1, 1906, he was elected president of the board and re-elect- ed in 1907. He has ever stood for advancement in public school work and during the past eight years has done much to perfect the system in Rochester and add to its practical value. He was for seven years president of the Young Men's Christian Association, acting in that capacity at the time the association building was constructed. He is also a member of the Rochester Historical Society and is deeply interested in all that tends to the mental and moral development of the city and of the individual.
W. J. GENTHNER.
As a contractor and builder of Despatch Mr. Genthner is well known, for he is a pioneer in this line of work here, being accredited with the building of some of the first houses erected in this village, while many of the public buildings stand as monuments to his abiltiy and enterprise, among these being the Despatch Hotel, Eyer block, the fire house, school house, churches, and many pri- vate residences. He has done the mason work on over ninety per cent of the houses erected in the village.
Mr. Genthner was born in Newark, New York, in 1868, and as the name indicates, comes of Ger- man ancestry, his father, J. F. Genthner, having been born in the fatherland. Upon the emigration of the father to the United States, he followed the mason's trade, which he had learned in the old world, and representatives of the family through several generations have followed that trade.
W. J. Genthner was reared and educated in his native place and in early youth learned the ma- son's trade, which he has followed from the age of nineteen years. In 1897 he located permanently in Despatch and took the contract for building some of the first houses in this village. He has not only erected many buildings here, but has also done contract work in Shortsville, Sodus and Vic- tor, where he has built many business blocks. In this connection Mr. Genthner has become widely known and his honorable business methods have
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
commanded the highest regard and esteem for him.
In November, 1904, Mr. Genthner began the manufacture of cement blocks for building pur- poses and in this line of work has built up a large trade. In the manufacture of this product he em- ploys twelve men through the winter months, while in the summer season he employs forty people.
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