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 8
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nia, while others went south, where some of them attained prominence in manufacturing lines. One branch of the family, however, was established in New York and the father of our subject continued to make his home in this state until his death, which occurred in January, 1906. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hester L. Lynd, was a native of Livingston county, New York.
Harlan W. Rippey supplemented his early edu- cation by study in the Geneseo Normal school and in the University of Rochester. He was graduated from the latter institution in 1898 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in 1899 with the degree of Master of Arts. He took up the study of law with George Raines as his preceptor, immediately following the close of his college course, and was admitted to the bar in October, 1901, since which time he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession in Rochester. Although he is one of the younger members of the bar he has built up a clientele which many an older practitioner might well envy. He is an earnest worker, who does not overlook a point in his case which will give weight on his side of the argument and prepares for the attack as well as the defense. He is a member of the Rochester Bar Association and also belongs to the Theta Delta Chi, a college fraternity. During the years of his residence here he has gained a wide and favorable acquaintance and has many friends aside from those whom he has made in professional ranks.
JOHN FREY.
Among the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Monroe county is numbered John Frey, who is engaged in general agricultural pur- suits on a farm of fifty-two acres, situated in Greece township. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 11, 1835, a son of George and Johannah Frey, the former having passed away when the son was a youth of twelve years. He is one of a family of nine children and is the only one who ever came to this country.
John Frey was reared in his native land to the age of eighteen years, when, ambitious to avail himself of the advantages which he had heard ex- isted in the new world, he set sail for America in 1854. Hle immediately went to Rochester and se- cured employment at farm labor near that city. Illness eventually overtook him and he spent some time in a hospital. On recovering his health he learned the butcher's trade, after which, in 1863, he came to Charlotte and opened a shop, which he conducted for twenty years and in 1883 disposed of his business interests there and came to his present farm of fifty-two acres, where he has since been
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engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He keeps his place in good condition and in addition to his farm also owns several dwellings and a store build- ing in Charlotte, which he rents.
Mr. Frey was married in 1857 to Miss Frederica Nagle, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, June 2, 1835, and emigrated to America in com- pany with a sister, taking passage on the same steamer on which our subject was a passenger. Their marriage has been blessed with four chil- dren : Julius E., a resident of Texas ; Mrs. Emma Latta, a resident of Michigan ; George, of Virgi- nia ; and Lulu, the wife of William H. Denise, of Charlotte. For his second wife Mr. Frey chose Mary Bernich, of Charlotte, and they had two children, John B., of Rochester ; and Jennie Edith, the wife of Rev. S. J. Clarkson, a minister of the Methodist church at Middleport, New York. After the death of his second wife Mr. Frey mar- ried Anna Maria Woolrich, of Germany.
Mr. Frey supports the men and measures of the republican party and for eight years served as village trustee. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, of which he is acting as a trustee. In an analyza- tion of the character and life work of Mr. Frey we note many of the characteristics which have ever marked the German nation-perseverance, reliability and energy-and it is these qualities which have gained for him success in his adopted country and made him one of the substantial citizens of Monroe county.
ROY C. WEBSTER.
Roy C. Webster, an attorney at law, residing at No. 1115 Lake avenue in Rochester, his native city, was born April 16, 1858. He is descended from one of the oldest families of New England, tracing his ancestry back to John Webster, who in the year 1600 came from England. Uri Web- ster, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a second cousin of Noah Webster and was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, which was also the birthplace of the celebrated compiler of the dic- tionary. Uri Webster, leaving New England, re- moved to West Bloomfield, New York, about 1815 and conducted a woolen mill at Factory Hollow for a number of years.
His son, Edward Webster, the father of our subject, was born at Factory Hollow, now West Bloomfield, New York, and, ambitious to acquire an education beyond that offered by the public schools, he entered Dartmouth college. He was there associated with a friend by the name of Hodges. Their funds were exceedingly limited and they lived on mush and milk for six months. They figured that their money would be
exhausted about that time but nevertheless Mr. Webster managed to complete his college course and was graduated, making a creditable record.
The firm determination and stalwart purpose which he showed in thus acquiring an educa- tion was manifest by him throughout his en- tire life. He took up the study of law in Boston, Massachusetts, and in due course of time was admitted to the bar. He then came to Rochester on a visit and being well pleased with the city concluded to remain here. His collegiate educa- tion well qualified him for teaching and for two years he was employed as a teacher in the old public school No. 6. He then returned to Bos- ion, where he became assistant editor of a paper, while later he was editor-in-chief and prepared the editorial upon the death of Daniel Webster. He subsequently returned to Rochester and was associate editor of the Mooris Rural New Yorker for several years. When the Rochester Free Academy was established he became as- sistant principal and from 1857 until 1863 was principal of that institution. He then took up the active practice of law and in 1871 became the occupant of the same rooms in the Powers building now occupied by his son, Roy C. Webster. He was a man of marked strength of character, endowed by nature with strong mentality, and he developed and utilized his talents to good ad- vantage, making a creditable name in journalistic, educational and legal circles. His wife, Polly A. Andrews, was a native of Allegany county, New York.
Roy C. Webster entered public school No. 6, where he learned the alphabet and passed through successive grades until he had completed the work of that school. after which he attended the Roch- ester Free Academy, of which he is a graduate of the class of 1874. He next entered the Uni- versity of Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1878 on the completion of the classical course, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then admitted to practice in Rochester in Octo- ber, 1880, having devoted the interim of two years to the mastery of the principals of jurisprudence. He joined his father in practice and so continued until the latter's death. He still occupies the old offices, which have borne the name of Webster for thirty-six years and he has a liberal and well mérited clientage, whereby he has been connected with much important litigation tried in the courts of the district.
On the 20th of March, 1901, Mr. Webster was married to Miss Florence A. Kerwin of Rochester, and they have one daughter, Marian Florence. From 1890 until 1892 Mr. Webster was a member of the school board and for six years, from 1892 to 1898, was civil service commissioner under both administrations. He is a member of the Roches- ter Bar Association, of Corinthian lodge, A. F. &
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A. M., and of the Presbyterian church, in which his father was an elder for many years. These associations indicate much of the character of the man and the principles which govern his conduct. He has made good use of his opportuni- ties, advancing by consecutive steps to a promi- nent place in his profession.
CHAUNCEY ALLEN.
The death of Chauncey Allen, which occurred in Clarkson township, Monroe county, May 28, 1906, was the occasion of deep regret to his many friends as well as to the members of his own household. In his lifetime the people ever re- garded him as a man honorable in business, loyal in citizenship, and true to every trust reposed in him, standing as a high type of American man- hood.
He was a native of Monroe county, born on the 26th of May, 1818, a son of Captain Isaac Allen, who was born in Enfield, Connecticut, April 26, 1794, and who in 1816 came to Monroe county, where he carried on the hatter's trade. The fam- ily are of Welsh descent, tracing their ancestry back to John Allen, who was buried in Enfield in 1640. Captain Isaac Allen was the second of three brothers, the others being John, who died in Michigan; and Chauncey. Upon his arrival in Monroe county, Isaac Allen purchased an acre of land in the village of Clarkson and there carried on business as a hatter. In 1817 he returned to his old home in Connecticut, and on the 10th of September of that year was united in marriage to Miss Mary Terry, of Enfield, after which he re- turned with his bride to his new home in Clarkson. In March, 1819, he purchased a tract of land near Hamlin Center, to which he removed and there made his home for four years. He then disposed of that property and purchased a second tract on the Ridge road west of Clarkson, this property now being owned by his grandson, Claud Allen. The wife and mother passed away in 1876, being survived by her husband for almost a decade, when he, too, passed away in 1885, in his ninety- first year.
Chauncey Allen was reared on the old home farm, assisting his father in the various tasks which fall to the lot of the farm lad, and in the district schools near his father's home he pursued his studies during the winter months. When starting out upon an independent business ven- ture he chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. In 1843 he purchased a tract of land comprising one hundred and twen- ty-three acres in Clarkson township, this property
being now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Celia Steele. It was void of improvements when it came into possession of Mr. Allen, but he at once under- took the task of improving and cultivating the land and in due course of time brought his fields under a high state of cultivation. He likewise erected a residence of cobble stone, the lumber used for the interior being cut from his land and hauled to Rochester, where it was sawed and fin- ished. This is one of the substantial as well as at- tractive homes of this part of the state. Mr. Allen also set out a six-acre orchard, which is still in bearing. He was practical and progressive in his methods of farm labor and eventually be- came one of the prosperous and highly esteemed citizens of Clarkson township.
Mr. Allen was married to Miss Susan Holmes, who was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1824, a daughter of Gideon Holmes. Her death oc- curred March 24, 1880, and she was survived by her husband and two daughters, Celia and Frances Allen. The elder daughter, Celia, was born on the farm which is her present home, and her early education was acquired in the schools of Clarkson, while her more advanced studies were pursued in Brockport Normal. In October, 1878, she gave her hand in marriage to William H. Steele, who was born in Livingston county, New York, June 6, 1840, a son of Theron and Ruth M. (Clark) Steele, the latter a native of Connecticut. They were farming people of Livingston county and their family numbered four children : William H .; Daniel, who was born in July, 1843; Lucy, who was born in 1846; and John W., whose birth oc- curred in December, 1848. William H. Steele acquired his education in Lyman and Rochester, where he attended Peck's private school. He and his wife now occupy the old Allen home in Clark- son township. The younger daughter, Frances Allen, was born in August, 1860, and her death occurred June 13, 1905. She wedded Edward Vickers and they made their home in Clarkson, where he is engaged in business as a wagon-maker. Of this marriage there are two sons, Chauncey H. and Terry W.
Mr. Allen gave his political support to the men and measures of democracy and served as assessor of his townshin. He was a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as deacon and elder. He was justly num- bered among the prominent and representative citizens of Monroe county, for he belonged to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for individual benefit, but also advances the general good and promotes public prosperity. He spent his entire life in this county, covering a period of eighty-eight years, and was therefore familiar with the pioneer development of this sec- tion, for he was closely identified with the prog-
CHAUNCEY ALLEN.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
ress which was made along various lines, and therefore no history of Monroe county would be complete wtihout mention of his life.
PETER WYCKOFF NEEFUS, M. D.
Dr. Peter Wyckoff Neefus, who has engaged actively in the practice of medicine along scientific lines in Rochester since 1892, was born at Cedar Grove in the town of Middlebush, New Jersey, in 1853, and is a representative of one of the oldest American families, being a descendant of Johannes Nevius, the first clerk of Manhattan island. His father, David Neefus, who was a farmer at the time of the birth of his son, Dr. Neefus, afterward removed to Bound Brook, New Jersey, and about 1860 became a resident of Brooklyn, New York. There he first engaged in business as a produce dealer and later became connected with the Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin. At present he is living with his son, James Lyles, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, having lost his wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Woolsey. They were the par- ents of the following named : John, who was killed in the Civil war; Henry Woolsey, who is living in Greensboro, North Carolina; David, a resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey; George Lawrence, in Brooklyn; and James Lyles, of Bloomfield, New Jersey.
Becoming a resident of Brooklyn in early boy- hood, Peter Wyckoff Neefus attended grammar schools of that city and afterward became a student in the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, New York. His literary course being completed, he de- termined upon the practice of medicine and sur- gery as a life work and to this end became a student in the New York Homeopathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1877. He also attended the Long Island College Hos- pital. From Brooklyn he removed to Syracuse and in 1879 came to Rochester, where he entered the office of Dr. Hurd. In 1882 he went to Mount Morris, where he spent six years and then entered the Danusville Sanatorium. He pursued post- graduate work in New York at the post-graduate and polyclinic schools and in 1892 returned to Rochester, where he has since been engaged in active practice. He is an alienist and a spe- cialist in mental and nervous diseases and has become very proficient in those lines, his opinions being largely regarded as authority therein. He is neurologist of the Rochester Homeopathic Hos- pital. He is a practitioner of broad scientific attainments and not only through individual in- vestigation and study but also through member- ship with the New York State. the Western New York and the Monroe County Homeopathic Med-
ical Societies, keeps in touch with the progress made by the profession in its search after truth and knowledge that will promote its efficiency and render its service of still greater value to hu- manity.
Dr. Neefus. was married to Miss Jessie Morris Heaton in 1881. She was born in Brooklyn, March 12, 1856, and to them have been born three children who are yet living: Gerard Lester, now with the Adams Vehicle Company of New York city; Harold Clifford, who is a member of the class of 1910 Purdue University, Lafayette, In- diana; and Katherine Heaton, a member of the class of 1908 in the Livingston Park seminary. They also lost one child.
Dr. Neefus is a member of Christ church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has, however, never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties, which he performs with a sense of conscientious obligation and in close conformity with a high standard of professional ethics.
JOHN FRANKLIN DINKEY.
John Franklin Dinkey, auditor and treasurer of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway Com- pany, in which connection he has become widely known in railroad circles, was born in South Easton, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1854. His parents were James and Rebecca (Bowman) Dinkey. The father, a native of the Keystone state, was of Huguenot descent. He was chief accountant for the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and died in the year 1876, while his wife survived until 1903.
John Franklin Dinkey, sent to the public schools, passed through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school of Easton, Pennsylvania. He next entered the employ of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, subse- quently became chief clerk in the freight and coal department of the Lehigh and Susquehanna divi- sion of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, so con- tinuing until August, 1878. He next was ap- pointed chief clerk in the general manager's office of the New York Elevated Railroad, where he con- tinued for about three years, or until February, 1881. He next became auditor and assistant treas- urer of the Rochester & Pittsburg Railway, contin- uing with its successor, the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway. In January, 1890, he was made auditor and treasurer of the road and its affiliated companies and has so continued to the present time. Each change has marked a step in advance, giving him greater prominence in railway
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
circles, bringing to him larger responsibilities and giving him a broader outlook. He has thoroughly mastered every detail of the business entrusted to him since he entered railway service when a young man of twenty years, and, moreover, he has dis- played keen executive force and far-sighted sagac- ity.
In December, 1884, Mr. Dinkey was married to Miss Anna Lockhart Hartman, and they now have two children, Harry Packer and Isabel Emeline. In his fraternal relations Mr. Dinkey is a Mason, connected with Palestine commandery of New York city. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is president of its board of trustees. Promi- nent in church circles and active in behalf of the denomination, he is now treasurer of the New York and New England Synod and treasurer of the Luther League of America. He has a wide ac- quaintance among the representatives of this church and few men of the laity have taken a more active or helpful part in promoting its inter- ests.
FREDERICK S. ROGERS.
Frederick S. Rogers, secretary and treasurer of The John Siddons Company, conducting a roofing and sheet metal business of large proportions in Rochester, was born May 21, 1847, in the city which is yet his place of residence. He is of Eng- lish lineage, his father, Henry T. Rogers, having been born in London. Emigrating to the United States in his youth, he came direct to Rochester and in his manhood attained considerable distinc- tion as a prominent contractor and builder and as a man active and influential in the affairs of the city. He served as alderman of the third ward for many years and his official labor was of a char- acter that promoted general progress and develop- ment, the citv benefiting by his co-operation and his practical methods. He died in 1878, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Stiles, and was also a native of England, passed away when her son Frederick was but four years of age.
As a student in a private school Frederick S. Rogers acquired his early education, which he con- tinued in Myron G. Peck's school. When his text- books were put aside he entered the employ of the Evening Express of Rochester, taking charge of the mailing department, where he continued for six years. He next became connected with Pollock & Weaver, hardware merchants, as book- keeper, and after some years entered the employ of John Siddons as confidential clerk and book- keeper in 1878. His business worth and capacity being proven, he was admitted to the firm and
has since been active in the management of a busi- ness which has had a continuous existence in Rochester since 1852. It was established in that year by John Siddons and is the representative house in roofing and sheet metal work, including all kinds of cornice work, ventilating systems and the manufacture of metallic burial caskets, to- gether with the manufacture of boiler breeching and smoke stacks. In 1878 Mr. Siddons was joined by Charles and John O. Vogel. In 1889 the business was incorporated under the name of The John Siddons Company, with Mr. Siddons as president and treasurer; Charles Vogel, vice president; Frederick S. Rogers, secretary; and John O. Vogel, superintendent. The founder of the business, John Siddons, died in August, 1890, after a most active, successful and honorable ca- reer. At this time the following officers were chosen : Charles Vogel, president ; John O. Vogel, vice president and superintendent; and Frederick S. Rogers, secretary and treasurer. At the death of John O. Vogel, in December, 1894, Mr. Rogers was elected vice president, secretary and treasurer. The last change in officers was made in 1903, when Charles Vogel was elected president; Frederick S. Rogers, secretary and treasurer; and Theodore J. Vogel, vice president and superintendent. The trustees are Charles Vogel, Frederick S. Rogers, Theodore J. Vogel and Louis C. Vogel, who own all the stock-fifty thousand dollars paid in full. The enterprise was at first located on Main street and removed to the present location in 1890, oc- cupving a large building, which the company owns, at Nos. 61, 63 and 65 North Water street. Both steam and water power is used and employment is furnished to fifty men.
In 1872 Mr. Rogers was married to Miss Emma L. Bennett, a daughter of Stephen D. N. Ben- nett, for many years owner of the Bennett foun- dry. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were born three children, but one is now deceased and Mrs. Rogers died in 1899. The living son, Louis Charles, is now with his father in business. He was born June 16, 1875, and was educated in the public schools and is regarded as an enterprising young business man. He belongs to Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M., and of all branches of Masonry. The daughter, Mrs. Edmund M. Alling, is also a resident of Rochester.
Mr. Rogers has attained high rank in Masonry, being a member of Valley lodge, No. 109, F. & A. M .; Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R. A. M., in which he has served as high priest and treasurer ; Doric council, No. 19, R. & S. M .; Monroe com- mandery, No. 12, K. T., in which he has served as eminent commander; Rochester consistory, S. P. R. S. ; Damascus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; and Lalla Rookh Grotto Veiled Prophets. He has also served as treasurer of the Masonic Club and belongs to the Order of Exempt Firemen. In
FREDERICK S. ROGERS.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
politics he is a republican, giving support to the party on state and national questions, but often casts an independent ballot. He resides at No. 200 Adams street, where he is pleasantly situated in life. He has made a splendid record in Masonic circles, as a citizen and as a business man. Quiet and unassuming in manner, he nevertheless has a host of stanch friends who recognize and appreci- ate his geniune worth and admire him for what he has accomplished in the business world.
JAMES A. HINDS.
In taking up the history of the men who were connected with the prominent business interests of Rochester or who were in former years factors in its commercial prosperity mention should be made of James A. Hinds, who for many years was one of the proprietors of the Corona mills on Murray street, an important flour industry conducted under the firm style of J. A. Hinds & Company, This is still an element in Rochester business cireles. and for thirty-five years Mr. Hinds was active in its control. He came to this city in the summer of 1867, his birth having occurred at Red- wood, New York, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 28th of August, 1826. His parents were Alphens Hardin and Mercy (Wilkie) Hinds, natives of New York and Vermont respec- tively. After their marriage they removed to a farm in the vicinity of Redwood, New York, where they made their home until 1842. They then start- ed on an overland trip westward, making the jour- ney in a covered wagon to Illinois. They settled on a farm near Aurora, in Kane county, that state, and the father purchased a tract of land which he continued to cultivate and improve until his life's labors were ended in death.
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