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 80
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Mr. Utz is a member of Zions German Lutheran church. He is also identified with the Rochester Club and Rochester lodge, No. 660, F. &. A. M.
CHRIS ROTH.
Chris Roth, who is filling the office of road com- missioner in the town of Hamlin and also gives his attention to general farming interests, owns and cultivates a good tract of land of fifty acres. His life record began in Germany on the 28th of December, 1858, his parents being Joseph and Sophia (Russ) Roth, who were likewise natives of that country, born in 1829 and 1828 respectively. They were married in 1855 and became parents of four children, all of whom were born in Ger- many.
The educational privileges which Chris Roth received were quite limited, although for a brief period he attended the district schools of the town of Hamlin. At the age of thirteen years he started out in life on his own account as a farm laborer, working at a salary of eight dollars per month. He was employed in that way but with a constantly increasing wage for fourteen years
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and during the last year was paid twenty-six dol- lars per month.
Mr. Roth was then married and began oper- ating a farm on shares. It was on the 15th of September, 1879, that he was jomed in wedlock to Miss Alvena Bower, who was born in Germany, September 15, 1859. They have a daughter and son: Jennie, born November 26, 1886; and John, born June 19, 1888.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Roth began farming, cultivating a tract of land on shares, his time and energies being thus occupied for six years. During that period he saved his earnings above and beyond the amount demanded for the actual necessities of life and with what he was thus able to save he bought the farm upon which he has since made his home. He owns fifty acres of land devoted to the cultivation of various crops and he also has four acres planted to apples, usually gathering good crops from his orchard, for this is one of the finest apple-raising districts in the entire Union.
In his political views Mr. Roth is a republican, stanchly endorsing the principles of the party. In 1904 he was elected road commissioner and is still filling that position-a fact which indicates his capability and his fidelity in the office. He belongs to the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and to the German Lutheran church and his life in its various phases has been an honorable and upright one, bringing to him not only a fair measure of success, but also the respect and trust of his fellowmen.
WILLIAM H. SULLIVAN.
William H. Sullivan, attorney at law of Roch- ester, was born in the town of Greece, Monroe county, August 25, 1862. His parents were Charles and Sarah E. (Bonestee]) Sullivan, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of New York. The father became an early settler of Mon- roe county and engaged in business as a cigar manufacturer.
At the usual age William H. Sullivan became a student in the public schools and subsequently attended the Rochester Free Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of 1882. It was his desire to enter professional life and, making choice of the law, he began study in the office and under the direction of his brother, Henry J. Sullivan. He closely applied himself to the mas- tery of the principles of jurisprudence and follow- ing his admission to the bar in 1885 he joined his brother in a partnership. After a short time. however, this relation was discontinued and Mr. Sullivan has since been alone, engaged in general practice. He has concentrated his time and en-
ergies upon the profession and has steadily ad- vanced through that close application and un- faltering diligence which are as necessary to snc- cess at the bar as in any other calling in life.
Mr. Sullivan is a member of Yonnondio lodge, A. F. & A. M., and likewise of the Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is a democrat, but has never been particularly active in the party, pre- ferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness. The fact that he has always remained a citizen of the county is proof of the attractive- ness of this section of the state as a place of resi- dence. Many of the native sons of Monroe connty have remained within its borders, enjoying the op- portunities here offered and the chances for busi- ness advancement.
BLAINE J. SNOOK.
Blaine J. Snook, who since 1897 has been en- gaged in the produce business in Walker, was born in this county on the 24th of November, 1877, be- ing one of the six children of Charles J. and Martha D. (Fancher) Snook. The father's birth occurred in Oneida. Madison county, New York, in 1848, while the mother, a native of Merrills- ville, New York, was born in 1850. They were married at Clarksville, this state, in 1868, and unto them have been born six children, namely : Lnev, born in 1870; W. G., in 1822; Maud, in 1845: Blaine J., November 24, 1877: Rufus, October 24. 1879 ; and Carl L., April 12, 1883.
The children were educated in the district schools of the town of Hamlin and no event of special importance occurred to vary the routine life of Blaine J. Snook in his boyhood and youth. He worked in field and meadow and when he de- cided to engage no longer in general agricultural pursuits he turned his attention to the grocery business, with which he was connected for eigh- teen months. Since 1897 he has conducted a produce business in Walker, starting in that enter- prise alone and so continuing for eight years or until 1905, when Myron E. Blossom was admitted to a partnership under the firm style of Snook & Blossom. They have a dry storage with a capacity for seven thousand barrels, also own a grain eleva- tor, coal sheds and lumber yards. They ship about twenty-five thousand barrels of apples each fall, together with fifty carloads of peaches and great quantities of pears and quinces. The firm are the leading shippers of Walker, their business constantly growing, and in addition to his com- mercial interests Mr. Snook also owns a farm in Hamlin of one hundred and thirty-five acres, of which thirteen acres is devoted to orcharding, six acres being planted to apples and seven acres to pears. The farm is beautifully and conveniently
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located on the lake shore about three and a fourth miles from Walker, and unto its further develop- ment and improvement Mr. Snook gives personal supervision.
On the 5th of January, 1894, occurred the mar- riage of Blaine J. Snook and Miss Bertha A. Lewis, who was born February 12. 1879. They have two sons, W. H. and James, born June 12, 1895, and June 1, 1896, respectively.
In his political allegiance Mr. Snook is a re- publican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Freewill Baptist church. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, No. 779, at Hil- ton, and is regarded in his home community as an enterprising, progressive citizen, actuated by the spirit of progress in all that he does. He has made steady advancement in business life and his success is therefore well merited.
HIRAM A. SHAW.
Hiram A. Shaw is a man to whom is being en- trusted important public service, and the record which he has made in the past eight years as road commissioner is one which commends him to the good will and esteem of his fellow-men, for he has proven himself a most acceptable incumbent in the position. He is a native son of New York, his birth having occurred in Ontario county in 1860, and he was a little lad of only five years when. in 1865. he accompanied his father, Addi- son Shaw. to Monroe county, the family home be- ing established on the farm which is now the home of our subject. The father was here en- gaged in farming for three decades, or until his death, which occurred in 1895, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years. The wife and mother passed away when the son was quite a small hoy, and she bore the maiden name of Mattie Hall.
Hiram A. Shaw was reared to farm life, assist- ing his father in the operation of the homestead property, and during the winter seasons he pur- sued his studies in the public schools. Upon the death of his father he came into possession of the farm, comprising twenty-six acres of well im- proved and valuable land, being located on sec- tion 62, Brighton township. Here he continued the work which had been begun by his father and for a long period was identified with the cultiva- tion of the land, but is now renting the same. for his public duties demand his entire time and attention. Eight years ago he was elected to the office of road commissioner, and by re-election has continued in that position to the present time. He is proving his capability in this direction, for the highways of this section of the county are kept
in most excellent condition. The money neces- sary for carrying on the work is furnished by assessment of each individual resident, which amounts to twenty-five hundred dollars, this being increased by an appropriation of twelve hundred and fifty dollars by the state. Mr. Shaw has un- der his supervision the work of ditching and he has also had erected two large stone arches, one on East avenue and a second on Creek road. During the summer months he employs several men and teams and looks after the improvement of seventy- eight miles of road. He is capably managing the duties of the office, and in his expenditures is careful and systematic and through his economy has saved from the appropriation made for his particular office the sum of nineteen hundred and fifty dollars. He has likewise served as collector and as an advocate of republican principles takes a most active and helpful part in all public af- fairs. He is justly accorded a prominent place among the officials of Monroe county, for he be- longs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit but also for the advancement of the general good and public prosperity.
On the 1st of February, 1889, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Brav, a daugh- ter of Patrick Bray, an early settler of Rush town- ship, where he followed farming pursuits. By their marriage they have become the parents of a son and daughter, Raymond and Ethel, both un- der the parental roof. The family are highly es- teemed in their home locality, where they have a host of warm friends.
FRANK E. BARNES.
The name of Barnes has been closely associated with the business interests of Brighton through- out a long period, the family having been estab- lished here at a very early day, when the paternal great-grandfather of our subject, Isaac ยท Barnes, came to this place from the state of Massachu- setts, the year of his arrival being 1815. He was horn in the old Bay state of English ancestry and by trade was a miller and millwright. Upon lo- cating in Brighton he purchased property on Al- len's creek and erected a mill, which was the sec- ond enterprise of this character in Monroe county. IIe likewise purchased a tract of timber land comprising two hundred acres and was closely identified with the development and up- building of the new town on North street, which was named Tyrontown. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Foote and was a native of Berk- shire, Massachusetts. Both died in Brighton.
Charles Milo Barnes, son of Isaac Barnes, and the grandfather of our subject, was a native of
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West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, born May 5, 1811, and was a little lad when brought to Mon- roe county by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Barnes. He also in early life learned the mill- er's trade, and for many years was engaged in the conduct of a mill with his father in Brighton. Later he was also the owner of a mill at Penfield and conducted a sawmill on Irondequoit creek at an early day. He donated the stone to the Pio- neer Society, which was used in the erection of the courthouse at Brighton, and took a very active interest in public affairs, having served for twen- ty-six years as justice of the peace at this place. In 1849, however, at the time of the gold excite- ment on the Pacific coast, he made his way to Cal- ifornia and there remained for three years. Po- litically he was a whig, but after the republican party was formed he joined its ranks and sup- ported its principles throughout the remainder of his life. He wedded Hannah Maria Palmer, who was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, July 11, 1813, a daughter of Captain Roswell Palmer, who was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and at the early age of sixteen years was taken prisoner on the famous "Jersey," but was taken off by a Scotch physician the day before it was sunk. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Milo Barnes became the parents of a son and daughter, Charles P. and Fanny M., the wife of H. B. Strowbridge, of East Brighton. Mr. Barnes passed away December 16, 1884, when he had reached the age of seventy-three years, and subsequent to his death his widow returned to her native place and there passed away in less than a year, her death occurring November 4, 1885.
Charles P. Barnes, the father of our subject, was born in Stockbridge, Berkshire county, Mas- sachusetts, March 10, 1843, but at an early age he came to Monroe county, where the greater part of his life has been passed. He acquired his educa- tion in the public schools of Brighton, Penfield and Rochester, and for a time pursued his studies in the Long Island high school. He, too, learned the milling business with his father, with whom he was associated for some time, but even- tually he operated a mill on his own account. At one time he went to California, where he was en- gaged in an enterprise of this character, and after returning from the west established a mill at Rochester, New York, but returned once more to Brighton, where he was appointed postmaster un- der President Mckinley's administration and was reappointed to the office by President Roosevelt. In 1906 the office was changed to a substation and three rural routes were established, Mr. Barnes now acting as superintendent of the bnsi- ness. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Mary Waldron, who was born, reared and edu- cated in Rochester. They were married in 1868, and are parents of four sons and a danghter, namely: Frank E., of this review; Harry P., a
telegraph operator in the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company; Clarence W., who is running a block system at Sand Cut; and Charles M. and Bessie ME., twins, the former a machinist. The father is a public-spirited citizen, ever tak- ing an active interest in public affairs, having served for eight years as justice of the peace, while he likewise filled the office of collector and inspector of elections. He gives his political sup- port to the republican party and fraternally is identified with Penfield lodge, No. 154, A. F. & A. M., and Toronto lodge, I. O. O. F., at Roches- ter.
Frank E. Barnes, the immediate subject of this review, was born in Pennsylvania in 1872, while his education was acquired in the public schools of Brighton. Like other members of the family he possessed a taste for the milling business and learned the same under the able direction of his father, following that pursuit until 1900, when he disposed of his milling interests and engaged in the wholesale and retail grain, hay and feed business, with which he has been connected to the present time. He also deals in flour, and is lo- cated on the line of the New York Central Rail- road, which furnishes excellent shipping facilities. He possesses excellent business ability and execu- tive force and has brought his business to a point where it has become one of the leading enterprises of this character in this section of Monroe county. His success, too, is well merited, for it has come to him only through most honorable and straight- forward business methods.
In 1895 occurred the marriage of Mr. Barnes and Miss Marguerite Pooler, who was born in Pittsford, Monroe county, a daughter of J. B. Pooler, a harness dealer of that city. They oc- cupv a pleasant home in Brighton and are popu- lar in social circles, having a host of warm friends, gained by reason of their genial and cordial dis- positions.
Mr. Barnes follows in the political footsteps of his father and grandfather, giving his stalwart support to the men and measures of the repub- lican party. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America.
HENRY D. McNAUGHTON.
Henry D. McNaughton, ex-county clerk of Monroe county, residing at No. 242 Oxford street, Rochester, was born in Mumford, and has always been a resident of the county. He represents one of the pioneer Scotch families who settled in the towns of Wheatland and Riga a century ago. He was reared in this county, and a life of activity and honor has won for him the respect and un- qualified confidence of his fellowmen. He is
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
perhaps best known to the public in relation to the office of county clerk, in which he has had more experience than any other resident of Rochester or Monroe county. He held the posi- tion of deputy county clerk for a number of years and so popular did he become in consequence of his faithful and capable service that in 1882, upon the urgent solicitation of his friends and many of the members of his party, he concluded to ac- cept the democratic nomination. At that time the republican majority was about four thousand in Monroe county, and the party put up a strong candidate for the position of county clerk. That Mr. McNaughton was much stronger and more popular is indicated by the fact that he received the very flattering majority of twenty-two hun- dred. Never were the duties of county clerk more faithfully and satisfactorily performed than dur- ing the three years of his administration, and he was urged to again become the candidate for the position. He declined to do so, however, for at that time he was deeply interested in the scheme of bringing the Lehigh Valley Railroad to Roches- ter. In fact, he was the first man to make this suggestion and was the most active local promoter of the enterprise. He has, moreover, been a factor in the development of a number of interests which have had direct bearing upon the progress and prosperity of Rochester and at the present time he holds the responsible position of trustee of a large estate. He is a man of unquestioned hon- esty and clear-headed practical ability, added to wide knowledge of affairs, especially in city and county.
When Mr. McNaughton retired from the office of county clerk he received most flattering notices from the press. The Rochester Daily Union and Advertiser said: "Today Henry D. McNaugh- ton retires from the office of county clerk. Pub- lic opinion is unanimous that Mr. McNaughton has been a faithful and capable officer, and that during the three years of his incumbency the af- fairs of the office have been exceptionally well per- formed. Long service in the office, before his election to the clerkship itself, added to natural aptitude for careful and methodical work, ad- mirably fitted him for the intricate and respon- sible duties of the position ; and he has served the public therein with rare fidelity and acceptance. His worth as a man, his exemplary private life and his fidelity as a public officer are shown in the fact that people of all parties now unite in com- mending his administration." The Rochester Morning Herald, in commenting on Mr. Me- Naughton's retirement, said: "He has been espe- cially painstaking not only during his term of three years as clerk, but for the preceding nine years, when he was a remarkably efficient deputy. Earnestness and fidelity always characterized his work and contributed to his success." Equally
favorable editorials were written by other papers. In 1897 he again became a candidate for the of- fice, at which time the Rochester Morning Herald said: "Mr. McNaughton is a man of high execu- tive and business ability, of unquestioned honesty, clear-headed and conservative; added to this is a wide acquaintance with city and county matters, and the former experience of many years' service in the office. Add these qualifications to the per- sonal popularity and extended acquaiantance of the man and he becomes a most strong candidate." In the fall of 1907 he was the candidate on the democratic ticket for the position of comptroller for Rochester.
Mr. McNaughton was married in 1873 to Miss Clara V. Sloan, of Erie, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Rochester lodge, No. 660. He is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with Clan McNaughton. The "McNaughton clan" has never been disgraced by him, and this is praise enough for any man with such a sturdy, sterling, incorruptible, honest ancestry. Indeed he has displayed many of the sterling characteris- tics of the Scotch race, and in every relation of life has been found true to the trust reposed in him. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served as second lieutenant in Company C, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery.
RICHARD CUTTS SHANNON.
Richard Cutts Shannon, a descendant of Na- thaniel Shannon, who settled in Boston in 1687, was born in New London, Connecticut, February 12, 1839, the son of Charles Tebbets and Jane Randell (Stanwood) Shannon, and was educated at the public schools and Waterville (now Colby) College, which he entered in 1858. At the out- break of the Civil war, in response to the call of the president for troops, he abandoned his college studies and enlisted, May 10, 1861, as a private in Company H, Fifth Maine Volunteers, and was appointed 2d sergeant.
In October, 1861, he was promoted 1st licu- tenant of his company; frequently acted as ad- jutant of the regiment, and in March, 1862, was appointed aide-de-camp on the staff of Brigadier General H. W. Slocum, commanding the brigade.
During the Peninsula and Maryland cam- paigns of 1862 General Slocum commanded a division of the Sixth Army Corps, and Lieutenant Shannon continued to serve with him as aide-de- camp, participating in the battles of West Point, Gaines' Mill, Charles City Cross Roads. South Mountain and Antietam, receiving honorable men- tion in the official reports for his services.
MARTHA ANN GREENOUGH-SHANNON.
RICHARD CUTTS SHANNON.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
In October, 1862, he was promoted captain and assistant adjutant general of volunteers, and as- signed to duty with the Twelfth Army Corps; was taken prisoner in the battle of Chancellors- ville, May 3, 1863, but exchanged in time to be present the following month at Gettysburg, serv- ing on the staff of General Slocum, commanding the Twelfth Army Corps.
Shortly after the close of the Gettysburg cam- paign, having reported in person to the war de- partment, he was assigned to duty at the recruit- ing station on Rikers Island, New York harbor ; and when later the station was moved to Hart Island, served there also as adjutant general of the post.
During the final campaign of the war, in 1865, he served with the Twenty-fifth Army Corps be- fore Richmond. In June, 1865, he accompanied the corps to Texas as adjutant general of one of its divisions, and remained there until the close of the year, when, at his own request, he was relieved from further military duty and ordered to proceed to the place of his residence, where he was "hoorably mustered out of the service of the United States" by special order No. 60, War Department, Adjutant General's Office, dated Feb- ruary 10, 1866-receiving subsequently the bre- vets of major and lieutenant colonel for his ser- vices.
In 1871 he was appointed by President Grant secretary of the United States Legation to Brazil. In the exercise of his duties he twice acted as Charge d'affaires, ad interim.
In August, 1874, he visited Europe on leave of absence; and having resigned from the diplo- matie service in March, 1875, devoted himself to the study of tramway concessions in France, for which purpose he remained in that country until the end of 1875, when he returned to Rio de Janeiro and took charge of the Botanical Garden Railroad Company, an American enterprise, of which, after the death of Mr. Charles B. Green- ough, its founder and first president, he became the vice president and general manager, and fin- ally the president.
Returning to the United States in 1883 he pur- sued the course of law study at Columbia Univer- sity, and in 1886 was admitted to practice at the New York bar. During the years 1886-87 he made a tour of the world; and on the 19th of September, 1882, married, at St. Paul's church, Knightsbridge. Hyde Park, London, Martha Ann Greenough, widow of Charles B. Greenough, and the daughter of Silas and Rhoda (Scoville) Spaulding, of Clarkson, New York.
In 1891 Colonel Shannon was appointed by Fresident Harrison envoy extraordinary and min- ister plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republics of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Salva- dor, and served until May, 1893. In 1892 he re-
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