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 89
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
Dr. Roe was married in 1894 to Miss Jennie Pomeroy, a representative of an old and prominent family of Troy. Pennsylvania, and they have one daughter, Janet Pomeroy Roe.
WENZEL HAUBNER.
We count it worthy of note when an American citizen rises from a humble position to one of prominence. How much more noteworthy is it, then, when a man of foreign birth gains success and distinction in this country, who when he starts out he is hampered by a lack of a knowledge of the language, the customs, the manners and the business methods of the people. Wenzel Haub- ner, however, overcoming all difficulties and ob- stables in his path, has made steady advancement toward the goal of prosperity and is now a well known representative of industrial life in Roch- ester, where he is engaged in business as a manu- facturer of show cases under the name of the Century Show Case Works.
He was born in Germany on the 12th of Octo- ber, 1865. His father, John Haubner, who was a baker by trade, is deceased. In the schools of his native country Wenzel Haubner acquired his edu- cation and afterward learned the cabinet-making trade. He was a young man of about twenty-one years when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. The favorable reports which he heard concerning busi- ness opportunities in the new world proved allur- ing and with the hope of enjoying better advan- tages on this side the water he made his way to New York and thence came to Rochester. Here he sought employment in the line of business with
1428
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
which he had become acquainted in his native country and for ten years was with the Hayden Company. He was afterward with the Rochester Show Case Works as superintendent for seven years, after which he became connected with the present company, which was established in March, 1904, and incorporated under the laws of the state. Mr. Haubner is now president and Howard Schenck treasurer. They own a large plant at Nos. 16 and 18 Ward street and furnish employ- ment to twenty-five men in the manufacture of show cases, for which they have a ready sale. When he first came to the United States the salary which he secured was small and the position he occupied was insignificant but, like many other brainy, energetic young men who came to this city in the day of small things and have since left their impress upon its splendid development, he did not wait for a specially brilliant opening. In- deed, he could not wait, and his natural industry would not have permitted him to do so even if his financial circumstances had been such as to make it possible. His mental and physical activity- the only capital that he brought with him into the new world-combined with his limited financial condition to make immediate employment a neces- sity. At that time he showed conspicuously the traits of character that have made his life brilliant- ly successful. He performed all the duties that devolved upon him conscientiously and industri- ously and thus he won advancement, with its pro- portionate salary, that in the course of time made it possible for him to engage in business on his own account. Since that time his rich inheritance of energy and pluck has enabled him to turn de- feats into victory and to win most gratifying suc- cess.
Mr. Haubner was married in 1887 to Miss Clementine Baumgartner, a native of Germany, and unto them have been born seven children. Mr. Haubner is a member of the Catholic Mutual Ben- evolent Association and of the Knights of St. John, also the Holy Family church. His political views are in accord with republican principles, hut. at local elections, where no issue is involved, he casts an independent ballot.
REV. JOHN P. SCHELLHORN.
Rev. John P. Schellhorn, rector of the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was born in Roch- ester, February 3, 1872. He was educated in the parochial schools and St. Andrew's Preparatory Seminary prior to entering upon more advanced courses of study. In 1891 he was sent to St. Jo- seph's Provincial Seminary at Troy, New York, where he acquainted himself with philosophy and elementary theology during a two years' course.
When St. Bernard's Seminary opened in 1893 he returned here to complete his theological studies and was ordained to the holy priesthood on the 30th of May, 1896.
Soon afterward Father Schellhorn received the appointment as assistant rector of St. Michael's church, where he remained for eight years, and in 1904 he was appointed rector of a new parish that was formed in the northern section of the city. Since his appointment he has built the church and school hall, which are joined in a combination building, and the rectory. There are now more than three hundred pupils in attendance at the school, and under his charge the parish has en- tered upon an era of rapid and substantial growth, having almost doubled its membership during the past two years.
ALBRECHT VOGT.
Albrecht Vogt is proprietor of the Vogt Coach Lace & Manufacturing Company, and an officer and director in various other important manufac- turing and financial concerns of Rochester. In his present business connection he has developed an enterprise of large proportions, it being one of the important manufacturing interests of the city, fur- nishing employment to two hundred and fifty skilled operatives in the manufacture of trimmings for carriages, hearses, caskets, etc. Recently there has been added a department for the manufacture of elastic suspenders and garters. The business oc- cupies large buildings on St. Paul street, where the enterprise was established in 1876. The plant is owned by Mr. Vogt and his has been the directing mind and the management that has developed this enterprise from small proportions to one of the most important industrial concerns of the city. He has labored to secure maximum results with minimum effort, which constitutes the basis of all success. This economizing of forces is one of the strongest elements in the business world today and Mr. Vogt has thoroughly acquainted himself with the best methods for the conduct of a business that has now reached mammoth proportions.
This, however, by no means represents the ex- tent of his commercial and financial interests. He is a director in the Rochester National Bank, the Rochester German Insurance Company, the Standard Brewery, the Standard Sewer Pipe Com- pany and ten or twelve other companies which have bearing upon the commercial activity and consequent prosperity of the city and at the same time are proving to him a source of gratifying profit.
Mr. Vogt belongs to F. R. Lawrence lodge, F. & A. M., is also a member of the Third Presbyterian church, and of the Rochester Club and the Gen-
1429
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
esee Valley Club. In politics he is a republican and is deeply interested in musical matters, being an accomplished amateur musician and taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the musical culture of the city.
MOSES B. SHANTZ.
To attain leadership in any avenue of business or field of activity indicates the possession of a master mind and superior qualities. It is proof of excellent executive ability and the power to co- ordinate and harmonize forces, to recognize and utilize opportunities and to progress beyond the point that others have reached. We are led to this trend of reflection in contemplating the life work of Moses B. Shantz, who is now at the head of the most extensive button manufactory of the country.
He was born in Berlin, Canada, August 24, 1852, representing old families of that section of the country. His great-grandfather, with many others, fled from Switzerland to the new world in 1737 because of the remorseless persecution which his sect, the Mennonites, suffered at the hands of the Swiss government. Like the Friends, or Quakers, the Mennonites were opposed to resist- ance through the force of arms and therefore sought religious liberty in Pennsylvania, set- ling in or near Philadelphia. They were induced
to locate there through the influence of William Penn and also because the king of England had exempted from the military duty and the swearing of oaths the Friends, the Dunkards and the Men- nonites, who were also given liberty to worship after the dictates of their conscience.
The family remained in Pennsylvania until 1810, when Jacob Shantz, the grandfather of M. B. Shantz, removed to Canada. He traveled through the Genesee country, passing through for- est and brush where the city of Rochester now stands. On this trip he was accompanied bv Colo- nel Nathaniel Rochester, who subsequently became the founder of the Flower City. Jacob Y. Shantz, the father of our subject, was for a long period an active and influential factor in the colonization of some of the remoter parts of Canada, taking an active part in the development of the northwestern section of that country. He was instrumental in inaugurating a tide of immigration in 1873. soon after the visit of several delegates from Rus- sia. In 1874 there arrived in Manitoba eighteen hundred colonists, which number was increased to four thousand in 1875. Within three years Mani- toba had become the home of nearly eight thou- sand Mennonites, members of thirteen hundred and forty-three families, who fled from Russia to escape the laws which conflicted with their re-
ligious doctrine. Most of these were of German birth, however, having left Germany for the same reason and sought a home in Russia. The sum of ninety-four thousand two hundred dollars was ap- propriated by the Canadian government and thir- ty-four thousand dollars more by the people of Manitoba for the purpose of assisting the settlers, nearly all of whom were in straightened financial circumstances. Mr. Shantz's position in public regard is indicated by the fact that he was given full control of this money. He lived to see the colonists prosper, while he became ranked among the foremost benefactors of the country. He mar- ried a daughter of Mr. Biehn, who settled in Can- ada in 1804.
M. B. Shantz was a student in the common sehools of Berlin, Canada, and afterward attended the Hamilton Business College. He then entered the employ of his father as bookkeeper and mana- ger and filled that position for several years. In the meantime he gained practical knowledge con- cerning the manufacture of buttons, his father, J. Y. Shantz, owning the Dominion Button Works of Berlin, and in 1886 he went to Buffalo to take charge of a button factory in that city, which was a branch of the Berlin business. Disposing of his interest in the Buffalo business in 1887, Mr. Shantz came to Rochester and established a fac- tory on Water street. For twenty years he has been thus associated with the industrial life of the city and his business has increased to most grati- fying proportions until it exceeds that of any other enterprise of similar character in the entire coun- try. In 1891 the business was incorporated under the name of the M. B. Shantz Company, with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, the founder becoming the president, with H. E. Welcher as vice president, and H. K. Elston, secre- tary and treasurer. In addition to the conduct of the largest industries of their kind in America at Rochester, they have established branch sales rooms in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. Larger quarters have had to be secured from time to time in order to meet the increasing demands of the trade and the factory is now a splendidly equipped plant, supplied with all modern machinery and de- vices for the successful conduct of the business. Its prosperous condition is attributable in very large measure to Mr. Shantz, who brought to bear in the work a practical knowledge and long experi- ence when he opened his establishment in Roches- ter. In its enlargement and control he has kept pace with the modern business spirit and his close conformity to a high standard of commercial ethics has led to the adoption of business principles which neither seek nor require disguise.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Shantz was married on the 7th of December, 1875, to Miss Veronica Bingeman, a daughter of Jonas Bingeman, of Waterloo county, Ontario, Canada.
1430
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
They have seven children, J. Edgar, H. Elizabeth, J. Alson, Vera M., Katie Irene, Marshall B. and Harold E.
Mr. Shantz in the prime of life is occupying a most enviable position in commercial circles. He is a man of firm principles, of upright character, maintaining justice in his relations with employes and patron's, while in social circles he is known as a gentleman of culture and refinement, his sincere cordiality wining him popularity among his friends.
REV. GEORGE HERBERT DRYER, D. D.
Rev. George Herbert Dryer, of Rochester, pre- siding elder of the Genesee conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born in Mendon, New York, December 15, 1849. His paternal grandfather, Samuel Dryer, was born in Stock- bridge, Massachusetts, in 1796, and came to Mon- roe county in 1832. After residing here for sev- eral years amid the early residents of Rochester he removed to Jonesville, Michigan, in 1840, and there died in 1878.
His son, Orin C. Dryer, was a native of Mont- pelier, Vermont, and when a youth of eight years accompanied his parents to western New York in 1832. He pursued his education in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and following his marriage purchased a farm at Mendon, where he lived for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to a farm at Rush, which had been taken up from the government by his wife's uncle, Philip Price, and upon that place lived from 1853 until 1882. He next removed to Honeoye Falls, where he was engaged in business from 1882 until 1893 as a dealer in coal and produce. He after- ward located at South Lima, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1895. It was in 1849 that he married Adaline S. Stull, a daughter of Jacob Stull, a native of Maryland, who at an early period in the development of western New York came to Rush with a company of forty, including his wife's father, mother and the family. This was in 1801. Jacob Stull de- cided not to locate at Rochester owing to the marshy condition of the land about the falls and therefore removed ten miles south to Rush. In his family were seven sons and six daughters, of whom Mrs. Dryer was the youngest. It will thus be seen that Dr. Dryer is descended from some of the oldest and most prominent families of Monroe county and he is now president of the Price-Stull- Martin-Sherman Family Association, which holds annual meetings at Rush. He is the eldest of three brothers and one sister, the others being: Charles A., a resident of South Lima ; Otis W., a member of the firm of Fay & Dryer, architects of
Rochester ; and Adelaide M., who is living with her brother Otis.
Dr. Dryer was three years of age when his par- ents removed from Mendon to a point about a half mile east of Rush, settling on a farm. There he aided in the duties and labors that usually fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He worked on the farm until 1867 and taught school in the winter seasons from 1866 until 1869. Desirous, however, of acquiring a more advanced education, he then entered the freshman class and spent two terms in the Genesee College at Lima. He was prepared for graduation in 1871. The following year, how- ever, he went to Syracuse and was graduated in the first class that completed the classical course in the Syracuse University, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Having prepared for holy orders, he joined the East Genesee confer- ence on the 22d of August, 1871, and during the years 1871-2 was pastor of the Methodist Episco- pal church at Scottsburg. In 1873-4 he was pas- tor at Allen Hill and from the latter date until 1877 had charge of the church at Springville. The three succeeding years were spent at North Tona- wanda, at Brockport from 1880 until 1883, at Le- roy from 1883 until 1886 and at Medina from 1886 until 1888. He was then chosen presiding elder of the Niagara district and while holding that ecclesiastical position maintained his resi- dence in Rochester from 1888 until 1894.
Dr. Dryer then went abroad, spending two years in study in the Universities of Berlin and Munich. His work in Germany comprised six courses under Adolph Harnack. In the years 1896 and 1897 he was pastor of the American church at Rome, and following his return to his native land engaged in preaching the gospel at Bates, New York, for two years, while from 1899 until 1900 he was pastor of the West Avenue Methodist Episcopal church at Rochester. Dr. Dryer was instrumental in erecting its house of worship and also of the churches at North Tonawanda and Leroy. these three churches being now valued at one hundred thousand dollars. From 1902 until 1904 he en- gaged in preaching at Wellsville, New York, and has since been presiding elder of the Genesee dis- trict, with residence in Rochester. He has ever been a close and discriminating student of the great truths of Christianity, also of church polity, and has comprehensive knowledge of the church organization, the plans and purposes of Meth- odism.
In 1890 Dr. Dryer published a manual for church officers and in 1903 a history of the Chris- tian church in five volumes. He has, moreover, been a frequent contributor to the Methodist Re- view and the Christian Advocate, while many of his sermons have been published and circulated widely, the seed of truth thus being scattered broadcast and in course of time bringing forth a
1431
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
rich harvest. He is a man of broad, scholarly at- tainments, with natural oratorical gift and is therefore a most forceful, logical and entertaining speaker. He represented the Genesee conference at the general conference in 1888 and was reserve delegate in 1900.
On the 5th of November, 1872, Dr. Dryer was married to Katharine Arabella French, a native of Bath, New York, and a daughter of James and Mary (Ferris) French. Her mother lived to be a centenarian. The home of Dr. and Mrs. Dryer has been blessed with four children: Ruth; Rev. Rol- lin C. Dryer, who is pastor of the Methodist Epis- copal church at Nunda; Gladys, at home; and Charles Gerald, who is a student in the high school in Rochester.
GEORGE H. NEWELL.
George H. Newell, one of the men of strong character and marked individuality, to whom the prosperity and upbuilding of Rochester is attrib- utable in marked degree, was connected with the manufacturing interests of the city for many years, being the owner of the Empire Moulding Works, now controlled by his son, Frank G. New- ell. A native of the town of Roxbury, now a part of Boston, Massachusetts, he was born on the 18th of February, 1828. His parents spent their entire lives in New England. The father was in lim- ited financial circumstances, so that the son was early forced to start out in life and not only pro- vide for his own support, but also assist in the maintenance of the family. He was a student in the public schools of Boston between the ages of six and twelve years and then entered upon his business career, doing any service that would yield him an honest living. He spent his evenings at home, however, reading such books as he could se- cure and thus trying to educate himself. He em- braced every opportunity for advancement along intellectual and business lines, and his ability and fidelity won recognition.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Newell was married in Boston to Miss Rosetta Boutelle, who was born in the vicinity of that city and died in Boston in 1850, only about a year after their marriage. She left a daughter, who is now the wife of Herman S. Searle, who resides at No. 466 North Clinton avenue in Rochester, and who is en- gaged in the real-estate business here.
Following the death of his first wife, George H. Newell continued in Boston for about eight years, but he found it possible to save but little money during that period and in 1858 he came to Rochester with a cash capital of but one hundred
dollars. His financial condition rendered imme- diate employment a necessity and he sought and secured a position in a furniture factory. There his ability soon gained bim promotion and he was made foreman of the factory, serving in that ca- pacity for a few years, during which time he saved all of his earnings possible and was thus enabled to engage in business on his own account. He therefore established the Empire Moulding Works for the manufacture of all kinds of picture frames. The factory at first was very small and its equipment meager. He took up the work of manufacturing extension tables, and after organ- izing the business under the name of the Empire Moulding Works he removed his factory to Front street, where he built and equipped another small plant. A steadily growing business, however, compelled him to erect a large plant, which is now being operated by his son at the corner of Gor- ham and Chestnut streets and East avenue. The growth of his business may be determined from the fact that here he employed three hundred workmen in the manufacture of various products, including frame mouldings, which were shipped throughout the United States. He found an ex- cellent market for the product and continued in business until his death, which occurred on the 8th of June, 1892. As his financial resources in- creased he also extended his labors to the field of real estate operation, made extensive and judicious investments, and became the owner of much valu- able property. He was a trustee in the Rochester Trust & Safe Deposit Company and was also in- terested in two banks in Kansas.
It was after his arrival in Rochester that Mr. Newell was married a second time, Miss Rose Lo- gan, a native of Greece, this county, becoming his wife. She died several years later, and, although (several children were born of that marriage, only two are living, namely: Julia G., the wife of Al- bert M. Marshall, a resident of Duluth, Minne- sota ; and Frank G., who married Miss Florence Chase, of Rochester, and resides at No. 28 Ports- mouth terrace. He is now the president and treasurer of the Empire Moulding Works.
After losing his second wife Mr. Newell wedded Miss Ada A. Russell, a native of Allegany county, New York, and a daughter of Oliver M. and Sarah A. (Brunson) Russell, the former a native of Montgomery county, New York, and the latter of Lockport, New York. Mr. Russell engaged in merchandising in Montgomery and in Pike coun- ties of the Empire state, and traded with the In- dians there in the early days. He afterward re- moved to Allegany conntv. where he engaged in farming until his death. his wife also passing away there. There were two children born of the marriage of George H. Newell and Ada A. Rus- sell. but Emma died at the age of three years and three months. The son, George R., resides with
1432
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
his mother and is an expert draughtsman, who now holds the position of assistant engineer with the Rochester Electric Railway Company.
Aside from his business interests Mr. Newell was closely associated with public affairs and no one more earnestly endorsed the movements and measures tending to benefit and improve the city. For two terms he was a member of the board of education from the fifth ward and he was also a member of the board of park commissioners from its organization. He was likewise a charter mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce, and he greatly rejoiced in all that was accomplished for the in- tellectual, material, political and moral develop- ment of the city. In politics he was a repub- lican where national issues were involved, but at local elections cast an independent ballot. He be- longed to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges of the city and was one of the organizers and an active and interested member of the Rochester Yacht Club, in which he served as commodore for four years. In 1887 he was vice president of the Lake Yacht Racing Association, and the following year was elected its president. Both he and his wife were members of the Central church of the city. In May, 1880, he purchased the large and fine residence at No. 709 St. Paul street, where Mrs. Newell and her son still reside, and in the home are several fine tables and other pieces of furniture that were made by Mr. Newell, for he was himself an expert cabinet-maker, and this en- abled him to carefully direct the labors of the men whom he employed. He was very success- ful in business and worked his way steadily up- ward from a humble financial position to one of prominence and affluence. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, a genius for de- vising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every day common sense, guided by great will power, were his chief characteristics, and throughout the long years of his connection with business life in Rochester he bore an unas- sailable reputation for integrity and business prob- itv.
JOHN WEIS.
John Weis is the only surviving child of Daniel and Margaret (McCready) Weis and is a native of Germany. He acquired his education in his native land but very early in life became one of a party of fifteen young men, including some of the present best known men of Rochester, who left Germany to escape the military service. His first work in this country and this city was for the New York Central & Hudson River Railroad. His native German insight and ability enabled
him to push his way to the front and he later became the wood contractor and subsequently coal ยท contractor for the same company and in addition for the Chicago & Northwestern. It was his duty to furnish wood and coal for fuel and he con- ducted both the Rochester and New York offices. From this start he has accumulated money, and though that was not his primary object, it is an indication of his success in the business world. Mr. Weis married Gertrude Ritzman, who passed away in 1902, leaving a family of five children. In religion he is a member of the Salem church and in politics is independent. In addition to his other business he organized the Rock Casting Company. He has for many years been an important factor in the advancement of the city of Rochester and during that entire time has so conducted all of his affairs as to command the esteem and respect of all classes.
WILLIAM A. STACE.
William A. Stace, a merchant tailor of Roches- ter, was born in London, England, July 6, 1852, and the removal of his parents, William R. and Rebecca (Pratt) Stace, to the new world, made him a resident of the United States in 1854. The paternal grandfather, Ralph Stace, remained in England up to the time of his death, which oc- curred at the advanced age of ninety-three years. The father, after locating in Rochester, opened a merchant tailoring establishment, which he con- ducted until his death in 1874, at the age of forty-nine years, his son William being associated with him during the latter part of this period. His wife died in 1885 at the age of sixty-five years. Both were members of the Baptist church.
As a public school student, William A. Stace acquired his education and when fifteen years of age began learning the tailoring trade under the direction of his father. In 1875 he opened busi- ness on his own account on a small scale and now has one of the largest tailoring establishments in Rochester, the standing of this enterprise in com- mercial circles being indicated by the fact that he draws his patronage from among the best citizens. He regards no detail of the business too inessential to claim his attention and gives careful supervision to the work that is carried on-a fact which has contributed largely to his prosperity. He is, moreover, a man of keen business discernment and executive ability. Aside from his mercantile in- terests in Rochester he is interested in a six thou- sand acre ranch in Kansas and is one of the heavy stockholders of the General Railway Signal Com- pany and a director of the Pneumatic Signal Com- pany.
1433
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Mr. Stace belongs to Valley lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Dorie council, R. A. M .; Hamilton chapter, R. & S. M .; Monroe commandery, K. T., and Rochester consistory, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite. His po- litical allegiance is given the republican party and he has membership relations with the Whist Club and the Rochester Yacht Club. Indeed, he is a most enthusiastic yachtsman and has comprehen- sive knowledge of yacht construction, having at- tained some skill as an amateur designer and builder of yachts. Masonry finds him a loyal member, his clubs a popular one, and yet perhaps he is even better known as an enterprising and successful business man, occupying a position of leadership in merchant tailoring circles of the city.
WILLIAM C. GRAY.
William C. Gray, a well known civil engineer of Rochester, New York, was born in this city on the 21st of June, 1851. He was a son of William R. and Julia Maranda (Wynkoop) Gray. the former a native of Scotland, the latter of Pennsylvania. Of the two sons born to this couple only the subject of this sketch survives. The father served at the tailor's trade in Scot- land and when he reached America in 1842 located in Rochester, where he secured employ- ment as a cutter in a tailor shop. He later opened a shop of his own, where he did custom work on a large scale. He died in 1902 at the venerable age of seventy-nine years. His wife, who still survives him, has attained her eighty-second year. She is still living at 33 Pearl street, the house in which they first located when they came to Rochester.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Peter Gray, also of stanch Scotch ancestry. While on a visit to this country he died at the age of ninety-six years. True to the customs of the old world, where one generation after another follows the same trade, we find that he, too, was & tailor. In his family were eleven children, four of whom are now living, the youngest being eighty-seven years of age. The maternal grandfather was Peter Wynkoop, an early settler of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, who married Martha McFarlin. To this couple were born six children, three of whom are now living: Mrs. Alice P. Gates, of
Webster, New York, who is eighty-nine years old; Grisel Ann Wynkoop, aged eighty-four years, who resides in Webster; and Mrs. Julia Maranda Gray, who is now in her eighty-second year.
William C. Gray, reared in Rochester, pursued the public-school course and was afterward grad- uated from the Eastman Business College. He afterward engaged in bookkeeping for a short time and then went to the oil country of Penn- sylvania, where he drilled and dressed tools. Sub- sequently he was a pilot on the Ohio and Alle- ghany rivers, taking lumber rafts down those streams, and for one season was engineer on a mail hoat. He next worked on a tunnel for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, after which he re- turned to the oil and lumber country and dis- posed of his holdings there, coming thence to Rochester, where he engaged with the New York Central Railroad engineering corps on the pre- liminary survey work for its four-track line. Since that time he has followed civil and mechan- ical engineering and has done important work in this connection.
On the 24th of June, 1880, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Alice E. Traver, a daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Matkin) Traver, who are natives of Columbia county, New York, and are now living at the age of more than eighty years. The paternal grandfather was Jacob Traver, a native of Connecticut and a typical "Yankee." Both he and his wife lived to an advanced age and they had a family of five children. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Gray, John Edward Matkin, was of English birth and on coming to America settled in the Empire state, becoming well-to-do in the conduct of his business inter- ests. The father of Mrs. Gray was. a boatman, everywhere known as Captain John Traver. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and a daugh- ter : Edward V., Alice E. and William D. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been born two daugh- ters: Helen and Mariam, the former a graduate mechanical engineer.
Mr. Gray is prominent in Masonry. He be- Jongs to Genesee Falls lodge, No. 502, F. & A. M .; to C. L. Stowell Conclave, Knights of the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine and is puissant sovereign of the latter. He is likewise a charter member of Monroe council, No. 243, R. A. M., while politically he is a republican. Much of his life has been passed in Rochester, where he is known as a capable and enterprising business man, well skilled in his chosen profession.
9707
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.