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 9
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James A. Hinds had but comparatively limited educational privileges. He attended the country schools near Aurora and afterward took up the study of architecture. Later he entered upon the active work of that profession in Aurora, built the old courthouse and many of the other substantial structures of that period which still stand as an evidence of his skill and handiwork. He continued in business there until 1862, when he engaged in the milling business in Aurora, entering into part- nership with a Mr. Gillette under the firm style of Gillette & Hinds. They purchased the Black Hawk mills of Aurora and continued in the manu- facture of flour until 1867, when Mr. Hinds sold his interest in the business and in company with Louis Davis returned to the east, settling in Roch- ester. They purchased what was then known as the Washington mills on Brown's race and were associated there in the manufacture of flour until
the death of Mr. Davis. Mr. Hinds then formed a partnership with William McMillan in the owner- ship and conduct of the Washington mills, which they carried on for several years. The partner- ship was then dissolved and Mr. Hinds was alone in business until 1891. In the meantime, in 1887, the mills had caught fire and burned out. He lost everything, but soon rebuilt. In 1891 a stock com- pany was formed, Mr. Hinds owning the greater part of the stock, and a general milling busi- ness was continued until November, 1900, when the plant was against destroyed by fire. The com- pany then purchased a property on Murray street near the New York Central Railroad, and there built what has always been known as the Corona mills, with J. A. Hinds & Company as proprie- tors. The business is still conducted under this name. It is one of the largest flour mills of Roch- ester and the excellence of its product is unsur- passed. -
On the 1st of June, 1853, in Rockford, Illinois, was celebrated the marriage of James A. Hinds and Miss Eliza J. Norton, a native of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw county, Michigan, daughter of Hoel Buell and Margaret (Cross) Norton. The father was a native of Goshen, Connecticut, of which town the Nortons were among the earliest settlers, the progenitor of the family in America having located there in 1650. Hoel Buell Norton was a carpenter by trade and in 1800 came to Rochester, casting in his lot with its first pioneer residents. He was identified with building operations here for many years and then removed to the west, set- tling in Washtenaw county, Michigan. He pur- chased land near Ann Arbor and was engaged in general farming there for eighteen years. He afterward removed to Rockford, Illinois, where he followed carpentering throughout his remaining days, both he and his wife passing away there.
The home of Mr and Mrs. Hinds was blessed with five children, but only two are now living. The elder daughter is Mrs. Kate L. Walker, wife of William C. Walker, an architect of Rochester. They reside with Mrs. Hinds and have four chil- dren : Fanny, wife of Charles C. Sidell, a traveling salesman for the Corona mills, and they also reside with Mrs. Hinds ; William Warren, who occupies a clerical position at the Corona mills; Helen Ray, at home; and James, who died at the age of two vears. Anna May Hinds became the wife of Major Francis H. Schoeffel, president of the Schoeffel Anto & Livery Company at No. 39 Caledonia ave- nne. They reside at No. 378 Lake avenue and have two children : Marian W. and Malcolm. The three members of the Hinds family now deceased are Frank, Louella May and Wilbur James, all of whom died in infancy. All of the children were born in Aurora with the exception of Mrs. Schoeffel, who was born in Rochester.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
James A. Hinds was in ill health during the last eleven years of his life, and in 1899 suffered a stroke of paralysis, which made him an invalid for four years. This necessitated him giving up all active work in the mills, but he still owned his interests in the business until his demise, which occurred July 25, 1903. He had prospered as the years had gone by and had become a prominent business man of Rochester. His success was due to economy and prudence in his early days and to very careful management in later days, and his career proved what may be accomplished by de- termination and energy in a land where all ave- nues are open and exertion is untrammeled. Both he and his wife were members of the Unitarian church at Rochester and took much interest in its work. That he figured prominently in business circles and was honored as a worthy, reliable man, is indicated by the fact that he was chosen secre- tary and treasurer of the New York State Millers' Association, which position he filled for many years, and was also secretary of the National Mill- ers' Association for several years. In politics he was a democrat, much interested in the growth and success of his party, and for two years was alder- man of the tenth ward. In his family he was de voted to the interests of his wife and children and found his keenest delight in providing for their welfare and happiness. Mrs. Hinds and her chil- dren still own an interest in the mills, and the mother is owner of the home at No. 388 Lake ave- nue, a fine residence property, where she, her chil- dren and grandchildren reside. They are promi- nent socially in the city and have a large circle of warm friends.
PERCIVAL DEWITT OVIATT.
Percival DeWitt Oviatt, attorney at law, was born in the city of Rochester, April 30, 1876, his parents being Wilson D. and Carrie (Hankey) Oviatt, the father also a native of this city and the mother of Canada. The paternal grandfather, Wilson D. Oviatt, was among the early settlers of Rochester, owned one of the first flour mills here, and for some time also manufactured flour barrels. He was an active factor in the material develop- ment, progress and upbuilding of the city and left the impress of his individuality upon its public interests. In the early days he served for some time as chief of police and was always the cham- pion of every movement which worked for law, order and progress. Wilson D. Oviatt, Jr., was for a number of years connected with Vicks' seed house and is now engaged in business as a florist on his own account.
Percival D. Oviatt was educated in the Roches- ter public schools, the free academy and in the University of Rochester, thus passing from grade to grade until he was graduated on the completion of his college course with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1898. He then left his native city to continue his studies elsewhere, becoming a law student in Columbia College of New York city. He was admitted to the bar in 1900 and entered upon the active practice of law in Rochester in 1901. He has since been an active member of the profession here and he belongs to the Rochester Bar Association. His worth as a lawyer is ac- knowledged by a large clientage. He is an earnest and discriminating student, who displays great thoroughness in the preparation of his cases and enters the courtroom well prepared to parry every form of attack. Courts and juries listen to him with attention and he has won various notable victories.
On the 1st of June, 1904, Mr. Oviatt was mar- ried to Miss Helen Louise Moody, of Rochester, and they have one daughter, Helen Jean. Mr. Oviatt belongs to various fraternal and social or- ganizations, including the Delta Psi, the Roches- ter Club, the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He is still a young man, but has already made a creditable record in his law work and un- doubtedly the future holds for him greater suc- cesses.
E. STANLEY RACE.
E. Stanley Race, cashier of the Kent street freight office of the New York Central Railroad, has throughout his entire business life been con- nected with the railroad service and has been located in Rochester since 1874. He was born in Romulus, Seneca county, New York, on the 27th of June, 1844. His father, Whiting Race, was a native of Romulus and for many years lived at Seneca Falls. He carried on business as a lumber and coal merchant to the age of sixty years, when he retired and removed to Rochester. Later, however, he returned to Lockport, where his death occurred. He was a Methodist in relig- ious faith and was a strong advocate of the tem- perance cause, doing all in his power to promote the temperance movement. A good man, his life was very quiet and upright, and his character development was such as to make one esteem and revere him. He married Rebecca Turner, whose death occurred about twelve years ago, when she had reached the age of eighty-five. In their family were twelve children, but only three are living: Mrs. Helen M. Da Lee, of Rochester ;
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Milton, who is excise commissioner of Rochester ; and E. Stanley.
At the usual age E. Stanley Race entered the schools of Seneca Falls and passed through suc- cessive grades until he was graduated from the high school. He has been connected with railway business throughout his active life, first becoming a clerk in the freight office at Lockport when eighteen years of age. Gradually he has worked his way upward until he now occupies a position of trust and responsibility, being cashier of the Kent street freight office for the New York Cen- tral Railway Company at Rochester. The large volume of business here transacted makes the posi- tion one of importance, but his long service and natural talents well qualify him for the duties that now devolve unon him. He has become an expert in his line of railway work and that he is a con- siderate employer is indicated by his popularity with the office force.
In 1866 Mr. Race was united in marriage to Miss Jane E. Lay, of Seneca Falls, and they have one son, Ransom A., who is now engaged in the practice of medicine in Hudson, Michigan. Mr. Race belongs to the North Presbyterian church, in which he is a very active and earnest worker, while for many years he has served as a trustee. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, for he is in hearty sympathy with the principles that constitute its platform. With all the attributes and characteristics of a true gentle- man he has won an excellent record in business and social circles and is much esteemed wherever known, but most of all where best known.
PROFESSOR E. C. COLBY.
Professor Eugene C. Colby, who since 1905 has been state supervisor of drawing and manual train- ing. while for twenty years previous he was con- nected with the Mechanics' Institute of Rochester as principal and one of the leading teachers, has gained a reputation in connection with instruc- tion in industrial art that extends far beyond the borders of the state. He was born in Denmark, Maine, on the 13th of October, 1846, his parents being Samuel C. and Harriet (Day) Colby. His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and he also studied in the village of Den- mark, at Hiram and in the academies at Freiburg, North Bridgeton and Norway, eagerly availing himself of the opportunities for educational ad- vancement. In early manhood he taught school in Hiram, Sebago and Naples, Maine, and soon after attaining his majority went to Cambridge- port, Massachusetts, where he was employed in a wood working shop and later in a piano factory.
About the time industrial drawing schools were established he attended such institutions in Cam- bridge and in Boston, Massachusetts, and in 1874 he entered the Massachusetts Normal Art School in Boston. While pursuing his course there he also taught drawing in the evening school at Cam- bridge and when three years had passed he ac- cepted a position as teacher and supervisor of drawing in the schools of Lawrence, Massachu- setts, where he remained for eight years. Later he became principal of the Mechanics' Institute of Rochester, New York, which was established in that year-1885-for the purpose of teaching art and industrial education. He was principal of the department of industrial and fine arts from the beginning until the department was divided, when he became the superintendent of industrial arts. The department annually has upwards of one thousand pupils under the charge of thirty teachers. After twenty years' connection with the school he resigned his position, to the deep regret of all of the faculty, the pupils and those inter- ested in the school. One of the local papers spoke of him as a tireless worker in behalf of the Me- chanics' Institute and continued : "He is the one who may be said to have brought the Mechanics' Institute through years of struggle and adversity to the period when it became easy sailing for all who identified themselves with the noble work. He was one who did the practical work of organizing the classes and teaching at a time when all looked discouraging and before there was any silver lin- ing to the clouds of difficulty which hovered around the institute. It was a battle royal Mr. Colby fought in the early days and he not only performed the duties of principal and teacher but materially assisted Captain Lomb and his loyal associates in securing patrons and funds to carry on the work. Many people have wondered how it is that in all reports during past years of the working of the institute the name of its most valuable officer has been so seldom seen. No doubt this is due to the innate modesty of Professor Colby, who recoils from publicity and prefers to keep in the background. Public opinion, however, which seldom errs, is fully posted in regard to the inestimable services which have been rendered to the Mechanics' Institute by him and there is a strong feeling among the citizens that he should be recognized and his future in the institute rendered impregnable. Professor Colby possesses all the characteristics necessary in the oversight of multi- farious studies, being cool and dispassionate in his temperament, patient and courteous in his at- titude and endowed with peculiar gifts for im- parting instruction in the various training de- partments of the institute. He is, withal, a man of unspotted character. a Christian gentleman and a true friend. The whole interior arrangements of the Eastman building were planned by Mr.
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Colby and indeed it may be truly said that had it not been for his heroic and faithful devotion and incessant toil since 1885 the Mechanics' In- stitute would never have arrived at that point of perfection as to merit the confidence and mag- nificent generosity of George Eastman."
When twenty years had passed Professor Colby resigned his position in connection with the insti- tute to accept the proferred one-that came to him unsolicited-of state supervisor of drawing and manual training. On the occasion of the com- mencement exercises which marked the close of his twenty years' connection with the school Mr. Ross said: "For twenty years Professor Colby has worked with us honestly, earnestly and with untiring industry, and with a singleness of pur- pose and loyalty to the best interests of our insti- tute that have only been equaled by the work of Captain Lomb. The name of Professor Colby will always be associated with the long years of our severest struggle for existence, and it is greatly to his honor that no suggestion of leaving us ever came until our institute had become an assured success. It is with deep regret on the part of the board of directors that he is leaving us, and he leaves with the respect and friendship of every member of the board and our best wishes for his success in the position he has taken. The insti- tute owes him a debt of gratitude, and his fidelity to its interests will never be surpassed."
During Professor Colby's second year in Rochester the board of education engaged him to establish and supervise the teaching of drawing in the public schools, which work he did for two years in addition to his regular institute work and brought that department of the schools to a high degree of proficiency. He has always been interested in the progress of art education and has been a prominent figure in many educational movements, being closely identified with various teachers' associations. He was the first president of the New York State Art Teachers' Association and was one of the organizers and the first presi- dent of the Rochester Teachers' Association. He has also held other offices in state and national educa- tional associations, is a life member of the New York State Teachers' Association and was its su- perintendent of exhibits for several years. Few men have had his breadth of experience in their special work and few, if any, have had their work more thoroughly endorsed by the educational authori- ties. In his present position as state supervisor of drawing and manual training he makes out the examination questions in drawing and has charge of the marking and rating of papers in Albany. He also instructs teachers in drawing at the teach- ers' institute and is now inspector of the divisions of the department. He also does much institute work and inspects schools in their work in draw- ing and manual training.
On the 18th of July, 1878, Professor Colby was married to Miss Anna C. Holmes, a daughter of Judge Alfred Holmes, of Lockport, New York. He built a fine residence at No. 39 Rutger street, where he and his family are now living. Unto them have been born two daughters and two sons: Alice Harriet ; Frances Maria and Alfred Holmes, both now deceased ; and Eugene Holmes.
Professor Colby has been president of the Rochester Art Club and is a member of the Rochester Society of Artists, while at the present writing, in 1907, he is president of the art de- partment of the National Educational Association. He has gained national distinction in connection with his chosen field of labor, and there is today no man in all the country whose opinions are re- garded more as authority upon the subject of in- struction in industrial art. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Masons, and his interest in the moral development of the community is shown in his membership in the Plymouth Congrega- tional church, in which he is now serving as a member of the board of trustees.
THEODORE J. VOGEL.
Theodore J. Vogel, vice president and superin- tendent of The John Siddons Company of Roches- ter, was born in Prussia, Germany, December 16, 1846, a son of John and Johanna Vogel, also of Prussia. He was seven years of age when he ac- companied his parents to the United States, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel which was six weeks from port to port. The journey was a stormy and perilous one, for cholera broke out among the passengers and over fifty of the number died at sea. On reaching the eastern metropolis the Vogel family at once started for Rochester and for many years the father was a prominent stone contractor of this city, leading a very active and useful life, whereby he contributed to the im- provement of Rochester in a marked degree. He was a member of the Allen Street Trinity church and died in the year 1860.
As a boy Theodore J. Vogel attended the free schools of Rochester, but when still quite young he put aside his text-books in order to provide for his own support and entered the printing business, being connected with the Democrat-Chronicle of Rochester for thirty years, save for a brief period spent in Chicago, during which time he worked at the printer's trade. He left the Democrat-Chronicle office in 1890 and joined The John Siddons Com- pany, of which he is todav vice president and su- perintendent. They conduct the most extensive business in Rochester in roofing and metal work, having a volume of business which enables them to
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THEODORE J. VOGEL.
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HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
furnish employment to many workmen and which brings to them a splendid financial return an- nually. Entering upon active connection with this enterprise, Mr. Vogel made a close study of the business in principle and detail and is now thor- oughly acquainted with the work in every depart- ment, so that he is well qualified for the onerous duties that devolve upon him as superintendent.
In 1870 occurred the marriage of Theodore J. Vogel and Miss Lena Kleindienst, of Rochester, a daughter of Jacob Kleindienst, a pioneer of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel have three children : Carrie, a teacher in public school No. 26; Flora, a stenographer ; and Stella, who is acting as house- keeper for her father, the mother having died in 1892.
Mr. Vogel was initiated into Genesee lodge, No. 3, I. O. O. F., in 1868, and is probably the most prominent Odd Fellow of Rochester. He belongs to Mount Hope encampment, No. 2, is president of the Odd Fellows' temple of Rochester and has entire financial charge of this, taking care of the renting and collections of this important structure, which is an extensive store and office building. He is also a vice president of the Odd Fellows' Home at Lockport, and has held all of the chairs in the lodge and encampment, while at the present writing he is district deputy grand patriarch of Monroe county. His political alle- giance is given to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of political office have had no attraction for him. He is a member of the Brick (Presbyterian) church, in which he takes a most active and helpful interest, contributing gen- erously to its support and doing all in his power for the extension of its influence. Although de- nied extended educational privileges in youth, he has always been a wide reader and is a man of character, who gives deep and earnest thought and consideration to every question bearing upon the general interests of society. In fraternal, church and business circles he has gained many friends, whose high regard he prizes more than wealth, fame or position. He is in its broadest sense a self-made man, being both the architect and build- er of his own fortune and of his own character.
JAMES P. FLEMING, M. D.
Dr. James P. Fleming is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Char- lotte, where he enjoys a large and lucrative prac- tice not only in the city of his residence but also in the surrounding districts as well. He is a native son of Monroe county, his birth having occurred on a farm in Greece township, near Char- lotte, January 12, 1866. His parents, Patrick and
Annie (McShea) Fleming, were natives of Kings county, Ireland, and the father came to Monroe county in the early '50s, while the lady who after- ward became his wife emigrated to the new world about two years after his arrival here. The father was a stonemason and followed that trade in his native land, but after coming to Monroe county was here engaged as a contractor, doing work on the abutment of the old suspension bridge and also on the Erie canal and locks at Lockport. He eventually gave up contracting, however, and pur- chased one hundred and fifty acres of land in Greece township, which he operated until his death, which occurred in 1891, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. His wife survived until 1896, when she, too, passed away, being at that time sixty-nine years of age. Both the father and mother had previously been mar- ried and this marriage was blessed with two daugh- ters and a son : Annie, the wife of R. F. Whalen, a resident of Greece township; James P., of this review; and Katharine, the wife of Joseph Dut- ton, a resident of Lima, Ohio.
Dr. Fleming was reared on the home farm and enjoyed excellent educational advantages. He received his early training in the district schools near his father's home and later finished the high- school course at Charlotte. He then pursued a preparatory course for two years in Brockport Nor- mal and also spent two years in the old Free Academy, at Rochester, and subsequently pursued a Latin scientific course in the University of Rochester, being graduated therefrom in the class of 1892, with the degree of Ph. B. He later en- tered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, being graduated from that institu- tion in 1898 with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. He then entered St. Mary's Hospital at Rochester, where he served for two years as in- terne. Upon the expiration of that period, having been well equipped for practice through practical experience, he located in Charlotte, where he opened an office and has since been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. He has already gained a wide reputation as an able physician and his services are in constant demand, not only in. Charlotte but also in the surrounding districts. In 1906 he was appointed as assistant surgeon on the staff at St. Mary's Hospital. As a member of the County and State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association, he keeps in touch with the progress which is being made by the medical fraternity and is also a member of the Theta Delta Chi, a fraternity of the University at Rochester. He is also identified with the Elks lodge.
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