USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > History of Rochester and Monroe county, New York, from the earliest historic times to the beginning of 1907 > Part 62
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Judge Selden is believed to have first suggested the principal of the homestead exemption law, which modified and fitted to the many exigencies of the time, has long been in force in many states and territories of the Union. Except while on the bench and a year or more in search of health in Europe, Judge Selden continued in the active practice of his profession from 1830 until 1879. when he retired to private life, having devoted almost a half century to the practice of law. While his practice was of such an important char- acter that he was connected with the most promi- nent cases that came before the courts of the state during this period he yet found time to aid in pushing forward the wheels of progress along every line of advancement. He lived in an age when America made rapid strides toward a posi- tion foremost among the great countries of the world, and he left the impress of his individuality upon the general movement. He was particularly active in transmitting telegraphie communications. He witnessed the introduction of this method of electrical writing and was keenly interested in the experiments and successful inventions of Profes- sor Morse. In 1845, associated with Henry O'Reilly, a Rochester journalist, he entered into contract with the patentees and inaugurated a movement that resulted in the organization of th . Atlantic, Lake & Mississippi Valley Telegraph Company, whose purpose was to build a telegraph line forty miles in length between Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Judge Selden was cho- ren president of the company and other stock- holders were: Samuel 1 .. Selden : Jonathan Child, who was the first mayor of Rochester; Elisha D. Ely; Hugh T. Brooks: Micah Brooks; Alvah Strong: George Dawson; John S. Skinner and Harvey Brooks. At a later date the Selden brothers acquired an interest in the New York
and Mississippi Valley Printing Telegraph Com- pany, one of the largest corporations of the globe, thus they were instrumental in extending tele- graphie communications, which has been one of the most potent factors in revolutionizing business life, also having marked influence upon the social and political histories of countries
In 1865, Judge Selden was chosen a member of the state legislature representing the second dis- triet of Monroe county. He labored in that capa- city as modestly and earnestly as if he had neve .: occupied the presiding chair of the state seuate or the bench of the court of appeals. He was again a candidate for the chief judgeship in 1820, al- though it was known that the republican party must suffer defeat. In 1822, he was instrumental in calling together the famous Cincinnati conven- tion, but from that time forward took no active part in political life. Retiring from a long and successful legal practice in 18;9, he lived quietly at the corner of Gibbs street and Grove place in Rochester until his death, which occurred Septem- ber 18, 1885.
The Judge was married September 25, 1834. in Clarkson, to Miss Laura A. Baldwin, a daughter of Dr. Abel and Laura (Smith) Baldwin. Mrs. Selden still survives her husband. They lost five of their children in early childhood. Those who reached maturity are: Julia, wife of Theodore Bacon, of Hochvester; Louise, the deceased wife of General E. S. Otis, of the United States Army : Mary, deceased, who was the first wife of Judge Francis \. Macomber; George Baldwin, a promi- nent attorney: Arthur Rogers; Samuel L., a law- ver who died in early manhood: and Laura H., the wife of William D. Ellwanger, of Rochester. The Selden family are members of St. Peter's church. The two sons. Arthur R. and George B., are vet residents of Rochester, and the former is a most competent and experienced mechanical en- gineer. Both sons were educated in Rochester, and George B. Selden chose the profession of law. He is recognized by the bar of this city as one of the leading patent attorneys, giving his attention to other matters pertaining to the profession also. He has an office in the Arcade block and his client- tage is of a distinguished character. Thus the name of Selden is being perpetuated in connection with the judicial honors of the Empire state and the son is recognized as a worthy scion of his race.
From the time Judge Selden first took up his abode in Rochester he had marked influence upon the public life of the city, an influence that spread until it reached the furthermost parts of the state. A legal paper in speaking of his demise said: "Judge Selden, at the time of his retirement, was the universally acknowledged leader of the bar of western New York. He was a man of broad char- ity and won as much of affection by his kindness of heart as he did of respect and confidence by his
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depth of learning and probity of character. He her nine children, with the exception of one son, Alexander, came to America in 1830.
was a liberal contributor to charitable institutions and officiated as manager of several of them. The life work of the two jurist brothers stands out in bold relief as a noble part of the leading political history of the Empire state, and constitute a source of just pride to every one of its citizens." An interesting reminiscence of Judge Selden can be found in the last edition of Fred Douglass' Autobiography.
While the disposition to do honor to men promi- bent in public life is prevalent among all nations, it is certainly the highest tribute bestowed on man in a land where no one is born to public honor or fame, but must win his prominence and promotion as a result of individual effort, learning, talent and patriotic devotion. Such a history as that of Judge Selden is a matter of state pride and should serve as a source of inspiration and emulation, demonstration how effective are ability, strong de- termination and landable enterprise, but while he was not without that ambition which is so great an incentive to men in public life he ever placed country before party and a general good before public aggrandizement.
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A. B. LAMBERTON.
Not so abnormally developed in any direction as to be called a genius, Alexander B. Lamberton, however, has been one of the most active men of Rochester, identified for many years with its busi- ness interests and its public concerns, nor is he unknown in scientific circles. He is now presi- dent of the park board and in this position as in other instances he has given tangible proof of his interest in and fidelity to those plans and menenres which are promulgated for the publie weal. He in pre-eminently a man of affairs and one who has and is still wielding a wide influence.
A native of Ireland. he was born in Rich Hill, County Armagh, on the 28th of February. 1839. Early records dating from nhont the teuth century show that the family was originally of French descent. The ancestral history of n less remote period gives account of three brothers of the name who emigrated from Scotland and settled in the north of Ireland. in or about 1666. one of the brothers locating in Londonderry county, one in Giant Canseway and the other nearby. Many descendants of the family are yet living in the north of Ireland. William Lamberton, grand- futher of A. B. Lamberton, was born in 1725 and was married in 1802 to Elizabeth Garrick. They settled at Market Hill in County Armagh and there William Lamberton died. His widow and
Alexander Lamberton, father of A. B. Lamber- ton, of Rochester, was born in 1808, acquiring a good education in Ireland, and after aitaining his majority engaged in merchandising at Rich Hill in County Armagh, where he remained until 1839. His mother and the other members of the family had previously come to America and in the year mentioned he, too, crossed the Atlantic. For many years in this country he devoted his life to the ministry of the Methodist church and died in Clinton county, New York, in 1876. Unto him and his wife were born five sons and three daugh- ters: William. George, John, Verner, Alexander B., Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary.
In early childhood A. B. Lamberton was brought to the United States. acquiring his early education in the common schools of New York. Subsequently he improved the higher educational facilities offered in Auburn Theological Seminary and in the University of Rochester. Having de- termined to devote his life to the minis- try. he was for two years pastor of the Tompkins Avenue Presbyterian church in Brook- lyn. New York, but failing health obliged him to abandon his cherished plans and turn his at- tention to business life.
Coming to Rochester in 1864, Mr. Lamberton entered industrial circles here as proprietor of a haberyard and planing mill on the site of the Rochester Honse, at Exchange and Spring streets. For a number of years he continued in the lum- ber trade and has had various other business in- terests, owning at different times much valuable property, as he has improved his opportunities for judicious and profitable investment in city realty. For many years his attention in business lines has been given to the supervision of his invest- ments and he is now well known as a capitalist of Rochester, He has for some time been a men- her of the board of directors of the East Side Sav- ings Bank and is now serving as ite vice presi- dent.
His public service, however, has brought him a still wider nequaintance in his business con- neetion and for many years he has been known as the friend and stalwart champion of every movement and measure that he has deemed bene- ficial to the city. It was throngh his influence that the first swing bridge in the state was built over the canal at Exchange street. At all times unfaltering in his loyalty to his honest con- victions, he accepted the candidacy for mayor of the city, for state senator and member of con- gress when he knew that his party was in the minority and that there was no hope of election. He stood for its principles and it is a matter of general knowledge that nothing can swerve him
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A. B. LAMBERTON.
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from a course that he believes to be right. Never hasty in his judgments, his opinions are the re- sult of careful consideration, formulated by a well balanced mind and his endorsement of any public measure always wins to it a liberal follow- ing among those who rely upon his views as sound and practical.
For a member of years he was one of the man- agers of the State Industrial School, in which con- nection he did important service in promoting this eminently worthy public institution. In about 1900 the legislature passed an act enabling the city to create a public market and Mr. Lamberton succeeded Charles H. Babcock as its president and is now acting in that capacity. On the 8th of June, 1901. he was honored with election to the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce and that his administration was entirely satisfuetory to its members is indicated by the fact that he was offered the presidency for the second term. He refused. however, because it has been the rule of the Chamber of Commerce to elect for but one term. He has done much for the park system the city. having ten elected a park commissioner in 1894. since which time he has served on the board, while in 1902 he gneceeded Dr. Moore as president and has since occupied that position. U'inler his admin- istration the parks have undergone improvements in many directions. Hle was instrumental in es- tablishing the band concerts, a feature which has been greatly appreciated by the poorer people of the city. He brings to hear in the discharge of his duties as president of the park board the same spirit of deep interest and progressiveness that has characterized him throughont his entire life in every work that he has undertaken.
In 1864 Mr. Lamberton was united in mar- riage to Mrs. Eunice B. Husser, a daughter of Charles R. and Eliza Starbuck, of Nantucket, Mas- sachusetts. His wife died March 18, 1898, leaving three daughters: Martha Hussey, of Rochester ; Eunice S., now the wife of Isaae Kaiser, a resi- dent of New York city: and Mary, the wife of Charles A, Hone, living at Bisby Lake, New York.
Aside from social pleasures resulting from his large circle of friends, Mr. Lamberton has found relaxation and alworking interest in field sports and outdoor life. His fishing and hnuting ex- peditions have led him into the most famous game regions of America but it has not been his am- bition to distinguish himself by the more amount of game or fish he conkl bring into camp. He was an early advoente of fish and game protection and of forest preservation, and his contributions to the press on these subjects have been many and interesting. As vice president of the National Association in the protection of game and chair- man of its committee on nomenclature, he wrote
a monograph of uncommon scientific value on game birds, quadrupeds and fish of North Ameri- ca. In 1815 he introduced the first brook trout ar- tificially propagated into the northern woods, hay- ing liberated fifty thousand fry in the Fulton chain lakes. He was one of the first to urge the state to establish a forest preservation in the Adirondacks, and it is now a matter of general regret that his advice was not followed at the time. Mr. Lamberton at once gives the impres- sion of alertness, enterprise and strong force of character. Always courteous and chivalrous, dis- playing deference for the opinion of others, it is vet known that his loyalty to his beliefs cannot be -haken. He regards a public office as a public trust mul at all times holds friendship inviolable.
T. W. DONNELLY.
T. W. Donnelly, who is acting as superintendent of the Monroe Concrete Building Company, is a man of marked business enpacity, his ability and worth being recognized, so that through successive promotions he has attained to his present respon- sible position. Mr. Donnelly is a native son of Brighton, his home city, born April 1, 1865, his parents being Bernard and Mamie ( Fischer) Don- nelly. The father located in Brighton at the time of the building of the canal and in that connection was engaged in teaming.
T. W. Donnelly acquired his education in the public schools of this place and upon putting aside his text-books learned the mason's trade, after which he was employed by Frederick Brothers for a number of years. In September, 1903, the Mon- roe Concrete Building Company of Brighton was formed and Mr. Donnelly began work for them. Hle displayed such skill and knowledge of his trade that the company, recognizing his worth, in due time made him superintendent of the plnut, in which connection he has been engaged for the past vear. The company manufactures all kinds of cement building blocks, ranging in size from four to twenty-eight inches. The business is conducted in a large cement building, constructed expressly for this purpose, and is supplied with all modern equipments and accessories for the successful con- duet of such an enterprise. They employ eighteen men and the output is three hundred and twenty Inrge sized blocks daily, the product of the honse being shipped to various localities and states. The success of the enterprise is due in large measure to the efficient management and supervision of Mr. Donnelly, for he not only possesses a knowledge of the business in principle and detail but also has the ability to capably direct the labors of those under him, and at the same time he has a genial
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and kindly nature, which at once wins the con- fidence and good will of those with whom he is associated. During the short life of the enterprise it has rapidly developed until today it stands among the foremost industrial concerns of Brighton and Monroe county. The officers of the company are: H. J. Howe, president ; William Bassett, vice president : John Cunningham, secre- tary and treasurer; and T. W. Donnelly, superin- tendent.
Mr. Donnelly was united in marriage to Miss Mary Toomey, the wedding being celebrated in 1902. The lady is a native of Brighton and a daughter of Patrick and Mary Toomey, early settlers of this place. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Don- nelly has been born a son, George William, Mr. Donnelly gives his political support to the repub- lican party and holds membership with the Blessed Sacrament church on Monroe avenne.
Both he and hs wife having been born in their home city, are well and favorably known and are deservingly popular among their numerous friends and acquaintances. for they possess those sterling characteristics which everywhere command high regard and esteem, while the business ability of Mr. Donnelly well fits him for leadership in his particular line of activity.
FRANK J. DEFENDORF.
Frank J. Defendorf, postmaster of Barnard since 1876, was horn in Rochester on the 23d of February. 1855, his parents being Elijah and Har- riet (Bevier) Defendorf. The father was a native of the Mohawk valley, and the mother of Ulster county, New York. He at one time owned two boats on the Erie canal and followed boating in his younger years hnt later became a contractor and also owned and conducted a sash and blind factory in Rochester. His last days, however, were spent upon the home farm, where he passed away at the age of eighty-two years. He had three chttdren by his first marriage, while Frank J. Defendorf was one of the five children horn of the second marriage.
The subject of this review was but seven years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Groeve township, where he has since resided. He attended the public schools and worked on the home farm until sixteen years of age, and in 1821 he established the present mercan- tile business at Barnard, conducting a general store for the sale of merchandise and also dealing in produce and farm implements. He has secured a good patronage from the surrounding country and has enjoyed n profitable business through more than thirty-six years.
In politics Mr. Defendorf has been a life long republican and was appointed postmaster at Barn- ard by President Hayes, since which time he has served continuously in this position, with the ex- ception of three years during President Cleveland's first administration. The postoffice is one of the fourth class. It was known first as Handford's Landing and the office was held at the toll-gate, located at the old city line on Burke's Hill, Lake avenue, where it remained until the old plank toll-road was discontinued. The office was then moved to the toll-gate on the Ridge road opposite the seed farm owned by Hleaman Glass and the distribution of letters was made in the private residence of William Glass, father of Heaman Glass. The removal of the office to Barnard was made in 1876. Previous to this time the mail was received by stage. When Mr. Defendorf was ap- pointed postmaster the office paid about fifty dol- lars per year. There are now two rural free de- livery routes, covering all of the south and middle part of the township of Greece and extending into the eastern part of Parma township. When these routes were established it caused the discontinn- ance of the offices at Greece, South Greece (later Ada) and West Greece. The office has almost reached the standard of the third class, the busi- ness having continually increased. In addition to serving as postmaster Mr. Defendorf has been ap- pointed collector for two terms, highway com- missioner three terms and general committeeman of Greece township for several years. He is health officer at the present writing.
In 1882 Mr. Defendorf was married to Miss Alice Intes, a native of Rochester and a daughter of Jolin Lutes, who was at one time mayor of the city hnt is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Defendorf had two children, Fred C. and Flossie, but the daughter died at the age of thirteen years. Mr. Defendorf is well known as a representative citi- zen of this community, in touch with all of its affairs of a publie nature and at all times stands as the champion of those measures and movements which are of public benefit.
ANDREW SPALDING.
Andrew Spalding, who spent his last years in Rochester, was one of the native sons of the Em- pire state. For many years he was a contractor for railroad and highway bridges and throughont his active connection with business interests made his home in Buffalo, He became an expert in the line of building, to which he gave his attention, and many important contracts were awarded him, bringing him a liberal patronage and securing for him a gratifying financial return. He thoroughly
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acquainted himself with the great scientifie prin- ciples which underlie the work and was also thor- enghly conversant with the practical side of ques- tions which continually arose in connection with bridge building. In 1890 he retired and removed to Rochester where he resided until his death which weurred five years later, in 1895.
It was on the 24th of September, 1890, that Mr. Spalding was united in marriage to Mrs. Medora Gridley, nee Carpenter, of New York city, who was born in Morristown. Vermont, and came to Rochester when a little maiden of twelve years. She is a daughter of Calvin Carpenter, who was a manufacturer of machinery. After reaching womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Har- rison C. Gridley, who was in the dry-goods husi- ness in this city for a number of years. Follow- ing his death she became the wife of Mr. Spalding in 1890 and they resided in Rochester, Mr. Spald- ing having previously acquired a goodly fortune and retired to private life to enjoy in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. He purchased a home on Goodman street where they lived until his demise, since which time Mrs. Spalding has become owner of a beautiful home which she now ocenpies at No. 21 Rutgers street.
By his first marriage Mr. Spalding had one daughter, Mrs. Louis Bennett, of Buffalo, New York, who by her marriage is mother of one son, Leslie J. Bennett, manager for the Buffalo Cement Company, limited. By her former murringe Mrs. Spalding had three children but only one is now living. Mrs. I. G. Davis, a widow, who now resides with her mother and has one son, Alexander G. Davis,
Mr. Spalding belonged to the Masonic frater- nity. In his business life he was eminently suc- cessful and as the years passed by advanced to a position on the plane of affluence that enabled him to leave his family in very comfortable cfr- cminstances. Though he resided but a brief period in Rochester he gained many friends here so that his death was deeply regretted omside of his own honsehold where his loss was most keenly felt.
OSBURN E. CHAMBERLAIN.
Osbarn E. Chamberlain. who for many years was employed with the operative department of the New York C'entral Railroad as locomotive engineer but is now living retired, was born at. Westmore- land, New Hampshire, in 1834. He was educated in his native state and came to Rochester in 1855. He took up railroad work, beginning in the capa- city of fireman and thus serving for five years, when he was promoted to the position of engineer and so continned for thirty-four years, having a
passenger run between Rochester and Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He was one of the most trusted and capable employees on that line, having the full confidence of the corporation which he served. In 1894, however. he was injured in a wreck, at which time he retired and has since enjoyed a well earned rest.
Mr. Chamberlain was married to Miss Lucy Up- ton who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and was a daughter of David Upton, a native of New Hampshire, who came to this county and settled at Rochester at an early day. He was a master mechanic with the New York Central Railroad at Rochester. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cham- berlain were born six children, three sons and three daughters: O. E., who is residing in Rochester; Mary B. und Laura M., both at home; John D., an attorney of Rochester ; Lillie M., also at home; and Frank S., who is a student in the University of Rochester.
Mr. Chamberlain exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party, with which he has voted since casting his first presidential ballot for Abrahımın Lincoln. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the degrees of lodge, chapter and consistory, thus becoming a Knight Templar Mason. He is a worthy follower of the craft and is most loyal to the teachings of the order which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. The careful husbanding of his resourers during the many years in which he wns earning a good salary, now makes him the possessor of a comfortable competence and he has a beautiful home at No. 459 Alexander street, where he lives. He has many warm friends, among whom he is popular,
BALTHASAR BULLINGER.
Balthasar Bullinger, whose carefully managed business interests as a grocer of Rochester brought him the success that now enables him to live re- tired, is a native of Germany. He was born in August, 1829, and in this country found the op- portunities he songht and which led him on to affluence. He was reared und edneated in his native country, being a young man of twenty-five years when in 1854 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He arrived in Rochester on the 20th of September of that year and here learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for thirteen years. He was watchful of opportunities and in Jannary, 1868, he availed himself of a chance to engage in the grocery business. He opened a store on Elizabeth and Main streets, where he remained for three years and afterward erected a large busi- ness block on Elizabeth street below his first loca- tion. There he opened a Inrge stock of staple and
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