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 64
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JOHN EVERTS MOREY.
John Everts Morey is the president and general manager of the Evening Times Company, his con- nection with the journalistic interests of Rochester covering a period of a third of a century. Born in this city, November 22, 1856, his parents were John E. and Ann Maria (Smith) Morey, the for- mer a native of Onondaga county, New York, born in 1821, while the latter was born in New London, Connecticut, in 1822. At the early age of eleven years John E. Morey. Sr., started ont in life on his own account and was ever afterward de- pendent upon his own resources for a living. He first learned the printer's trade and was the owner of the Rochester Daily Advertiser when it con- solidate with the Rochester Union in 1856, be-
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WILLIAM EASTWOOD.
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coming the Union and Advertiser. John E. Morey, Sr., continued in the active management of the paper until 1885, when he sold his interests and retired from active business, his death occurring in Rochester on the 11th of September, 1890.
Jolin E. Morey, Jr., was a pupil in private schools of Rochester in early boyhood and prepared for college in the four years' course at DeGraff's Military Academy. He chose the field of journal- ism as the, one in which he preferred to exert his energies and employ his ability, and in 1874 en- tered the office of the Union and Advertiser, of which he beenme part owner in 18;7. In 1885 he sold his interest in that paper and purchased a large interest in the Rochester Herald, assuming its business management. For ten years he was thus connected with that journal but in 1895 sold the Herald to the Democratic Syndicate. In 1901 he purchased the Evening Times, which, as a result of his experienced management, has become an established success. He has filled every position in the newspaper business from press boy to editor and manager.
Mr. Morey was married, February 8, 1877, to Miss Alice R. Gage, and they had one son, Franc G., who died in 1880. Mr. Morey is a member of Frank R. Lawrence lodge, F. &. A. M., the Genesee Valley Club and the Rochester Athletic Club. He has never sought nor held public office, believing a publisher's duty to be one of independence from officeholder's obligations. In the publication of the Times he displays a high standard of journal- ism, having made this one of the leading papers of the city and at all times keeping in touch with the progressiveness which has characterized the field of newspaper publication in the last quarter of a century.
NICHOLAS H. HOY.
The name of Hoy in Monroe county is synony- inous with business integrity and activity. He of whom we write was born in Rochester on the 10th of October, 1832, his parents being Patrick and Lorana Hoy. the former born in Ireland, while the latter was a native of Cherry Valley, New York. The father came from the Emerald isle to the new world and while living at Cherry Valley lost his first wife, after which he was married again. There were three children by the first mar- riage. It was in the first year of the cholera epidemie that Patrick and Lorana Hov removed to Rochester and both died in Penfield. They had three children: Mrs. Julia Johnson, deceased; Nicholas H .; and Mrs. Betsy Perkins, who has also passed away.
Nicholas H. Hoy was but two years of age when his parents removed from Rochester to the town
of Penfield, where he resided until 1870. He then came to the town of Ogden, where he has resided continuously since. When a small boy he learned the blacksmith's trade with his father nt Penfield Center and throughout his entire business career he followed that pursuit, carrying on a sinithy until about ten years ago, when he retired to pri- vate life. The only interruption to his active busi- ness career was caused by his service in defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war. In the spring of 1862 he became a member of Company 1., Eighth New York Cavalry, under command of Captain MeNair of the Army of the Potomac and enlisted as a blacksmith, serving for three years or until discharged at the close of hostilities. Ilis record as a soldier was characterized by bravery in every position in which he was placed and by unfaltering allegiance to the nation's starry banner.
On the 18th of April, 1854, Mr. Hoy was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Ann Balcom, who was born in Penfield, this county, on the 20th of June, 1833, and has spent her entire life in Monroe county. Her parents were Leander and Nancy (Clark) Balcom, natives of Richfield, New York, and of Long Island respectively. They were mar- ried in Orleans county, this state, whither they removed with their parents in childhood days. About 1830 they arrived in Monroe county with three children, while Mrs. Hoy was the only one of the family born here. The others were Mrs. Alzina Holdridge, Mrs. Julia Eldridge and George Balcom, all now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have been born two children: James Eugene. a resident of Spencerport ; and Jennie, the wife of Joseph V. Rogers.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have now traveled life's jour- ney together for fifty-four years and during this long period they have shared with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which come to all, their mutual love and con- fidence increasing as the years have gone by. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church of Ogden Center and Mr. Hoy gives his political support to the republican party, which was the loyal defense of the Union in the dark days of civil strife and has always been the advocate of reform and progress. Somewhat prominent in local political circles, he served as overseer of the por for the town of Ogden for two terms and was assessor for two or three terms. Fraternally he is connected with Martindale post, G. A. R .. and Etolian lodge, No. 479, A. F. & A. M., hoth of Spencerport.
Mr. Hoy is one of the oldest native residents of the county, having for three-quarters of a cen- tury made his home within its borders. Grent in- deed have been the changes which have occurred in this period as Rochester has emerged from vil- lagehood to take on metropolitan proportions,
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while various small towns have sprung up and every department of business activity known to the civilized world has been introduced here, contrib- uting to the wealth, prosperity and upbuilding of the locality. Mr. Hoy remembers distinctly many events and incidents which have left their impress upon the anuals of the county, his life record form- ing a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
LEOPOLD BLOCH.
There are found many men whose industry has won thein success-men who by their perseverance 'and diligence carry out well defined plans which others make-but the men who take the initiative are comparatively few. The vast majority do not see opportunities for the co-ordination of forces and development of new, extensive and profitable enterprises, and therefore must follow along paths which others have marked out. Mr. Bloch, how- ever, does not belong to the designated class. The initiative spirit is strong within him. He has realized the possibilities that come through the combination of forces and has wrought along the line of mammoth undertakings until his name is largely synonymons with the clothing trade not only in Rochester but also in western New York and the United States. In fact the house of which he was the head is one of the prominent commer- cial enterprises of this portion of the country, em- ploying from two to three thousand people.
Mr. Bloch, whose home is in one of the most attractive residence districts of the city, being located at No. 15 Portsmouth Terrace, has resided in Rochester from the age of sixteen years, coming to this country from Austria. He commenced working as an errand boy at No. 11 Main street in the employ of Stein & Solomon, at a salary of three dollars per week, which later was inereased to five dollars per week, while subsequently he was paid seven dollars. Next he hecame porter for the firm and his wage was increased to ten dollars per week, when the firm became Stein & Adler and re- moved to Mill and Mumford streets. Mr. Bloch was promoted from porter work to bookkeeper with an increase in salary to fifteen dollars per week. The firin recognized the fact that they had a bright, reliable boy and his advancement naturally followed. From the office he was sent upon the road as a salesman for the firm, covering the terri- tory through New York and Pennsylvania. He was very successful as a salesman and after his second trip the firm advanced his salary to twenty- five dollars per week. He added more territory very successfully and the business which he se- cured was increased on every trip he made. In
fact he was soon in command of so extensive a trade that he asked for an interest in the business. The firm advised him to wait a while but Mr. Bloch believed that the opportunity was ripe and insisted that he be admitted to the partnership. The original partners, realizing the value of his services and not wishing to lose his aid, at length consented and he was given an interest in the buss- ness under the firm style of Stein, Adler & Com- pany. They became popular makers of good clothing and as such were known throughout the United States. Later the firm dissolved and a new firm was organized under the style of Stein, Bloch & Company, at which time the business was re- moved to the Archer building on St. Paul street. About that time the company had serious difficul- ties in overcoming the effect of certain complica- tions. Mr. Steiu's sons had ventured into the retail business in Cleveland, Ohio, and the parent house at Rochester lost much through this, but the men at the head possessed unfaltering diligence. perseverance and enterprise and not only succeeded in holding their own in the business world but in making progress as the years passed by. They advertised extensively and, moreover, lived up to the promises of their advertisements, One day Mr. Bloch conceived the idea of naming the firm the Wholesale Tailors and this name was copy- righted. It has since been known as their adver- tisement and has become known throughout the length and breadth of the land. It has become the synonyin for a most popular clothing house. They have had some trouble with other firms copying their goods but at all times they have won out as leaders in their line. About eighteen years ago Mr. Bloch found it necessary to put more money into the business in order to extend it as he wished and to this end he assisted in organizing a stock company, thereby adding a large capitul, at which time the name of the house was changed to the Stein-Bloch Company. It is one of the most prominent enterprises of the city, employing from two to three thousand people. The firm erected a fine business block on St. Paul street in 1896 and duplicated this in 1904. They now have a large substantial structure which is an ornament to the city of Rochester.
Mr. Bloch's particular part of the business was the purchase of woolens and the supervision of the sales of the firin up to two years ago, he occupied the position of vice president, and his efforts in these directions proved a most impor- tant element in the success of the house. He car- ries forward to a successful termination whatever he undertakes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by determined and honorable effort and thus the errand boy, who some years ago worked for three dollars per week, became one of the most extensive and prosperous merchants of Rochester, continuing actively in business until 1905 when
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he retired from the field of active management. He is, however, a director of the Duffy-McQueeny Company, The Genesee Valley Trust Company and the Traders Oil Company. He is a member of the Rochester and Eureka and of many other clubs of Rochester and New York city.
JOHN SIDDONS. .
John Siddons, deceased, was the originator of galvanized iron and the founder of the John Sid- dons Galvanized Iron Works,. in which connec- tion furthermore, as a manufacturer and inventor, he became widely known in trade and industrial circles, A native of Canada, he was born in Kings- ton on the 9th of October. 1826. Ilis father, Samuel Siddons, was of English lineage and birth, while his mother, Eleanor ( Kirkwhite) Siddons, was a native of Scotland. On crossing the Atlan- tie to America they became residents of New York and subsequently removed to Canada where the birth of John Siddons occurred.
In the schools of his native country John Sid- dons pursued his education after which he learned the tinsmith's trade, coming to Rochester in 1844 when a youth of sixteen years. He began work here as a tinner and for some time was in the employ of a Mr. Miller as foreman. Gradually he worked his way upward, his financial resources being thereby increased, and in 1850 he began business on his own account and erected the block that stands at the north end of the Sibley block. Subsequently he removed to Main street and after- ward to Water street where the business is now being carried on as it was during his lifetime. He organized the business as a stock company and built up a very large trade, his patronage coming from every state in the Union. He invented a parlor stove called the Flower City stove and also invented many other useful devices. As stated, he was the originator of galvanized iron and as such he has done a work that would alone entitle him to the gratitude and recognition of his fellowmen throughout the civilized world.
Mr. Siddons was married to Miss Letitia Knapp, of Dutchess county, New York, and they became the parents of two daughters, hut Ruth, the first horn, is now deceased. The other is Mrs. E. J. Burke, whose husband is owner of the Canandai- gna Brick Works.
As a supporter of the republican party Mr. Siddons was known as one inflexible in his ad- vocacy of the cause he espoused but he took no interest in politics aside from casting his ballot. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows and was a liberal enntributor to churches and all charitable enter-
prises, his life being actuated by a spirit of be- nevolenee and kindness. He responded quickly to any call of need or distress and the poor found in him a warin friend. Thus he endeared himself to many and wherever known he was held in high esteem. Moreover his example is one well worthy of emulation when we consider that he started out iu life empty-handed, learned the tinner's trade and came to Rochester when a youth of sixteen to make his way here unaided. True worth will al- ways win recognition in a land unhampered by raste or class and thus Mr. Siddons gained a posi- tion of distinction in connection with manufactur- ing and commercial interests. He died August 29, 1890. Mrs. Siddons still resides at No. 45 Prince street in a beautiful home which Mr. Siddons built on land which he owned before Prince street was open.
EDWARD G. HALLAUER.
Edward G. Hallauer, who is extensively engaged in gardening pursuits on a well improved tract of land situated on Hudson aveune, in Irondequoit township, is a native son of the township, born on the place which is his present hone, his natal day being March 8, and the year 1864. The paternal grandfather, John Hallauer, came from Switzer- Jand to Monroe county aud located on the place which is now occupied by our subject. He here carried on farming and gardening pursuits. He lived for many years on this farm but his last years were passed in Webster, where his death oc- curred. The son, John Jacob Halloner, came as a young man with his parents to Irondequoit town- ship, and, like his father carried on work as a gardener and farmer. He was, however, a shoe- maker by trade. After he took possession of the place he added many improvements and here spent his entire life, his death occurring October 22, 1884. The mother still survives and makes her home near our subject. The father's family num- bered eight children, of whom seven are living, and with the exception of one daughter, who resides in Greece township, all are residents of Irondequoit township.
Edward G. Hallauer acquired his education in the schools of Irondequoit and has always followed the occupation to which he was reared. Since taking possession of the old home place he has made many improvements thereon, has remodeled the house and built two new houses, greenhouses, sheds, barns, etc., and has made the place one of the best improved in this section of Monroe coun- ty. Mr. Hallauer is now extensively engaged in gardening, raising large quantities of vegetables and fruits, for which he finds a good sale on the
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market, and he employs several people to ussist him in carrying on his labors.
Mr. Hallauer was married to Miss Stella Mack. of Webster, a daughter of Asa Mack, who was a farmer and died in 1905. The mother still sur- vives at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, and now makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Hallauer has become the mother of two children, Everett and Norma.
Mr. Hallauer has allied himself with the prin- ciples of the republican party and is a member of the Grange. The family are members of the Memorial church. Mr. Hallauer is well fitted for the work to which he is directing his energies and is a worthy representative of an old and prominent family of Irondequoit township, standing today as a high type of American manhood, and he has won success in a useful field of business and gained the respect and honor of his fellowmen.
SAMUEL R. BENT.
Samnel R. Bent, a retired citizen of Rochester, can point to a life record which is as clear ns daylight. He was born in Caledonia, New York, in 1835. His father, Captain Samuel Bent, served in the war of 1812. He was captain in the army and went through the war without a wound. At the close of hostilities he went to Caledonia. where he conducted one of the city's hotels so sucress- fully that in a short time he also leased a large brick hotel and did all of the business in that line in Caledonia. The Captain's wife bore the maiden name of Lovisa Corbett, and was born at Madison, Connecticut, passing away at the age of sixty-two, at her home, which occupied the present site of the Lyceum theater. Of the two children born to this union, only the subject of this review snr- vives. The daughter, Louisa, married George Martin, who for sixteen years was connected with the pension bureau of Washington, and both she and her husband are now deceased.
Samuel R. Bent received his education in the public schools of Caledonia and Rochester. When his parents removed to the latter city he was fourteen years okl and entered the first high school built in Rochester. He Inter took up some studies at a private school conducted by Myron Peck.
It is not always that the child manifests the traits which are to direct his business life, but from his boyhood Mr. Bent was very fond of horses. He could with perfect ease and cunning- ness control the most spirited driver and the horse seemed intuitively to recognize a friend in him. Fortunately for all concerned, the boy came under the notice of S. Warring, who conducted a livery stable. He immediately recognized the boy's
talent and volunteered not only to teach him the business but to give him a home. This mutual friendship and association continued for fourteen years, until Mr. Bent had outgrown the position and in fact had gone ahead of his teacher and patron. It was Ihram Wood who recognized this and made Mr. Bent so good an offer that he could not afford to refuse it. Long terms of service al- ways bespeak the ability to fulfill satisfactorily and with a pleasing personality all the duties at hand, and when we contemplate the fourteen years spent in his first position and the fifteen years in the latter position we need no further proof of the sterling worth of the man.
True to the best that was in him and to his long association with his business, he rode off when the war broke out on a well known horse called the Will Irishman. He did brave service in Company A of the Third New York Cavalry, in which he enlisted upon the site of the old fair grounds, under Captain Charles Fitzsimmons. It was not a surprise to those who knew him and his bravery to hear that he was the first man to cross the pon- toon bridge at Harpers Ferry at twelve p. in., that he was in the front at Richmond and in a munber of other battles. At the end of the war he received his discharge under the authority of Ben Butler.
Upon his return home at the elose of hostilities Mr. Bent became head baggageman for the New York C'entral Railroad Company, a position he filled so successfully for seventeen years that it took him two years.to induce the company to ac- cept his resignation. Well has he earned the eighteen years of rest he has enjoyed in his heanti- ful home at 274 Rutgers street. Here he makes his home with his daughter and son-in-law, who has now bought the house. While Mr. Bent has been devoted to his business, he has always found time to serve his country and his city. He is a favorite member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, was foreman of No. 6 volunteer fire depart- ment of Rochester for fifteen years and is still a member of this organization.
Mr. Bent was married to Mary Caroline Clark, who was born in Livingston connty. New York, in 1850, and who died in 1899, She was a daugh- ter of Timothy and Abbie Clark, of Lima, New York. the father being the proprietor of several large hotels. One daughier was born to this union. Florence Lonisa, who married F. C. Cutting and they have one daughter Dorothy Caroline.
Politically Mr. Bent is associated with the democratie pariv. He and his family are all mem- bers of the Universalist church. To his later life has come the jor and sunshine which only such a grandchild as Dorothy Caroline can hring, and she is fortunate indeed to have the association of e grandfather of Mr. Bent's caliber. It is upon such men that our great country has always been
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SAMUEL R. BENT.
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able to rely-men who stand by and finish satis- factorily what they undertake. He is well known in Hochester and has always served the public gener- cusly and well.
MARVIN A. CULVER.
Ou the 23d of January, 1905, there occurred in Rochester an event which caused deep sorrow throughout the city,-the death of Marvin A. Cul- ver, who was known as one of its most prominent and substantial citizens, having from an early period in its development been closely identified with business affairs, but for a few years prior to his demise he had lived retired. Born in Brighton, New York, May 4, 1822, he represented one of the oldest pioneer families of the Empire state, his paternal grandfather being William Culver, who served in the Revolutionary war, belonging to the Lexington Alarms, commanded by Colonel Hin- man in 1775, and by Colonel Wolcott in 1726. The father, John Culver, was born in 1789, at Fort Ticonderoga, New York, and in his early manhood worked as a gunsmith in the United States armory at Springfield, Massachusetts. Through the in- fluence of his brother, Oliver Culver, he pur- chased a tract of land comprising one hundred and fifty acres from James and Simeon Brown, this property being now comprised within the corpora- tion limits of Rochester, extending from Goodman street almost to Barrington street. In 1810 John Culver made a visit on horseback to western New York but soon returned to Vermont and after two years returned once more to Rochester and lo- cated on his farm. In 1815 he wedded Mise Lydia Case, a daughter of Joseph Case, a Baptist minis- ter of Penfield. The young couple began their domestic life in a log hause and the father at once undertook the work of clearing his land and open- ing up the property on East avenue. He later re- placeil his original dwelling with a more commo- dious structure, wherein he made his home until the time of his death, which occurred August 21, 1870.
Marvin A. Culver, the son of John and Lydia (Case) Culver, was reared upon the home farm, assisting his father in its operation during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the common schools of Rochester. During his youth he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for several years and then returned home to resume the pursuits of farm life. Following the death of his father he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home property, which tract he sub- divided, laying out Culver and Rundel parks and several streets in that section of the city, Culver road being named in honor of his unele, Oliver
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