History of Rochester and Monroe county, New York, from the earliest historic times to the beginning of 1907, Part 65

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), 1840-1908
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Pioneer publishing company
Number of Pages: 648

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Culver. He took a very deep and helpful interest iu the growth of East Rochester and attributes its prosperity particularly to the clause prohibiting the sale of liquor, which he inserted in all his con- veyances. He was throughout a long period actively identified with general agricultural pur- suits and through his close application and capable management of his business affairs he acquired the competence which enabled him to spend the last few years of his life in houorable retirement.

In 1863 Mr. Culver established a home of his own by his marriage, on the 22d of December of that year, to Miss Frances Alice Otis, the eldest daughter of William Otis, and by her marriage she became the mother of one son, Harry Culver. Her death occurred in 1904.

Mr. Culver gave his early political support to the whig party but after the organization of the new republican party he joined its ranks and con- tinned a stalwart champion of its principles until his death. He was public-spirited in a marked degree and aside from carrying on his own pri- vate interests he found time to ilevote to the gen- eral upbuilding of material interests of his com- munity. He was a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank and of the Rochester Theological Seminary and also for ten years served as treas- urer of the Western New York Agricultural So- ciety. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Second Baptist church, of which he served as trustee for a number of years and of which he was a liberal contributor toward the erection of the new church edifice. His par- ents were among the early members of the First Baptist church of this city and when the Second church was founded beenie charter members of that organization.

Honesty and integrity were numbered among his salient characteristics. Although he accumulated a considerable fortune, he was quiet in his ways of life and always avoided publicity, and no man commanded higher regard and esteem among both business and social acquaintances and therefore his deathi was deplored by many friends as well as the members of his immediate household, for all had learned to love and revere him.

Harry O. Culver, the only childl of Marvin and Frances Alice (Otis) Culver, was born in Roches- ter, in 1868. He remained a resident of his native eity until May, 1906, when he removed to Pitts- ford, and purchased property of Mrs. Frank Emer- son, known as the Hargous homestead, and here he has continued his residence to the present time. Ile still owns a portion of the Culver estate in Rochester, which is now all laid out in city lots. Although he has been a resident of Pittsford for but a brief period he has already gained a promi- nent place among its substantial citizens and is a worthy representative of one of the early pioneer

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families of Monroe county. He was for about three years engaged in manufacturing pearl but- tons but is now employing his time in looking after his real estate.

JOHN GARNISH.

John Garnish is one of the worthy citizens that the mother country has furnished to Rochester, for his birth occurred in Devonshire, England, Angust 12, 1848, a son of Anthony and Elizabeth (Smallridge) Garnish, who spent their lives in England where the father was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits.

The son was ambitious to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports con- cerning the advantages to be enjoyed in the country, and accordingly, in the winter of 1871, he sailed for America, landing in New York city on the 11th of February of that year. He remained in that city for two days and then made his way to Lerwy, New York, where for a time he was engaged in farming. He next located in Ironde- quoit, where he conducted a stock and dairy farm for -fonricen years, this property being known as the Bay View farm. Eventually he made his way to Brighton, where he purchased a well improved farm of one hundred eighty-seven and a half acres and there carried on agricultural pursuits for several years, during which time he met with gratifying success, for he was practical and pro- gressive in his methods of farm labor. In April, 1904, however. he abandoned farming interests and removed to Rochester, where he "purchased from the estate of Henry Bartholomew a fine resi- denee, located at 90 South Goodman street, and here he continues his residence to the present time. At this place a livery business had been con- dueted for more than two decades and Mr. Gar- nish, purchasing the same, has continued in this line of activity. He keeps sixteen horses and all kinds of vehicles, which he hires to the public. having in his employ five men. He not only re- tains the olil trade but has addel to his list many new patrons and is now doing an excellent busi- ness. He was formerly identified with the milk business in this city, but disposed of that interest in April, 1906, and now gives his entire attention to the management of his liverv.

It was during his residence in Leroy, New York, that Mr. Garnish was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Despard, their marriage being cele- hrated in February, 1876. The lady was born in New York city in 1858, a danghter of John and Mary Jane Despard, the former a native of France. He later removed to Ireland, from which country he emigrated to the Empire state, locating first in

New York city, while later he took up his abode in Leroy, where he followed his trade of shoemak- ing until his demise in 1906, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Garnish has been blessed with two sons and · a danghter: John A. and George G., who reside in Rochester: and Jessie May, the wife of Charles Schutt, a farmer of Brighton.

Mr. Garnish snpports the men and measures of the republican party and is a communicant of the Episcopal church. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized for here he has made the most of his opportunities and by industry and close application has steadily worked his way up- ward until he is numbered among the best citizens of this section of Monroe county. Further proof of his love for his adopted country is shown by the fact that soon after his arrival here he indneed his brother Thomas and Inter his sisters, Bessie, Mary and Sarah to join him, and they, too, have since remained residents of America.

ARTHUR SICKLES.

Arthur Sickles is numbered among the leading and enterprising farmers of Chili township, where he owns a well improved and valuable farm of ninety-one and a half acres, on which stands a fine stone residence. He is the youngest of three sons, and the only surviving child of Isaac and Susann (Trisket ) Sickles, the former born in Chili, Mon- roe county, abont 1817, a son of Ford Sickles, who was one of the pioneers of Monroe county. The father was engaged in farming throughout his entire active business career but spent his last days in Clyde, where he passed away in 1897.

The two brothers of our subject were: Charles. who died in the army; and Frank, who after going to the army, was never again heard from. Arthur Sickles was born on a farm in Greece township. May 21, 1853, and was educated in the common schools near his father's home. He was reared to the occupation of fanning, which has continued to be his life work. At the age of thirty years he purchased thirty acres of land, which formed a portion of his present homestead, and as the years have passed and his financial resources have in- creased he has added to his original holdings un- til the farm now embraces ninety-one and a half acres. Ilis land has all been placed under a high state of cultivation. The house is constructed of stone and is one of the fine country homes of this locality. On the place are found many modern improvements and everything about the place is kept in a good state of repair. In addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuits he also

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raises considerable fruit and is engaged as a gar- dener, the products of his farm finding a ready sale on the market. In his various activities he follows practical methods and is meeting with gratifying success.

Mr. Sickles was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Franklin, who was born on the farm on which she now resides. Three sons and a daughter have blessed this marriage: Arthur De Forest, who wedded Lola Welcher, and is a resident of Scottsville, Monroe county, where he is engaged in the coal business; and Lee, Ray and Olive, all under the parental roof, All have been given good educational advantages, having attended the schools of Geneseo, Scottsville and Rochester.

Mr. Sickles gives his political support to the republican party and has taken an active interest in local political affairs, having served as super- visor for three years, as highway commissioner for four years and has also been inspector of election. Hle is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Scottsville. He likewise belongs to the Grange and attends the Methodist church. He is num- bered among the leading agriculturists of this locality, where his honorable business dealings and his loyalty in citizenship have gained for him high. regard and lasting friendships.

HARRISON EDWIN WEBSTER, LL.D.

Ilarrison Edwin Webster, who in educational circles and in the field of scientific research aud authorship gained international distinction and recognition, spent his last days in Rochester, where for some time he was a professor in the University of Rochester after which he was for six years presi- dent of Union College, at Schenectady, New York. He was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, September 8, 1841, and when seven years of age went to Clayville, Oneida county, New York, with his parents, his father being a seythe-maker of that town. The advantages afforded him in youth were menger. A common-school education did not satisfy the desires of this ambitions young man and largely without the assistance of teachers he prepared himself for college. In 1859 he ma- triculated as a student in Union College, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when feeling that his first duty was to his country he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment of New York Infantry, with which he served as a private for three years, receiving then an honorable discharge. In the army his com- manding officers often assigned him to responsible duties requiring executive skill and a controlling will.

Following his return from the battle-fields of the south Dr. Webster engaged in teaching until he again found opportunity to enter Union Col- lege, from which he was graduated with the high- est rank in the class of 1868. His entire life was devoted to educational work. Following his gradu- ation he was offered and accepted the position of tutor in natural history at Union College and in 18:3 was promoted to the professorship in the same department, continuing to act in that capa- city mutil 1883. In the interim he spent much time in original research and in scientific expedi- tions along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and at the Berinnda Islands. He collected rare speci- mens of great value, which he afterward presented to the college and he acquired an international reputation as a scientist. He spent altogether eighteen suimmers collecting specimens of natural history from Maine to Florida and Union College was much enriched by his gifts of this character. In 1883 he resigned his professorship in Union College to accept the professorship of geology and natural history in the University of Rochester, where he continued until 1888. when he was offered the presidency of his alma mater and returned to it with an ambition to restore something of its old-time prestige. This ambition was realized. When he accepted the presidency the students numbered only sixty and when he resigned on ac- count of ill health in 1894 there were two hun- dred and fifty in attendance. He was also instru- mental in securing great improvement in the col- lege buildings and grounds and in their equipment and in bettering the financial condition of the in- stitution. His last days were spent in his own home in Rochester, where he died June 16, 1906. Ilis health was impaired during the Civil war and he never fully recovered. He led, however, a most active life, his labors often bring of a most strenn- ons character and his position in the scientific world is indicated by the fact that he was an active, honored and valued member of many scien- tifie societies, including the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Psi societies, while the Albany Medical Col- lege conferred upon him the degree of M. D. in 18x1, and the University of Rochester conferred upon him the LL.D. degree in 1888. He was the author of some important writings on the zoology of invertebrates, and wrote five for government publications on the Annelida Chaetopeda of vari- oux sections of the Atlantic coast and the Ber- mudas. On these subjects he was a recognized authority among European as well as American scientists.

Dr. Webster was married in 1870 to Miss Tsa- belle MeKechnie of New Jersey and some time after her death he married her sister, Rachel Mc- Kechnie. They lost their second child, Jessie, while the surviving members of the family are Edwin JJ., who is now on the editorial staff of the

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Rochester Times; Mrs. Annie Webster Noel of New York city; Ralph Price, who is with the East- man Company on State street, Rochester; and Thomas, who is with L. P. Rose, in Rochester. Mrs. Webster still makes her home in this city, residing at No. 5 Sumner Park.

Perhaps no better summary of his characteristics can be given than in the worde published at his death: "Dr. Webster was a voracious reader, a good classical scholar, and an independent investi- gator and thinker. His memory was remarkably retentive and accurate, aud his knowledge, espe- cially of American and general history and the various systems and doctrines of political economy and sociology, was extensive and profound. His religious views were liberal, and became lers and less rigid during the leisurely studies of his later years. He was a fluent speaker and always inter- esting before a publie audience, seldom using any notes. Few meu equalled him in swift, effective repartee or brilliant monologne tinged with good- humored satire, when engaged in conversation. And added to his other fine qualities was that of downright honesty in thought, word and deed."

WILLIS C. COOK, M. D.

The state of New York has attracted within its confines men of marked ability and high character in the various professional lines, and he whose name initiates this review has gained recognition as one of the able and successful physicians of the state, and by his mubors, his high professional at- taiments and his sterling characteristics com- mands the utmost respect not only of the medical fraternity but of the general public as well, and in Brockport, where he has been engaged in prae- tiee since 1887, he has become the loved family physician in many a household.

Dr. Cook is a native son of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Bergen, Genesee enun- tv. June 25, 1832. His paternal grandfather, Lemuel Cook, was a native of Norwich, Connecti- cut, and served in the Revolutionary war under General Washington, who signed his discharge papers. Following the war the grandfather In- cated at Pompey Hill, in Onondaga county, while later he took up his abode in Clarendon, where he died at the very extreme age of one hundred and seven years, the only Revolutionary soldier known to be alive at that date, March 6, 1863.

The father, Curtis Cook. was a native of Pom- pey Hill, Onondaga county, and at an early day seitled in Bergen, while later he removed to Clarendon, where he was engaged in farming throughout his entire active business career. own- ing a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, site-

ated near the old Root schoolhouse. He wedded Betsy Snow Brown, a daughter of Richard Brown, of Vermont, he being one of the first three white settlers of Byron, Genesee county, locating on a fam there, where his death occurred in 1852, when he had reached the advanced age of ninety- six years. Both the parents are now deceased, the father having been called to his final rest Decem- ber 1, 1883, when he had reached the age of eighty-three years, while the mother survived for a few years and passed away on the old home- stead. being ninety-one years of age at the time of her demise. The father gave his political support to the republican party and supported the Sweden Baptist church. His family numbered six children : Henry, a resident of Coldwater, Michigan; Willis C., of this review; Rosetta, who is the wife of Henry Vandeburg, a farmer of Sweden township, Monroe county ; and Nancy, Wilham F. and Whit- ney, all of whom have passed away.

Dr. Cook, the second in order of birth in his father's family, was reared under the parental roof, assisting his father in the duties connected with the operation of the old homestead property and acquiring his early education in the Root school. At the outbreak of the Civil war, loyal to his country, he offered his services to the govern- ment, enlisting November 16, 1861, as a member of Company K, Thirteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at Detroit on ac- count of disability on the 3d of November, 1862, with the rank of sergeant. He re-enlisted as a veterinary surgeon in the Ninth Michigan Cavalry and served in that capacity until the close of the war, being discharged at Lexington, North Caro- lina, July 21, 1865.

Following his return home from the war he once more took up his abode in Monroe county but eventually decided upon the practice of medicine as a life work and to that end, in 1883, entered the medical department of Niagara University, at Buffalo, where he studied for one year, subsequent to which time he continued his studies in the Northwestern University of Ohio, and in 1885 entered the Toledo Medical College, from which he was graduated in that year. He then re- turned to New York and located in Brockport. where he has since been engaged in practice. He has ever been a student of the science of medicine and keeps abreast with the advancement which is continually being made in the medical profession through research and investigation. He is genial and courteons in manner. devotedly attached to his work, and therefore constant demand is being made noon his services.

Dr. Cook has been twice married. His first wife was Mise Adeline Hawks, whom he wedded in 1855. and who died two years later. His present wife hore the maiden name of Mary E. Williams.

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DR. W. C. COOK.

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und was born at Paw Paw, Michigan, a daughter of Philip and Polly Williams, farming people of that place. By her marriage Mrs. Cook has be- come the mother of five children : Francis W., who resides on a farm near Clarkson, New York; Carl R., who is engaged in mining and the real-estate business in the city of Mexico, where through his operations he hus accumulated a capitul of three millions of dollars ; Lenore V., the wife of Charles HI. Philbrook, of New York city; J. W., who re- sides in Rochester, where he is engaged in the drayage business; and Curtis L., n resident of Chicago.

Like his father, the Doctor gives his political support to the republican party. He has served as health officer for ten years and was coroner's phy- sician for two years. His fraternal relations are with the Musonic order. Like the older genera- tions of the Cook family the Doctor has rendered valuable aid to his country, while his brother, J. W., served in the Spanish war, and his brother Frank was with General Miles fighting the Indians in the Rose Bud reservation. His life has been one of continuous activity and that his profes- sional labors have been crowned with a gratifying measure of success is indicated by the fact that he today enjoys a large and lucrative patronage not only in the city of his residence but through- out the surrounding districts as well.

DAVID COPELAND.

David Copeland, deceased, was for many years a leading contractor of Rochester and later was ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of fine furniture, but it was not alone his prominent and successful business enterprises that entitle him to mention in this volume but his strong and salient characteristics which gained him the regard and respect of all with whom he came in contact. He was actuated at all times by high and manly prin- ciples and broad humanitarianism that recognized the truth of universal brotherhood and of indi- vidual responsibility. His acts of kindness were many, his charity most generous and his co-opera- tion in movements of public worth was most cor- dial and effective.

Mr. Copeland was a native son of Rochester. Forn in September, 1832. his parents being David und Martha (Shepard) Copeland, who came to this city about 1825 from Connecticut. The pater- nal grandfather, Jonathan Copeland, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and repre- sented an old New England family. David Cope- land became a commission merchant of Rochester at an early day, was very prominent in the de-

velopment of the city and laid out Mount Hope cemetery.

David Copeland was educated in Rochester and when a young man began contracting, which busi- ness he followed for ten years. He was associated with his brother Gerry in contracting in Michigan for some time and while there they built the court- house at Lansing. In 1859 David Copeland also erected the old Presbyterian church of Lansing, which is a fine structure, and he likewise built several residences on Plvinouth avenue, the Catho- lie churelt nt the corner of Glasgow street and Plymouth avenue, the Methodist church on Ply- mouth avenue and the Baptist church on North street. . All three of these edifices for divine wor- ship are still standing. He was likewise the builder of the Home for the Friendless in Roches- ter and the Presbyterian church at. Pittsford. He spent the years 1875 and 1876 in California. Fol- lowing his return he founded the business for manufacturing the first Portland cement sewer pipes in Rochester, carrying on that industry for some time, and for many years he was the only maker of Portland cement sewer pipes of the city. In 1882 he bought out the business of H. O. Hall & Company, manufacturers of furniture on Jay street, Rochester, at which time the firm of Copeland, Durgin & Company was formed, They manufactured sideboards, tables and all kinds of high grade furniture, Iving a large factory send- ing out an extensive output annually. In this business he continued until his death, which oc- curred September 17, 1890.

Mr. Copeland had been married in 1858 to Miss Emily Sabey, who was born in London, England, and is a daughter of James Sabey, who came from London to America in the year 1838. He spent one year in Michigan and then came to Rochester, where his remaining days were passed. In 1849 he began business as a hatter and long continued in that line on Main street. Interested and active in the work of the church, he served as vestryman in Christ church for many years. Following his demise his widow gave to Christ church a beauti- ful marble pulpit as a memorial to her husband. Mr. Copeland was one of the first five gentlemen who built cottages at the lake and one which he erected is still standing. Mrs. Copeland has a brother and sister vet living in Rochester-George Sabey and Mrs. Winn, residing on East avenue.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Copeland were born four children who are yet living : Clara May, who is at home with her mother : Jennie Isadore, the wife of W. A. Naramore of Rochester; Albert Edward. who carried on his father's business after the lat- ter's death until 1906, when he sold out and is now engaged in the real-estate business; and Esther C., the wife of H. E. Swezey of Buffalo. Mrs. Copeland now resides at 185 Rutgers street.

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Mr. Copeland was an elder in the Third Presby- terian church and was greatly interested in the various church activities which resulted in the promotion of its growth and the extension of its influence. His Christian faith found daily exem- plification in his life and led to his co-operation with many movements directly beneficial to his fellow citizens. He was a very benevolent man, his charity was free and gracions and he responded with ready sympathy and substantial aid to the call of the poor and needy. He was the first president of the Humane Society of Rochester, was trustee of the Orphans Asylmin, was super- visor of the Homeopathic Hospital and for seven- teen years was president of the Rochester Phil- harmonie Society. He was also connected with the official life of the city, being alderman of the fourth ward for some time and school commis- sioner for many years. Fraternally he was con- nected with the Masonic lodge. He met fully every obligation that devolved upon him, not from a sense of duty but from principle. He did much to ameliorate the hard conditions of lite for the unfortunate, stood for an honest municipal gov- ernment and was ever the champion of right, truth and justice.

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History of Rochester and Monroe county, New York, from the earliest historic times to the beginning of 1907, Part 65

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), 1840-1908 Publication date: 1908 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Pioneer publishing company Number of Pages: 648

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), 1840-1908
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Pioneer publishing company
Number of Pages: 648