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 67
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he opened a jewelry store of his own. He hus seen many changes since coming to Rochester. At the time he opened business his location was on State street and his last location was in the Waverly Hotel block, where he remained for over thirty years. In the meantime he bought three stores in the Waverly Hotel block, now the Savoy, south of the entrance. Tle did engraving for nearly all of the undertakers in the city and he was very successful in his mercantile interests. carry- ing a large line of jewelry, for which he found a ready sale, lle realized a fuir protit upon his goods and thus annually added to his income until through his careful management he had acquired a snug fortune. In 1885 he sold ont to Mr. Powers and retired from active life, since which time he has been living in well earned case.
Mr. Ford's wife, who bore the maiden name of Orissa Jeanette Mumford, died in the year 1889. In 18;4 he had built his present home at No. 172 Lake avene, in connection with which he also owns a cottage at Penn Yun on Lake Keuka. He was a trustee of Kenka College and is still honorary trustee. Hle is essentially a lover of home and has always preferred to remain at his own fireside rather than take an active part in club life or political interests. However, he votes with the repuldican party and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, while the family are all miem- bers of the Brick church of Rochester. His career is another evidence of the fact that in America where "labor is king" advancement and success come in recognition and reward of earnest, per- sistent, honorable effort.
GENERAL ELWELL STEPHEN OTIS.
General Elwell Stephen Otis, now retired, de- voted more than forty years of his life to active military service. Hle entered the army in the Civil war, did active duty on the plains of the west, was commanding general of the forces in the Philip- pines and governor of the island and later was as- signed to the command of the Lakes with head- parters in Chicago, where he remained until he was retired. "l'is a record of signal, nofulness and honor.
General Otis was born on the 25th of March. 1838, in Frederick City, Maryland, a son of Wil. liam and Mary A. C. ( Late) Otis, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Maryland. The removal of the family to Rochester enabled Gen- eral Otis to pursue his studies in the University of Rochester, from which institution he was gradu. ated in the class of 1858. His more specifically literary course completed, he matriculated in Har- vard Law School, from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Law in 1860. He had previously, however, bren admitted to the bur. After attending the university at Cumbridge for three terms he took np the practice of law in Ro- chester and was also clerk of the board of super- visors here. Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid. He had been a close student of the events which preceded the struggle, had noted the threat- ening attitude of the south and resolved that if a blow was struck for the overthrow of the Union he would stand lovally in its defense. Accordingly, soon after hostilities were inaugurated, he raised Company D. of the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment of New York Infantry, and as captain went to the front on the 13th of September. 1862. This was the beginning of a military record which lefleets credit and honor upon the military history of his state. Ilis meritorions eomluet on the field of battle won him promotion to the rauk af lieuten- ant colonel of his regiment on the 23rd of Decem- ber, 1863, and subsequently to that of colonel, but he was never mustered into the United States serv- ier as such, as his regiment lacked the numerical strength requisite under the then existing orders to fill that offire. He was honorably discharged on the 21th of January, 1865, by reason of a serious wound received in battle on November 1, 1864, while fighting with the Regular Brigade of the Army of the Potomne which he commanded part of the sunmer and fall of 1861. He was brevetted colonel und brigadier general of volunteers for gal- lantry at Spottsylvania and distinguished services at Chapel House. Ile was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Twenty-second Infantry. I. S. A., on the 28th of July, 1866, and brevetted colonel U. S. A., March 2, 1867. On the. Sth of February. Isso, he was promoted to the rank of colonel of the Twentieth Infantry. was made brigadier gen- eral of the regular army November 28, 1893, and major general of United States Volunteers on the 4th of May. 1898. while on the 16th of June. 1900, he was commissioned major general of the I'nited States army, having been brevetted major general the previous year for "military skill and most distinguished services in the Philippine
He has always regarded Rochester as his home but for nearly forty years was on active duty on the plains of the west. On the 19th of May. 1898, after the declaration of war with Spain, he was assigned to duty in San Francisco for the mobiliz- ing and shipping of troops to the Philippines, He departed for the Philippines on the 15th of July of that year and relieved Major General Merritt as commanding general of the United States forces and as governor of the islands on the 29th of August. 1898. He then copdneted operations against the insurgents and performed the duties of
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military governor until May 5, 1900, when he was relieved therefrom at his own request on account of illness. He was a member of the United States Philippine Commission in 1899 and he was as- signed to the command of the Department of the Lakes, with headquarters at Chicago, on the 29th of October, 1900. He retired at the age of sixty- four years and now resides in a beautiful home in Rochester. To enter into a detailed account of his military service would be to entrench on the prov- ince of history but to those at all acquainted with the military records of the nation it is unnecessary to say that at all times he has been the typical soldier, of undaunted patriotismn, of unfaltering loyalty, thoroughly familiar with the art and science of war and with the practical phases of a military life as manifested in active duty upon the field of battle, upon the frontier und in the subjugation of the rebellious forces in our colonial possessions. His faithfulness an ] ability won him promotion and with a most ereditable military rec- ord he was retired after reaching the nge limt.
General Otis has been married twice. He first wedded Louise Selden, of Rochester, and they had two children : Laura Lee; and Mrs. Mary Louise Isham. of Chiengo. For his second wife General Otis chose Mrs. Louise Bowman MeAlester, of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and they had one daughter, Louise B.
In his political views General Otis has always been a republican, recognized us an active member of the party and one whose opinions carry weight in its councils. He has served as delegate to the state conventions and in other ways has promoted its interests. He is also a valued factor in the so- cial life of the city, being a member of the Valley ('Inb and of the Country Club. The General now owns a beautiful and attractive home in Rochester and is enjoying the rest to which his years of active and arduous military service well entitle him.
GEORGE H. LANE.
George H. Lane, for more than a third of a con- tury a resident of Rochester, was well known in newspaper circles and also in political eireles. He was a man of generous nature, of genial spirit and cordial disposition, whose many good qualities gained for him the esteem and trust of a large circle of friends. Hle was born in Trov, New York, June 26, 1842. His father, Abraham Lane. was a native of Connecticut and was a blacksmith by trade. He followed that pursuit in his early years but subsequently went to California, where he turned his attention to mining. continuing in that field of activity until his life's labors were ended in death in June, 1863.
George H. Lane acquired his education in Nor- walk, Connecticut, nud in the Clinton Liberal School. He then went to Tuffts College in 1862 and when his education was completed he came to Rochester and entered the office of the Union and Advertiser, where he remained for eighteen and a half years. He became one of the best known men in connection with that office, his business ability. executive force and enterprise constituting a strong element in the sheress of the paper. On his retirement from that office he accepted the posi- tion of under sheriff by appointment of Jolm W. llannon and later was appointed by Sheritt Thomas C. Hodgson.
On the 20th of March, 1866, Mr. Lane was united in marriage to Miss Ella L. Scranton, a daughter of Henry Seranton, who was born in Durham county, Connecticut, October 30, 1796. He acquired his education in the common schools of his native city and came to Rochester in the vear 1812, The entire journey was made in a cart drawn by oxen, and he reached his destination on the 1st of May, He first occupied a little room on what is now South St. Paul street and on the 4th of July. of the same year, he removed into a log house on the west side of the river which he had in the meantime erected. He became proprietor of a toy store and his place of business was known as the old Smith block. He continued in that line of merchandising until his death, which occurred on the Sth of December. 1868, and was classed as one of the representative business men of the city, continuing in trade here for abont half a century. His name is therefore well known in commercial circles and the success which he gained was justly merited because of his honesty in all business transactions and his unfaltering diligence. He was also well known in connection with com- munity affairs and at all times stood for progres- sive citizenship. For two years he was alderman in the city council from the second ward and his political support was given to the republican party from the time of its organization. He was a mem- ber of the Masonie fraternity when the Morgan excitement occurred, and his Christian faith is manifest by his membership in the Lutheran clurch.
The Scranton family has been well known in Monroe county for almost a century. Hamlet Seranton was horn in Durham county and urrived in Rochester May 1, 1812. He built a log house into which he removed on the 4th of July, this being the first house on the west side of the river. He afterward purchased a dwelling on State street, where he lived until his death in 1850. He had three sons and three daughters: Henry, Edwin, Hamlet, Delia, Hannah and Jane. Of this family, Hamlet D. Scranton was born in 1860 and in early life was engaged in the drug business. He after-
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GEORGE H. LANE.
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ward beenme a paying teller in the Commercial Bank of Albany and later was cashier in the Com- mercial Bank of Buffalo. Ujum his return to Rochester he accepted a position in the office of the canal superintendent where he continued for some years, when he become proprietor of Congress Hall, managing it successfully for several years, after which he retired. He was also vice president of the Mechanics Savings Bank and was well known in financial circles in the state. He held mem- bership in St. Luke's church and died in the year 1882. Edwin H. Scranton was born May 9, 1813, and learned the printer's trade which he followed for some years. He was editor of the Rochester Ginn, one of the first newspapers in the city, and he became an auctioneer, continuing in that Imisi- ness until his death in [880. Drlia Scranton was married in 1815 to Jebiel Burnard, the first tailor in Rochester, and theirs was the first marriage celebrated in this city. They lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Hannah Scranton became the wife of Martin Briggs in 1835 and they lived in Rochester throughout their married life, the lady passing away in 1864.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. George Il. Lane was born a daughter, Marv Moore Lane, whose birth oc- eurred in Rochester, August 10, 1884. She ac- quired her education in a female seminary on South Fitzhugh street, and since completing her course has made her home with her mother. Arch Scranton Lane, who was born in Rochester, De- cember 12, 18:8. finished his course in public school No. 4 in Rochester, in 1892, and after- ward beenme n student in the Rochester Free Academy and in the Rochester Business Institute. He then entered the Alliance Bank as bookkeeper It is now engaged in business on his own ac- connt.
George H. Lane, the father, was injured on the 30th of September. 1896. by falling into an ele- vator well and died December 27, 1896. He had brecome well known in Rochester during the years of his residence here, and his business career and his official services gained for him the respect and good will of his fellowmen, so that his death was deeply regretted when he passed from this life.
THE BABCOCK FAMILY.
The founder of the Brighton, New York, branch of the Babeock family was James Babcock, born in Essex county, England. in 1612. and died in 16:9, in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island, leaving a family of children. He was a man of influence in the community in which he lived as the colonial records of Rhode Island testify. He married his first wife Saralı ---- , who died in 1665.
leaving a family of four children. in 1669 he married his second wife Elizabeth -, by whom he had three children.
Joli Babcock of the second generation, born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, 1644, marned Mary Lawton, of the same place. He was very promi- ment in public affairs, being the largest landowner of his generation. He was in King Phillip's war, volunteered his services in the Connecticut militia, and was in the great swamp fight. For his services in this war he was given a large tract of land by the colony of Connectient. Ile served in the colo- nial legislature for several years and held many positions of public responsibility. Int 1685 he died in Westerly, Rhode Island, leaving a family of ten children. A large amount of his vast landed in- terests is still in the possession of his descendants.
Captain James Babcock of the third generation was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1663, and died there January 12, 1:36-2. He married Eliza- luth Saunders in 1682. She died March 3, 1730-1, in the sixty-ninth year of her age, leaving seven children. He married, second, Content Maxon, July :, 1:31. by whom he had three children. Captain James Babcock was captain of a military company in Westerly. He was a very prominent man. being town treasurer, and town councilman for several years, He was in the legislature of the colony of Rhode Island the years 1201-06-07-08- 09-16. It is recorded in the Colonial Records of Rhode Island, that he was the wealthiest man of his generation, and was as generous and kind as he was rich. In his long will, which he drew up and wrote himself, it is noticed he left a large legacy to his church which was the Seventh Day Bapust.
James Babcock, Jr., of the fourth generation. was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, December 23, 1688, He died in Stonington, Connecticut, April 9, 1931. On June 12, 150G, he married Sarah Vore, of Milton, Massachusetts. She was born in Milton, August 30, 1684, und died in North Ston- ington, Connecticut. December 25, 1758. Mr. Babcock was but forty-three years of age at the time of his decease. He left a family of ten chil- dren. Both he and his estimable wife were buried on their home farm. A few years ago their re- mains were removed to a well kept cemetery close at hand. Their old homestead is still standing. James Balrock, Jr., seems to have been his father's favorite child. He was not only a very upright Christian man, but was prominent in his com- munity, and very highly respected by all who knew bim.
Isaiah Babcock, of the fifth generation, was born in North Stonington, Connecticut. January 29, 1119. He married Elizabeth Plumb, daughter of George and Prudence Plumb, of Stonington. Con- neetient. Their family of eight sons and two daughters were all born in Stonington and Volun- town. Connecticut. Mr. Babcock with his family.
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excepting the eldest son, in the year 1712, removed to Partridgefield (now Hinsdale and Peru), Berk- shire county, Massachusetts. He was a very promi- nent man in Massachusetts, being elected to the committee on safety, March 1, 1769, and is so re- corded in the town records of Partridgefield, now found in the town clerk's office of the town of Peru. Seven of his eight sons served in the Colo- nial army in the War of the Revolution, and are officially recorded in the war department at Wash- ington. His daughter related, her father, then sixty-eight years of age, was with his seven sons in the battle of Yorktown and assisted in the capture of Lord Cornwallis. The town records of Part- ridgefield, demonstrate his prominence and popu- larity in public affairs. It is noticed the large and progressive church of Hinsdale, Massachusetts, known as the First Congregational church, was founded at the residence of his son John Babcock, and that his wife, Elizabeth (Plumb) Babcock, and daughter-in-Inw, Eunice Babcock, were among the first twenty-three members of this church. In 1795, he with his family, with the exception of his two sons, John and Elias, removed to a place in Otsego county, New York. where they founded a town and named the place Partridgefield, after the place they came from. Here he lived the residue of his lifetime, making his home with his son, Colonel Samnel Babcock, which is located in what is now known as the town of Worcester. In this house the first Masonic lodge of Otsego county was organized. Mr. Babcock died in this house, Octo- ber 5, 1814, aged over ninety-five years. His wife died at the same place October 4, 1804.
Isaiah Babcock, Jr., of the sixth generation, was born in Stonington, Connecticut, April 27, 1741. He married, May 19, 1763, Elizabeth Douglas of the same place. She died December 13, 1768, leav- ing a family of three daughters. He married, second, Freelove Briggs, of Voluntown, Connecti- eut, August 9, 1770. She was born January 20, 1743, and died May 7, 1831, leaving a family of five sons and one daughter. Her ancestry were prominent in the early wars. Mr. Babcock after his second marriage removed with his family to the town of New Fairfield, Connecticut, and later to Windham, Greene county, New York, where he died January 18, 1827.
Isaac Babcock, of the sixth generation, was born in New Fairfield, Connecticut, December 9, 1776. He married Elizabeth Wilbur, of the town of Milan, Dutchess county, New York. They had a family of twelve children, nice of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Babcock was the daughter of Jep- tha and Elizabeth ( Mosher) Wilbur. Her parents being members of the orthodox Society of Friends. She died at the residence of her daughter Mrs. Cornell in Rochester, New York, November 28, 1880, aged ninety-seven years and three months.
Mr. Babcock removed with his family from Milan to the town of Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York, where he engaged in manufacturing. From there he removed to Monroe county, New York, inaking his home with his son, H. H. Bab- cock, in thse town of Greece, where he died April 21, 1853. He was the original inventor of the steel hoe and an improved grain cradle.
James Morris Babcock, of the seventh genera- tion, was born in Milan, Dutchess county, New York, January 26, 1802. He married Lydia E. Jackson, of Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York, September 20, 1829. She was born April 27, 1811. They had a family of three children, one who died at the age of fourteen, the other two grew up to maturity. After marriage he and his wife removed to Union Springs, New York, and in 1832 to a farm in Groveland, Livingston county, New York. He was also a merchant in New York city for several years. Later he removed to the town of Rush, Monroe county, New York, where he conducted a store for many years. Later he removed to the town of Irondegnoit, and from there to Rochester, and from there to a farm on Clover street, in the town of Brighton, Monroe county, New York, where he died October 24, 1886. His widow died at the family residence, on ('lover street, Brighton, January 25, 1890.
William Jackson Babcock, of the eighth genera- tion was born in Groveland, Livingston county, New York, September 22, 1832. He graduated from Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, being validie- torian of his class. He then entered Genesce Col- lege, but did not graduate, retiring after complet- ing his junior year. At the age of eighteen he was professor of mathematics at Walworth Academy, which was a large and prosperous school in those days. He taught the higher branches of mathe- maties, trigonometry, surveying, and higher alge- bra. While a student at Genesce College he and Professor Alverson surveyed the most of Livings- ton county. On November 1, 1859, he married Mrs. Eleanore Augusta (Emerson) Collins. She was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Amos Emerson, of Charlotte, Monroe county, New York, and was born in Charlotte, August 30, 1833. After mar- riage he removed to Detroit, Michigan, and later to Charlotte, Monroe county, New York. Mrs. Babcock died in Charlotte, May 26, 1863, leaving an only child. After Mrs. Babcock's decease, Mr. Babcock made his home with his father and mother. He was a member of Valley lodge, No. 109, A. F. & A. M., and Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R. A. M. While never an office seeker his judg- ment and advice was often sought on matters of importance. He died at the family residence on Clover street in Brighton, Jime 17, 1888.
A. Emerson Babcock, of the ninth generation was born in the village of Charlotte, Monroe conn-
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ty, New York, May 15, 1863. He has resided at the family homestead in the town of Brighton, ever since he was four years of age. Early in life he attended the best of schools, and finished his education at Allegheny College when eighteen years of age. After his return from college he went into partnership with his father in conduct- ing the farm at the family residence on Clover street, in the town of Brighton. This residence has become a homestead, four generations of the family having resided there. Since the derease of his father, thirty-two acres of land have been added to the original farm which is mostly covered with fruit orchards. On August 1, 1889, he married Blanche, only daughter of D. B. and Lney ( Bur- ger) Sias, of Spencerport, New York. They have four children, the chlest of whom entered college this (1907) fall. Mr. Babcock has been super- visor of his town for twelve years, and has been identified with many public matters of importance, notably the improvement of the publie highways. He is a member of the Brighton Presbyterian church, and has held the office of trustee for many years. He, like his progenitors, early became a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a mem- ber of Valley lodge, No. 109, Hamilton chapter, No. 62, R. A. M., Monroe commandery No. 12, K. T., and Damasens Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Rochester. He is also a member of Pittsford Grange. No. 421. On his mother's side of the family. the Emersons came from Massachusetts, being of the same family tree probably as the family at Concord, Massachusetts. Dr. Amos Emerson, his grandfather, was one of the most able practitioners of medicine and surgery in his day.
ENOS B. WOOD. .
Enos B. Wood, who for many years was exten- sively and successfully engaged in the produce business ht is now living retired at No. 28 Birr street, Rochester, was born in this county in 1841. His father, Horatio N. Wood, also a native of the Empire state, was born in 1804, and was brought to Monroe county abont 1812 by his father, Ben- jamin Wood, who was the contractor for the build- ing of the canal. From the age of eight years until his death Horatio N. Wood remained in Monroe county, his life being devoted to the oceu- pation of farming. He married Eliza Billings, a representative of one of the old families, and they became the parents of three sons and a daughter, who are yet living of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Mr. Wood of this review, however, is the only one now in Monroe county, a brother being in Omaha, while his sister is in Illinois.
In the common schools near his home Enos B. Wood began his education, which was continued in Brockport. He was still pursuing his educa- tion, when, at the age of twenty-one years, he put aside his text-books and offered his service to the government in support of the Union cause, enlist- ing as a member of Company M, of the Third New York Cavalry, under Captain Nathan P. Pond, now of the Democrat and Chronicle. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to the rank of see- ond lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain, receiv- ing the title of major by brevet. Ile served for three years and seven months, taking part in the campaign in North Carolina and spending one winter at Newport News. He was with the Army of the James for some time and spent his last year in Texas along the Rio Grande. He was wounded in the head by a sabre and had two horses shot from under him. His meritorious service on the field of battle won him promotion, and with a most creditable military record he returned home.
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