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 70
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ery of alarm throughout the entire state, yet, as a commonwealth, we have not adopted any concert- ed action or determined upon any measure to con- trol this agency of certain death to so many thou- sands of our citizens. I am satisfied that there is a large element of human sympathy in mankind, and it needs only an awakening to arouse it to an inten- sity of action that will brook no delay in grant- ing a full measure of justice and charity to the afflicted members of our common family. Let New York's proud pre-eminence among the sister- hood of states rest on the consciousness that her highest ambition is to faithfully conserve the health, happiness, peace and contentment of all her citizens."
Mr. Murphy is a charter member of the Na- tional Association of Credit Men and was one of the prime inevers in its organization at To- ledo, Ohio, in 1896. This association has n membership of ahont ien thousand of the ablest financial men in the United States. He returned home from that conference and organized a local association in Rochester, which is noted over the country as one of the strongest in existence. He was also chairman of the investigation and prose- ention committee of the national association, which raised ten thousand dollars for the prosc- cution of frandulent debtors. He is a trustee of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and was nominated and elected its president, but refused the honor on account of the manifold duties de- volving upon him in other connections. He was recently the guest of honor at a large banquet of the New York Conference of Charities and Cor- rection and he has made many notable addresses and speeches on different occasions, many of these having been printed and used as powerful argu- ments in support of the canse advocated. His sperch against Governor Odell's policy in refer- ence to the control of state hospitals for the insane cansed universal comment and was used throughout the gubernatorial campaign, being in large measure the means of keeping polities out of state charitable institutions. His address before the Rochester Credit Men's Association on April 12, 1900, attracted wide attention thronghont the United States and was endorsed and adopted for circulation by the business literature com- mittee of the National Credit Men's Association and sent throughout the country, the subject be- ing, "The Object and Possibilities of Credit Men's Associations." The address before the Buffalo Credit Men's Association was also adopted and ordered printed.
Mr. Murphy has made many other notable ad- dresses, including one to the Rochester Retail Grocers Association. May 26. 1902; to the gradu- ates of St. Mary's School. Dunkirk. New York ; to the Rochester Chamber of Connnerce on rais-
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ing the salaries of the local public school teach- ETH. His speech on the magnitude of failures startled business men throughout the contry. In his speech before the Chamber of Commerce, in which he vigorously protected against the de- mand of the Rochester Railway Company to com- promise its share of the payment of street pave- ment claims, he stated that, "inasunich us it has been determined that this is a valid and legiti- mate claim against this railway corporation, its collection should be enforced to the last forthing, including interest." This forceful presentation of the facts convinced the city authorities that it was their duty to collect the amount of indebt- edness, which was three hundred and eighty-six thousand dollars, instead of recepting one han- dred and forty-six thousand dollars in com- promise,
While a most publie-spirited man, Mr. Murphy prefers to work in the ranks rather than hold office. He has his hand constantly on the public paler, studying conditions und working for the healthfulness of the body politic.
In July. 1874. Me. Murphy was united in mar- ringe to Miss Mary B. Gavin : of this union eight children have been born, six of whom are living. He has traveled extensively, through Europe, also visiting Egypt. South America and other coun- tries. On n trip to the Berinndas in 1903 he was shipwrecked on the Madiana, which went ashore, but he was resened without injury. He was also at Martinique sixty days before the ill- fate city of St. Pierre was destroyed by volcanic eruption in 1902. Mr. Murphy has many pleas- ant memories of different trips to Europe, when courtesies were shown him by Justin Mccarthy, John Dillou and other members of the working honse of the English legislative body. Unmindful of the honors of office. he has nevertheless won the honor and respect of his fellowmen wherever his work is known and his influence is felt,
CHARLES T. McFARLANE.
Although Professor Charles T. McFarlane is only thirty-five. he is already so closely and prom- inently connected with the educational interests of the state and country that he is widely known both at home and abroad. Hle was born in New Berlin, New York, May 5, 18;2, and was the sou of James and Martha (Tinker) MeFarlane, the father a native of Scotland and the mother of New York state.
Mr. McFarlane was educated in the College of the City of New York and in the New York State Normal College, from which he was graduated.
After this he spent about a year and a half in the I'niversity of Vienna, Austria, where he gave spe- cial attention to the study of geography. In 1901 he followed up this work in the graduate depart- ment of Harvard University. With this special equipment he early took his place at the head of the department of geography in the State Normal College of Michigan, a position he hell for nearly ten years, In the fall of 1902 he was elected as principal of the State Normal School at Brock- port, a position which he has occupied over since. In this institution so complete is the organization that a child may enter the first grade and con- tinne through the high school, finishing in the normal training department for teachers. The teachers sent ont from here orenpy positions of responsibility throughout the state and are never without employment if they desire to teach. Ed- neators generally recognize the merit of the New York sinte normal schools and watch the oppor- tunities of securing graduates for teachers, Mr. McFarlane is a member of the National Geo- graphical Society, the National Educational As- anciation. the Geographiches-Verein Univerutat Wein and a fellow of the American Geographical Society. Fraterually he is allied with the Masonic lodge.
In 1895 he was married to Miss Lem Worden. of Ypsilanti, Michigan. There are two children in this family : David Eugene, age seven; and Jannes Worden, aged four.
FRANK A. HALLAUER.
Frank A. Hallaner, who died in Rochester, New York, February 3, 1906, wus prominent in the political circles of that place. He was born July 31, 1820, in Webster, New York, where he re- sidled with his parents and received his education. He taught school for some years in that place. In 1893 he came to Rochester and began work in connection with the camera business, in which he continued until 1900. when he was appointed over- seer of the poor under Mayor Carnahan, in which capeity he neted until the time of his death sis years later.
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Woodmen of the World and of the Ancient Order of I'nited Workmen.
lu politics he was a stanch republican and took a deep interest in the political questions of the day and in the advancement of his party. He was very netive and prominent and was chairman of the Ward Club and president of the Union League Club for six years, He had a cheerful. sunny disposition which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred
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after an illness of three weeks and his family lost a devoted husband and father and his friends one who possessed their highest conlidenee and esteem.
JOSEPH G. SHALE.
Joseph G. Shale, a respected and popular citi- zen of Rochester, where he spent his entire life, rose from a humble position in the business workt to one of affluence, his advancement coming through his inherent force of character, his close application, his strong purpose and his laudable ambition. He was born on the 30th of March, 1831. and was of German lineage. His father, George Shale, was for some years proprietor of a retail shoe store, conducting one of the most ex- tensive shoe houses of the city. A daughter of the family, Miss Caroline C. Shale, is now living at No. 19 Franklin square, Rochester.
In his early boyhood Joseph G. Shale attended the private schools and later St. Joseph's paro- chial school. He was afterward a sindent in the public schools until fifteen years of age, when he started out mpon an independent business career. He was first employed as cash boy in the service of Burke, FitzSimons, Home & Company. in the wholesale department. His fidelity and worth soon won recognition and he was quickly promoted, remaining with that firm until 18;2, when he entered the employ of Sibley. Lindsay & Kerr. with whom he continued until 18;5. On the expiration of that period be formed a partnership with Jacob Odenbach for the purpose of carrying on a hat and fur business at No. : State street. The new enterprise met with prosperity from the beginning, and Mr. Shale remained on State street until 1887, when he formed a partnership with Herman R. Milow, under the firm name of Shale & Milow, continuing in the condnet of an exten- sive business on East Main street until his demise, which occurred on the 13th of August. 1594. His widow then took up the management of the busi- ness and continued at its head for seven years, when she sold out.
Mr. Shale bad been married on the 13th of Angust, 1828, to Miss Catherine J. Kerhl, of Ro- chester, a daughter of Casper Kechl, who was also in the shoe business here and was a manufacturer of shoes. He came to Rochester when eighteen years of age and the lady whom he afterward mar- ried arrived in this city when thirteen years of nge. both spending their remaining days here. Casper Keehl was born in 1800. Following his removal to Rochester he purchased land on Lake aveune and this property is still in possession of the fam- ily. He was one of the first settlers of Hanford Landing and was netively associated with the
early development of the portion of the city in which he made his home. Three daughters of his family are still living at the old home property in the town of Greece, near Lake avenne. U'nto Mr. and Mrs, Shale was born one son, Joseph Edward.
In his politient views Mr. Shale was a democrat and took un netive interest in politics. He held membership in the German-American Club for many years and was a member of St. Joseph's church. He also belonged to the Monroe Club. the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association and the Knights of St. John. His good qualities were many and his business capacity was manifest in the splendid record which he made in working his way upward from position of rash boy to a place of prominence in commercial circles. His meth- als, too, were over honorable and he was esteemed as one whose worth was that of inherent force of character. Mrs. Shale now owns a home on Rich- mond street bnt resides at No. 54 Gibbs street.
GEORGE A. BUMPUS.
George A. Buupus is an enterprising and pros- perous farmer and fruit-grower of Irondequoit township, operating the old family homestead. He is a native son of Monroe county, born on a farm in l'erinton township, July 2, 1858, and is a son of Alexander Nelson and Lucy ( Howard) Bum- pus, The latter was a native of Connectient and a daughter of Ezra Howard, who became a pioneer settler of Henrietta. New York. Alexander Nel- son Bumpns was born near New Belford, Massa- chusetts. July 14, 1812, aml at a very early age he lost his father. The latter was a shoemaker by trade and with his eldest son went to New Orleans, where his death occurred. Subsequent to the de- mise of the father the family became scattered and it was in 1826 when a lad of fourteen years, that Mr. Bumpus, accompanied a man by the name of Jesse Eddy, who with his family removed from the old Bay state to Henrietta, this state, Mr. Bumpus was reared in the home of Mr. Eddy and during his youth learned the carpenter's trade. After reaching years of maturity he wedded Miss Eney Howard. after which he removed to a farm in Perinton township, Monroe county. He was there engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a few years, during which time he required a rom- pertence sufficient to enable him to purchase prop- erty, and he then came into possession of a farm in Irondequoit township, which constitutes the present home of our subject. He improved and cultivated the land and here spent his remaining dass, passing away September 12, 1895, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-three years. He was survived by his wife abont five
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years, when she, too, was called to her final rest, her death occurring January 4, 1900. They were numbered among the highly estecmed pioneer settlers of this section of the state, having been closely identified with the development and progress which has here been carried on from an early period.
George A. Bumpus is one of a family of ten children, of whom eight still survive. The others are: William H., of Perinton: Mrs. Minerva C. Baker, of Fairport ; Mrs. Alice E. Brower, who re- sides near Pittsford, Monroe county : Mrs. Susan J. Whipple, a resident of Irondequoit; Mrs. Lucy Barker, of Rochester; Mrs. Marcia B. Paine, of Irondequoit ; and Permelia, the wife of Thomas Foley, of Perinton.
George A. Bumpus was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads of that period, being assigned to the various duties of the farm as his age and strength permitted and in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools of Tron- dequoit township, while later he attended the Rochester Business Institute, from which he was graduated. He then returned to the home farm and assisted his father in the management of the property until the latter's death. after which he began farming here on his own account.
Mr. Bumpns chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life. Miss Alice K. Shergur, a resident of Rochester. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in Calvary Presbyterian church and politically he is allied with the repub- lienn party. He is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, ever ready to lend his aid or in- Auence in behalf of any movement which he deems will prove of benefit to his home locality.
DANIEL W. POWERS.
As some one has expressed it, "to know Roches- ter is to know Powers." In other words, the name of Powers is inseparably interwoven with the history of the city, its commercial enterprise and business development, and Daniel W. Powers was the first builder of the modern business struc- ture which is now a typical feature in every pro- gressive city. The spirit of advancement which he thus manifested characterized him in all of his business undertakings and made him one of the most prosperous as well as best known citizens of Monroe county. Born in Batavia, Genesee county, New York, on the 14th of June, 1818. he was a son of Asabel and Elizabeth (Powell) Powers, who were natives of Vermont. On leaving New Eng- land they removed to western New York, estab- lishing their home in this section of the Empire state when it was largely an unimproved dis-
trict, giving little evidence of its present develop- ment and upbuilding. The father died about 1821 and the mother survived until the period of the Civil war.
Following his father's death Daniel W. Powers made his home with an unele and his early ex- periences were those of farm life. He worked in the fields from the time of early spring plant- ing until after crops were harvested in the late autumn but the pursuits of a mercantile career seemed more attractive and at the age of nine- teen he became a salesman in the hardware store of Ebenezer Watts of Rochester. For twelve years thereafter he was connected with the hard- ware trade, during which time the careful hus- banding of his resources, together with the increase in his salary as his years and efficiency advanced, brought him capital that enabled him to engage in business on his own account as a banker and broker on the 1st of March, 1850. He made the announcement to the public through the col- mins of the paper that he would condnet an "Exchange business in the Eagle block, Rochester, one door west of the Monroe Bank in Buffalo street." The new enterprise prospered from the beginning. He gave close and earnest attention to his business and the public soon recognized that he was thoroughly trustworthy, reliable and com- petent, so that his patronage therefore increased andl in years brought him a, handsome fortune. His success in the undertaking is evidenced by the fact that on the site of his original office now stands the beautiful and substantial Powers fire proof building. the first as well as the finest and most celebrated of the great modern com- mercial structures erected in the city. He con- tinued to engage in the banking business until his death and was recognized as one of the fore- most financiers of western New York, not nn- known throughout the entire state and in other sections of the country. In addition to the Pow- ers block he ererted the Powers Hotel, scarcely equaled in the state outside of New York city. Mr. Powers was one of the best balanced be- cause one of the most masterful of men. He rated his own powers and opportunities at their just worth and recognized the possibilities of every business situation. He never allowed any- thing to divert his attention from his business or to detract from the devotion which he gave to his clients' interests.
Ii was not alone thrinigh his private business affairs, however, that Mr. Powers became reckoned as one of the most distinguished and prominent citizens of Rochester. His labors were of the ntmost henefit to the city along various lines of progress. He was one of the founders of the present park system and was a member of the commission which directed the construction of
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DANIEL W. POWERS.
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the city hall and the elevation of the Central Hudson Railroad tracks. Twice he served as alderman and his official prerogatives were exer- cised in support of valuable measures. The Rochester City Hospital found in him a stalwart friend and champion and for many years he was president of its board of trustees. He was like- wise president of the board of trustees of the Home of the Friendless and a member of the board of trustees of the Industrial School. He was charitable and benevolent, giving freely of his means to ameliorate hard conditions of life for others and in all of his benefactions was entirely free from ostentation or display. He recognized individual responsibility and his charitable work was conducted as was his business-from a sense of duty, of privilege and of pleasure,
Mr. Powers was married twice. His first wife, who in her inaidenhood was Miss Lucinda Young, died in early womanhood. leaving a son, Edward, who passed away in youth. In 1856 Mr. Powers wedded Miss Helen M. Craig, a daughter of the late John Craig, of Niagara county, who was one of the carly retired citizens of Rochester. He removed from Niagara county to that city and became the owner of extensive real-estate interests here. His birth occurred in New Hampshire, his father being Colonel Joseph Craig, who won distinction as an officer in the Revolutionary war. John Craig was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Fassett and died at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife's death occurred when she was seventy-one years of age, Mr. and Mrs. Powers became the parents of five children : Helen, the wife of J. W. Aitken, of New York city : William (., a resident of New York city : Jessie, the wife of G. N. Perkins; and John Craig and Walter W., who make their home in Rochester.
Mr. Powers attained the Knight Templar de- gree in Masonry and was an attendant on the services of the Brick church, to which he gave liberal support. His was an especially weil rounded character. While he achieved success in business that would alone entitle him to distinc- tion. his interests beyond this were most varied and extensive. He was a patron of art and the founder of the famous Powers Art Gallery, valued at more than a million dollars. His knowledge of artists and their work was very extensive and his judgment discriminating. The beautiful in form and color had great attraction for him and he possessed that breadth of mind which induces interest in all that is refining and elevating. At all times he kept in touch with the progress of the land, being a man of broad general informa- tion. He traveled extensively, going abroad sev- eral times and visiting many points of historic modern and scenic interest in the old world as well as in his native land. He was imbued at all times with the spirit of advancement and progress
may well be termed the keynote of his character. In the counting house or the office he was regarded as a most level-headed business man but when the call for aid was made he was found to be most sympathetic and charitable. If one met him in the galleries at home or abroad he might well have been judged a connoisseur of art and in social circles he was found to be a most genial and companionable gentleman. A resident of Rochester from early manhood, he was honored and respected by all and his name stood to the outside world largely as a synonym of Rochester's greatness and upbuilding.
JOHN T. EVERSHED.
The agricultural interests of Brighton are well represented by John T. Evershed, who owns a well improved tract of land comprising eighty-five acres, and in addition to cultivating his land he is also engaged in the dairy business, having a milk route in the city and keeping on hand twenty cows to supply milk to the trade.
He is a native son of the Empire state, his birth having occurred on a farm in Irondequoit town- ship, Monroe county, July 5, 1836. He comes of English parentage and is a son of John and Jane J. (Palmer) Evershed, the father born in the mother country in 1809. It was in the year 1832 that the family emigrated to the new world, the family home being established in Irondequoit, where the father purchased and improved a farm, owning at one time a tract of two hundred acres. He was a representative and honored citizen of his locality, taking an active part in public affairs. He was a democrat in his political views and for four years served as supervisor, was town clerk for twenty-seven years and assessor for five years. He was a good penman and for that reason was an acceptable incumbent in the office of town clerk. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. John Evershed there were born four sons and three daughters, of whom two daughters are now deceased. The father's death occurred in 1896, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty-seven years, and thus passed away one of the prominent and public-spirited men of Monroe county, for he was loyal to the best interests of his adopted country.
John T. Evershed was reared on the homestead farm in Brighton, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors incident to the life of a farm lad. He acquired his education in school district No. 3. wherein he mastered the common branches of learning. He remained at home until he had reached the age of thirty-five years, during which time he gave his time and energies to the
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operation of the home farm, and then, wishing to establish a home of his own, he was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schutt, a daughter of George Schutt, one of the early settlers of Ironde- quoit township. Mrs. Evershed was born in Ger- many and was but a child when she was brought by her parents to this country.
She died on the 25th of August, 1906. By her marriage she had become the mother of one son, John G., who was born in Brighton, January ?, 1877, and is now operating the home farm for bis father. He was married December 17, 1902, tr Miss Bertha Peglow, a daughter of John Peglow and they have two sons: Curtis, born June 4 1904; and Mason. born June 4. 1907.
Mr. Evershed purchased a farm of eighty-five acres in Brighton, which he cultivated and im- proved by the erection of good buildings, including a barn, seventy-two by thirty feet, with a wing, thirty by thirty-six feet. He also built a carriage house, ice house and other outbuildings, and he planted an orchard containing one hundred pear trees. He carries on a dairy business and for many years kept on hand sixty-two cows. At one time he owned the largest milk route in Roches- ter but he has since disposed of some of his cows, keeping on hand about twenty, and he still de- livers milk throughout the city. At the last in- spection his farm stood almost perfect on the inspector's report, which accounts for his snecess in the dairy business. This proves a gratifying sonree of income to him and his honorable business methods have won for bim the high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.
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