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 71
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Like his father, John T. Evershed has given his political support to the men and measures of democracy but although he has been repeatedly urged to accept public office he has always declined to do so, preferring to give his undivided time to his private business affairs. Ile has spent his entire life in Monroe county, covering a period of seventy-one years, and he is therefore widely and favorably known, for he has been closely identified with the agricultural development of this section of the state from an early period down to the present time. The family are highly respected in the community in which they have so long made their home and their friends, who are many, en- joy the gracious hospitality of their pleasant home.
EDWARD ALLEN FROST.
Edward Allen Frost, who during an active life was called upon to fill varions municipal positions and who at all times proved his genuine worth by the trust reposed in him, was born in Rochester, January 14, 1832. His parents were Alonzo and
Mary Tiffany ( Frink) Frost, the former born in Johnstown, New York, July 16, 1803. He came to Rochester in 1825 and in 1829 wedded Miss Frink. Their three eldest children were Joseph, Edward A. and Henry C. Frost. The father en- gaged in the nursery business in Rochester in 1846 and when his sons had attained a sufficient age they were admitted to the business as partners undi enjoyed a very extensive patronage both before and after the war. Alonzo Frost made his home on Plymonth avenne in the third ward and in 1840 built the house still standing at the corner of Ply- month and Caledonia avennes. It remained his home throughout the rest of his life, his death there occurring in 1823. His eldest son, Joseph, who was a prominent young business man, well known, died very suddenly in St. Louis, Missouri, September 26, 1865, when on a business trip to that city. Henry C. Frost the youngest son, was captain in the Eighth New York Cavalry and served until about the close of the Civil war, when he was honorably discharged. He resides in Ro- chester. He and his sister, Sarah Frost, are the only surviving members of the family.
Edward Allen Frost was educated in the public schools of Rochester and in Professor Foster's school for boys in Adams street. He was inter- esied in the nursery business in his early years and hecame a member of the firm of Frost & Company, nurserymen, continuing in that business until he withdrew to become county clerk of Monroe conn- ty. Ile was elected to that office in 1877 and served for a term of three years, being the only man who ever held the office two terms. He was afterward supervisor of the third ward for two terms. In January, 1899, he was appointed deputy collector of internal revenue under Col- lector A. D. Sanders, which office he held until his death. For several years he war n vestryman of St. Luke's Episcopal church and was greatly interested in the work and upbuilding of that organization, doing all in his power to promote its canse and extend its influence. A social nature und regard for the amenities of life was manifest in his connection with the Rochester Club, of which he was one of the original members, and the Rochester Whist Club of which he was at one time president. He was a member of Rochester lodge, A. F. & A. M., Hamilton chapter, R. A. M., Mon- ror commandery, K. T., and the Scottish Rite. He held some offices in these organizations, was treas- urer of the chapter for many years and was at all times loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft.
In 1859 Edward Allen Frost was married to Miss Mary Wing, of Albany, who died in 1867. In 1888 he was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Isabella M. Eastman. a daughter of Joseph Addison Eastman of this city, who was born in Paris, New York, December 31, 1805, and
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died in Rochester, March &, 1890, at the age of eighty-four years. His father was the Rev. John Eastman, a graduate of Dartmouth College of the class of 1795, who for twenty-three years was pas- tor of churches in Norwich and Hanover, New York. In 1824 he removed to York, this state, where he continued to preach occasionally until his death in 1834. His son, Joseph A. Eastman, was prepared for college at. Paris Hill, New York, under the instruction of William R. Weeks, D. D., and at the academy in Clinton, New York, under the instruction of Professor Charles A. Avery. He was a member of Hamilton College for two years and joined the junior class of Dartmouth College in the fall of 1825. Following his graduation he taught in the academy in Scottsville, New York, for eight months and in the academy at Fredonia, New York, from July, 1829, until October, 1831. He took up the study of law with the firm of Thorp & Buttolph, at Norwich, New York, and afterward studied with the Hon. James Mullett, nt Fredonia, and with Kirkland & Bacon, at Utica, New York. He was admitted to the bar in Janu- ary, 1833, and opened an office in Scottsville, this state, in March, 1834. In May, 1836, he came to Rochester and at once began the practice of mnw with the Hon. S. M. Green, who for many years had been judge of the supreme court of Michigan, and the firm became Green & Eastman. When Mr. Green went west Mr. Eastman formed a partner- ship with Judge Chumasero and later he was con- nected with Menzo Van Voorhis. Mr. Eastman was an influential member of the board of educa- tion many years ago and up to the time of his death never lost his interest in the public schools. In politics he was greatly interested and gave his support to the democracy. Hle held the offices of city clerk and eity attorney of Rochester. Hle was one of the founders of the Genesee Valley Horticultural Society, was for several years its recording secretary and was a member of the executive committee. He took much interest in horticulture and floriculture and as an amateur in years past had the finest private collection of roses in Rochester. For many years he was a vestryman and clerk of the vestry of St. Luke's Episcopal church. He held membership in the old Audubon C'Inb and later with the Rochester Whist Club. He was a very prominent resident of this city, leaving the impress of his individuality upon its public life and private interests, No one who knew Joseph Eastman could uiter words other than those of kindness concerning him. On the 17th of October, 1835, Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Emily J. MeKnight, a daughter of Judge " Culvin MeKnight of Watertown. New York, and they had one daughter. Isabella Mansfield, who be- came Mrs. Frost.
The death of Mr. Frost occurred January 24, 1900, and Mrs. Frost now resides at No. 116 Ply-
mouth avenue in Rochester. He was a man with- out an enemy and the circle of his friends was co- extensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He lived in Monroe county all his life and was con- spicuous in politics. He held important offices and mingled constantly with the people, all of whom respected and loved him. He was honest, courte- ous, considerate and generous and it is said that not a day passed in which some kindly deed could not be attributed to him. He was always inter- ested in the welfare of the city and its upbuilding und labored most earuestly to develop the present park system, being among the first to point out the advantages of public parks and to urge purchases where they could be made to advantage. The first park land was bought of Mr. Frost.
In politics Mr. Frost was a republican. He was one of the "306,"-a member of that gallant band in the Chicago convention of 1880 that stood to- gether to the last and voted for General Grant. It was with pride and interest that he always re- called the events of that convention, for at a time when others proved false to their pledges he was loyal and remained trne to the interests of those who sent him. He was very proud of his 306 medal and rejoiced in the name of "stalwart." The qualities that he there exhibited were those he displayed throughout his entire life. He was ever quiet and unostentatious in manner, however, but all who came in contact with him to any ex- tent recognized his many good traits, including his loyalty to his friends. The name of Edward Allen Frost is honored wherever he was known and all with whom he came into close contact yet cherish his memory.
JAMES M. WHITNEY.
James M. Whitney. deceased, whose extensive business interests made Irim one of the foremost citizens of Rochester, contributing largely to its commercial and industrial upbuilding, was for many years engaged in the milling business and in the grain trade and was one of the most exfen- sive real-estate owners of the city. He was like- wise numbered among the representatives of its pioneer families, for his birth occurred in Roches- ter, February 24, 1821, when the city had scarcely more than emerged from villagehood and gave little promise of its present commercial impor- tance. He lived not only to witness its growth but to become an active participant therein. His par- ents were Warham and Nancy ( Mordoff) Whitney, natives of Massachusetts and Canada respectively. The father came to Rochester at a very early day and established a distillery. Soon afterward he
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embarked in the milling business and owned a large flourmill on Mill street in partnership with Thomas Emerson. He was identified with that industry throughout his remaining days and ne also became the owner of inch city property, inak- ing extensive and judicious investments in real estate. He opened what is known as the Whitney addition to the city and passed away in the midst of a life of usefulness and activity at the compara- tively early age of fifty-two years, being survived for only a short time by his wife.
In his early youth James M. Whitney was a publie-school student in Rochester and afterward attended school in Palmyra, New York, acquiring a good education. He then joined his father in the conduct of the flourmill, resolutely taking up the task of mastering the business in principle and detail, and after his father's death he entered into partnership in a milling business with Samuel G. Andrews and Nathaniel Rochester un Mill street.
On the 7th of September, 1852, Mr. Whitney was married to Miss Martha Pond, a representa- tive of one of the prominent old pioneer families of Rochester. Her parents were Elias and Caro- line ( Hickox) Pond, the former a native of Castle- ton, Vermont, and the latter of this state.
Mr. and Mrs. Whitney became the parents of two sons. Warham, who was born in 1854, is a member of the firm of I. S. Ward & Company, conducting a general insurance business at 207 Wilder building. He wedded Fannie Arnot and they reside at No. 22 South Goodman street. George Pond, the younger son, born in 1856, died December 25, 1891.
As the years passed Mr. Whitney carried on his business operations and did much to push for- ward the wheels of progress. In connection with his milling enterprises he became much interested in real estate, inheriting valuable property from his father. He owned realty in all parts of the city and also at the lake, where he built the Cot- tage hotel. He erected many fine residences in Rochester and thus aided in converting unsightly vacancies into fine districts. He had a large in- terest in the street railway of the city in early days when horse cars were used and when the owners of the street railway system were but four in number-Messrs, Warner, Barry, Woodruff and Whitney. Mr. Whitney continued interested in street car service for many years. He continned in all of the above mentioned lines of business until called to his final rest, his death being occa- sioned by an accident while he was residing on Lake avenue. He passed away May 24, 1893. Both he and his wife attended St. Luke's church and he voted with the republican party, believing firmly in its principles, yet he was never an office seeker. He was a great lover of flowers and al- ways had many beautiful blossoms and plants in his home. Mr. Whitney figured for many years as
a wealthy and prominent resident of Rochester and one who had the welfare of the city at heart. He stood for all that tended to improve its interests and in all life's relations his influence was found on the side of the right, the true and the beautiful. His name is honored by those who knew him and his memory is yet enshrined in the hearts of the many who claimed him for a friend.
ALBERT WEBSTER.
Albert Webster is engaged in cultivating ninety- eight acres of farming land in the town of Hen- rietta. He is a representative of one of the old families of this county. His ancestery can be traced back to Aaron Webster, his great-grand- father, who came here at a very early day. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812 and contributed to public progress through the ac- tive part which he took in the pioneer development of the community in which he made his home. His son, Samuel Webster, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Columbia county, New York, and arrived in Monroe county about 1810. He was married prior to that time and his eldest son was Harry Webster, who was about six or eight years of age at the time of the removal of the family to this county. The family home was es- tablished at Mendon and there Harry Webster at- tended the district schools. He also assisted in the work of the home farm and was early trained to habits of industry, economy and perseverance. In the community he was recognized as a leading and influential citizen and by popular franchise was elected to the offices of assessor and collector. His political views were always in accord with the principles of the republican party and to it he gave stalwart support. He married Phoebe Nichols and unto them were born two sons and a daughter.
Albert Webster, of this family, was born on the old homestead in 1848 and in his youth attended the district schools, mastering the common branches of English learning. He, too, early be- came familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and throughout his entire life he has carried on general farming. He is now leasing ninety-eight acres in the town of Henrietta and has brought the farm under a high state of cultivation, annually gathering good crops as a reward for the care and Inhor which he be- stows upon the fields.
On the 10th of January. 1877. Mr .. Webster was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Perry, and they had one daughter, Clara. The wife and mother departed this life on the 22d of March,
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ALBERT WEBSTER.
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MRS. ALBERT WEBSTER.
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1891, leaving behind many friends who esteemed her for her good qualities of heart and mind.
Mr. Webster is a member of Henrietta lodge, No. 526, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master, and he also belongs to the Royal Arch chapter at Rochester. He is a charter member of the State Grange, of which he is also a past master, and in both organizations he is now serv- ing as treasurer. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is now serving as justice of the peace, rendering decisions which are strictly fair and impartial.
JACOB S. GOULD.
There is perhaps no one in Rochester whose word could better be taken as anthority upon the history of the city than that of Jacob S. Gould, for through eighty-one years he has resiged here. He was born at the corner of Fitzhugh and Spring streets on the 6th of September, 1826, and now resides at No. 13 South Fitzhugh street, just north of the old place with his nephew Harry Gould. He is the eldest child of General Jacob Gould, who caine to Rochester in 1819 and who was born in Massachusetts, February 10, 1794. He was mar- ried in 1816 to Ruby Swan, whose birth ocenrred March 24. 1293. General Gould was the son of Captain Gould and a representative of one of the old colonial families. On his removal from Massa- chusetts to the Empire state General Gould located first at Schenectady, where he engaged in teaching school for a short time but later came to Rochester. Here he engaged in the manufacture of shoes in 1819, carrying on business at both Rochester and Lockport for many years during the building of the Erie canal and thus becoming actively asso- ciated with the material development and indus- trial life of the community. In later years he went into politics and figured prominently as one of the strong and influential members of the democracy in this state. He served as lighthouse inspector for some time and afterward was col- lector of the port of Genesee, while subsequently he served as United States marshal for two termin. His duties were discharged with promptness and fidelity and patriotism could well be termed one of the keynotes of his character. He was president of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank and had a branch bank in London. He was director and one of the consolidators of the New York Central Railroad until that line was purchased by Vanderbilt, and the extent and importance of his business interests and investments and his activity in public affairs made him a very prominent man in his dav. Through the utilization of the business oppor-
tunities that were presented he became a wealthy man and at one time owned all the side of the block upon which Jacob S. Gould now resides. He was twice married and had five children. He knew and helped many prominent men of the day and was a warm personal friend of Martin Van Buren when he was president of the United States, Mr. Van Buren often visiting at the Gould home. Mrs. Ely is the only lady now living who assisted at a reception given Martin Van Buren at the Gould home.
Jacob S. Gould, entering the public schools at the usual age, passed through successive grades until he had become a high school student and later he continued his studies in Lima Seminary. Entering business life at eighteen years of age, he was connected with the manufacture and sale of shoes as a partner of his father and subsequently was associated with his father in the banking business. After retiring from that line he became contracting agent for the New York Central Rail- road, in which capacity he continued for eleven years, when he retired. He has since lived in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, having by care- ful management, well directed labor and judicious investment in former years acquired a snug little fortune which now enables him to spend his re- maining days in case.
Mr. Gould was married to Miss Elizabeth Johnson, a daughter of John Johnson. Her par- ents came to Monroe county from St. Lawrence county in 1812 bnt such were the pioneer conditions in this section of the country that they were driven out by the Indians. They then went to Ogdens- burg but subsequently returned to Rochester, where Mr. Johnson engaged in business as a boat builder. In 1878 Mr. Gould was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 25th of June of that year. Politically he is a democrat und he attends the First Presbyterian church. He was also known in military circles at an early day, having been elected captain of the guards by over five hundred majority. The house in which he is living and two others adjoining were built by Captain Lummis and General Gould in 1824. They are still fine houses in an excellent state of repair. Mr. Gonhl of this review is a very active man for one of his years and it is most pleasant to meet and converse with him because of his broad and acenrate knowledge of the city and its history. He lived in Rochester when it was a small town and has watched its development to one of the metropolitan centers of the country with important commercial and industrial interests, bringing it into touch with all parts of the western continent and many parts of the world. Great indeed have been the changes which have occurred as the little village has been transformed into a splendid eity, a population of many thousand oc- enpying districts where in his boyhood stood the
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native forest trees. It seems hardly possible that it is within the memory of a living man when there was scarcely a railroad over the country and when most of the craft upon the waters were propelled by sails. Mr. Gould, however, has witnessed the many changes that time and man have wrought as invention has revolutionized trade and methods of living. At all times he has been deeply inter- ested in Rochester and her welfare, co-operating in many movements for the publie good.
HON. JOHN D. FAY.
Hon. John D. Fay came of colonial ancestry, his first ancestor in this country, John Fay, arriv- ing on the ship Speedwell from England in 1656. He became prominent in Massachusetts, where he was a large landowner and filled several important positions of trust and honor, as did many of his descendants, who were selectmen, assessors, mem- bers of assembly, members of congress and officers in the war with the French and in the Revolution- ary war. Mr. Fay's grandfather took part in the latter war, being first lientenant in the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts,
John Doane Fay was born in Northampton, New York, April 20, 1815, the eldest son of Hon. Jolin Fay, one of the influential men of those times, who repeatedly held public office. He acted as supervisor, postmaster, member of the sixteenth congress, presidential elector and member of as- sembly during the early discussions on appropria- tions for the constructing of the "Grand Eric Canal," with which his son was destined to be con- pected for many years. The son, John D. Fay, seems to have inherited his father's upright char- acter, great ability and fine personal appearance. He made surveying his chosen profession, in which he attained eminence. Abont 1839 he went to Lockport, where he remained several years and then came to Rochester, residing fifty years in the third ward, where he died June 6, 1895. The canal was the cause of his coming to this city and most satisfactorily he discharged the duties of resident and division engineer and canal commis- sioner. During his connection with the canal, it was widened, the locks changed at Lockport and the acqueduct in Rochester city deepened. He was nominated for state surveyor. Upon his retiring from the office of canal commissioner in 18:3, his associates presented him a solid silver tablet with the following engraved upon it: "Hon. John D. Fay, Canal Commissioner. Dear Sir: Desirous of showing at the close of your official term our high appreciation of your efficiency as a public officer and worth as a citizen, also of acknowl-
edging our obligations for your ever kind and courteous bearing towards us, not forgetting that hy your sound common sense, skill and ability our duties have been made comparatively easy and pleasing, while the public interest has been there- by enhanced ; we therefore most respectfully dedi- cate to you this tablet as a testimonial of our high appreciation and heartfelt respect, and, wishing you a long and prosperous life, truly subscribe ourselves your friends."
He had charge of the western division of the New York state canals, and with two exceptions was longer in the employment of the state than any other surveyor. In 1850 he and O. W. Childs were sent by Commodore Vanderbilt at the head of a large surveying party to make a survey for an inter-oceanic ship canal across Nicaragua, Cen- tral America, under the auspices of a New York company. This undertaking, accomplished under privations incident to a remote, sparsely settled and almost unknown country, resulted in a survey considered superior to any since made, though finally the Panama ronte was chosen. Mr. Fay made the first survey for the direct line of the New York Central Railroad from Rochester to Syracuse and was connected with many railroad enterprises of importance.
For some years he was engaged with William Hollister in an extensive lumber business, which they most successfully conducted until the great flood of 1865, which swept nearly all away. His active business career closed with his retirement from the coal business, which was located on Sonth Fitzhugh street, the canal separating it from the city hall. His friends were among the most dis- tinguished and those of the more humble walks of life, and to all he was equally considerate.
On the 16th of May, 1839, Mr. Fay married Miss Caroline N. Sexton, of Chenango county, who, soon after the death of their only child, died October 11, 1841. Four years later, on October 23, 1815, Mr. Fav was united in marriage to Miss Maria Lydia Noble, the youngest daughter of Colonel William H. Noble, who represented his district in the twenty-fifth congress. besides filling a number of state offices. Her grandfather was Lieutenant Zadock Noble of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Fay was born in Cayuga county, April 14, 1821, and as a girl was a frequent visitor to this city, the guest of her uncle, one of Rochester's first mayors. Her reminiscences of the social af- fairs of those early days were most interesting, as were her accounts of her experiences during the year and a half passed with her husband in Nicara- gua, where a white woman was an object of much curiosity. The surveying party sailed from New York in a schooner specially fitted for them, tak- ing their own physician. as the part of the coun- try where they were to be was far from the settle- ments. In her youth Mrs. Fay joined St. Luke's
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