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 75
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96
of life commanded and deserved the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated. Both he and his wife were members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and he was a most gen- erous contributor toward the building of the Corn- hill Methodist church, while to all charitable and benevolent interests he was most liberal. He rec- ognized every man's individual responsibility toward his fellowmen and always had a hand downreaching in order to lift up those less fortu- nate than himself.
Henry Wray of this review was only a young lad when brought by his parents to Rochester. He was reared among the refining influences of a good, Christian home and was a student in early boyhood in the public schools, passing through successive grades until he became a high-school student, and acquired a good education. He re- ceived practical business training under the direc- tion of his father, whom he joined in the conduct of the foundry, and displayed special aptitude in mastering the business in principle and detail. Upon his father's death he became manager of the foundry and under his guidance the business con- tinued to increase. It was developed along mod- ern business lines in harmony with conservative methods that insured safety in its conduct and yet did not preclude progressiveness. The com- pany manufactures all kinds of brass goods, brass moldings, brass and composition castings and other goods of the same nature and the output was, and is, sent to all parts of the country. for since the father's death the sons have continued in charge of the business, which is now carried on under the firm style of Henry Wray & Sons, brass founders. It was incorporated and the plant is located at Nos. 193 and 195 Mill street.
In 1862 Mr. Wray was married in Rochester to Miss Cornelia F. Martin, a native of this city and daughter of William H. and Salvina B. (Clark) Martin, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. Her father came to Rochester at an early day and throughout the remainder of his life here followed the mason's trade, which he had learned in early manhood. He took many important contracts, built the old Eagle Hotel and many of the other brick struc- tures of the city of an early day. While in charge of the brick work and tunnel at West Point he became ill with cholera and died suddenly. His wife survived him and died in Rochester in 1894.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Wray was blessed with seven children: Ella Alling, now deceased ; William Henry, who is vice president of the Henry Wray & Sons Company, and who married Elsie C. Joiner, their home being at No. 22 Lori- iner street; Edward M., who died in infancy; Mary G., the wife of John M. Stull, a prominent attorney, now assistant corporation counsel of
Digitized by Google
518
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
Rochester, with offices at No. 16 City Hall; Charles F., who is secretary and treasurer of the company, and married Helen Strong: Lois, who is the wife of Rev. John Barber, minister of the Calvary Baptist church of Brie, Pennsylvania: and De Los H .. who is also interested in the brass foundry and restdes with his mother.
Mr. Wray wax for six years a member of the board of education at Rochester and was deeply interested in the intellectual progres of the city. He was a prominent member of the Mastmir fra- ternity. A good Christian man, he took much interest in church work, both le and his wife being members of the t'entral Preslesterian church. They were also interested in the People's Rescue Mission and did much to promote its work and the accomplishment of its object. In fact. Mr. Wray stond for all that is just and honorable in business, for all that is helpful and considerate in man's relation with his fellowmen and for all that is geyerons and liberal in his treatment of the nofortunate, He and his wife traveled quite ex- tensively, visiting many sertions of interest, and Mrs. Wray has a large collection of relies picked up in their travels. She owns a beautiful home at No. 44 Lorimer street. where she and her son now reside, By all who knew him Mr. Wray is retttembered as one who was actively and com- mendably interested in the welfare and develop- ment of this section of the state. He was a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable en- ergy, strict integrity and liberal views. Ile per- severed in pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. His life was exemplary in many respects and he had the esteem of his friends and the confidence of those who had business relations with him.
GEORGE W. ROBESON.
It is a noticeable fact in the business world that it is the young men who are puishing for- ward the wheels of progress, who are controlling important industries and instituting business com- binations and interests which result in a thousand forms of practical utility. In this connection mention should be made of George W. Robeson. president of the Rochester Stamping Company and treasurer of the Robeson Cutlery Company. two of the important productive concerns of the city which have contributed much to commercial progress here in the last two decades.
Mr. Roheson was born in Groton. New York. May 10, 15;0. He was pucated in the public schools of Elmira, New York, and at the age of
fourteen years entered business life, being for a number of years employed iu clerical capacities in hardware stores. In 1891 he became connected with the Rochester Stamping Company, which had been established in 1885. This and the Robe- son Cutlery Company are officered by the same people, George W. Robeson being president and Irving T. Robeson vice president of the Roches- ter Stamping Company, while of the Robeson Cut- lery Company the brother of our subject is the president. A mammoth business is carried on in the manufacture of copper and nickel plated tin- ware of great variety. in chafing dishes, forks, spoons, serving dishes, trays, cuke baskets, fern diskus tea and coffee pots etc. The firm employs ahont forty-five traveling salesmen, who cover the I'nited States and Canada, while the employes in the oflives and factories mumber eight hundred. The various large buildings utilized in the Haulnet of the enterprise cover some one hundred and twenty-five thousand feet of floor space and are located on Anderson avenue, near Rochester Uni- versity, with convenient shipping facilities, owing to the proximity of the New York Central Rail- road. They isine a very bantiful illustrated cata- logue of their large line of high-class goods and the product of the Rochester Stamping Company is known throughout the United States. The business has steadily grown along healthful lines until it has reached mammoth proportions and has tiet only proved a source of gratifying profit to the stockholders but has also been of direct practical benefit to the city in the promotion of its commercial progress.
Mr. Robeson was married in 1892 to Miss Jes- sie M. Pratt, of Elmira. New York, and they have two daughters: Ruth, who is now seven years of age: and Esther. Mr. Robeson is a member of the Rochester Club aml of the Oak Hill Country Club. le belongs to the First Baptist church and takes an active and helpful interest in its work. In polities he is an independent republican, usuatty endorsing the principles of the party yet not con- sidrring himself bound by party ties. The family home is at Na, 136 Chili avenue and is a favorite resort with the nmuy friends of Mr. and Mrs. Robeson. In matters of citizenship Mr. Robeson slands for all that is helpful and progressive. withholding his support from no movement or measure that he deets would prove of public bene- tit. He is hrad in his ideas and liberal in his judgments, strong in his convictions and earnest in his views. Hle stands as a splendid type of the American business man who readily recognizes and utilizes opportunity. Endowed by nature with a sound judgment and an acenrale, discriminaling mind, he has nol feared that laborious attention to Imsiness so neressary to achieve success and this essential quality has ever been guided by a sense of moral right which would tolerate the employ-
Dignzno by Google
549
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
ment only of the means that would hear the most rigid examination, and by a fairness of intention that has neither sought nor required disguise.
PLATT C. REYNOLDS,
Platt C. Reynolds, deceased, who for a third of a century was an editor and journalist in Roches- ter and was regarded thronghont the country as one of the ablest writers upon horticultural suh- jeets, was born in Dutchess county, New York. in 1826. He was ten vears of age when he removed to Palmyra. New York, with his parents. Isaac and Sarah { Ellison Reynolds, He remained a resident of Palmyra from 1836 until 1859 aml completed his edneation in the schools there. He afterward removed 10 Plainfield, New Jersey where he engaged in the fruit-growing business rntil 1864. and his broad, practical experience. as well ns his wide study and research, muurde him authority on subjects of which he treated in his journalistic work.
Mr. Reynolds came to Rochester on leaving New Jereer and here again engaged in fruit growing. following this pursuit for some time with excel- lent sneers, while for twenty years he was agri- cultural and horticultural editor of the American Rural Home of Rochester, For a long period he was also sreretary of the Western New York Horti- cultural Society and was present at the semi-con- tennial celebration of that organization in Janu- ary. 1905. His writings and his efforts proved an important influence in promoting the fruit-grow- ing interests of the state, bringing a knowledge to the general public which might be accomplished in this direction and of the best methods to be fol- lower. For several years he was horticultural (al- itor of Green's Fruit Grower, and not only did he write extensively on the subjects of the farm, the garden and the orchard, but was also a prac- tieal agriculturist and hortirulinrist. and often delivered lectures at farmers' institutes, presenting in practical form those subjects which were and are of interest in the tilling of the sail or the production of grain and fruit crops. He was a frequent and valued contributor to Green's Fruit Grower, the Examiner, the New York Tribune, the Ohio Farmer, the New England Farmer, the Country Gentleman and other agricultural papers, and his writings are widely rend und copied in other publications. He was continuously a stu- dent of these interests twaring upon the questions which be treated and had most thorough knowl- edge of both a practical and scientific character.
On the 23d of November. 1846. Mr. Reynolds was married near Palmyra. New York, to Miss Julia Barnes, a native of Ontario county. New
York, und they beemne the parents of fone chil- eren: Mrs. Nim Brewingtot, living at home: Francis Garton, deceased : Mrs. Florence Whitney : and Augustus, at home.
In his political views Mr. Reynolds was always at strong republican. studied closely the attitude of the two great parties upon the momentous ques- tions which came up for settlement, and his posi- tion was that of firm conviction and a belief in the justice of his cause. He was a faithful, fre- ment and conscientions advisor and was kind and courteons to all. By nature he was quiet and un- assuming and his strong mentality and studions Iubits led him to be classed with the thinkers of the age, In fact he was called the traveling en- evelopedia of invention and his broad knowledge made him the peer and valned associate of those most juruminent in agricultural and horticultural wireles throughont the country. He built a fine home at No. 35 Meigs street, Rochester, about sex- enteen years ago and there resided until his death, which orenrred Aprit 13. 19005. His widow still resides there. In bis demise the nation lost one of its ablest men, where widely felt influence was a potent factor for good and for material develop- ment. while his gennine personal worth endeared him to all with whom he came in contact in his so- cial relations
FRANKLIN MILES,
At an early period in the development of Roches- ter the Miles family, of which Franklin Miles was a representative, was founded in this city, and for many years he figured in its industrial activity. we of the strongest and most influential firms being that of W. E. & F. Miks, manufacturers of ensh, doors and blind4. Born in Bloomfield in 1×32. he was a son of William and Catharine ( Em- inert ) Miles, who at an early day in the develop- ment of western New York settled at Victor. Later they removed to Maryland, establishing their home nt the birth phee of the father.
Franklin Miles attended school while spending his hovhood days under the parental roof and at the age of eighteen years came to Rochester, where he entered business in connection with contracting and building. He was thus associated with the substantial improvement and development of the city and later he became identified with his broth- er, William E. Miles, in the manufacture of sash, fours and bliuds, under the firm style of W. E. & F. Miles. This relationship was continued un- til 1899, and was characterized by a continned growth in business, resulting from the high stand- ards that were ever maintained in correct materials nseil. in the methods of mannfacture and in serv- ice to the [ nblic. The firm met competition in a
Digncho by Google
550
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
rivalry of merit rather than in a war of prices and paid to the high grade of workmen employed a legitimate share of the profits which their tal- ents brought to the business. The relations of the house with other business houses were ever above reproach and measured fully up to the stand- ard of honorable dealing. Franklin Miles contin- ued an active factor in the management and con- trol of this profitable industry until 1899, when he disposed of his interests, after which he en- joyed merited case in a well-earned rest up to the time of his death, which occurred August 2, 1907.
In 1854 Mr. Miles was married to Miss Sarah Fav, who died in 1871, and in 1876 he married Miss Agnes E. Crowner of Rochester. Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in the Thirty-third New York Volunteer Infantry, and when his term of service expired joined the Forty- ninth New York Regiment, remaining in the army until hostilities ceased. In politics he was inde- pendent and without desire for political prefer- ment. He became prominent and prosperous in business life. He was a man of domestic tastes, quiet and unassuming in manner, but the genuine worth of his character gained for him the trust and respect of those with whom he was associated.
JOHN ECKLER.
John Eckler owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and eight acres in Pittsford township, which constitutes a part of the old homestead property and which has been in pos- session of the family for sixty-five years. He is a native son of Monroe county, born in Mendon, February 12, 1824, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Cole) Eckler. The father came to Monroe coun- ty from Otsego county. this state, in 1812, and settled on a farm in Mendon near the Pittsford line, the tract comprising one hundred acres, which was covered with timber. He at once set to work to clear the land and he also erected a log cabin, in which he took up his abode and in due course of time he transformed the wild land into cultivable fields, from which he annually gathered abundant harvests as a result of the care and labor which he bestowed upon his land. As time passed and his financial resources increased he added to his original holdings and eventually became a large landholder, owning several farms, among which was the tract which is now in possession of our subject. He gave his early political support to the whig party but after the formation of the republican party he joined its ranks. His family numbered ten children but only two are now liv- ing, the sister of our subject being Mrs. Esther D. Crounice. The wife and mother passed away in
1856 and was long survived by her husband, who died in 1877. They were numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers of this section of the state.
John Eckler, the only living son of the family, was reared upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors connected with agricultural pursuits. During the winter months he pursued his studies in the schools of Mendon. He remained with his father until he had reached the age of twenty-four years and then began farming on his own account, cultivating the land which is now his home, the tract comprising one hundred and eight acres, located in Pittsford township, near the village. He has made all of the improvements which are here seen, including a good house and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and he has likewise planted fruit and shade trees and everything about his place is kept in the best possible condition, so that it adds to the attractiveness of this section of the county.
Mr. Eckler was married in 1847 to Miss Harriett Sherwood, who was born in Monroe county, her father, Somers Sherwood, having settled here in 1813. Their marriage was blessed with six chil- dren, three sons and three daughters: Sarah L., the deceased wife of Charles Tobie; Somers S .; Berton B .; Carrie A. and Harriett M., twins, the former now the wife of James A. La Leur, while the latter is the wife of William Hanna; and Frank A. The wife and mother passed away in 1877, and in 1880 Mr. Eckler was again married, his second union being with Sarah McGee, who was horn in Livingston county, this state.
Mr. Eckler gives his political support to the republican party and for six years he served as assessor but aside from this he has held no public office, preferring to give his time and attention to his private business interests. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Mendon Presbyterian church. The family are well known in Pittsford and in Monroe county, for the name has been closely identified with the agricultural development of this portion of the state from a very early period and today John Eckler stands as a worthy representative of the name in this line of activity.
MOSES KNAPP. 1
Moses Knapp was a well known and prominent representative of industrial interests in Rochester for thirty-five years, carrying on business as a painter and decorator. He attained a degree of skill and proficiency in this line which brought to him a very liberal patronage and gained him
Dionzed by Google
JOHN ECKLER.
Digdzed by Google
MRS. JOHN ECKLER.
Dlgmood by Google
555
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
a reputation unsurpassed by any who followed the of Frederick Miller, now deceased, who for many same business in Monroe county.
Mr. Knapp was born in New York city in 1843 and died March 13, 1906, at the age of sixty-two years. When fourteen years of age he went to Stratford, Connecticut, and in the year 1864 came to Rochester, being then a young man of twenty- one years. Here he learned the trade of painting and decorating, became an expert in his line and in the course of years developed a very extensive business as a contractor. His work was seen in some of the finest homes and business houses of the city, his ability being of the highest order, while his proficience was a matter of uniforin knowledge throughout his adopted state.
In 1891 Mr. Knapp was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Benedict, of Perinton, New York, and they became the parents of four children: Gertrude, Moses T., Nellie and Elmer.
In his political views Mr. Knapp was a repub- liean, interested in the growth and success of his party. He was also a stalwart champion of the cause of temperance and did everything in his power to suppress the liquor traffic, realizing fully that it is one of the greatest detriments to the country and to the development of honorable man- hood. Of domestic tastes, fond of his home and family, he found his greatest pleasure at his own fireside, and was never more content than when ministering to the happiness of his wife and chil- dren. He belonged to the Independent Order of Good Templars, as a member of Washington lodge, and was connected with a number of societies for the promotion of business interests. He held membership in the Builder: Exchange, was vice president of the Master Painters Association of Rochester and a member of the International As- sociation of Master House Painters and Decorators of the United States and Canada. He was con- stantly alert to the interests of his business in its artistic lines as well as for its financial results and he had a kern eve for beauty of form, color
and effect. The excellence of work executed under his direction gave him prominence among men in his line of business in the country. Moreover, his business probity and integrity were above ques- tion and he was a man whose social. genial nature made him well liked by all. Mrs. Knapp now resides at No. 89 Park avenue, Rochester, where she owns a nice home.
FREDERICK MILLER.
There is perhaps in this volume no history which serves to illustrate more clearly the force of determination and persistent purpose in en- abling one to rise from a humble financial position to one of wealth and affluence than does the record
years was a prominent business man of the Flower city. For over a half century he was engaged in the brewing business here and was the founder of the Flower City Brewery. He was also well known in local military circles and in connec- tion with other business enterprises.
Mr. Miller was born at Oberlinxweiler, Ger- many, January 28, 1822. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Baker) Miller, were also natives of that place and resided upon a farm there until 1834, when the family sailed for America. They came direct to Rochester but only remained here for about a year and then removed to the middle west, settling in Cook county, Illinois, the father purchasing a farm about twenty-one miles from Chicago. Later he returned to Rochester, where both he and his wife died.
Frederick Miller of this review began earning his living as a waiter in the hotels of Chicago for a few years. At the age of eighteen he was apprenticed to a carpenter. William Jones, who paid him one dollar per week and board. His term of apprenticeship continued for three years, during which time he assisted in building some of the finest residences in Rochester, together with schools, churches and other public buildings. He helped to build the Trinity Evangelical church on Allen street, of which he became a member, continning as such throughout the re- mainder of his life. As a contractor and builder he did important work in the improvement of the city and many fine specimens of the architecture of an earlier period still stand as monuments to his thrift and handiwork.
In 1852 Mr. Miller turned his attention to another field of business. He established a small brewery on Brown street, where he employed a number of men. He continued the business there until 1861 but in the meantime his trade had constantly increased until it had reached such proportions that he was obliged to have larger quarters. He therefore purchased the site upon which the Flower City Brewery now stands on Lake avenue and there built a larger plant. He conducted the business on his own account until 1882, when the Miller Brewing Company was organized, of which Mr. Miller was made presi- dent, with Rudolph Vay as vice president, Solo- mon Wile, secretary, and Moses Hays, treasurer. More stockholders were admitted from time to time. The business still continued to increase and later the name was changed to the Flower City Brewing Company. Mr. Miller was the prin- cipal stockholder in the same and retained his connection with the business throughout his re- maining days. Three times was the plant de- atroved by fire. It was burned in 1869, again in 18:6 and the third time in 1886, so that he
Digitized by Google
336
HISTORY OF ROCHESTER AND MONROE COUNTY.
had to rebuild each time. In 1893 Mr. Miller determined to retire from active work but he still remained a stockholder and director of the brew- ery until called to his final rest. He was suc- corded by John C. Enders, who has since been president of the brewery.
Frederick Miller was three times married. He first wedded Christine Hertel, who died in Roch- ester in 1867. There were ten children of that marriage, of whom six are now living. all resi- dents of Rochester, namely: Frederick, William, George, Christine, Mrs. Mary Haap, and Mrs. Catherine Hermann. For his second wife Fred- erick Miller chose Louisa llertel, who died in 1826. There were five children of that mar- ringe, four of whom are yet living. These are Amelia, Albert, Julins and Arthur. For his third wife Mr. Miller chose Miss Emily Fuchs, a native of Wayne county, New York. In 1886. Mr. Miller and his wife made a trip to Europe, visiting his native country and various other points of inter- est during the three months which they spent abroad. At a later date be again visited the fatherland.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.