USA > New York > Genesee County > History of the Genesee country (western New York) comprising the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates, Volume III > Part 24
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FREDERICK G. YAWMAN.
Frederick G. Yawman, president of the Eisler Manufacturing Company, is wisely guiding the destiny of an important productive industry and bears a name that has long stood for the best traditions in Rochester's citizenship. He was born in the Flower city, on the 6th of April, 1873, a son of George and Elizabeth (Begy) Yawman, the former a native of Rochester and the latter of St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada. The father was one of the well known grocers of Rochester, successfully following that business for a half century, and his probity, enterprise and public spirit were qualities which won for him the unqualified esteem of his fellow citizens. He passed away in May, 1922, and is survived by the mother. Five children were born to them, three of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Laura Leonard, Effie, and Frederick G.
Frederick G. Yawman received his early training in the SS. Peter & Paul parochial school and after completing a course in the public schools became an apprentice to the machinist's trade. He was connected with the firm of Eastman, Yawman & Erb for a period of fourteen years and a year after the establishment of the Eisler Manufac- turing Company became its president, which office he has filled since 1908. The firm manufactures a general line of machinery and employs from twenty-five to thirty persons. There is a steady demand for its output, which is characterized by a high standard of excellence, and under the able administration of Mr. Yawman the business has prospered, each year marking an increase in its volume.
In 1903 Mr. Yawman was married to Miss Rosalia A. Knapp, who died in 1907. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Knapp, prominent residents of Rochester. Mr. Yawman has a son: Victor G., born in this city, December 30, 1904, who is now a student at Notre Dame University, class of 1926.
Mr. Yawman is a faithful communicant of the Roman Catholic church and has taken the third degree in the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to the Rochester Automobile Club and contributes his quota toward civic advancement as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. His career has been one of continuous progress and his success proves that the old-fashioned virtues of industry and honesty still con- stitute the key to prosperity.
BERT O. CHAPMAN, D. D. S.
Broad experience and constant study have ripened the ability of Dr. Bert O. Chapman, who for thirty-three years has followed the vocation of his choice in Elmira, and the profession as well as the public accords him rank with the leading dental practitioners of the city. He was born in the town of Big Flats, Chemung county, New York, June 2, 1865, a son of Seeley P. and Sarah (Kingsbury) Chapman, the latter also a native of this county. The father was born in Schuyler county, New
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York, and chose the occupation of farming as his lifework. He was a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church and supported the candidates of the democratic party until the Mckinley administration, when he became a republican. He was active in public affairs and held various town offices, being one of those instrumental in organizing the Elmira Farmer Club, of which he was the first secretary. Five chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, four of whom survive, namely: Wilbur N., who is a lumber salesman and resides in Newark, New Jersey; Bert O., of this review; H. Edgar, who is connected with the Elmira Storage & Sales Company; and Mrs. Crete C. Cunningham, who is a widow and makes her home in Elmira.
Bert O. Chapman began his education in the district school near his home and continued his studies in the city schools, afterward entering the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1891. Returning to Chemung county, he became associated with the firm of Goddard & Fox and ultimately was their successor. Each succeeding year has witnessed a decided increase in his practice, which requires his undivided attention. He possesses the mechanical skill and ingenuity so necessary to success in the profession and adds thereto a comprehensive knowledge of the broad scientific principles upon which dental practice is based.
On September 6, 1900, Dr. Chapman was married to Miss Mary J. Collins, who is a native of Canada and was reared and educated in the Dominion. They have two children: Elizabeth Jean, who graduated from the Elmira Free Academy and Elmira College and who is now teaching; and Eldon Seeley, a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Chapman are members of the First Presbyterian church and he is allied with the republican party. He is a Knights Templar Mason. and be- longs to the Masonic, Century and Rotary Clubs. He is an ex-president of the Sixth District Dental Society, also a member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Society.
JOHN FREDERICK BRAYER.
Among those men whose business activities have had much to do with the build- ing up and development of Rochester's manufacturing interests was John Frederick Brayer, chairman of the board of directors of the Co-operative Foundry Company. His . entire life from boyhood was closely connected with that company, which for years has been included among the city's strong and substantial industrial organiza- tions. Governed by time-honored ideals, the finished products of the Co-operative Foundry Company are the result of years of striving for perfection and the fact that the business has endured for nearly sixty years is proof of the integrity and ability of the men at its head. No industry of Rochester redounds more to the credit and fame of the city, and in its development members of the Brayer family have played a leading part.
John Frederick Brayer was born in this city on the 7th of September, 1852, a son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Begy) Brayer. The latter came to this country at the age of sixteen and the former when a boy of ten, and they were married in Rochester on October 21, 1851. The father was born on the 20th of October, 1829, in Lorraine, at that time a French province, and in 1867 was one of the principal organizers of the Co-operative Foundry Company, of which he became president. He was a man of exceptional business sagacity and administrative power, which enabled him to place the industry upon a strong and enduring foundation, and successfully guided its destiny for many years. He was also a director of the German Insurance Company of Rochester and likewise found time for participation in civic affairs, serving as supervisor for the eighth ward. He was a Catholic in religious faith and passed away on May 11, 1901, honored and respected by all who knew him. His widow survived and was called to her final rest in 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Brayer became the parents of ten children, but John Frederick, Edward J. and Mrs. Ida M. Staud are deceased. Those now living are Frank Nicholas, George H., Elizabeth, Emma, Margaret, Mrs. Ottilia K. Berna and Mrs. Bertha B. Staud.
John F. Brayer attended the public schools of Rochester and after his education was completed entered the Co-operative Foundry, where he learned the business from the ground up. He proved a worthy successor of his father, closely following the progressive policy inaugurated by the latter, and under his able supervision a high degree of efficiency was maintained in the operation of the plant. The business was first conducted in what is now the down town section of Rochester and later removed to a large tract of land purchased in the Lincoln Park district, where the
JOHN F. BRAYER
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present excellent plant was built. The original capital of the company was twenty- five thousand dollars, which has been increased from time to time and is now six hundred thousand dollars, and about three hundred workers are employed in the foundry, which manufactures the famous Red Cross products, used in civilized coun- tries throughout the world. The firm is a pioneer in this field, in which it has long maintained a position of leadership, and has one of the largest and best equipped plants of the kind in the United States. The name Red Cross is known to millions of women who use kitchen ranges. The gas range, equipped with the oven heat control, enables the housewife to cook and bake with a certainty of results hitherto regarded as impossible. The Red Cross Copco Enamel ranges have been perfected after years of scientific research and experimentation, and the firm also makes the well known Red Cross Ajax and Empire furnaces, which are widely used. Efficiency and dur- ability are combined with art in the manufacture of Co-operative products and from father to son the principles of the founder have been handed down, resulting in a reputation which places these products in the front rank of heating and cooking equipment for the home. The process of quality given in Red Cross products starts with the purchase of materials. The manufacturers strive to obtain the very best. The raw materials are then transformed into the finished product by skilled artisans. Both the materials, before the manufacturing processes are begun, and the finished article, before it is placed on the market, are carefully inspected, for it is the policy of the company that everything must be as nearly perfect as it is humanly possible to make it. This practice has been followed ever since the company was founded and as a result it has acquired a reputation for commercial integrity not surpassed by any other manufacturing concern in Rochester.
On September 28th, 1880, Mr. Brayer married Miss Louisa Lefmann, of Roch- ester, who, with a son and daughter, survive him. The son, Nelson G., is superin- tendent of the Sharon, Pennsylvania works of the National Malleable & Steel Cast- ings Company. He married Miss Pauline Pierce of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. The daughter, Florence B., was married June 2, 1906, to Conrad J. Gelli of New York city, whose death occurred in November, 1907, in Florence Italy, leaving a daughter Louise N., born April 16, 1907, and is now a student at the University of Rochester, member of the class of 1928.
Mr. Brayer was a director of the Mechanics Institute of this city, and had been treasurer for many years, and also belonged to the Rochester Historical Society, the Academy of Science, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Automobile Club of Rochester. In his religious faith he was a Unitarian. He represented the highest type of citizenship, and his was an inspiring example of a well balanced, well ordered life. In business affairs his ability and sound judgment were unquestioned and they were coupled with a strict sense of honor and justice that commanded both respect and success. In private life he was ever kindly and sympathetic. His home life was particularly appealing, and all that was best in his nature was reflected in the simple, though beautiful and restful place which he called "home." He passed away in Rochester on the 20th of December, 1924.
FRED B. SCHUBER.
Fred B. Schuber, a prominent and representative young business man of Roches- ter, is the secretary and treasurer of the Rochester Auto Parts, Incorporated, which he founded in 1916 and which has since developed into one of the largest enterprises of the kind in western New York. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 7th of March, 1891 his parents being William J. and Mary (Walterman) Schuber, who are also natives of that state and resided in Chicago until 1904, when they came to Rochester, New York. The father, who was well known in industrial circles here for many years as general superintendent of the Stromberg-Carlson Telephone Manu- facturing Company, severed his connection with that corporation to join his son in the conduct of Rochester Auto Parts, Incorporated, with which he is still actively iden- tified. Mr. and Mrs. William J. Schuber have two sons: Fred B., of this review; and Edward F., who is connected with the North East Electric Company of Rochester.
Fred B. Schuber began his education in the public schools of Chicago and contin- ued his studies in the East high school of Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1908. After putting aside his textbooks he secured a clerical position with the New York State Railways, while subsequently he was similarly employed by the Rochester Railway & Light Company until he entered the purchasing department of the Todd
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Protectograph Company. Following his resignation from the last named corporation in 1916, he founded the enterprise known as Rochester Auto Parts, Incorporated, of which he has since served as secretary and treasurer. The concern is not excelled among wholesale and retail dealers in automobile parts and supplies anywhere.
On the 29th of April, 1912, Mr. Schuber was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hill daughter of John J. Hill, Sr., of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Schuber have one son: John Frederick, who was born in Rochester in 1915 and is now a student in school No. 23. Mr. Schuber is a consistent member of St. Paul's church and also belongs to the Young Men's Christian Association. His name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Ad Club, the Rochester Club, the Oak Hill Country Club and the Automobile Club of Rochester. His progress has been continuous, and step by step he has advanced not only in business life but also in the regard and high esteem of his fellow townsmen.
DAVID C. GEORGE.
For more than three decades David C. George has been living retired at Mount Morris, Livingston county, New York. For over thirty-three years his home was at No. 89 Chapel street, but he moved his residence in July, 1923, to No. 42 Stanley street, which is now his home. Mr. George is a retired farmer and nearly eighty years old. He was born at Sparta, Livingston county, on January 2, 1845, the son of Jacob and Matilda (Whiteman) George representatives of one of the most prominent pioneer families in Livingston county. There were nine children in the family, of whom three are living: Lovinia, the widow of Seymour Daniels; David C .; and Eliza- beth, wife of Seneca Gifford.
David C. George was educated in the district grade schools and had two terms in the high school, after which he engaged in farming and pursued this occupation successfully for twenty-one years. When forty-five years old he retired from farm life and moved to Mount Morris, where he has lived ever since, and is now village assessor, having held this office at different times for three terms.
Mr. George was married on October 24, 1871, to Sarah M. Bacon of Nunda, Liv- ingston county. Mr. George is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics votes the republican ticket.
DELBERT RAYMOND MELCHING.
The upbuilding of a community largely depends upon the men who handle real estate and the character of a city is determined in great measure by their labors. Rochester is fortunate in this respect, numbering among its realtors men of excep- tional enterprise and ability who have exerted a marked influence in shaping the destiny of the city and influencing its growth. In this connection Delbert Raymond Melching, president of the Melching Realty Development Company, is deserving of special mention. He was born February 12, 1886, in Van Wert, Ohio, a son of Otto and Henrietta (Turner) Melching, the latter a native of Canandaigua, New York. The father was a boy of six when his parents came to the United States, settling in New London, Ohio, and in the Buckeye state he was reared, educated and married. He was a mason contractor and constructed the President Hayes building at Fremont, Ohio, and many other notable buildings in that state. He was a master craftsman and met an accidental death on December 11, 1922, while at work on a building in Bowling Green, Ohio. He is survived by the mother, who resides in Fremont.
In the public schools of that town Delbert Raymond Melching acquired his edu- cation and afterward acted as superintendent for one of the business houses of Fre- mont. In 1908, when a young man of twenty-two, he came to Rochester and for five years thereafter was an employe of the New York State Railroad Company, filling the position of station agent at Canandaigua, Geneva, and other points in the state. On the expiration of that period he returned to Rochester and opened a candy store on East avenue. He conducted the business for five years and then organized the Melching Realty Development Company, of which he is now the president. He has foresight, initiative, excellent judgment and marked administrative power and in the conduct of the business looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the needs
DELBERT R. MELCHING
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and possibilities of the future, building not only for the present but for the time to come. He has developed a number of subdivisions, transforming unsightly vacancies into fine residential districts and greatly enhancing the value of property in the districts in which he has operated.
In Victor, New York, on March 4, 1909, Mr. Melching was married to Miss Lulu B. Mowery, a native of Lima, Ohio. Her parents, Samuel and Jennie Mowery, reside in Cridersville, Ohio, which was named in honor of her maternal grandfather, a pioneer settler of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Melching have a son: De Forrest Dill, who was born in Geneva, New York, December 10, 1909, and is attending the Madison Junior high school. Mr. Melching is a member of the Rochester Real Estate Board and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and along fraternal lines he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His rise in the business world is attributable to native sagacity, an ambitious spirit and the capacity for sustained effort. His work has been of great benefit to the city and he has the satisfaction of knowing that his prosperity has been won through his own exertions and by honorable methods.
THEODORE F. OLMSTED.
When a man rounds out half a century in the service of a business concern the anniversary is generally observed with some appropriate ceremonies, and sometimes by retirement on a pension. Theodore F. Olmsted of Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, president of the Genesee Valley National Bank, has passed sixty-five years in the service of his bank, and would scout the mere suggestion of retirement. He has been largely instrumental in bringing the bank to the commanding financial position it holds among the banks of western New York, and he takes pride in the further expansion of its beneficial powers to the community in which he lives. He was born at Lakeville, Livingston county, New York, on September 16, 1836, the son of Lucius F. and Emeline (Willard) Olmsted. Mr. Olmsted's father, Lucius F., was a native of Vermont, and was born on March 10, 1796. When a young man he settled at Cayuga Bridge, New York, and constructed two miles of the Seneca canal at that place. In 1835 he erected the saw and flour mills at Lakesville, which he operated until 1854. In 1858 he removed to Geneseo, where he lived in retirment until his death on Octo- ber 15, 1868. His wife was born at Cayuga Bridge on November 1, 1805, and was the daughter of Loring Willard of that place. They were married on April 9, 1822, and became the parents of nine children. Mrs. Olmsted died on April 4, 1887, and Theodore F. of this review is the only survivor of the family.
Theodore F. Olmsted was educated in the public schools and at Canandaigua Academy, and on February 25, 1858, entered the Genesee National Bank, (which was organized as the Genesee Valley National Bank in 1865), as bookkeeper and teller. On June 25, 1881, he became assistant cashier, and on January 1, 1888, he was made cashier. He became president of the institution on January 31, 1915. Mr. Olmsted was county treasurer of Livingston county from 1870 to 1875, and for many years was treasurer of the Geneseo Gas & Electric Light Company. He has held numerous other positions of public trust in his home town, having been treasurer of Temple Hill Cemetery Association for fifty years; and treasurer and manager of the village waterworks for thirty years, being a member of the board when the present system was built.
Mr. Olmsted was married on May 13, 1861, to Laura E., daughter of the late Dr. Daniel H. Bissell. Mrs. Olmsted passed away on February 15, 1910. Mr. Olm- sted was married the second time on August 26, 1911, Mrs. Sarah (Reed) Vance of Minneapolis, Minnesota, becoming his wife. She passed away on November 22, 1924.
HARRY B. CROWLEY.
Harry Burtiss Crowley, who has been successfully engaged in the general insur- ance business since 1912, is widely known as one of the popular and progressive young residents of Rochester, his native city. He has also figured prominently in public life, serving as a member of the New York state legislature for five successive terms following his election in November, 1915. Mr. Crowley was born on the 8th of November, 1888, his parents being Charles H. and Margaret (McFarlin) Crowley,
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who have always lived in the Genesee country. The father was formerly engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Bristol, Ontario county, New York, but is now asso- ciated with his son in the insurance business. His family numbers three sons: Harry B., of this review; James B., and Charles E., all of whom are residents of Rochester.
Harry B. Crowley acquired his early education in the Corpus Christi school and continued his studies in the East high school, from which he was graduated in 1905. He has been an active factor in the insurance business since putting aside his text- books and spent four years with the Underwriters Association before becoming an independent operator in the insurance field in 1912. Through the intervening period to the present time he has developed an extensive clientage, for he writes a large number of policies annually for fire, burglary, liability, plate glass, accident, health, teams, elevator, automobile, bonds, compensation and boiler insurance. He is a man of proven ability and the success he is enjoying is well merited.
On the 21st of June, 1917, Mr. Crowley was united in marriage to Miss Margaret D. Schaft, daughter of George and Nora E. Schaft of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Crow- ley are the parents of four children, all born in Rochester, namely: Mary Elizabeth, whose natal year was 1919; Margaret Isabella, who was born in 1922; John Schaft, born in 1923; and Harry C., born in 1924.
Mr. Crowley made a most creditable and commendable record during five terms of service in the New York state legislature, to which he was first elected in November, 1915. He introduced a number of important bills and acted as chairman of the com- mittees on insurance, public health and military affairs as well as chairman of a special committee appointed to investigate safety conditions in regard to motor vehicles. During the period of the World war he rendered aid to the government as a Four-Minute man in all Liberty Bond drives. He has membership in the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the City Club of Rochester, the Rochester Club, the Society of the Genesee, the Oak Hill Country Club and is a director of the Automobile Club of Rochester. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic, being a communicant of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament and a member of the Knights of Columbus, belong- ing to Rochester Council No. 178, to the Rochester Fourth Degree Assembly and to the Order of the Alhambra. He is likewise identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Union League. Mr. Crowley en- dorses all those forces which make for higher standards in citizenship and for fidelity to more advanced principles in the life of the individual, and his personal worth is widely acknowledged. His life record indicates what can be accomplished through individual effort, intelligently directed, and guided by a laudable ambition. Mr. Crow- ley's residence is at No. 19 Thayer street.
HARRY LANGDON BREWSTER.
Though fifteen years have passed since Harry Langdon Brewster was called home, he is widely remembered as a prominent citizen of Rochester who contributed mate- rially to the commercial progress of the city and to whose splendid executive ability the early success of electricity in Rochester was in large measure due. He was born in New York city of New England parentage. His father was William W. Brewster, second son of Elisha and Eunice (Hull) Brewster of New London, Connecticut, and a direct descendant of Elder William Brewster of the Mayflower. He was still quite young when the family home was established in Brooklyn, New York, where he pur- sued his early education, while subsequently he continued his studies in the Polytechnic School of New York city, of which he was a graduate.
Coming to Rochester about 1870, when a young man of twenty years, Harry L. Brewster spent some time in the service of the Traders National Bank. In the early '70s he became interested in electric lighting as a commercial proposition and it was he who first brought an incandescent bulb to Rochester and prophesied street light- ing by such means. His faith in the newly discovered form of power caused his friends no little amusement at the time, but he disregarded their opinions and was successful with others in organizing the Edison Electric Illuminating Company, becoming an officer and director and remaining in active connection with the company until it was merged in the Rochester Railway & Light Company.
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