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 27
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WALTER NEWTON AGNEW.
Walter Newton Agnew, a prominent realtor of Rochester, is a representative of the younger generation of business men whose enterprise and ability augur well for the future of the city, and in other walks of life he has also achieved success. He was born June 7, 1890, in Le Raysville, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a son of Henry and Fannie (Wood) Agnew, the latter also a native of the Keystone state. The father was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was a boy of eight when his parents came to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania, where he was reared, educated and married. He followed agricultural pursuits in that state until 1914, when he came to Rochester, and his demise occurred in this city in 1922, while the mother passed away in 1920. They had a family of five children, four of whom are living,
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namely: Fred L., a well known dentist of Rochester; Charles H., who is associated with Walter Newton of this review in the real estate business; Sue H., the wife of Harvey J. Darrow of Rochester; and Walter N.
Walter Newton Agnew received his early training in his native town and in 1909 was graduated from one of the high schools of Rochester. He began the study of law in the office of Lewis Mckay but two years later decided to adopt a business career and entered the real estate field, in which he has found a congenial line of activity. He is vice president of the Lent-Agnew Real Estate Company, of which Arthur Warren is president, and Charles H. Agnew is serving as secretary and treasurer. Its officers are men of ability and integrity and the firm enjoys an en- viable reputation for reliability. The company has completed several large develop- ment projects, including the Rowlands subdivision on Monroe avenue, which contains two hundred and ten lots; the North East tract of one hundred lots, and the Rome Gardens, also comprising one hundred lots. Since its inception the business has enjoyed a rapid growth and the operations of the firm have contributed materially toward Rochester's upbuilding and improvement. Mr. Agnew is constantly broaden- ing the scope of his activities and his executive force is also displayed in the manage- ment of the Burdin Humidifier Corporation of Rochester and the United States Oil Refining Company of Wyoming, of which he is the president.
At Le Raysville, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1922, Mr. Agnew was married to Miss Ivy Durga, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Gideon W. Durga, prominent residents of that place. Mr. Agnew is identified with the Masonic order and also belongs to the Shrine Club. He is a member of the Rochester Real Estate Board and a con- sistent follower of the teachings of the Lake Avenue Baptist church. His advance- ment is not due to any fortunate combination of circumstances, but is the direct result of his own efforts, and in winning prosperity he has also stimulated civic growth and development, while at the same time he has gained the approbation and esteem of his fellowmen. His residence is at No. 101 Harper street.
ALONZO HEPBURN WELCH.
Alonzo Hepburn Welch, one of Dansville's substantial business men and progres- sive citizens, is known as "The Square Deal Coal Merchant" and his success is abun- dant evidence of his faithfulness to this motto. He was born in Georgetown, D. C., November 4, 1868, the eldest son of Alonzo Tunstall and Maria (Hepburn) Welch. He has a brother, S. L. Welch, who resides in Elmira, New York. Another brother, George Welch, is deceased. Alonzo Tunstall Welch was the oldest son of Samuel M. Welch, and the latter was the oldest son of Conrad Welch, one of the pioneer settlers of Dansville and owner of land that is now the heart of the village, his residence being at the corner of Ossian and Spruce streets.
In the acquirement of an education Alonzo Hepburn Welch attended the Dans- ville Seminary and the Riverview Military Academy at Poughkeepsie, New York. He earned his first money by picking apples for Samuel Sturgeon, and the job lasted for one day. For seven years he filled the position of bookkeeper in the Citizens Bank of Dansville and after tendering his resignation went to New York city to assist his father in business. He remained in the eastern metropolis for four years and after his father's death returned to Dansville, where he has since resided. On July 10, 1905, he purchased the old Tunstall property as a site for his business oper- ations and has since been a dealer in coal, cement and wood. He is well informed on everything relating to the lines in which he specializes and his business has pros- pered from year to year, for it was founded upon the solid basis of honor and integrity. He ranks with the foremost dealers of this locality and is acting president of the Livingston County Retail Coal Merchants Association. He is also a director of the New York State Retail Coal Merchants Association and is likewise identified with the national association.
On the 30th of June, 1909, Mr. Welch was married to Miss Sophie Woolever, a daughter of C. W. Woolever of Dansville, and they have a daughter: Mida Hepburn. During the World war Mr. Welch served on various Liberty Loan committees and has also contributed his quota toward civic growth and development. He is a trustee of the Dansville Board of Trade and acts as assistant secretary of the Business Men's Council. He is an honorary member of Union Hose Company No. 1, with which he has been identified for thirty-seven years, and during thirteen years of that period was in active service. He is also a Rotarian and a Royal Arch Mason and his political
ALONZO H. WELCH
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support is given to the republican party. Mr. Welch has been an influential factor in the moral uplift of his community and since 1884 has been an officer of St. Peter's Episcopal church of Dansville. He has served the church in various capacities, first acting as assistant treasurer, and is now senior warden and treasurer. His is a well-rounded development, his activities and interests being evenly balanced, and his life in its various phases forms a complete and harmonious whole. It is a well known fact that he is loyal to every principle which he espouses and to every cause which he indorses, and his sterling worth is attested by all who know him.
L. R. BARNES.
The success of a business institution is determined by its usefulness and the character of the men who foster its growth. For over a half century the firm now known as R. R. Barnes Sons has been engaged in the clothing business in Clyde, withstanding the test of time because it is essential to the community which it serves and because it was reared upon the solid foundation of honesty and fair deal- ing. L. R. Barnes, who is the senior member of the firm, is worthily following in the footsteps of his father, adding new laurels to an honored family name. He was born in Clyde, on the 19th of June, 1882, of the union of Ransom R. Barnes and Edra A. Le Vanway, who were married in the village in 1872 and became the parents of two sons. The mother was a native of Galen, Wayne county, New York, and died in 1900, at the age of fifty years. In 1872 Ransom R. Barnes arrived in Clyde and on March 1st of that year, in association with Eugene Reed, opened a hat, cap and fur store in what is now known as the Graham block. The following news item appeared in the Clyde Times of March 7, 1872, under the caption "BUSINESS CHANGE": "M. A. Mattison has disposed of the interest of the hat, cap and fur business to Messrs. Barnes and Reed of Baldwinsville and gave possession March 1st. We welcome the new firm of Clyde and hope those wanting coverings for their heads or anything in their line of trade will call on them." The above mentioned partner- ship was continued for two years, when Mr. Barnes took over the business, to which he added a stock of men's clothing and furnishings. For twenty-eight years he conducted the business in the Graham block and then leased the double stores in the Burton block, to which he made extensive alterations. In September, 1900, he opened one of the largest and best appointed stores in Wayne county, handling men's and boys' clothing, furnishings, boots and shoes. Two years later Mr. Barnes added a complete line of heavy rubber footwear, equipping a large basement for that pur- pose. In 1908 Mr. Barnes purchased the Burton block and there conducted the busi- ness until his death, which occurred in 1913, building up a large trade by high class service, untiring effort and honorable dealing. A man of generous nature and pro- gressive spirit, he was a leader in all civic enterprises and served as a member of the village board and president of the board of education. He possessed a genial disposition and enjoyed the esteem of many friends.
After his graduation from the Clyde high school L. R. Barnes became a student in the engineering department of Union College at Schenectady, New York, which he attended for three years, completing his course in 1906. He then entered the field of civil engineering and was employed by the state in the construction of the barge canal,also aiding in the building of highways. During 1906-7 he was engaged in rail- road construction work in Virginia and in 1912 embarked in business in Rochester as a general contractor, forming a partnership with George W. Chambers, who became senior member of the firm. They opened a suite of offices in the Powers building and this association was continued for about five years, during which period they filled a number of state road contracts. When the United States entered the World war Captain C. B. Barnes was among the first to volunteer his services to his country and the subject of this sketch returned to Clyde to take charge of the business of R. R. Barnes Sons during his brother's absence. They have continued the undertak- ing along progressive lines, adhering closely to the policy formulated by its founder, and those who purchased clothing from the firm during the early years of its existence are still its patrons. The business ranks with the oldest and largest in the village and the establishment is a credit to the community.
In addition to his mercantile activities L. R. Barnes is interested in financial affairs and is one of the directors of the Citizens Bank of Clyde. In a professional capacity he has likewise rendered valuable service to his community and as village engineer planned its sewers and street improvements. In 1922 he was elected presi-
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: dent of the village and filled that position for two terms. In June, 1923, he was appointed county superintendent of highways by the board of supervisors and his term of office expires in 1927. His professional experience and ability well qualify him for the responsibilities which devolve upon him in this connection and, in every instance his public service has been characterized by devotion to duty and efficient, conscientious work.
On the 6th of January, 1914, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Evangeline K. McGinnis of Clyde, and they have two children: Florence Katherine, who was born November 17, 1914; and James Ransom, born June 17, 1916. Both are pupils in the public schools. During the World war Mr. Barnes was chairman of the committee which had charge of the various Liberty Loan drives in Clyde and was prominent in every local campaign of that period. He is secretary of the Maple Grove Cemetery Association and an energetic member of the Chamber of Commerce of Clyde. He is a Mason and his political support is given to the candidates and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the Methodist church. In the life of his community he fills an important place and the worth of his work is widely acknowledged.
E. E. KELLEY.
E. E. Kelley of Little Valley, New York, is president of the Cattaraugus County Bank, secretary of the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, and president of the George W. Korn Razor Company, besides having various other interests, including the Mer- rill-Soule Creameries. He has served as county clerk of Cattaraugus county for two terms of three years each since 1900, and has also served on various republican com- mittees. He is a Mason and belongs to Ismailia Shrine in Buffalo. The three leading concerns in which Mr. Kelley is a guiding spirit are listed separately here.
THE CATTARAUGUS COUNTY BANK.
The reliable, conservative Cattaraugus County Bank, of which Mr. E. E. Kelley ยท is president has resources of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, a capital of fifty thousand dollar's and a surplus and undivided profit of fifty thousand dollars. It serves one thousand five hundred depositors in Little Valley and vicinity and is rated a very strong financial'institution. This bank was organized in 1895 by Crissey & Crissey and in 1902 was incorporated as a State Bank, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars and a small surplus. The officers in 1902 were: Harlow J. Crissey, presi- dent; R. H. Butterfield, vice president; L. W. Ballard, cashier. In the fall of 1905 the officers of the bank became: E. E. Kelley, president; W. C. Parker, vice president and L. W. Ballard, cashier. In 1921 Mr. Parker passed away and Earl S. Parks became vice president. In 1911 Floyd W. Davis succeeded Mr. Ballard as cashier. Mr. Kelley has been president continuously since 1905.
CATTARAUGUS CUTLERY COMPANY.
One of the largest individual manufacturing concerns of pocket knives in the world is The Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, which now has an annual capacity of over seventy thousand dozen knives, employs one hundred and fifty men and has from thirty to fifty salesmen on the road covering the entire United States. This company was organized in 1880 by J. B. F. Champlin, president and Tint Champlin, secretary and treasurer. It was then known as Champlin & Son and jobbing cutlery was the work of the concern. In 1891 a factory was built, the firm having incorpor- ated in 1885 as The Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, with the above officers. In 1886 E. E. Kelley became interested in the firm as its secretary and was a salesman for them for twenty years. Tint Champlin remained as treasurer and J. B. F. Champlin president during these years. In 1908 a new plant was erected at the present location and for a time. both plants were operated, but the new plant was finally enlarged
E. E. KELLEY
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and the old one is not in use today. The plant makes eight hundred varieties of pocket knives and sells direct to the retail trade. The trade name is "Indian Brand" and the firm also capitalizes the name "Cattaraugus". Since 1904 Tint Champlin has been president, E. E. Kelley secretary and J. B. F. Champlin, Jr., treasurer.
GEORGE W. KORN RAZOR COMPANY.
This concern was organized in 1901 by George W. Korn, who was the first presi- dent and James Norton, secretary-treasurer. A plant was built in 1901 and en- larged in 1917. During the years the concern has grown steadily and today sells through jobbers, twenty-five thousand dozen razors to the trade. The company also manufactures the "Real" safety razor. Mr. Norton was with the firm only a short time and until 1918 the office of secretary-treasurer was held by several different men but in that year C. L. Horning became secretary-treasurer and John D. Horning, vice president, while E. E. Kelley as acting executor of the Korn interests, following the death of Mr. Korn, was made president. These officers continue.
Mr. Kelley is the son of Ezekiel and Sarah A. Kelley. His wife was in her maidenhood, Clara M. Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have a daughter, Edna A. Kerins.
LYNN W. KELLOGG.
Steuben county has the youngest as well as one of the most capable sheriffs in New York state-Lynn W. Kellogg, only thirty-one years old, and a veteran of the World war, having served with the United States Marine Corps. He has also been town clerk, being elected to this office in the autumn of 1919 and three years later he was chosen for sheriff by the voters. This despite the fact that he is a democrat and only two democratic sheriffs have been elected in Steuben county in fifty years. In 1912 the progressive movement split the republican ranks and the democrats put in their entire ticket.
Lynn W. Kellogg was born in Kanona, Steuben county, August 20, 1893, a son of Charles and Dora (Sillenbeck) Kellogg, both natives of Steuben county. He was educated in the schools of Avoca and Bath, the family having moved to Bath when he was but a young boy. After school days he worked in a bank for a short time, then entered the insurance business, which calling he found to his liking. He en- gaged in this business until June, 1917, when he enlisted in the United States Marines. He was stationed in Philadelphia at first and then sent to Camp Reed, Virginia, where he spent most of his time. He had a long period of service, twenty-one months to be exact, and when he received his honorable discharge he returned to Bath and took up his insurance work. But the voters of the county were to recognize his service and qualifications and they elected him to office in the fall of that year.
Mr. Kellogg is a thirty-second degree Mason and an active member of the Ameri- can Legion and the Steuben Club. Sheriff Kellogg is a bachelor.
WILLEY H. ALMY.
Many of Rochester's most important business corporations are controlled by native sons, for whom the natural advantages of the city have had such strong attrac- tion that they have never sought to profit by the inducements offered by other localities, and the prestige which the city owes today is largely attributable to their loyalty, enterprise and public spirit. In this classification belongs Willey H. Almy, who was born May 15, 1858, and represents one of the honored pioneer families of the city. His parents were Philip G. and Mary Elizabeth (Osborn) Almy, the former a son of Dr. Job Almy, and a native of Auburn, New York, and the mother a native of Rochester. The father devoted his attention to the drug business and stood high in mercantile circles of the city. The paternal grandfather, Nehemiah Osborn, was a contractor of national reputation, having built state or government buildings in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Lansing, Michigan, and other cities. He was also a pioneer in the hotel business and built the old as well as the present Osborn House, which has since been classed with Rochester's leading hotels.
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The public and private schools of Rochester afforded Willey H. Almy his educa- tional opportunities and his initial experience along commercial lines was obtained in the employ of shoe manufacturers of this city. Later he became the proprietor of the Osborn House, which he conducted successfully for a number of years. He has administered the affairs of many large estates and is now engaged in the automobile accessory business, and has been equally successful in this field of activity. The business is operated under the name of the Almy Auto Company, of which he is the sole owner, and in the conduct of his interests he manifests the mature judgment and the keen perspective of the man of affairs. His greatest asset, however, is a well deserved reputation for integrity and reliability, which he values far above material gain.
In Rochester, on April 23, 1887, Mr. Almy was married to Miss Jessie L. Start, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell Start, formerly of Clyde, New York. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Almy, all of whom are engaged with their father in the auto accessory business: Charles O., the eldest, married Miss Nora E. Monks and they have a family of five children, Dorothy, Mary, Florence, William and Helen; Herbert E., the second son, is a bachelor; Philip G., married Miss Mar- cella Ludwig and they reside in Rochester. He enlisted for service in the World war and was in a training camp at the time the armistice was signed; Hartwell S. joined the Fifty-seventh Field Artillery, of which he became a private, and gallantly defended his country on the battle fields of France, remaining in service and at the front when the armistice was signed. All of the sons are natives of Rochester.
Mr. Almy is intensely interested in Rochester's history, of which he has acquired a comprehensive knowledge, and has a valuable collection of pictures of pioneer times, illustrating early scenes in Rochester and western New York, while he also has many interesting newspaper clippings of the early days. He is one of the Sons of the American Revolution and also belongs to the Rochester Historical Society, the Roches- ter Automobile Club and the Chamber of Commerce. His labors have been of direct benefit to his city as well as a source of individual prosperity, and that he is a man of high character and genuine worth is indicated by the respect accorded him by those among whom his life has been passed.
CHARLES W. LUTHER.
The Luther family has had a long and honorable identification with Rochester's upbuilding and progress. This identification dates back more than sixty years, or to the time when John Luther, the father of Charles W. and John W. Luther entered the contracting business in Rochester in 1865. He was a native of Germany and was but a boy of seven years when his parents, Martin L. and Gertrude Luther, came to America and soon afterward located in Rochester. When a young man John Luther was married to Miss Catherine Kusterer in this city. John Luther established himself in construction work, and subsequently became recognized as one of the fore- most building contractors in Rochester. A thorough mechanic, a man of wonderful energy and a most industrious nature, whose word was as good as his bond, he readily built up a large and prosperous business. He organized the firm of John Luther & Sons Company which included his two sons, Charles W. and John W., under which firm name the business is continued. The work of this firm has embraced a wide field and includes almost every type of building construction. It has erected a number of the finest business and residence properties in the city. The New York Central depot was built by them, also the De Witt Macomber residence, several of the Uni- versity of Rochester buildings, a number of the public school buildings, various church edifices in Rochester and western New York, several of the Eastman kodak buildings and most of the buildings of the Bausch & Lamb Optical Company. Efficient man- agement, honorable and straightforward methods, conscientiously fulfilling every de- tail of a contract, were principles that John Luther practiced from the time he first started in business. He was rigidly honest in all of his commercial transactions and enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most reliable and competent men in his business. His death occurred in 1917, and that of his wife in 1906. They had a family of two sons and four daughters: Charles W., of this review; Mary, who married Charles Brooks; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Max M. Friederich; Anna, the wife of
E
John Luther
CHARLES W. LUTHER
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Watson Plumb; Gertrude, the wife of Frederick Strehle; and John W., who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work.
Charles W. Luther was born in this city October 26, 1867, and attended the public schools until he was about seventeen years of age, when he went to work for his father in the building and contracting business. He had ample opportunity to acquire a thorough, practical knowledge of the business in its every detail, as for a number of years he worked at various branches of it and worked hard. With the advancing years he assumed more responsibilities in the management and in 1917, upon the death of his father, he became president of John Luther & Sons Company, and has since remained in that capacity. John W. Luther is vice president and treasurer of the company, which is a close corporation. The business has been con- tinued along modern lines with no diminution of its scope. The enterprising spirit and high standard of workmanship which enabled the father to lay the foundation of the business and foster its growth are qualities that have never been passed up by the sons, who are not only upholding the traditions of the past but keeping fully abreast with the times in the rapid progress of building construction. The firm has gained a reputation that gives it an outstanding position among the construction companies of Rochester.
On August 28, 1894, Mr. Luther was married, in Rochester, to Miss Mary E. O'Brien, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. O'Brien of Providence, Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Luther have a son and a daughter: Kathrine E., at home; and Carl W., who was born in 1903 and is now a student at the University of Rochester.
Mr. Luther is a member of the Oak Hill Country Club, the Rochester Club and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He has always taken a keen interest in public and civic affairs and has acted in various public capacities. He is a member of the St. Paul Boulevard Fire Commissioners. In his fraternal connections he is both a Mason and an Elk and takes a prominent part in the work of both organizations. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree in Scottish Rite and is a past commander of Cyrene Commandery, Knights Templars, and is a trustee of the Rochester Lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious member- ship is with the Lutheran church. For nearly forty years Charles W. Luther has been identified with the business, public and civic life of Rochester. He enjoys a wide acquaintanceship throughout the city and many of his warmest friends are those who have known him since boyhood. He is accorded a most creditable position among the city's strong and able business men. Mr. Luther's residence on St. Paul boule- vard, Irondequoit, is one of the city's attractive suburban homes.
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