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 32
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On the 28th of November, 1889, Mr. Owen was united in marriage to Miss Nettie V. Masterman of South Dansville, New York, and they became the parents of two daughters: Mary E. and Helen M., both of whom are employed in the editorial depart- ment of the publication. On September 27, 1900, Mr. Owen was married to Miss Grace Fenstermacher.
Mr. Owen has always been a strong advocate of the couse of temperance and from boyhood has taken an active part in prohibition work. He is a leading spirit in all worthy civic enterprises, for the welfare and advancement of his community is a. matter close to his heart. He is a Mason and Rotarian and belongs to the Dansville Board of Trade, of which he has been president. He is allied with the republican party and in religious faith is a Presbyterian. He is thoroughly imbued with the progressive spirit of the age and in all the varied responsibilities of life has acquitted himself with dignity, fidelity and honor, winning the approbation and esteem of his fellowmen.
CHARLES PLATT WILLIAMS.
Charles Platt Williams, one of the native sons of Lyons, has engaged in the prac- tice of law for nearly thirty years and natural talent, acquired ability, experience and study have placed him with the leading attorneys of Wayne county. He was born February 19, 1870, a son of the Rev. William H. and Adriana D. (Hotchkiss) Williams, the former a native of New York city and the latter of Lyons. They were married here and became the parents of two children, a son and a daughter. The father, who has passed away, was an Episcopalian clergyman and came to Lyons in 1864. The mother is still a resident of Lyons. Her father, Hiram G. Hotchkiss, was born in Phelps, New York, in 1810.
Charles Platt Williams attended the public schools of Lyons and Rochester and began the study of law in the office of Judge T. W. Collins in Lyons. He was admitted to the bar in 1895 and has since practiced independently in Lyons, most of his attention being given to litigation pertaining to civil law. He is attorney for the Lyons National Bank and has a large and lucrative clientele. He is a wise counselor and equally able in his presentation of a case before the courts; is well versed in all branches of the law and correctly applies his legal learning to the points at issue. He served as police justice at Lyons from 1896 until 1904 and during 1907 and 1908 was first deputy attorney-general in Albany.
On December 11, 1901, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Frances E. Sisson, a daughter of William G. Sisson of Lyons. Her great-grandfather, William Sisson,
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was the first county judge of Wayne county and the family is one of the oldest and most prominent in this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two daughters: Ellen S., who is attending the University of Madrid, specializing in the study of Spanish history; and Clara K., who is a senior at Smith College of Northhampton, Massachusetts.
Mr. Williams is a stanch democrat in politics and at one time was chairman of the county committee. He was sent as a delegate to the national convention of 1908 and has also been a delegate to state conventions. He is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons and is a past master of Humanity Lodge, No. 406, F. & A. M., of Lyons. He has been honored with the vice presidency of the Wayne County Bar Association, which office he is now filling, and is also a member of the New York State Bar Association. He supports all worthy public enter- prises and honors his profession by closely adhering to its high standards.
FRED D. GORDON.
Assistant cashier of the Nunda Bank at Nunda, Livingston county, New York, Fred D. Gordon had a varied and valuable business experience before he devoted him- self to financial affairs. He was born in Nunda, on June 13, 1873, the son of Addi- son J. and Emma (Swain) Gordon, both of whom have passed away.
Fred D. Gordon received his education in the public schools, after which he became engaged in railroad work. In 1906 he entered the service of the Pullman Company, being stationed in New York city. After severing his connection with the Pullman Company, Mr. Gordon became an employe of the Nunda Casket Company, remaining with that firm until January 1, 1918, when he became associated with the Nunda Bank, there retaining his position until March, 1920. Subsequently he engaged in the coal business with a New York company until April, 1923, when he returned to the Nunda Bank as assistant cashier. Mr. Gordon is a thirty-second degree Mason, belongs to the consistory, and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine at Rochester, New York. Politically he is in accord with the republican party, and in religion holds to the tenets of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Gordon is a bachelor.
ARTHUR A. REEVES.
The success of the Rochester Cold Storage & Ice Company, one of the leading service companies in the city, is due in a large measure to the business ability and sound judgment of Arthur A. Reeves, who as manager, has directed its operations for the past twenty-two years. He was born in Shiawassee county, Michigan, on July 19, 1864, shortly after his father and mother had taken up their residence on the homestead that was to be the Reeves family farm for many years. The father, Thompson H. Reeves, was a native of the Empire state and a son of the first super- intendent of the Erie canal. The grandfather of our subject in the paternal line was also a New York man by birth, Palmyra being his early home, but later in life he moved to Michigan in the pioneer days and took up land there. Mr. Reeves' mother, who is still living, was Miss Amanda Gaylord before her marriage and Ohio was her birthplace.
As a little boy Arthur A. Reeves received his elementary education in the district schools of Shiawassee county and later took a course in the high schools at Corunna, the county seat. His first position after leaving school was as a clerk in the bank at the county seat, where he continued for some time. Later he entered the real estate and abstract business in northern Michigan.
It was on the 15th of July, 1891, that Mr. Reeves first came to Rochester, which has been his home for more than thirty years. He entered the employ of the Genesee Fruit Company in a clerical capacity and remained with this concern until 1902, when he was chosen manager of the Rochester Cold Storage & Ice Company, his present office. He is also one of the directors of the company. The continuous growth and substantial prosperity this organization has enjoyed in the past twenty- two years is an eloquent testimony to its manager's ability as a business man and executive. It has safely weathered all storms and financial crises and has kept pace with the remarkable commercial and industrial development that has been taking
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place in Rochester in the past two decades, at all times rendering its customers a reliable and high quality of service.
On June 15, 1892, Mr. Reeves was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Watson of Bancroft, Michigan, daughter of W. E. Watson, a pioneer merchant of that place. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reeves: Arthur A., Jr., who was born in Rochester, September 30, 1897, was educated in School No. 6, the Rochester West high school and Syracuse University; he married Miss Florence Dickenson of Spencer- port, New York, and they have a son, Dickenson Reeves, born in Weehawken, New Jersey, on September 14, 1922. The younger son of Arthur A. Reeves, John W. was born in this city on March 9, 1900, and attended school No. 6, and the Rochester Business Institute. He is now associated with his father in the Rochester Cold Stor- age & Ice Company.
In Masonic circles in Rochester, Mr. Reeves stands very high, his affiliations being with the following bodies of that order: Ancient Craft Lodge, F. & A. M .; Rochester Consistory, and Damascus Temple, Mystic Shrine. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church. As one of the prominent business men of the city he belongs, of course, to the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and gives his support to its far-reaching program for industrial and commercial progress. He is likewise iden- tified with the Rochester Automobile Club. His residence is at No. 104 Albemarle street.
CHARLES N. STEWART.
Charles N. Stewart was an outstanding character among the business men of Livingston county, and his life was one of continuous progress. In all his business ventures he had a definite purpose and persistently pursued that purpose until the desired result was attained. Because of the forcefulness of his character he made a substantial contribution to the business interests of the county and the consensus of public opinion at once recognized him as one of the progressive and energetic men of the community.
Alexander and Margaret (McDougal) Stewart, grandparents of Charles N., migrated from Scotland to the United States and settled in the town of York in 1810, at a time when Livingston county was largely a wilderness. Here these sturdy Scottish immigrants purchased timber lands, established a home and reared a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. Neil Stewart, one of these sons, was the father of ten children: Margaret, who married Homer McVean; Jane R., who was the wife of Geo. K. Whitney of Geneseo and is now deceased; Eliza, wife of John Sinclair of Caledonia; Ella, deceased wife of Edward C. Caldwell of York; Alexander N. of Livonia; Agnes, wife of Geo. D. Smith of New York city and now deceased; Mary K. the deceased wife of Geo. A. Donnan of York; Neil, Jr., William N. and Charles N., all of whom are deceased.
Charles N. Stewart was thus a descendant of one of the honored pioneer families of the Genesee country. He was born on May 3, 1855, obtained his early training in the district school and completed his education at the Geneseo Normal School. His father, Neil Stewart, dealt extensively in wool, produce and warehouse business, also owned and operated a large acreage of farm land in and about York, and was a successful financier. Charles N. became associated with his father in these enterprises and at early age showed a genius for organization and an aptitude for successful business management. Every opportunity offered was to him a call to action. Upon the death of his father he continued the wool produce and warehouse business and became the owner of several warehouses, which he operated successfully, as he did also the extensive farm lands which he acquired.
Charles N. Stewart founded a private bank at York and continued at the head of this institution until the time of his death. He had a natural aptitude for respon- sibility, and was endowed with the qualities of leadership and his salient traits of character were his fertility of recourse, an unusual executive ability and the power to penetrate a labyrinth of intricate affairs.
On June 30. 1896, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Anna Blanche Bow of York, who survives him. Of this marriage two children were born: Jane Elizabeth and Ruth Pauline, both of whom are residents of York.
His father, Neil Stewart, became a republican upon the organization of that party and was called to positions of public trust and responsibility, and Charles N. accepted the political views of his father and remained a republican throughout his life. He served eight years as the York member of the Board of Supervisors for
Cha. N.Stewart .
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Livingston county and was counted one of the strong men of the board. His tastes were quiet and his life one of simplicity, devoid of all affectation.
Mr. Stewart was a member of the United Presbyterian church of York, at which place the family home is still maintained by his widow and two children. He had many stanch friends and commanded the respect of all who knew him. Fidelity to high standards of conduct, industry and energy are amply illustrated in his career, which terminated at his death on May 17, 1917, at the age of sixty-two.
HON. JOHN C. WHEELER.
Hon. John C. Wheeler, a prominent representative of the legal profession in Corning, where he has practiced during the past fifteen years, is filling the position of city judge for the second term. He was born in Steuben county, New York, on the 27th of September, 1886 ,his parents being John D. and Adell (Santee) Wheeler. The father, a representative of an old American family, was a soldier of the Union army during the period of the Civil war, serving with the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery. His military record also included several years' service as captain in the New York National Guard. He was successfully engaged in the lumber and general mercantile business throughout his active career and for a number of years capably filled the position of county clerk.
John C. Wheeler pursued his education in Haverling Academy and in St. John's Military School of Manlius, New York, prior to entering upon specific preparation for a professional career as a student in the law department of Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1909. The same year he was admitted to the bar of New York and took up the work of his chosen profession in Corning, where he has since been engaged in general practice as both a counsel and trial lawyer. His ability has brought him to a creditable position in the ranks of the leading attorneys of the city and county. While he was well grounded in the principles of common law when admitted to the bar, he has continued through the whole of his professional life a diligent student of those elementary principles that constitute the basis of all legal science. He was elected city judge of Corning in the fall of 1918 and received endorsement of his service in reelection four years later, so that he is still on the bench and has become widely recognized as a most able, fair-minded and impartial jurist. He has also been at the head of the Corning Cooperative Savings & Loan Association since 1917, when he succeeded F. D. Kingsbury, who was the first presi- dent of the corporation.
On the 27th of September, 1911, Judge Wheeler was united in marriage to Miss Martha Morgan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Morgan of New York city, both of whom were natives of Wales. Judge and Mrs. Wheeler are the parents of three children: Richard Morgan, Mary Elizabeth and Martha Morgan.
Judge Wheeler gives his political allegiance to the republican party and frater- nally is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has membership with the Sons of the American Revo- lution, the sons of Veterans, the Corning City Club and the Corning Country Club. For nine years he has been a trustee of the First Presbyterian church, which num- bers him among its consistent and helpful members. A lifelong resident of Steuben county, he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends within its borders and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation in both professional and social circles of the community.
HARRY A. SESSIONS.
Harry A. Sessions is one of the rising young lawyers of Rochester, where he has been engaged in the practice of his chosen profession since he has been admitted to the bar, with the exception of the time he spent in the naval service of his country during the World war. He is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Palmyra, on the 26th of August, 1894, and is the youngest child of Charles A. and Hattie M. (Eastman) Sessions. His parents were both born in this state, where they have always made their home, his father's birthplace being Lapere and his mother was born in Berkshire. On both sides of his family Mr. Sessions is of New England descent. The Eastmans came from Vermont, while the Sessions were originally established in the state of Rhode Island. Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Sessions still live
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in Palmyra, where the former is actively interested in business as a coal and fuel merchant. They have three sons and a daughter: Ralph D., of Palmyra; Leigh, of New York city; Mrs. Alson Upham of Brooklyn; and Harry A. of this review.
Harry A. Sessions was educated in the schools of Palmyra and for a year con- tinued his studies at Williams College. By this time he had determined upon the legal profession as his life work and began to read law under the direction of Mr. Tinklepaugh, a prominent lawyer of his home city, in whose office he prepared for the bar examinations. On May 19, 1917, he was admitted to the practice of his pro- fession in New York state and shortly came to Rochester to open an office as an attorney. Since then he has won for himself an enviable place in the legal profession of Monroe county. He has gained the confidence of judge and juries alike by his open, fair-minded approach to all questions, by his painstaking mastery of the facts in each case, and by his sound common sense. To those who have watched his career thus far his ability is apparent and they are predicting for him a brilliant future.
During the World war Mr. Sessions enlisted in the naval service of the United States and after a year of training at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and Newport he was commissioned an ensign. In this capacity he saw active service in the Adriatic sea, with the submarine chaser detachment, No. 2. An interesting event in his service was his selection as one of the crew to man the Austrian battle- ship that surrendered to his division. On May 15, 1919. Mr. Sessions was honorably discharged from the service and returned to law practice in Rochester. By virtue of his excellent war record he has become a member of the American Legion. Mr. Sessions is a republican in his political views but has not taken the active part in political affairs that so many men in his profession play. Fraternally he is associated with the Masonic order and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, while in con- nection with his professional work he maintains membership in the Rochester Bar Association.
In this city, on the 25th of August, 1917, Mr. Sessions was married to Miss Angelina Hubbell Cobb, daughter of Amos H. Cobb. They have two children: Angele Cobb Sessions, born here in 1920; and Suzanne Sessions, born in 1922.
OTTO R. ROHR.
Otto R. Rohr belongs to that class of men whose every faculty must be exercised in order to reach the goal fixed by their ambition. He has never feared that laborious application which must ever precede ascendancy, and the years have chronicled his steady progress. He is now the executive head of the Stecher Lithographic Company, in which connection he is successfully guiding the destiny of the largest industrial enterprise of its kind in Rochester. He was born in Rochester, New York, on the 13th of February, 1871, a son of John H. and Augusta (Scholz) Rohr, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of Germany. They came to the United States in their youth, the mother making the long voyage across the Atlantic at the age of fourteen years and the father when a boy of eight. John H. Rohr attended the public schools and after laying aside his textbooks served an apprenticeship to the cabinet- maker's trade, becoming a skilled craftsman. He was general foreman and one of the most valuable employes of the Hayden Furniture Company, a large manufacturing concern, to which he gave fifty years of faithful and efficient service. He passed away in 1901 and the mother's demise occurred in 1912.
Otto R. Rohr was a pupil in the public schools of his native city and the Rochester Free Academy. When but a boy he gave evidence of possessing a spirit of self- reliance, as while pursuing his studies at school he sold papers during his leisure hours. He next became driver of a milk wagon and in order to cover his route was obliged to work from ten to twelve hours daily, receiving a salary of four and one- half dollars per week. Subsequently Mr. Rohr became connected with the building and contracting business and was thus engaged until 1899, when he entered the employ of the Eastman Kodak Company in the capacity of auditor. He filled that position for five years and in 1905 became an accountant for the Stecher Lithographie Company. He soon demonstrated his worth to his employers and as his experience increased was steadily advanced, becoming president of the company in 1920. This is one of the large concerns of the kind in the country, having on its pay roll the names of upwards of six hundred employes. Mr. Rohr has a detailed knowledge of the business, to which he has devoted nearly twenty years of careful study, and ably
OTTO R. ROHR
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directs the labors of this large force of employes, from whom he has secured loyal support and harmonious cooperation by just and considerate treatment and devotion to their welfare. The business is operated with the highest degree of efficiency and reflects the progressive spirit and administrative power of the man at its head. The company has long been noted for the superiority of its work, which represents the acme of perfection in the lithographer's art, and the firm name is also a synonym for business integrity and reliability.
On August 21, 1900, Mr. Rohr was married to Miss Flora K. Spahn, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Spahn, members of an old and highly respected family of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Rohr have two daughters: Gertrude Elizabeth, born in 1908; and Marie Augusta, who was born in 1916. Mr. Rohr is a Scottish Rite Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and along social and recreative lines is connected with the Rochester Club, the Old Colony Club, the Rochester Yacht Club, the Automobile Club of Roches- ter and the Oak Hill Country Club. Much credit is due Mr. Rohr for his achieve- ments in the business world, for he has forged ahead unaided by money or influence, relying solely upon his own efforts and talents. His advancements have come as the recognition of work well done and his capacity for assuming greater burdens and responsibilities. He enjoys a wide acquaintanceship throughout the city where he has spent his life, and many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from boyhood.
SAMUEL A. MINIER.
With the history of development in Chemung county members of the Minier family have been closely identified for more than a century, and Samuel A. Minier is imbued with the progressive spirit which animated his forebears. He is one of the pioneer merchants of Big Flats, his native village, and at the age of seventy- five years is still active in business affairs, finding happiness and contentment in a busy, useful life. He was born November 30, 1849, a son of John and Emily (Baird) Minier, the former a native of Canisteo, New York, and the latter of Connecticut. They were married in Big Flats, to which they came as children, and became the parents of seven children. Samuel A. being the only surviving member of the family. The father first followed the occupation of farming and later conducted a hotel. He was a democrat in politics and served as postmaster of Big Flats, also filling the office of assessor. He was a member of the Masonic order and his life was guided by the teachings of the Presbyterian church. He passed away at the age of eighty-four and the mother reached the venerable age of ninety-six years. The great-grandfather, Christian Minier, was a native of Holland and migrated to the United states in the latter part of the eighteenth century. He came to Chemung county about 1780 and obtained a patent of land from the state of New York, trans- forming the tract into a productive farm. He spent the remainder of his life in the county and died on his farm, which was situated near Big Flats. His sister founded the Moravian School at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the maternal grandfather was also numbered among the pioneer settlers of the Chemung valley.
Samuel A. Minier attended the public schools and also studied under a private tutor. He was reared on a farm and engaged in that line of work until he reached the age of eighteen, when he went to the middle west, where he spent five years clerking in stores in Illinois and Iowa. In 1873 he established a business of his own in Big Flats and for more than a half century has continuously engaged in merchandis- ing in the village. Throughout his business career Mr. Minier has closely followed the Golden Rule and a large trade is proof of his standing as a merchant. He is also the owner of a well improved farm, but devotes the greater portion of his time to the management of his store.
In March 4, 1876, Mr. Minier was married to Miss Clara Carpenter, a native of Big Flats and a daughter of William S. Carpenter, one of the pioneer agriculturists of Chemung county. Five children were born to them: William C., of Cleveland, Ohio, who is connected with the sales department of the Shepard Crane Company; Henry B., who assists his father in the conduct of the store; Edith, the wife of Matt. H. Welles of Big Flats, and the mother of two children, Eleanor and Mary Louise; Mary A., who married Robert McGredy of Montour Falls, New York, sales manager for the Shepard Crane Company; and Julia, engaged in stenographic work.
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