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 35
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and the Blessed Sacrament at Rochester, where he remained for some time. For five years he was pastor of the parish of St. Theresa at Stanley, New York, and then came to Dansville to take charge of St. Patrick's church.
The history of Catholicism in Dansville began fully twenty years before the settlement of the town. The first priests ministered alike to German and Irish Catholics. The first Irish priest in this parish of whom there is any record was the Rev. Bernard O'Reilly. Father O'Connor followed later and under him the growing congregation met in the town hall. In 1847 the western portion of the state was formed into a diocese and Buffalo was made the Episcopal seat. The Right Rev. John Timon was created the first bishop, and Bishop Timon sent the Rev. Edward O'Flaherty to Dansville as the first resident priest, but the records do not show the date of his arrival. Under his administration the foundation of St. Patrick's church was laid, at the head of the public square, where the edifice now stands, and the date was either 1849 or 1850. The structure was completed in 1851 at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The Rev. Charles Tierney became the next priest, and was followed in June, 1852, by the Rev. John Donnelly. About a year later, May 1, 1853, the Rev. Joseph McKenna was called to this parochial district and he was succeeded by the Rev. Aloysius Somoggi, who took charge of both St. Patrick's and St. Mary's parishes during his stay. In December, 1853, he was followed by the Rev. Terence Kernan and after him came the Rev. Daniel Dolan and the Rev. Michael Casey. In October, 1855, the Rev. Michael Steger took charge of both parishes and a year later his duties were assumed by the Rev. J. A. Marshall, whose successor was the Rev. Chrysostom Wagner. In May, 1862, his work was taken up by the Rev. Sergius de Stchloupnekoff, a Russian, who had been converted to the cause of Catholicism, and after a very successful pastorate he was followed by Father Joseph Albinger, who arrived in January, 1864, and remained until July 5, 1871, when his place was taken by the Rev. Father Biggins. The next priest, Rev. S. Fitz Simons, came in August, 1877, and remained for six years. Under him the church was enlarged and improved and the present parochial school was erected. From March 22, 1884, until May 1, 1893, the parish was served by the Rev. James H. Day, whose successor, the Rev. James T. Dougherty, was in charge for eight years, during which period many improvements were made. In 1901 he was followed by the Rev. William T. Dunn, who in turn gave place to the Rev. M. C. Wall, now of Avon parish, and his tasks were taken up by the present pastor, the Rev. John E. Masseth. There are two hundred families in the parish and the school is in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Under the able guidance of Father Masseth the influence of the church has been materially strengthened and his is a sincere and devoted service in behalf of a cause to which he has dedicated his life.
PATRICK C. BEATTIE.
For almost one hundred years the Beattie family has been identified with the development of Monroe county, and during that period none of its members has done more to maintain its high standard of citizenship than Patrick C. Beattie. He spent practically his entire life in this section of the state and was numbered among the honored pioneer residents and extensive landowners whose labors con- tributed materially to its upbuilding and development. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland, December 17, 1826, and was but six months old when his parents, Martin and Mary (Connolly) Beattie, crossed the Atlantic, reaching New York city in the year 1827. They made their way up the Genesee river to Hanford's Landing and took up land on the lake, paying but a dollar per acre for the tract. The extensive landholdings which they acquired are still in possession of the Beattie family.
In his youth Patrick C. Beattie received such education as the sparsely settled country afforded. He early became familiar with the work of the fields and for many years successfully carried on agricultural pursuits on a large scale. His large landholdings were augumented by the purchase of the Latta farm of four hundred acres in the town of Greece. When eventually he retired from farming pursuits and took up his abode in Rochester, Mr. Beattie sold the Latta homestead of two hundred acres to Colonel Greenleaf. He pioneered in making improved streets in the Charlotte section, and foresaw what subsequent years have brought about in that suburb. Mr. Beattie's farm comprised a considerable portion of what is now Beach avenue, and he sold the first lot on that thoroughfare. Mr. Beattie was a keen, farsighted business man who relied largely upon his own judgment. He was never hasty
PATRICK C. BEATTIE
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nor impulsive in any transaction, but always had the courage of his convictions and when convinced of the wisdom of his course he was not easily moved in the opposite direction. He was among the early purchasers of the stock of the Eastman Kodak Company, in which he invested heavily. After coming to Rochester he made his home for a time at No. 865 Lake avenue and subsequently removed with his family to Fairview Heights. He was fond of horses and was a good judge of them, owning at various times some excellent specimens of horse flesh. He was a member of the Driving Club in the days when it was one of the most popular organizations in the city.
Mr. Beattie was twice married, his first union being with Miss Bridget Flynn, a daughter of Captain James Allen and Catherine (McGuire) Flynn. Mr. and Mrs. Beattie became the parents of five children: Georgia, now Mrs. Thomas McQuire; Emmett G., of Detroit, Michigan; Frank M., of Greece, New York; Lewis M., also a resident of that place, and the owner of land that has been retained by the family for more than a century; and William E., whose home is in Arlington, New Jersey. Mrs. Beattie died in 1882. Mr. Beattie was married in 1893, to Miss Mary Downey, and they had two daughters: Helen and Berenice, who reside with their mother at No. 1 Upton park.
Mr. Beattie was a Roman Catholic in religious faith and a communicant of the Mount Read church and also of the Cathedral in Rochester. He was a Knight of Columbus and his political support was given to the democratic party. There was not a single esoteric phase in the life of Patrick C. Beattie. His business methods were of a character that neither sought nor required disguise and in the legitimate channels of trade and investment he gained a splendid and well-merited success. In his demise on August 31, 1917, the community sustained the loss of one of its worthy pioneers and prosperous, esteemed and influential citizens.
H. CLAUDE HARDY.
Among the educators of the Genesee country H. Claude Hardy, superintendent of the public schools of Fairport, Monroe county, occupies a prominent place. He was born in Glenwood, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1887, and graduated from the Nichol- son high school as class valedictorian. He then prepared for college in the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pennsylvania, and in June, 1911, received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University of Middletown, Connecticut. From March, 1911, to September, 1912, he was instructor in modern languages in the Rock Ridge School, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts; then head of the department of modern languages in the Wilbraham Academy, Wilbraham, Massachusetts, until September, 1916; the next two years he was principal of the high school at Schenevus, Otsego county, New York; from September, 1918, to September, 1920, he was supervising principal of the public schools in Sidney, Delaware county, and then came to Fairport, where his work as superintendent has been so highly appreciated that he has been continued in the office.
During all this time Mr. Hardy continued his studies, doing advanced research work in the field of education in the University of Rochester and Syracuse University. In June, 1921, he received the degree of Master of Arts from the former institution and was similarly honored by Syracuse in June, 1923. During the summer of 1914 he was a student at the University of Grenoble, France. He is a member of the honor society of the Phi Kappa Phi, election to which is based on scholarship, character and achievement, and for the past five years he has held the office of secretary of the Associated Academic Principals, a state organization composed of principals and superintendents. In 1922 he was elected president of the Monroe County Teachers Association. Since he came to Fairport a new elementary school building has been erected, the old high school building transformed into a modern grammar school and a new high school building added to the system, which employs forty-four teachers.
Professor Hardy spends a portion of his vacation seasons in conducting tours to points of scenic or historic interest. In April, 1924, he conducted his fifth annual Easter tour to Washington, Mount Vernon, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Annapolis, and during the summers of 1923 and 1924 he conducted a grand tour to California, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the Pacific Northwest and Yellowstone Na- tional Park. He has also acquired a wide reputation as a lecturer on a variety of subjects. He was one of the Liberty Loan speakers at the time of the World war and rendered valuable assistance in the war chest drives to raise funds for the prosecution
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of the war. He is a member of the executive committee of the New York State Con- gress of Parents and Teachers, is president of the Fairport Parent-Teacher Associa- tion, member of the executive council of the Fairport Community League, and super- intendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school. Politically he classes himself as a republican, but has never sought public office.
Mr. Hardy's fraternal associations are with the Masonic order. He is a member of the lodge at Fairport; the Royal Arch chapter of Unadilla, New York; the Scottish Rite consistory, and Kalurah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Binghamton, New York. He is also a member of the Beta Theta Pi college fraternity.
On June 26, 1912, Mr. Hardy was married to Miss Lula May Greene in Montrose, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Hardy passed away on October 18, 1918. On November 19, 1919, Mr. Hardy was married to Miss Shirley Frances Newton of Sidney, New York. Mrs. Hardy is a vocalist of considerable ability and her voice is frequently heard at con- certs. She is a student at the Eastman School of Music of Rochester, New York.
It may be of interest to note that at the Rochester Exposition of 1923, and again in 1924, the Fairport schools won first prize for the best exhibits of school work. Much of the credit for this record is due to the perfect and harmonious school organi- zation inaugurated and carried forward by Superintendent Hardy.
WILLIAM J. FLYNN.
When he located his law office in Mount Morris, Livingston county, New York, in 1915, William J. Flynn did not settle among entire strangers to build up a legal practice. On the contrary, Mr. Flynn was well known in the town and numbered many of its residents as personal friends. As a native of the county and a lawyer prac- ticing in other parts of its territory, he already had a considerable practice and many friends, both of which have been largely increased since he became a resident of the town. Mr. Flynn stands high in the ranks of his professional brethren and has many of the large interests of the town and county among his clients.
William J. Flynn was born in Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, on June 10, 1885, the son of Peter and Ellen (Cahill) Flynn, both deceased, and he was one of four sons in the family. He gained his education in the grade school of Geneseo and at the Geneseo Normal School, from which he graduated in 1905. He then took up the study of law in the office of Frank K. Cook at Geneseo, and was admitted to practice in December, 1908. Mr. Flynn then opened an office in Geneseo and prac- ticed there successfully until 1915, when he moved to Mount Morris and has been engaged in general practice there ever since.
Mr. Flynn was married on March 4, 1919, to Helen D. Dwyer. The two children born to them are: Ellen A. and Jeremiah W. Mr. Flynn is a member of the Livingston County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. In his religious convictions he is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. In his political views he is in accord with the republican party.
HON. WILLIS KINGSLEY GILLETTE.
Hon. Willis Kingsley Gillette, who has been a representative of the legal pro- fession in Rochester during the past third of a century and who for the same length of time has been an active factor in the public life of the city, is now filling the po- sition of county judge of Monroe county. He was born in Milford, Otsego county, New York, on the 25th of April, 1866, his parents being the Rev. Charles and Sarah (Ware) Gillette. The public school education of Willis Kingsley Gillette was ob- tained in Rochester and supplemented by a course of study in the Free Academy, while subsequently he matriculated in the University of Michigan, from which in- stitution he was graduated in 1891. The same year, after thorough preparation as a student in the law offices of Waldo G. Morse and the firms of Sullivan & Morris and Wiltsie, Wicks & Bottum, he was admitted to the bar. No dreary novitiate awaited him, for his ability in law practice gained him almost immediate recognition and a good clientage was accorded him. In 1892 he became connected with public affairs as school commissioner, thus representing the third ward for a period of six years, or until 1898. In the year 1902 he was chosen a member of the board of super- visors in the same ward and in January, 1903, was elected clerk of the board, in
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HON. WILLIS K. GILLETTE
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which capacity he continued until December 1, 1908. Popular vote next made him sheriff, in which position he served through the years 1909, 1910 and 1911, proving a fearless and capable official. For a period of three years, from 1914 until 1916, inclusive, he discharged the onerous duties of judge of the police court, resigning this position in March, 1917, to accept appointment by Governor Whitman as special county judge and serving in the latter capacity until December 31, 1918. In November, 1918, he was elected judge of Monroe county for a six-year term and on the 1st of Janu- ary, 1919, took the office which he is now filling. Devotedly attached to his profes- sion, systematic and methodical in habit, sober, and discreet in judgment, calm in temper, diligent in research, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, courteous and kind in demeanor and inflexibly just on all occasions, these qualities enable Judge Gillette to take first rank among those who have held judicial office in the Genesee country.
On the 11th of October, 1893, Judge Gillette was united in marriage to Miss Clara J. Davis of Le Roy, New York. Their children are three in number, namely: Marian Carolyn, Willis Clarence and Doris Lydia. In Masonry Judge Gillette has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Valley Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Doric Council, R. & S. M .; Hamilton Chapter, R. A. M .; and Monroe Commandery, K. T. and Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks while his religious faith is indicated in his membership in the Central Presbyterian church. He also belongs to the Washington Club, the Rochester Yacht Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and in social circles has gained the warm regard and friendship of all who know him. Judge Gillette's residence is at No. 174 Chili avenue.
THE PERRY FAMILY.
Among the hardy pioneers who left a permanent impress upon the history of the Chemung valley were members of the Perry family, who were numbered among the forerunners of the civilization and progress of the present day, and the work which they did can never be forgotten. The founder of the family in this region was Thomas Mifflin Perry, who was born in the city of Philadelphia, January 14, 1776, and was named in honor of that sturdy Revolutionary patriot and soldier whom every Pennsylvanian holds in honor even to this day, Governor Thomas Mifflin.
Thomas Mifflin Perry acquired a thorough knowledge of merchandising in the employ of Colonel Hollenbach, who sent him up the river from Wilkes-Barre with the first stock of goods ever sent into the valley as far as Newtown, now known as Elmira. This was in the year 1793. They were pushed up the river in the usual manner in those days-a tedious and laborious method of conveying supplies. In a log warehouse at the foot of High street, Mr. Perry disposed of the supplies to the settlers of the neighborhood, who were mostly farmers. A number of rude log houses had been erected near the store, but not a vestige of them remains today. When Mr. Perry came into the valley on this trading venture he came to stay. The building in which his transactions were conducted was situated near what is now the foot of High street, and the structure was still standing a little over a quarter of a century ago. In company with Stephen Tuttle, Guy Maxwell and others, Mr. Perry engaged in many enterprises, one of which was the building of a mill about halfway between Elmira and Horseheads, and the plant was still in operation in 1892, although con- trolled by other owners. The relations between Thomas M. Perry and Guy Maxwell were very intimate, as is seen in the generation of children following them. There was a Guy Perry and a Thomas Maxwell.
In 1798 Mr. Perry was married to Miss Elizabeth Konkle, a daughter of John Konkle. They were both zealous members of the Methodist church and to their untir- ing efforts the church of that denomination in Elmira is largely indebted for its early start and subsequently useful career. Mr. and Mrs. Perry were the parents of six sons and a daughter: William, Guy M., Horace, John K., Aaron K., Thomas and Anna K. Of these John K., Thomas and Anna K. were living in 1892. Both of the sons became substantial and highly respected business men of Elmira. A son of Guy M. Perry was named for his grandfather, Thomas M. Perry, and became an officer in the United States navy.
The War of 1812 closely touched the interests of people in all sections of the country, reaching in its effects far beyond the mere call for men to act as soldiers and extending even to obscure hamlets like Newtown. Mr. Perry and Mr. Maxwell
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were still business partners at that period and they, with another merchant, suffered heavily on account of the embargo laid by the government. They had large quantities of grain stored in their warehouses and could find no market. It spoiled on their hands and ruined them financially. It was a great disaster to them both and especially to Mr. Maxwell, who died soon afterward. Mr. Perry passed away June 2, 1836, and his wife's demise occurred in January, 1844.
In 1790, soon after the formation of the township of Chemung, the village of Newtown was laid out by Henry Wisner, the owner of the townsite. The work was not done on the large scale since adopted by the towns of the far west. Sullivan street, which was named in honor of the General, was marked out as the central highway toward the lake region, and what is now called Tuttle avenue, the thorough- fare east of Newtown creek, just under the hill, was also designated. But for the rest, besides Water street, there was only what is now Church street, connecting the two avenues named, and one or two little lanes, nameless then and now, running from Water street toward the river and to the northward as well.
MALACHY GOODWIN FITZPATRICK.
The editor and publisher of a daily newspaper like the Olean Times, of Olean, New York, which is the leader in its county and has a circulation of over seven thousand, five hundred, is bound to be an important figure in the community and section. When such a man has personality and great enterprise he becomes even more necessary to the district and such is the case with Malachy Goodwin Fitzpatrick, who since 1911 has so capably managed the Olean Times. Mr. Fitzpatrick is versatile, having made a success in the lumber business and then entered the newspaper business and repeated the performance-something rather unusual.
Malachy Goodwin Fitzpatrick was the son of Daniel M. and Mary A. (Goodwin) Fitzpatrick. His father was a tanner for over thirty years in Mansfield, Pennsyl- vania, and came to Olean when he retired from business in 1907. He passed away in 1914 and Mrs. Fitzpatrick died in 1912. Malachy G. was born on the 20th of August, 1868, in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.
Malachy Goodwin Fitzpatrick attended the public and high schools of Mans- field and the Mansfield Business College and then started to work for the Olean Lumber Company, which was then operating many sawmills in Mckean county, Penn- sylvania, where the company and its subsidiaries owned and controlled large tracts of timber. Mr. Fitzpatrick's early training covered all branches of the lumber industry, making him thoroughly conversant with woods operations, the manufacturing at the mills and the marketing of the product. In the late '90s he became affiliated with the J. R. Droney Lumber Company as its treasurer. This company had extensive opera- tions in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, with headquarters in Olean, New York. On February 20, 1911, after severing his lumber connections, Mr. Fitzpatrick purchased the Olean Evening Times and became its publisher. This paper, the oldest daily in Cattaraugus county, was established in 1860. In 1911 the subscription list showed less than fifteen hundred names-today it has over seven thousand, five hun- dred-a phenomenal increase. In 1911 there were ten employes-in 1924 there are fifty-three. The paper is independent in politics but complete in news service and covers all this section and Mckean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania as well.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is interested in all things tending to a better community. He was a member of the school board for nine years, is active in the Olean Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club, has been chairman of the republican county committee and member of the executive committee for many years. He also belongs to the F. L. Bartlett Country Club and the City Club of Olean. He is especially fond of bowling and has won many cups in amateur competition. In 1923-24 he was the high average bowler in the City League, which consists of four ten-men teams representing the City Club, Elks, Knights of Columbus and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Fitzpatrick's average for fifty-four games was 183.34-remarkable inasmuch as he won the high average in the city twenty years ago with an average of over 182. He plays golf, too, and likes motoring. During the World war Mr. Fitzpatrick was chairman of Cattaraugus county for War Savings Stamps and raised its quota over a million dollars. He spoke in every school district in the county, driving over fifteen thousand miles to do so. His family were residents of Pennsylvania for many years and the editor is an authority on affairs of that state as well as New York.
On the 27th of May, 1890, Mr. Fitzpatrick was married to Miss Mary J. Hoover,
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daughter of William J. Hoover of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick have six children: Francis Stuart, who was born April 19, 1891, and is now with the United States Chamber of Commerce at Washington; Joseph Marion, born on the 8th of May, 1893, who is engaged in the lumber business in Hanford, California; Edwin Boyd, whose natal day was May 24, 1898, who is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and who is now a first lieutenant in the United States army; Mildred, who was born February 24, 1900, and whose husband, William N. Davis, is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and now holds the rank of lieutenant; Mary J., who was born December 29, 1901, and is attending Syracuse University; and Virginia, who was born December 22, 1909, and who is a student in the Olean high school.
EARLE LELAND MILLER, D. D. S.
Dr. Earle Leland Miller, well known as a dental practitioner, stands deservedly high in professional circles of Elmira. He was born in the vicinity of Oneida, New York, in 1885, and his parents, Hugh and Mary (Clause) Miller, were also natives of the Empire state. They resided in Verona Station, New York, where the father was one of the leading merchants. He was influential in the councils of the republican party and was chosen a delegate to the national convention which nominated William Mckinley for the presidency. He was prominent in public affairs and acted as chair- man of the board of education at Verona Station. He served for eight years as town supervisor and also held other public offices. He was likewise a factor in religious affairs, acting as Sunday school superintendent, and his fraternal relations were with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were members of the Methodist church. They had two children: Earle L., of this review; and Mrs. W. D. Bartlett, whose home is in Oneida.
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