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 37
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Six months after his death a small booklet was published in memory of Dr. Dayfoot, in which were expressions from many friends. Mr. Joseph O'Connor gave some extracts from it in the Rochester Post Express at that time: "The volume contains the tribute read by Thomas D. Spencer, M. D .. before the State Homeopathic Medical Society in September; a 'Character Sketch' by Joseph L. Luckey; press notices of Dr. Dayfoot's death; resolutions passed by various bodies; the funeral sermon; and extracts from letters of condolence. In the sermon there is this characteristic passage: 'I have no need to tell you that his very presence was. like the sunshine; you who have known him have felt the power of the good cheer which he was accus- tomed to carry with him wherever he might go. Much as we might say of the eminence which he had attained in his chosen profession, so that as a skillful practi- tioner his services were widely in demand, we prefer to think of him when entering
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the sick room, as carrying with him, in his own personality, a remedial power even greater than that contained in the medicines which he dispensed'. Mr. Luckey, after dwelling on this peculiar brightness of disposition, makes a sound and serious esti- mate of Dr. Dayfoot's character: 'The Doctor believed in his profession and he made others believe in him. He was a physician con amore. He thought the profession of medicine worthy of the most serious consideration of the deepest minds. He believed it to be one of the most important callings to which a man can devote himself and thought it too serious a matter for a man to play with. He had no sort of patience with the quack, yet there was no bigotry about him. He was ready to receive valuable information no matter the source whence it came. He did not consider every man a fool who did not belong to his school. He was broad-minded and of course liberal, but he had his own ideas. When his mind was once made up it was hard to turn it. But he recognized the right of every man to have his own opinions, hence he treated every man justly. Such a man always has friends. He is recognized as a man worth tying to. Dr. Dayfoot made no special effort to secure friends but I never knew a man who had more. Trying to analyze his character to account for his peculiar success in this direction, I am at a loss. He was not without his faults, which were not concealed. He never hesitated to say what he thought and was always complimentary. He was intimate with very few. I think he was liked because he was a very manly man. His faults were of a manly character. He was every way a healthy man, sound to the core. He believed life worth living and living well. He believed in sunshine in the sick room and sunshine in the soul. In his death there is a positive loss to the world.' It is strange in ordinary cases how rapidly time seems to efface, after they have died, every memory of men who are apparently prominent in the daily affairs of a community. A week or two, and they are seldom thought of. A month or two, and they are forgotten in the general haunts of men. Dr. Dayfoot is a singular exception. We are inclined to think that he is more missed now among his intimate friends than for a time after his unexpected death. His name is often spoken with admiration and regret; and everyone feels what few understood before, that his personality was one to leave an abiding impres- sion-and a fine impression. To the writer his friendship remains a sad and yet a delightful memory."
JACOB GREENER.
The life of Jacob Greener was long, honorable and useful, crowned with successful achievement, and closed December 21, 1916, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-one years. He entered the business world empty-handed, but by hard work, good management and honest methods successfully built up an industry for which he was so well fitted. He was the only piano manufacturer of Elmira and a man of inventive genius who gave to the world a perfect instrument. He was known equally well in New York city.
Jacob Greener was a native of Germany, born in the city of Worms, February 2, 1825, and received his education in the excellent schools of that country, in which he studied English and French. At the age of fifteen he received his first instruction in the art of piano making, having served an apprenticeship under his father. In 1848, when a young man of twenty-three years, he came to the United States in search of broader opportunities for advancement, and obtained work in the John B. Dunham factory, in New York city. There he made his first piano, in which he embodied his new idea of two sounding boards and overstrung bass, with the keyboard in the center. Having satisfied himself as to the value of these improve- ments, he chose Elmira as the scene of his manufacturing operations, and here estab- lished his home in 1855. He was a genius in his line and the Greener piano has been indorsed by connoisseurs of music in all parts of the world. His improvements were patented, but other manufacturers have infringed upon them from time to time with impunity. Mr. Greener also engaged in the manufacture of organs and his business grew steadily, keeping pace with the development of the city, for he was a man of the highest integrity. He also bore a high reputation as a piano tuner. His daughter, Miss Sophia Greener, is now at the head of the industry.
In New York city, Mr. Greener was married to Miss Theresa Hay, who was born about sixteen miles from Worms, Germany, in 1825, and passed away in 1906, at the age of eighty-one years. They were the parents of six children, three of whom sur- vive: Sophia; Augustus, who is associated with his sister in the piano business,
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doing most of the repair work; and Mrs. Laura Dullin, a widow, also residing in Elmira.
Mr. Greener was a Lutheran in religious faith, but attended the Presbyterian church after coming to Elmira. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and exercised his right of franchise in support of the platform and candidates of the republican party. He was loyal to the country of his adoption and stood high in the esteem of his fellowmen. His contribution to the world's work was of great value and importance and there is in his history an element of inspiration for others-an example of high purpose, nobly achieved.
CLIFFORD FRANKLIN LEET, M. D.
Dr. Clifford Franklin Leet, physician and surgeon, engaged in practice at Horse- heads, was born in Killawog, Broome county, New York, March 14, 1892, and is the only child in the family of Edwin and Adelaide (Phelps)' Leet, also natives of that county. The father served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade and is still engaged in that line of work. Mr. and Mrs. Leet are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church and his political support is given to the republican party.
Clifford Franklin Leet completed a course in the high school at Marathon, New York, and afterward became a student in the medical department of the University of Buffalo, from which he was graduated in 1915. He served for a year as interne at the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital in Elmira and began his professional career in Horseheads.
On February 10, 1917, Dr. Leet was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Hart Ballard, a native of Elmira and a graduate of the Nurses' Training School maintained by the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital. They have become the parents of a son: Clifford Franklin, Jr. They are Presbyterians in religious faith and Mrs. Leet is active in the work of the church. The Doctor casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party and is now serving as president of the village, in which capacity he is rendering valuable public service, adopting a progressive policy and working at all times for the best interests of his community. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge and Grotto, and his professional connections are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the Chemung County Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
EDWIN ALBERT SWEET.
Edwin Albert Sweet, president of Sweet, Richards & Company, investment bankers, is one of the well known men in financial and investment security circles of this city. He is a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was born October 1, 1887, a son of Frank and Eliza J. (Moss) Sweet, the former a native of England and the latter of Swansea, Wales. Both parents came to the United States in early life. Frank Sweet was for many years a mechanical engineer for the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and is now living retired in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Edwin Albert Sweet was reared in Scranton, attending the public and high schools of that city. He began his business career as a salesman and for a number of years was connected with Whillock Brothers of Rochester. In 1912, he entered the invest- ment security field, and that same year organized the firm of Sweet, Richards & Company.
From a modest beginning the business of this firm has been developed along sound conservative lines, and has enjoyed a steady and continuous growth. It was incor- porated in 1920, with Mr. Sweet as president, W. J. Richards vice president and L. D. Pierson secretary and treasurer. Sweet, Richards & Company enjoy a high reputa- tion for commercial integrity, and cater to a high class clientele not only from their main office in New York city, but from their other offices in Rochester, Boston and Albany.
No little credit for the development of its business falls to the firm's executive head, whose untiring efforts, sound judgment and enterprise have been important factors in building up a new business during the troubled decade marked by the World war.
EDWIN A. SWEET
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Among his other business interests, Mr. Sweet is president of Leland Hotels, Incorporated, also president of the Boston Leland Hotel Corporation, a director of the Seneca Hotel Corporation and the Mt. Royal Hotel in Montreal.
While a man of scarcely middle age, with his best business years ahead of him, he has achieved success and entirely through his own efforts. He enjoys a wide and influential acquaintance among bankers and financial men throughout the east, and in Rochester is accorded a prominent position among the city's leading investment bankers and security dealers.
In his political affiliations he is a republican. His clubs are the Bankers Club of New York and the Buffalo Athletic Club.
Mr. Sweet was married in Rochester, on September 11, 1911, to Miss Mabel, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Wackerman, prominent residents of Warren, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have two sons: Edwin Albert, Jr., born April 28, 1915; and Franklin Theodore, born November 11, 1916. Mr. Sweet's residence, "Shadow Lawn," East avenue, Pittsford, is one of the city's attractive suburban houses.
FRANK H. SUITS.
Frank H. Suits, one of the leading merchants of Corning, is a native of Salmon- town, New York, born March 25, 1868, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Miller) Suits. His education was limited to the grammar grades of Fultonville, New York, and at the age of fifteen he bravely stepped out into the business world and made good so rapidly that before he was of age he had become assistant agent and freight agent of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. When twenty-one he went into the meat business with G. H. Hammond & Company. In the year 1892 he moved to Corning and continued in the meat business until 1913. On March 13 of that year he became a member of the firm of Shaffer & Suits, and with Arthur Shaffer started a men's furnishing business and they have made this concern a very successful one.
Mr. Suits is a public-spirited man as well, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and one of its directors for two years. He served for four years as a member of the Corning city council and has had five years service on the board of super- visors, being chairman of the committee on highways in 1924. He is also a member of the Corning Country Club, the Elks, the Roman Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus. He takes a great interest in everything relating to Corning and is a lover of clean out-of-door sports, being especially fond of golf.
Mr. Suits was married to Miss Helen Dwyer on August 10, 1889, and they had two sons: Harry J., who is engineer for Schuyler and Yates counties; and Frances E., who is auditor for the state income tax department at Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Suits' second wife was Miss Julia T. Hart, to whom he was married on February 3, 1914. They have no children. Mrs. Suits is proprietor of a ladies' clothing store in Corning.
ROMAN G. STIFFLER.
Roman G. Stiffler, one of the progressive realtors of Rochester, is well known as a young man of enterprise, resource and initiative and manifests that spirit of loyalty which characterizes the city's native sons. He was born February 11, 1886, of the union of John Stiffler and Rose Remargue, the latter also a native of this city. The father was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, and came to Rochester during his boyhood, growing to manhood here. For some time he was connected with the Lewis & Pfiefer Shoe Company and in 1891 he turned his attention to the hotel business, in which he was engaged until his death, which occurred in 1906, while the mother passed away in February, 1921. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are living, namely: Harvey L., Norman G., Joseph, Mrs. Amanda Baumann, and Roman G.
Roman G. Stiffler received his early education in the Holy Family parochial school and afterward became a student at the Rochester Free Academy, which he attended for three years. He also completed a course in the Rochester Business College and then took charge of his father's hotel, which he conducted for three years. In 1909 he sold the business and identified himself with the O. B. Schaefer Real Estate Com- pany, remaining in the employ of that firm for two and a half years. He next entered
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the service of the Eastman Kodak Company, becoming assistant to the superintendent of the mechanical department, and in recognition of his ability was promoted to the position of appraiser, also acting as loan agent. Mr. Stiffler remained with the company until September, 1918, and then established a business of his own, entering the real estate field. For six months he conducted the business in his home, and having gained a good start, he opened an office at No. 223 Powers building, where he has since been located. He conducts a general real estate business but specializes to some extent in residential property, and has negotiated many important realty transfers. He has an intimate knowledge of the worth of city property and is seldom in error in predicting its rise or diminution in value. He serves as president of the E. C. Giles Corporation, is also a director of the firm of Darling, Norton & Mack, automobile dealers, and displays marked foresight and keen sagacity in the manage- ment of his affairs.
On the 14th of April, 1914, Mr. Stiffler was married to Miss Gladys A. Mull, a daughter of Luther E. and Katherine Mull of Rochester, and the children of this union are: Wilfred and Shirley, both natives of the city. The former was born December 11, 1917, and the latter on May 1, 1920. Mr. Stiffler is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and works for the development of his city as a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is also connected with the local real estate board and is serving on one of its committees. He is a young man of serious purpose, alert, energetic and determined, and public opinion bears testimony to his high qualities of mind and heart. His residence is at No. 1080 Genesee Park boulevard.
ยท BENJAMIN E. JONES.
Postoffice work and banking have been the only occupations ever followed by Benjamin E. Jones of Nunda, Livingston county, New York, now cashier of the Nunda Bank. He was born at Portage, Livingston county, on November 5, 1875, the son of Frank and Cora (Sharp) Jones, both natives of New York, the latter of whom has passed away. They were the parents of two sons.
Benjamin E. Jones was educated in the grade and the Nunda high school, started work in 1891 as a clerk in the postoffice, became assistant postmaster, and was post- master from 1900 until 1913. In the latter year he left the postal service to take the position of assistant cashier in the Nunda Bank, and in 1919 was promoted to the position of cashier, in which capacity he now serves the institution.
On July 19, 1898, Mr. Jones was married to Minnie Crotser of Scottsburg, New York. Mr. Jones is a republican in his political allegiance, a member of the Univer- salist church in his religious convictions, and fraternally is affiliated with the Masonic order and the Eastern Star.
JOHN A. DONNAN.
Farming is one of the most honorable occupations open to man and the basis of the nation's prosperity. John A. Donnan therefore made a wise choice of a life work and for many years was numbered among the foremost agriculturists of Liv- ingston county. At the time of his death, on July 27, 1924, he was living retired in Leicester, spending the evening of life in contentment and tranquility. He was born April 2, 1849, in the town of York, Livingston county, a son of David and Jane (Milroy) Donnan, and they were also the parents of a daughter, Mary E., who became the wife of Alexander McPherson, and who died in 1918.
John A. Donnan attended the district schools of Livingston county and later became a pupil at the Temple Hill school in Geneseo. On entering upon his inde- pendent career Mr. Donnan selected the occupation to which he had been reared and met with gratifying success in his farming operations, as he applied himself earnestly and intelligently to the achievement of his purpose. A firm believer in the cultiva- tion of the soil by scientific methods, he brought to bear in the operation of his prop- erty the most modern and progressive ideas, and utilized the best equipment in order to expedite the work. On his place he erected good substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock, also adding other improvements, and through careful cultivation transformed his land into a rich and productive tract. From time to time he increased his holdings by additional purchase until he eventually became the
JOHN A. DONNAN
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owner of five hundred acres of valuable farm land in Livingston county, but he had sold a large portion of his property, retaining about two hundred and forty acres. Having accumulated a substantial competence by hard work and good business man- agement, he established his home in Leicester, where he passed away after a lingering illness.
On the 24th of February, 1875, Mr. Donnan was married to Miss Agnes E. Shan- non of York, and they became the parents of three children: Marion, who died at the age of six years; Edith G., who is the wife of Harry B. Dodge of Leicester, and their children are, James L., Katherine A., Richard D. and H. Blakeslee; and D. Dwight, a resident of Spencerport, New York, who married Emily A. Whitmore, and their two children are, John W. and David D.
Mr. Donnan was a member of the Presbyterian church, and politically cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He was never remiss in the duties of citizenship and had filled the office of town supervisor. Mr. Donnan did much to raise the standards of agriculture in his district and no resident of Livingston county was better known nor more highly esteemed.
HARRY E. FITCH, D. D. S.
Dr. Harry E. Fitch, orthodontist, has practiced in Elmira for a quarter of a cen- tury and during this period has become firmly established in public regard as one of the city's leading dental surgeons. He was born in Bellona, Yates county, New York, February 23, 1874, a son of Charles T. and Sarah (Gillett) Fitch, the latter a native of Gillett, Pennsylvania, which was named in honor of the family. It was originally established in Delaware county, New York, a fertile and productive section, but owing to the scarcity of timber in that section the family migrated to Pennsylvania, as its representatives had long been identified with the lumber industry. They settled in Bradford county, where they found a plentiful supply of timber, and became leaders in their chosen field of activity. Charles T. Fitch was born in Troy, Pennsylvania, and resided for many years in Bellona, New York. He was station agent for the Penn- sylvania Railroad Company and also engaged in the sale of coal, lumber and farm supplies. He was a successful business man and a republican in his political views. He was a Presbyterian and his wife a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Fitch is deceased. The mother is living and makes her home with her son, Harry E., of this review, who was their only child.
Harry E. Fitch began his education in Gillett, Pennsylvania, and continued his studies in the public schools of this city, also attending the Elmira Free Academy. He was graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1897 and following his return to Elmira became associated with the firm of Goddard & Chapman, with which he remained for about two years. He has since been alone, specializing in oral sur- gery, and enjoys an enviable reputation as an orthodontist. He has attended several dental clinics and has never lost the attitude of a student toward his profession.
On June 1, 1897, Dr. Fitch was married to Miss Blanche Marion Cummings, who was born in Towanda, Pennsylvania, and educated in Elmira. They have two chil- dren: Lawrence M., a graduate of the dental department of the University of Penn- sylvania associated in practice with his father; and Eleanor Jean, who is attending high school. The parents are members of the Hedding Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Fitch is serving on its official board. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and lends the weight of his influence to every worthy civic proj- ect. During the World war Dr. Fitch served as a member of the Medical Advisory Board.
CESARE SCONFIETTI.
Italy has not been behind other nations in sending to foreign lands those who have been influential in molding the development and promoting the progress of the communities with which they have become allied. Of this number is Cesare Sconfietti, Italian Consul at Rochester and one of the prominent bankers and substantial business men of the city. He was born in Milan, May 21, 1872, a son of Paul and Maria (Bianchi) Sconfietti, who were lifelong residents of that city. The father stood high in the legal profession and served as referee in bankruptcy under appointment of the
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Crown. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sconfietti: Cesare, of this review; and Mrs. Emma Boschetti, whose home is situated on beautiful Lake Maggiore. The latter is the wife of Commander Giuseppe Boschetti, now retired, and formerly head of all railroad transportation in the Italian war zone.
Cesare Sconfietti completed his education in the Technical Institute of Milan and in 1890, when a young man of eighteen, sought the opportunities of the New World. He resided for several years in New York city and was on the editorial staff of the Eco d' Italia, the first Italian newspaper published in this country. He was con- nected with that paper and other daily publications until 1899, when he became secre- tary of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of New York city. He filled that position until 1902, when he reentered the field of journalism, becoming editor in chief of the Telegraph, an Italian evening paper. Subsequently he assumed the duties of manager of the Italian Mail Steamship line and acted in that capacity until 1911, when he was appointed Italian Consul at Rochester. He discharges with poise, tact and dignity the responsibilities which devolve upon him and is exceptionally well qualified for consular service. He is also senior member of the firm of Sconfietti & Gioia, private bankers, successfully controlling a business of large proportions.
In New York city, April 15, 1900, Mr. Sconfietti was married to Miss Anna Senese, a daughter of Valentino Senese, a pioneer member of the Italian colony of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Sconfietti have become the parents of seven children: Marion, who was born in New York city in 1902 and is now a senior in the University of Rochester; Emily, who was born in New York city in 1904 and is a member of the senior class of the Normal School; Cora, who was born in the eastern metropolis in 1906 and is attending the Sacred Heart Academy; Elvira, who was born in New York city in 1908; Lucille, whose birth occurred in that city in 1910; James, who was born in Rochester in 1912 and is attending the Junior high school; and Cesare, who was born in this city in 1916 and is also a pupil in the public schools.
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