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 49
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Mr. Personius is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and for a number of years has been one of its trustees, also acting as a teacher in the Sunday school. He takes a keen interest in politics and is secretary of the republican county committee. For fifteen years he has been a member of the Y. M. C. A. board of directors of which he was president for two years, and is now chairman of the build- ing committee, which is erecting a new Y. M. C. A. building in Elmira, the sum of four hundred thousand dollars having been given by the citizens of Elmira for this purpose. Mr. Personius is also one of the trustees of the Children's Reconstruction Home and an influential worker in behalf of that institution. His professional prestige led to his selection for the office of district attorney, of which he was the incumbent for six years, and for some time he served as United States commissioner, discharge- ing his duties with characteristic thoroughness, efficiency and conscientiousness. He belongs to the City and Rotary Clubs and is a Mason in high standing, serving as dis- trict deputy for the twenty-ninth district. He is a past master of Union Lodge, F. & A. M., and also belongs to the chapter, commandery and Shrine.
JOSEPH A. SCHANTZ.
Rochester seems to be particularly fortunate in the fact that a large propor- tion of her native sons, instead of going elsewhere to seek their fame and fortune, have elected to remain in their home city and devote their talents to the development of its commercial and industrial life. The local pride of these native sons, on the other hand, has not gone unrewarded, for in a steady and prosperous growth Rochester has offered many opportunities to the enterprising young man who chose to cast his fortunes with those of his native city. One of the native sons who has found pros- perity at home is Joseph A. Schantz, owner of the Joseph A. Schantz Company, a furniture storage and carting concern, which is doing a large and growing business. He was born in Rochester, on the 6th of November, 1864, a son of Joseph and Eliza- beth (Wegman) Schantz. Mr. Schantz's father was one of the organizers of the Schantz, Minges & Shale Company.
Joseph A. Schantz obtained his education in Rochester schools and Bradstreet Business College. For a few years after leaving school he was employed in a clerical capacity in the business conducted by his father, following which he became asso- ciated with The Hayden Company, furniture manufacturers, located on Exchange street, and remained with this concern until 1901. when he resigned his position to go into business for himself and helped to establish what was first known as the Bickford-Schantz Company, furniture storers and movers. This partnership was continued successfully for several years, when Mr. Schantz bought out Mr. Bickford's interest in the firm and moved to his present location, corner of central avenue and St. Paul street. From that time to this the business has been steadily growing, until now the floor space required by its storage house covers nearly the entire square, of which Mr. Schantz is the owner. Moreover. the Joseph A. Schantz Company ranks as one of the largest and most prosperous of its kind in the city and enjoys an excel- lent patronage. At the same time that he has been building his own personal for- tune, Mr. Schantz has also been helping in the development of the city, in whatever manner presented itself. For years he has been a loyal and effective member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and has ever cooperated with this body in carrying out its programs for the commercial advancement of this vicinity.
Mr. Schantz was married to Annie V. Jeffrey of this city on December 21, 1890.
JOSEPH A. SCHANTZ
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They had three children: Joseph M., who is now associated with his father in busi- ness; Mercy E .; and Marion T. Schantz. Mrs. Schantz died in 1904. Mr. Schantz was married to Minnie V. Smith, on September 21, 1910, and they have three children: Homer H., Helen L. and Warren Harding Schantz.
WILLIAM DAVID HEWES.
The Hewes family in America dates back to the colonial period. Several mem- bers of the family were active in the stirring events which led to the Revolution, and Joseph Hewes was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence from North Carolina. Some of the members of the family settled at Rome, New York, at an early day and have been identified with the history of the Empire state for two centuries or more. Marcena B. Hewes left the settlement at Rome as a young man and located near Le Roy in Genesee county, New York, where he purchased a good farm and conducted it until 1877, when he acquired a large farm near Bergen, where he resided until his death in 1902. He married Cordelia Bannister and the subject of this sketch is one of the eight children, five sons and three daughters, born to this union.
William David Hewes was born in the town of Le Roy, New York, July 26, 1868. After attending the grade schools, he entered the Brockport Normal School, from which he graduated in 1890. In the fall of that year he began teaching school in Clarkson, Monroe county. He then taught in Williamson, Wayne county, for two years, when he became principal of the schools in Shortsville, Ontario county, occupy- ing that position for eight years. During the next four years he was principal of the public schools in Cuba, Allegany county. In 1905 he purchased a grocery store in Phelps, Ontario county, and remained in that business for about four years.
In 1910 he purchased the Patterson real estate and insurance business in East Rochester and located there. He still conducts this business under the name of Wil- liam D. Hewes, Incorporated, handles all kinds of insurance, representing some of the strongest companies in the United States, and is active in the development of the village. He is president of the East Rochester Lions Club and can always be depended upon to lend a hand to any project that has for its aim the promotion of the civic welfare.
Mr. Hewes stands high in the Masonic fraternity, being a member of East Roches- ter Lodge, No. 1020, F. & A. M .; Palmyra Commandery, Knights Templars; and Ismalia Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, of Buffalo. He is an elder in the First Pres- byterian church of East Rochester and superintendent of the Sunday school. His long experience as a teacher taught him the value of and necessity for better methods of child training and development, which may be considered one of his hobbies. Politically he is a republican and takes an active interest in public affairs, particularly those of a local nature. He has served as county committeeman for his party and has held the office of justice of the peace. However, he seems to derive more pleasure in assisting his friends to public office than in becoming a candidate himself.
On New Year's Day of 1902, Mr. Hewes was united in marriage to Miss Althea Knapp, daughter of Edward Knapp of Shortsville, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Hewes have three children: Robert, born February 13, 1905; Harriet Augusta, born April 4, 1909; and William David, Jr., born April 15, 1915.
ERNEST SAMUEL HENNER.
Ernest Samuel Henner, secretary and general manager of the Empire Couch Company of Medina, has been one of the active factors in the growth and development of this prosperous concern. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of July, 1878, his parents being' Philip Francis and Florence (Ahre) Henner. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, was a lifelong resident of the Keystone state.
Ernest Samuel Henner obtained his education in the grammar and high schools of his native city and after putting aside his textbooks was identified with the retail dry goods business for three years. He was afterward in the drapery and upholstery business in Philadelphia until 1905 and during the succeeding four years devoted his attention to the same line in Buffalo, New York. He then went on the road as a drapery and upholstery salesman and traveled thus until February, 1920, when he came to Medina to assume his present official duties with the Empire Couch
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Company, which he has since represented in the dual capacity of secretary and general manager. His long experience in this line of business has constituted a valuable factor in the successful control of this prosperous and growing enterprise.
Mr. Henner has been twice married. On the 6th of June, 1907, in Chicago, he wedded Miss Jessie McLaren, and they were the parents of a daughter, Marjorie Ellen, who is a student in the Medina high school. On the 2d of April, 1913, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Henner was again married, his second union being with Harriett Ethel McLaren. Their children are three in number: John Philip, Jean Ethel and Ernest S., Jr.
In politics Mr. Henner maintains an independent attitude, supporting men and measures rather than party. In his life he exemplifies the beneficent teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, to which he belongs, and he is likewise a member of the Alert Club of Medina. He is an ardent disciple of Izaak Walton and has a summer home on the lake, where he may retire in "dog days" and fish to his heart's content.
JAMES EARL MCCURDY.
James Earl McCurdy, one of Dansville's enterprising merchants, has been content to remain in his native town, in which he has found excellent opportunities for advancement, and through their wise utilization he has become a prosperous business man. His birth occurred on the 20th of April, 1863, and his parents were Andrew and Jeannette (Scott) McCurdy. He received a good education, attending the district schools, Dansville Seminary and the Geneseo Normal School, and began his inde- pendent career well equipped for life's responsibilities and duties. He has always been engaged in farming and merchandising and is the proprietor of one of the finest meat markets in Livingston county. He handles the best grade of meat, is courteous and obliging in his attitude toward patrons, and is content with a reasonable profit. As a logical result each year has chronicled a noticeable increase in the volume of his business and he is now conducting the leading meat market in Dansville. On April 26, 1900, Mr. McCurdy was married to Miss Rosa N. Schlick and they have become the parents of a daughter: Thelma Barbara, who is a student at St. Mary's-of-the- Woods, in Indiana, specializing in English and oral expression. Mr. McCurdy is a Mason and his political support is given to the democratic party, while in religious faith he is a Presbyterian. He takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs and his life in its various phases will bear the test of intimate knowledge and close association.
FRANK E. HOVEY.
The interests of Frank E. Hovey of Avon, Livingston county, New York, have always been identified with land, either as a farmer or as the manager of farm prop- erty. For a few years he was interested in the management of a hotel, but is now retired. He was born at Lima, Livingston county, on September 1, 1856, the son of Calvin B. and Mary E. (Gates) Hovey. His father, Calvin B. Hovey, was possessed of a large amount of landed property at the time of his death in 1880. Frank E. Hovey's boyhood was spent on his father's farm in Lima and his education was acquired at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary. In 1889 Mr. Hovey moved to Avon to take the manage- ment of the Herbert Wadsworth farm at Ashantee, and served in this capacity for thirteen years. He then purchased a farm of his own, and lived on it until the spring of 1911, when he turned it over to his son. From 1911 until 1920 Mr. Hovey was occupied in the management of the Avon Inn, and then retired. His only occupation now is that of looking after his farm property, of which he owns seven hundred acres. In 1921 Mr. Hovey opened the North Avenue addition to the village of Avon, compris- ing twenty-two building lots, on which he has erected twelve houses, and has disposed of them. At the present time (1924) only four unsold lots remain. This enterprise is considered a distinct contribution to the desirable growth of the village. Mr. Hovey is a republican in his political views and was town supervisor from 1901 until 1908. He is a director of the State Bank of Avon, a member of the board of education, and one of the village water commissioners for a number of years past.
Mr. Hovey has been married twice. His first wife, whom he married in 1878, was Estelle M. Sheldon, daughter of R. T. Sheldon of Mendon, New York. She died in
FRANK E. HOVEY
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1911. The two children born to this union are: Raymond E., now on the farm; and Lucy S., the wife of Watson MacMaster of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On December 31, 1912, Mr. Hovey was married to Jennie E. Ideson of Lima. He is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. In his religious convictions he is a Presbyterian, and has been a trustee of the Central Presbyterian church at Avon for a number of years.
WILLIAM J. NAYLON.
William J. Naylon is one of Rochester's well known business men whose entire career has been spent in this city, being a Rochesterian by birth, rearing and subse- quent identification. He was born October 8, 1867, a son of Martin and Catherine (McCarthy) Naylon, and attended the Cathedral parochial school. After completing a course in the Rochester Free Academy he entered the business world and, as he demonstrated his worth to his employers, was intrusted with greater responsibilities and more difficult tasks. He has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience and time has ripened his ability. Mr. Naylor is treasurer of the Spitz Building Company and secretary of the New York & Kentucky Company.
On June 28, 1893, Mr. Naylor was married to Miss Emma L. Kernan and they have two daughters and a son: Irene Dorothy, the wife of G. Eugene Connor; Lucille Olive; and Walter Kernan. Mr. Naylor is a communicant of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament. He also belongs to the Oak Hill Country Club, the Rochester Club, the Automobile and Rochester Athletic Clubs, the City Club and the Knights of Columbus. No little credit is due Mr. Naylon for his progress in the business world, for he has forged ahead largely through his own efforts and talents. He has a wide acquaintance- ship throughout the city and many of his best friends have known him from boy- hood. He is deeply interested in all projects vital to the city's growth and fills an important place in the life of his community while the substantial traits of his char- acter have established him in the esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Naylon's residence is at No. 1648 Highland avenue, and his summer residence is "Jen-na-carra," Sum- merville.
THOMAS FRANCIS FENNELL.
Thomas Francis Fennell is a member of the Elmira bar, and has filled important public offices in the path of his profession. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, May 25, 1875, a son of Thomas Mccarthy and Margaret (Collins) Fennell, both natives of County Clare, Ireland. The mother was one of the "Tall Collins of the Cliffs of Moher." She was six feet in stature, weighed two hundred and seventy-five pounds, and possessed extraordinary strength. The father participated in the Fenian Rebellion in Ireland in 1865-6. He was shot in action, captured and exiled to Australia. He was a political prisoner in that country from 1867 until 1871, receiving a pardon in the fall of that year, and then came to the United States.
Thomas Francis Fennell is widely and favorably known in Elmira, where he has resided since infancy, and after completing a course in the public schools he became a student in the Free Academy. His professional training was received in Cornell University, which in 1896 awarded him the LL. B. degree. He won a graduate fellowship, and in 1897 the degree of LL. M. was bestowed upon him by his Alma Mater. While a student he took a prominent part in athletic sports. He rowed on the Cornell Varsity crew, was a member of the Varsity Track and Field teams, of which he was captain in 1897, and was on the Varsity Football teams of 1894-95-96. He won the heavyweight boxing championship of Cornell in 1897. He helped coach the Cornell football team in 1898 and for parts of seasons for many years afterward. He was widely known in athletic circles of the east and coached the Pennsylvania State College football teams of 1905-06-07-08.
Mr. Fennell was corporation counsel of the city of Elmira. In 1909 he was appointed first deputy secretary of state, holding that position for two years, and in 1910 was the republican nominee for state treasurer. In 1912 he was the nominee of that party for the office of United States congressman. He served as judge of the state court of claims for three years, from 1915 until 1917, inclusive, was a member of the New York State Public Service Commission in 1918 and 1919, and during 1921 and 1922 was first deputy attorney-general of the state of New York. He has
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always been loyal to every trust reposed in him and his public service was of a most important character and beneficial in its results.
Mr. Fennell was married November 25, 1908, to Miss Frances Sibyl Wyckoff, a native of Elmira and a daughter of Ernest Legrand and Alice (Brooks) Wyckoff, members of an old and prominent family of that city. The father was one of the substantial business men of Elmira and passed away in 1904, at the age of fifty-two years. The American progenitor of the Wyckoff family was a native of Holland and came with the first Dutch settlers to New Amsterdam, New York. Mrs. Fennell's mother is also a member of one of the oldest families of the United States and was the first regent of Chemung Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, filling that office for a number of years. She has six bars affixed to her D. A. R. pin, being entitled to one for each of her six ancestors who fought in the Revolution- ary war. Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff had five children, three of whom survive: Mrs. Fennell; Florence Adele, who is the wife of Frank Upson of Dundee, New York; and Ernestine Brooks, who married Dr. Pugh, a well known surgeon of Utica, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Fennell have become the parents of five children: Thomas Wyckoff, whose birth occurred on September 26, 1909; Alice Margaret, who was born on Christmas Day of 1912; Florence Mary, born April 9, 1915; Ernest Joseph, born December 1, 1919; and David Collins, born May 29, 1921.
Mr. Fennell's military record covers service in Company L, One Hundred and Third Regiment, New York State National Guard, of which he was a member for several years. He is a regular republican, and in religion he is a Roman Catholic. He is a Knight of Columbus and also belongs to the Father Mathew Temperance Society.
HERBERT L. HOLLISTER.
Herbert L. Hollister, office manager and one of the officials of The Ingersoll- Rand Company of Painted Post, is one of the busiest men in New York state. The world always piles many duties on the capable man, and he usually finds a way to take care of them all, and Mr. Hollister is no exception. In public as well as business life he is called upon often and seems to thrive upon responsibility. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, June 21, 1873, the son of Amos P. and Harriett (Kent) Hollister. The family moved to Painted Post in 1882.
Herbert L. Hollister attended the grammar schools and went to high school for one year. Then he entered the world of affairs, starting in with the Bronson National Bank and after one year of this work entered the employ of the Weston Engine Company, remaining there until June, 1898, when the shops were closed. The Inger- soll-Rand Company, which started in business in 1899, was only a small concern then, and it was not until 1901 that Mr. Hollister joined their forces when the Rand Drill Company consolidated with the Ingersoll-Sargent Drill Company. Mean- while, Herbert L. Hollister had worked for the Painted Post Lumber Company and in 1901 went to Kane, Pennsylvania, to manage a lumber office there. He spent four years with the Imperial Engine Company and thus had a wide fund of experience to bring with him to the Ingersoll-Rand Company. He was made office manager at once and as the concern grew, his duties likewise multiplied. Mr. Hollister has full responsibility for the office management, accounting, buying and production layout. He is also secretary of the Painted Post Development Company, Incorpor- ated; Secretary of the Painted Post Board of Education and a director of the Corning Cooperative Savings and Loan Association.
In fraternal life Herbert L. Hollister is equally active as in civic affairs. He belongs to Montour Lodge, No. 168, Painted Post; is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, belongs to Corning Consistory and Kalurah Temple, Shrine, Binghamton, New York. He has held all the chairs in the blue lodge and is past master of Mon- tour Lodge. Mr. Hollister holds membership in the Corning City Club; Elmira Coun- try Club; Corning Automobile Club and Corning Country Club, being secretary of the latter.
On March 27, 1895, Mr. Hollister was married to Miss Cora M. Wing. To them one son, Kenneth L., was born. He is now a student in the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, being a member of the class of 1926 and belonging to Delta Phi fraternity. In 1912 Mrs. Hollister passed away. On November 5, 1913, Mr. Hollister was married to Miss Nelle M. Weaver, and they are the parents of three children: Marianne Louise; Herbert L., Jr., and Robert P. Mr. Hollister maintains a beautiful summer home on Lake Keuka. He travels a great deal now in connection with his
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business and takes a keen interest in all public affairs. He is a republican and in his church affiliations is a Presbyterian. In all of the activities of the community he takes part and is known as one of the dependable leaders of Steuben county.
GEORGE MAXWELL DIVEN.
On the roster of public officials in Elmira appears the name of George Maxwell Diven, who is filling the office of postmaster, and his civic loyalty prompts him to put forth earnest and effective effort in behalf of the community, to whose advance- ment and upbuilding the family has made substantial contribution. He was born in Chemung county, New York, June 7, 1870, and his parents, Alexander and Anna (McQuhae) Diven, were also natives of this county. They had a family of three children but two are deceased. The father served for some time as superintendent of the Elmira waterworks and aided in organizing the company. During the progress of the Civil war he held the rank of major in the Union army, discharging the duties of paymaster. He was a republican in politics and served for two terms as mayor of Elmira, administering the affairs of the municipality in a businesslike and thor- oughly satisfactory manner. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and a faithful follower of its teaching's.
At an early age George Maxwell Diven was left an orphan and his advancement has been won by hard work and proven ability. He first worked in the office of the waterworks, later entering the service of the La France Fire Engine Company, with which he was connected for eight years, and on the expiration of that period reentered the employ of the waterworks company, with which he continued for six years. In September, 1921, he was appointed postmaster of Elmira by President Harding, and under his administration the work of the office is performed systematically, promptly and efficiently, for Mr. Diven is most thorough and painstaking in everything that he; undertakes.
In 1891 Mr. Diven was married to Miss Cora West, of Elmira, a daughter of A. A. West. Mr. and Mrs. Diven have a son, George M. Diven, Jr., who is attending Colgate College. Mr. Diven is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church and for a number of years has served on its official board. He gives his political support to the republican party and ranks with the public-spirited citizens of Elmira. He is always loyal to any cause which he espouses and faithful to every duty and has many friends, whose esteem he has won and retained by reason of his commendable traits of character.
RALPH THRALL OLCOTT.
In no avenue of business do men become so widely known as in journalism, not only as personalities, but as influences through their printed thoughts, which reach thousands, while their spoken words are heard by only a few. Ralph Thrall Olcott has devoted his life to work of this character and as editor and owner of the Ameri- can Nurseryman and American Nut Journal of Rochester he has become a strong force in horticulture development, being a recognized authority on this subject. He ยท was born in Chicago, Ilinois, November 13, 1861, a son of James B. and Isabella (Thrall) Olcott, the former a native of East Haddam, Connecticut, and the latter of Greece, New York. The father was a Baptist minister and filled several pastorates in central Illinois. He was a man of scholarly attainments and for a considerab'e period was identified with the University of Rochester, also serving as pastor of churches in Greece, East Aurora and Rochester. His death occurred in this city and the mother passed away in Brooklyn, New York.
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