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 59
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93
599
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
operations to carry the slightest tinge of unfairness or sharp practices. The whole organization founded by him was grounded in scrupulous honesty and uprightness of method. These principles, added to his great ability, have made the Vacuum Oil Company, as it exists today, a monument to his memory." Mr. Everest was also a director of the Security Trust Company and president of the Mechanics Savings Bank.
Mr. Everest was twice married. He first wedded Miss Jessie Wilson of Rochester and they had two sons: Raymond W., of Plainfield, New Jersey, who was married to Ruth Moore of Rochester, New York; and Jesse, who died in childhood. Mr. Everest's second wife was Miss Sophie Hubbard of Bridgeport, Connecticut, before her marriage to him. Their two daughters are: Ruth Hartwell, now Mrs. George Merritt Ward of Rochester; and Janet C.
Mr. Everest assisted in the organization of the local Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the board of directors of the General Hospital. When he gave to a philanthropic cause, he always preferred that fact should not be publicly known. It is said that he was a contributor to every such cause in Rochester. At the time of his demise changes were being made in his Rochester plant on Exchange street to give material improvements, rest rooms, lunch rooms, etc., for the con- venience and comfort of the employes. His appreciation for the social amenities of life was manifest in his connection with the Genesee Valley Club, the Rochester Athletic Club, of which he was a life member, the Country Club and the Oak Hill Country Club of Rochester and the Union League Club, the Engineers Club and the Yacht Club of New York. He was likewise a member of the New York City St. Andrews Society and Burns Society.
CASPER G. DECKER.
One of the important industries of the Chemung valley is the Elmira Knitting Mills, of which William H. Bilbrough and Casper G. Decker have been the manager and president, respectively. For thirty-one years the business has been in continuous operation. Mr. Decker's father, Dr. Casper Schermerhorn Decker, was for many years a resident of Elmira and was numbered among its substantial business men and highly respected citizens. He was born in Roxbury, Delaware county, New York, February 2, 1820, and his parents were Gilbert and Anna (Schermerhorn) Decker. His public school training was supplemented by a course of study in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city and he began the practice of medicine in Margaretville, New York, as a partner of his preceptor, Dr. John C. Allaben. Dr. Decker was thus engaged for five years and then, resigning his profession, leased a tannery in Sullivan county, New York. In 1860, in association with his brother David, he built a tannery in Wellsburg, this state, where he resided until 1863, and then removed to Elmira. He later formed a partnership with Edward H. Palmer and the firm of Palmer & Decker continued in the tanning business until 1893.
Dr. Decker was a stanch democrat in politics and an influential factor in public affairs. He was president of the commission which in 1873 and 1874 built the first iron bridges over the Chemung river at Main and Lake streets, and in the latter year was appointed by Governor Dix a member of the board of Commissioners of the New York State Reformatory at Elmira. He served on the city cemetery and sewer com- missions and was twice elected to the Chemung County Board of Supervisors. He was a man of high character and had many friends, whom he had gained by a life of industry and rightly directed endeavor.
In 1853 Dr. Decker was united in marriage to Miss Euphemia B. Simpson, who was born in Lexington, New York, and subsequently became a resident of Phoenicia, this state. She passed away in January, 1907, and Dr. Decker's demise occurred on the 7th of May, 1907, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He was a faithful member of the Hedding Methodist Episcopal church, to which he presented an organ on its dedication in 1901, and also served on the board of trustees.
Their only child, Casper G. Decker, was born May 5, 1860, in Summitville, Sulli- van county, New York. He attended the public schools of Elmira, and also had the benefit of instruction in Syracuse University. He worked in his father's tannery until the business was discontinued and in 1893 with William H. Bilbrough, started the Elmira Knitting Mills, of which he has since been the president. The firm manu- factures summer cotton underwear for men and there is a large demand for its out- put, which is of high quality, ranking with the best on the market. Mr. Decker has
31-Vol. III
600
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
given careful thought to the development of the business, which represents years of hard work and intelligently directed effort. He is also a director of the Thatcher Manufacturing Company of Elmira.
On March 2, 1901, Mr. Decker was married to Miss Caroline F. Spencer of Syracuse, New York, a daughter of the Rev. Henry F. Spencer, who devoted his life to the ministry in the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are active members of the Hedding Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served in the capacity of trus- tee, also acting as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has always been a strong prohibitionist and during the World war engaged in government activities. He is a member of the Country and Rotary Clubs of Elmira and belongs to the Ivy Lodge of Masons.
CHARLES A. BROWN.
There is no one element which has a greater effect in upholding financial stability in a community than a carefully organized and conservatively conducted bank. Of such an institution Charles A. Brown is now an officer and as cashier of the Groveland State Bank he fills an important place in financial circles of Livingston county. He has a highly specialized knowledge of the banking business, which he has made his life work, and is well qualified for the responsibilities which devolve upon him. He was born in Dansville, New York, October 14, 1869, a son of William and Amelia (Tallmadge) Brown.
Charles A. Brown obtained a public school education and when eighteen years of age became bookkeeper in the Citizens Bank of Dansville, New York, and was em- ployed in that institution for twenty-nine years, being teller for several years. He later became associated with the Groveland Banking Company, which was formed in November, 1917, with a capital of fifteen thousand dollars. The building occupied by the company was erected for its use by Gamble Wilson and the first directors were: Murray L. Gamble, president; Gamble Wilson, vice president; Charles A. Brown, cash- ier; William M. Shirley, M. E. Ross, Orrin C. Lake, and Albert J. Slaight. On Sep- tember 15, 1923, the institution became known as the Groveland State Bank and the capital was increased to twenty-five thousand dollars. The first directors were: Mur- ray L. Gamble, president; James E. Donley, vice president; Charles A. Brown, cash- ier; William M. Shirley, M. E. Ross, Albert J. Slaight, and Gamble Wilson. Mr. Brown has promoted the success of the institution by conscientious, systematic and efficient work, and the generous cooperation given him by the excellent board of di- rectors has enabled the bank to show a steady growth and fill an important position in the business life of the community.
On the 25th of October, 1911, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Frances E. Wicker of East Orange, New Jersey. In religious faith Mr. Brown is a Presbyterian and he is chairman of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church in Dans- ville. His political support is given to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. He stands high in the regard of his fellowmen, for high ideals have guided him in every relation of life, and his actions have at all times been characterized by a fidelity of purpose born of the desire to have every duty well done.
JERVIS LANGDON.
Jervis Langdon marched in the front rank of the columns which have led the way to the development of the Empire state and the utilization of its great resources and a life of great usefulness and far-reaching influence was ended when on the 6th of August, 1870, he was called to his final rest. With the history of progress in Elmira his name was long closely and prominently connected and his memory is cherished by all who knew him. He was a man who would have been a valuable acquisition to any community, his irreproachable character no less than his achieve- ments, compelling his recognition as one destined to lead in anything he undertook. He was born in Oneida county, New York, January 11, 1809, and was one of three sons in the family of Andrew and Eunice (King) Langdon, who were married Febru- ary 8, 1804. They removed from Connecticut to New York state and were numbered among the early settlers of Oneida county. The father was born April 30, 1774, and died August 19, 1811, at the age of thirty-seven.
Sangdung
Sigby E & Willams N. B. NY
605
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
The business career of Jervis Langdon covered a period of more than forty years and began in a country store in his home town. He was connected with business affairs in Vernon, Ithaca, Enfield and Salina, New York, but made very little progress until he came to Chemung county. In 1838 he settled in the hamlet of Millport, where he embarked in the lumber business, forming a partnership with Myron Collins, and later was associated with William H. Phillips. Subsequently Mr. Langdon returned to Ithaca, where he spent two years, and in 1845 established his permanent home in Elmira. For a number of years he was engaged in business with S. G. Andrus, under the style of Andrus & Langdon, and after the partnership was dissolved he organized the firm of J. Langdon & Company, which first as a partnership and later as a corpo- ration survived him, under the leadership of his son, Charles J. Langdon, until 1905. Mr. Langdon dealt principally in coal and lumber and gradually extended the scope of his operations, establishing branches in Belmont, Hornellsville and Campbelltown. When the supply of timber in the east was exhausted he obtained lumber from the Pacific coast and from Canada. He engaged in anthracite mining and was the pioneer in shipping anthracite coal from Buffalo through the Great Lakes to Chicago and the west. In this connection his name became widely known. He was a man of broad vision, initiative spirit and exceptional executive force-an outstanding figure in the commerce of the nation. His success was won by constructive effort and honorable dealing, for he was guided by the Golden Rule in all of his commercial transactions, and said: "If I can't do business as a Christian I won't do business at all."
Mr. Langdon was married in Enfield, New York, to Miss Olivia Lewis, a daughter of Edward Lewis, a farmer residing in Lenox, Madison county, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Langdon were survived by three children: Susan, who married Theodore W. Crane of Elmira; Olivia, who on the 2d of February, 1870, became the wife of Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain); and Charles Jervis, whose biography follows this record. Mr. Langdon was an influential member of the Park church (Congregational) of Elmira, an anti-slavery church, whose edifice he helped build and to which he made liberal contributions. His religion was carried into his daily life and in it found beautiful expression. He was an astute business man, a public-spirited citizen, a loyal friend, a devoted husband and father, and his admirable traits of character won for him the high and enduring regard of all who had the honor of his acquaintance.
CHARLES JERVIS LANGDON.
Few men have occupied a warmer position in the hearts of their fellow citizens than did Charles Jervis Langdon, who was a lifelong resident of Elmira and stamped the impress of his individuality upon many lines of the city's development. He left a name fragrant with good deeds and to know him was to be his friend, for his was an admirable character, deserving of all praise. He was a worthy son of an honored sire and was born August 13, 1849, of the marriage of Jervis Langdon and Olivia Lewis, the former of whom was a pioneer in the anthracite field and one of the industrial leaders of the east. In 1838 the father removed from Oneida to Millport, Chemung county, New York, then a very busy mart occupied with the activities of the Chemung canal. There he engaged in the lumber business and subsequently became a dominant influence in business, social and civic affairs. Under the firm name of J. Langdon & Company he operated anthracite mines and held important coal con- tracts with mining and railroad companies. He was an ardent abolitionist and aided in conducting the famous "underground railroad".
Upon the death of Jervis Langdon in 1870, his only son, Charles Jervis Langdon, assumed the management of the large business built up by his father's constructive genius, and notwithstanding his extreme youth, he successfully directed the undertak- ing. Owing to the change in commercial conditions the contracts which had been awarded the firm of J. Langdon & Company by owners of coal mines and railroads were not renewed after 1905. Mr. Langdon thereafter devoted his attention to the management of other holdings, which were sufficiently large to necessitate the main- tenance of an office, and for more than half a century the sign of J. Langdon & Com- pany over the Baldwin street office has remained unchanged.
In discharging the duties of citizenship Charles Jervis Langdon was inspired by high ideals and for many terms was a valued member of the common council, also served as police commissioner. He was long a recognized force in the republican party. As a delegate to the National Republican convention of 1880, in Chicago, he was one of the three hundred and six who steadfastly held out for the renomination of
606
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
President Grant against the successful candidate, Rutherford B. Hayes. In 1880 Mr. Langdon was appointed commissary general by Governor Cornell, and he was also a major in the old One Hundred and Tenth Battalion, New York Militia, and like- wise served in the Volunteer Fire Department of Elmira. In 1867 General Langdon joined a party of tourists who made a voyage to Europe and Africa on the side-wheel steamer Quaker City, and a young journalist, Samuel L. Clemens, who later became famous under the nom de plume of Mark Twain, accompanied them on the trip. The journey was made historic in Mr. Clemens' "Innocents Abroad" and the friendship of the two men led to the meeting and marriage of the celebrated author and General Langdon's sister, Olivia.
On the 12th of October, 1870, Mr. Langdon was married to Miss Ida Clark, a daughter of Jefferson Burr Clark, a prominent business man of Elmira. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Langdon: Jervis, who is executor of his father's estate; Julia Olivia, who is the wife of Edward E. Loomis, president of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company; and Ida, an educator.
General Langdon passed away November 19, 1916, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He possessed that sense of honor which is the vital essence of the gentleman and his life was a bene- ficial force for good. His secret charities were as wide as his knowledge of need, and one of his friends said of him: "He was a man whose integrity of character, unselfish spirit, broad sympathies and unstinted generosity made him a citizen beloved by all."
WILLARD CHARLES GOODGER.
Willard Charles Goodger, president and treasurer of W. C. Goodger, Incorporated, is a representative of one of Rochester's old families. James Goodger, his great- grandfather, resided near Holbeach, Lincolnshire, England, in 1790, and the grand- father, also James Goodger, came to America in 1840. Ann Wright, the grandmother, arrived in Rochester with her parents in 1827, at the age of five years, and resided on a farm located where the present St. Mary's Hospital now stands. She was con- firmed in St. Luke's Episcopal church of Rochester in August, 1833. William Hobart Goodger, a son of James and Ann (Wright) Goodger, born July 17, 1845, in Rochester, was a pioneer manufacturer of ladies' shoes.
Willard Charles Goodger, a son of William Hobart and Frances Goodger, was born in Rochester, August 6, 1885. His entire business career has been spent in the shoe manufacturing industry, as in his earlier years he learned the business in his father's shoe factory.
Mr. Goodger was married to Miss Marie Quinn, on June 25, 1912, and they have a son and a daughter: Quintin Hobart, born March 21, 1914; and Jean Marie, born February 22, 1919. In religious faith, Mr. Goodger is affiliated with St. Paul's Epis- copal church of Rochester. He is a member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Oak Hill Country Club and along fraternal lines is connected with the Frank R. Lawrence Lodge of Masons. He is loyal to the city of his birth, in whose welfare and progress he takes a personal pride. Mr. Goodger's residence is at No. 1200 East avenue.
THOMAS BURR ROBBINS.
The vice president of The Bignall Company of Medina is still a young man but has taken his place in this concern and has manifested marked ability and resource- fulness. He is Thomas Burr Robbins, who was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1895, son of Henry Welles and Elizabeth K. (Rutton) Robbins. A sketch of his father, who is the president of The Bignall Company, may be found on another page of this work. Thomas Burr Robbins, the paternal grandfather of Mr. Robbins of this review, was the first representative of the family in western New York, com- ing from the Keystone state in 1901 and here spending the remainder of his life.
Thomas Burr Robbins, whose name introduces this article, obtained his early education in the public schools of Medina, New York, and continued his studies in Mercersburg Academy of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. He next entered Dartmouth College of Hanover, New Hampshire, but left that institution in 1917 and the fol- lowing year became officially identified with The Bignall Company of Medina in the
WILLARD C. GOODGER
609
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
capacity of vice president, and he is also a director of the Union Bank. His well directed efforts in this connection have constituted an important factor in the success- ful control of this corporation, as well as of the Medina Stamping & Machine Company, of which he is vice president and secretary. The Bignall Company has developed an extensive industrial enterprise in foundry work and in the manufacture of plumbers' supplies.
Mr. Robbins exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and fraternally is connected with the Masonic order. He is an active and consistent member of the First Presbyterian church of Medina and also belongs to the Alert Club, the Tuscarora Club, the Town and Country Club and the Buffalo Athletic Club. A young man of genial disposition, as well as many com- mendable traits of character, he has gained a large circle of warm friends and is deservedly popular in both social and business circles of MedÃna.
EUGENE B. WILHELM.
Farming, with raising and dealing in live stock, formed the main interests and occupied the time for many years of Eugene Bailey Wilhelm of Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, prior to his election to the office of county treasurer of Livingston county. That agricultural pursuits are an excellent training school for financial and executive responsibilities is evidenced by the fact that Mr. Wilhelm has been re- elected to the office he now holds four times in succession, because of the trustworthy and economical administration of his important office. He was born at Conesus, Livingston county, on February 12, 1856, the son of John and Leora P. (Humphrey) Wilhelm, both of whom have passed away. The father was born at Milo, Yates county, New York, and the mother at Simsbury, Connecticut. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are living.
. Eugene B. Wilhelm received his education in the district schools of Livingston county and at Lima Seminary and for a while after completing his education he was engaged in farming and the raising of live stock. He then went to Oakland county, Michigan, where for twelve years he was engaged in live stock dealing, and was also manager for the Highland Vinegar and Pickle Company. After this Mr. Wilhelm returned to his farm in Livingston county, New York, and was living on it when elected county treasurer in 1913. He has since been reelected four times on the republican ticket. He is a director of the Livingston County Trust Company, the Livonia State Bank, and the Springwater State Bank.
Mr. Wilhelm was married on December 27, 1882, to Carrie Patchin of Steuben county, New York, and they have two children: Eugene B., Jr., who is now living in Detroit, Michigan, was a major and instructor at Camp Humphrey, during the World war; Philip, who lives in Geneseo, was a first lieutenant in Company C, Three Hundred and Sixth Infantry, Seventy-seventh Division, and went overseas, acting as captain during his entire overseas service. He was gassed. Mr. E. B. Wilhelm, Sr., is a Knight Templar Mason.
HERMAN L. KELLY.
Herman L. Kelly, president of the First National Bank of Sodus, New York, is well known in financial circles of Wayne county and his name is also associated with other enterprises essential to the advancement and prosperity of the community in which he has always made his home. He was born July 22, 1871, and in both the paternal and maternal lines represents pioneer families of the county. His parents, Edgar W. and Mary (Ellsworth) Kelly, were natives of Wayne county, in which the maternal grandfather settled in 1800, migrating from Connecticut. Edgar W. Kelly was a prominent business man of Sodus and won success as a merchant. He also found time for public affairs and served for a half century as justice of the peace, while for two terms he filled the office of mayor of Sodus. He measured up to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship and enjoyed the esteem of many friends. Mr. Kelly was married to Mary Ellsworth in Sodus, and four sons were born to them, Herman L. being the youngest.
Herman L. Kelly attended Sodus Academy and afterward became a law student in Union College at Albany, New York, from which he was graduated. He formed
610
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
a partnership with his oldest brother, M. M. Kelly, and they were associated in prac- tice until 1909, when Herman L. organized the First National Bank of Sodus, of which he has since been the president. It was started with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars and a surplus of six thousand dollars and under Mr. Kelly's ad- ministration the business of the bank has increased steadily, for in its management he has adopted a policy that commends itself to public confidence and support. The institution is now capitalized at sixty thousand dollars, with a surplus of fifteen thousand dollars, and its resources amount to nine hundred and fifty thousand dol- lars. It is a member of the Federal Reserve system and ranks with the strong fianancial institutions of Wayne county. Mr. Kelly's progressive spirit has also led him into other channels of activity and in 1900 he formed the Sodus Cold Storage Company, of which he became president, filling that office until 1922. He is still financially interested in the concern and is serving on the directorate of the Sodus Packing Company. He is an astute business man and financier and his legal learning and experience have served him well in the conduct of his affairs.
In 1900 Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Alice Wride, a native of Sodus and a daughter of George S. Wride, a member of one of the old families of this locality. Mrs. Wride was of English lineage and the immigrant ancestor of her family was a passenger on the Mayflower. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have two children: Alice Mary and George, aged, respectively, twenty-two and seventeen years. The daughter was graduated from Smith College and is now teacher of English literature in the Sodus high school. The son is a high school student.
During the World war Mr. Kelly gave much of his time to the service of the nation and worked earnestly to promote the success of the Liberty Loans and other government drives. He has never sought to evade the duties and obligations of citi- zenship and has been called to public office, serving for four years as justice of the peace. He is a stanch adherent of the democratic party and has been a delegate to several state conventions. Mr. Kelly has also made his influence count as a strong force in the moral progress of his community and for forty years was senior warden of St. John's Episcopal church, of which he is now treasurer and a vestryman. His fraternal connections are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masons and in the affairs of the latter organization he is active and prominent. He is a past master of Sodus Lodge, No. 392, F. & A. M., and was made grand sword bearer of the Grand Lodge, serving under Judge Sawyer. He is a past high priest of Wayne Chapter, No. 276, R. A. M., and also belongs to the council at Sodus, the commandery at Palmyra and the Shrine at Rochester. Mr. Kelly is a member of the New York State Bankers Association and his social nature finds expression in his connection with the Newark Country Club and the Rochester Club. He is alert and enterprising to a degree and in every relation of life has acquitted himself with dignity, fidelity and honor, winning as his reward the unqualified esteem of his fellowmen.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.