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 60
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GEORGE H. NEWELL.
George H. Newell was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, February 18, 1828. Finan- cial troubles compelled his giving up school at the age of fourteen and he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. That he thoroughly mastered his trade is attested by a number of pieces of furniture made by his hand which are still in use after fifty years of service. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Rosetta Bontel, who lived but little over a year, having a daughter, Ella, who later became the wife of Herman S. Searle.
About 1850 Mr. Newell came to Rochester with a cash capital of but one hundred dollars with which to make his start. He obtained employment with Brewster & Fenn, then engaged in the manufacture of furniture at No. 53 State street, and boarded at No. 103 State street. Here he received promotion to the position of foreman. On August 14, 1851, he was able to purchase his first real estate in Rochester, a home on the northeast corner of Gorham and Cole streets, which he occupied until 1880. About 1853 he left the employ of Brewster & Fenn, purchased a lot adjoining his home and began the manufacture of furniture and made the first extension table in Roches- ter. For several years he continued this line, but as the business grew, he found there was a considerable waste of lumber and he conceived the idea of using this in making small picture frames. It soon developed that there was a greater demand for frames and a larger profit than in making furniture. He, therefore, organized his business under name of the Empire Moulding Works. The old factory soon became
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too small and land was purchased on the south side of Gorham street and a store building erected. Here, with an occasional addition to the building to accomodate the increase of business, Mr. Newell continued the manufacture of picture frames and mouldings throughout his life. The factory employed about three hundred men and their products were shipped throughout the United States and to England, France and the West Indies, branch offices being maintained in London and Paris.
A few years after Mr. Newell's arrival in Rochester, he was married to Rose Logan and there were nine children, only two of whom lived to mature age-Frank G. and Julia A. About 1870 Mr. Newell lost his second wife and soon after his health began to show signs of failure. His physician ordered recreation and less attention to business. Mr. Newell was able to comply with this advice by his love for the water and in 1872 purchased a small yacht, "The Rambler". His love for the sport may perhaps be better appreciated from the following verses taken from his log book:
Farewell the anxious throng with hurrying feet, The city's murky air and dusty street; Farewell the fading shore, with straining sail,
Our little bark flies on before the gale.
Swift from our bow we dash the scattered spray, While in our wake the circling eddies play; With joy we leave life's busy cares behind, And loose the fetters from the weary mind.
And now once more we hail with joyful glee, Our old companions of the rolling sea, And join with eager heart and ready hand, Old sportive Neptune and his restless band.
In 1875 Mr. Newell was married to Ada A. Stocton, formerly Ada Augusta Russell of Hurne, Allegany county, New York. Two children were born of this union: Anna, who died at the age of four years; and George R., who is mentioned later. George H. Newell, with all the care and attention which he lavished on his business, found time to be a public-spirited citizen of Rochester.
In 1880 Mr. Newell purchased a home on St. Paul street. He was a charter mem- ber of the Chamber of Commerce and one of its trustees, a member of the board of park commissioners and an active chairman on several of its committees, and did most of the bargaining in the purchase of lands for Seneca Park. He was a member of the school board for two terms and a trustee of the Rochester Trust and Safe Deposit Company. He was a charter member of the Rochester Yacht Club and acted as its commodore for the first four years of its existence.
Mr. Newell died on June 8, 1892. Resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Com- merce, the board of trustees of the Rochester Trust Company, the Rochester Yacht Club and other organizations, all testify to the high regard in which he was held by his associates.
Frank G. Newell, the oldest son, continued the Empire Moulding Works until his death on February 17, 1920. He was married to Florence Chase, a daughter of Ethan Allen Chase, a prominent nurseryman of Rochester until his removal to California. Two daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Newell: Helen, now married to Lawrence Achilles; and Florence, who still resides with her mother. Julia A., daugh- ter of George H. Newell, was married to Albert M. Marshall, of Marshall-Wells Hard- ware Company, Duluth, Minnesota.
Ada A., the widow of George H. Newell, continued to reside with her son, George R., in the old homestead on St. Paul street for many years. She died December 23, 1920, at the age of eighty.
George R. Newell attended the Bradstreet School in Rochester for several years. He graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, in 1899, attended the University of Rochester for one year, and entered Harvard University in 1901. He was graduated in civil engineering in 1905 and has practiced his profession in Roches- ter since that time. In 1910 he was married to Ruth Emily Taylor, daughter of Frank Tavlor, former president of the Union Trust Company and founder of Taylor Brothers Company. There are four children: George Taylor Newell, born March 30, 1911; Anne Russell, born June 17, 1914; Ruth Harnden, born June 18, 1916; and John Mills. born August 22. 1920.
Upon graduation from Harvard Mr. Newell entered the employ of the New York
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State Railways, first acting as draughtsman in the Engineering department and finally working up to the position of assistant engineer in charge of construction. In 1909 Mr. Newell entered into partnership with Irving E. Mathews, former chief engineer of the New York State Railways and an office was opened in the Newell building, No. 103 Main street, West, to do a general engineering and survey business. In 1910 Mr. Mathews left the partnership to take a position in the city engineer's office, Mr. Newell continuing alone to conduct the business. In 1924 Mr. Newell incorporated, taking in as stockholders Mr. Harold F. Smeed, Mr. Kenneth J. Knapp and Mr. Gloster P. Hevenor.
Besides conducting the engineering office Mr. Newell has been interested in the development of real estate, particularly in the first ward, where he possessed property left to him by his father. He was a member of the First Ward Improvement Asso- ciation and one of its directors from its beginning, and upon formation of the Roches- ter Motor Terminal Company, he was elected its first president, which office he has held ever since. Mr. Newell is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the University Club, the Rochester Engineering Society, the Rochester Historical Society, the Archaelogical Society, the Rochester Yacht Club and the Harvard Club.
SOL HEUMANN.
Sol Heumann is a well known, popular and progressive young business man of Rochester who has won renown in the Genesee country as head of the Keller-Heumann- Thompson Company, Incorporated, which he has developed from a small establishment to a vast manufacturing plant furnishing employment to more than one thousand ex- perienced clothing workers. He was born in Rochester, New York, on the 8th of April, 1883, his parents being Bernhard and Kate (Meyer) Heumann, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they crossed the Atlantic to America in early life. The father gained a well-merited measure of success in the cattle business, which claimed his attention to the time of his death. He is still remembered by many of Rochester's residents for his many kindly deeds and for the integrity and honor which marked his business dealings at all times. His wife, who still survives him, proved an ideal mother, rearing a family that would be a credit to any community and which is a splendid example of the influence of home training in character development.
Sol Heumann acquired his education in the public schools of Rochester and after putting aside his textbooks served an apprenticeship in the clothing manufacturing business, to which he has devoted his time and energies continuously since. He em- barked in business on his own account with but a few employes, and some idea of the growth of the enterprise under his capable control may be gained from the fact that he now directs the labors of more than one thousand workmen, all of whom accord him their unqualified esteem and loyalty. It has been said that his name is a house- hold word among his workers and a guarantee of fair dealing with all of his em- ployes. The Keller-Heumann-Thompson Company, of which Mr. Heumann is presi- dent and director, was incorporated with a capital of $300,000.00 which at present is $2,250,000.00, and conducts one of the most sanitary and one of the best lighted and ventilated clothing factories in the United States. The products of the corporation are handled by the highest type of clothing merchants in all parts of this country. Mr. Heumann enjoys an enviable reputation as a business man of excellent executive ability, keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise.
A worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Heumann has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in the order. He is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a life member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Holding to the religious faith of his fathers, he is a member of the Berith Kodesh temple. He also belongs to the Automo- bile Club of Rochester of which he is first vice president, the Irondequoit Country Club, the Idlers Club of Rochester, the Rochester Rotary Club, the Rochester Ath- letic Club and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Hu- mane Society of Rochester and the Young Men's Christian Association. During the period of the World war he participated in the various drives which were carried on in aid of the government and has always taken a helpful interest in those projects insti- tuted to promote the progress and advancement of his native city. His spirit of philan- thropy is evidenced in the liberal assistance which he has given to Rochester's chari- table organizations. He is a self-made man, before whom the door of opportunity has swung open because of his ability, industry and determination, and in winning ad-
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vancement he has at the same time gained the unqualified esteem and respect of those with whom he has been associated, for he is thoroughly dependable and his integrity and honor have ever remained unquestioned. Mr. Heumann's residence is at No. 24 Hawthorn street.
WILLIAM HENRY VICINUS.
William Henry Vicinus, a lifelong resident of Rochester and one of its highly esteemed citizens, was for many years well known in business circles as treasurer of the firm of Whitmore, Rauber & Vicinus, Incorporated, the most prominent general contractors of the city. He was fifty-eight years of age when called to the home be- yond on the 24th of December, 1923, for he was born on April 13, 1865. His parents were William and Caroline (Kohler) Vicinus, the former a member of the old original firm of Whitmore, Rauber & Vicinus, the oldest contracting concern in Rochester.
William Henry Vicinus supplemented his public school education by a course of study in a business college and after puting aside his textbooks entered the employ of the Rochester Carting Company. Subsequently he became identified with the firm of which his father was a member and after the latter's demise was made its treas- urer, serving in that capacity throughout the remainder of his life. He enjoyed a well-merited reputation as a business man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment whose efforts contributed in large measure to the steady expansion and con- tinued success of the business. He was also one of the directors of the Citizens Bank, now the Union Trust Company.
On the 6th of October, 1897, Mr. Vicinus was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Elizabeth Whitmore, daughter of Valentine Fauldin and Eunice L. (Haight) Whit- more. To Mr. and Mrs. Vicinus were born two sons: William Whitmore, born March 15, 1901, who is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, class of 1923, is connected with the firm of Whitmore, Rauber & Vicinus, and who married Miss Helen Brown of Buffalo; and Homer Walter, born May 10, 1904, who is a student in the University of Rochester, class of 1926.
Not only in the business circles of his community but also in its public life was Mr. Vicinus an active factor, serving for one term as a member of the general as- sembly. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Central Presby- terian church, while fraternally he was identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Valley Lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Rochester Consistory, A. & A. S. R .; and Damascus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise held membership in the Rochester Club, the Rochester Athletic Club and the Builders Exchange. On the demise of Mr. Vicinus the last named organization sent the following letter to his widow: "The sudden death of Mr. Vicinus came as a great shock to the officers and members of the Builders Ex- change. He had been a member of the organization for a great number of years, and his cheerful, kindly disposition and upright business methods had endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He was loyal to his friends and to the industry of which he was a valued part. In his quiet, unassuming way he used his influence for the good of the community in which he had lived and worked for so many years. Our members desire to extend to you and to the members of your family their heartfelt sympathy in your bereavement, and have instructed that a page be set aside in our records in which a copy of this letter will be inscribed."
VALENTINE F. WHITMORE.
Valentine F. Whitmore, the father of Mrs. Vicinus, was the president and founder of the general contracting firm of Whitmore, Rauber & Vicinus. He was a native of Germany, born September 17, 1844, and at the age of five years came from the father- land to the New World, the family home being established in Syracuse, where he acquired the major part of his education. In 1859 he started out to earn his own livelihood, being employed as water boy on public works in Syracuse. At the age of eighteen he came to Rochester and later became superintendent of construction on the canal and received a contract to repair the Erie canal. He worked on the canal for the late Lewis Selye until 1868, when he established the contracting business which under his guidance and the assistance of able associates grew into one of the mam- moth industrial enterprises of the city. He continued to do contracting alone for a time but on January 1, 1875, organized the firm of Whitmore, Rauber & Vicinus, in
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association with the late John Rauber and William Vicinus, being made president of the concern. The rapid growth and development of the business necessitated the en- largement of the force of workmen from time to time. They were awarded and executed some of the largest contracts in the city, principally in street improvements. The firm is fortunate in possessing its own limestone quarry, for its principal work is street and sewer contracting, cut stone and masons' supplies and interior marble work. Mr. Whitmore was connected with a number of other business enterprises, served as vice president of the Merchants Bank and as trustee of the East Side Sav- ings Bank and was at one time a director of the Genesee Valley Trust Company.
On the 21st of February, 1867, Valentine F. Whitmore was married to Miss Eunice L. Haight, and to them were born three sons and a daughter: Lewis S. of this city; Walter V., also of Rochester; Eunice, who is the widow of William H. Vicinus, and Homer G., deceased.
In his political views Valentine F. Whitmore was a stalwart republican and took a keen interest in the party's success, being somewhat active in local political circles. He served for four years as school commissioner and for four years as alderman, and while he took an active part in the city's welfare and upbuilding as well as in munici- pal progress and improvement, giving his influence in support of progressive public measures and lending his aid in a substantial way to furthering the plans for the city's development, he yet preferred to hold no public office, desiring rather to concen- trate his time and energies upon his extensive business. He had passed the seventy- fifth milestone on life's journey when his carer was ended by death.
HARRY NATT HOFFMAN.
Harry Natt Hoffman is engaged in the nursery business in Elmira, his native city, and has served his fellow citizens in various capacities. His record as a public official is an unblemished one, characterized by fidelity to duty and thorough, pains- taking work. He is a member of a family that was established in Chemung county a century and a quarter ago. He was born November 24, 1861, a son of George W. and Sarah (Bowman) Hoffman, both of whom were natives of this county. The paternal grandfather, William Hoffman, came of Pennsylvania Dutch stock and was born in Northumberland. He removed from the Keystone state to Chemung county, New York, in 1799, and purchased a tract of wild land, on which he built a small log house, which was later replaced by a substantial brick residence. He was one of the pioneer business men of Elmira and a leader in its industrial develop- ment. For a considerable period he operated a hat factory on Water street. His de- mise occurred in 1867, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His son, George W. Hoffman, devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and owned a productive, well improved farm in the vicinity of Elmira. He was a member of the congregation of the First Presbyterian church and consistently followed its teachings. He gave his political support to the republican party and served at one time as alderman of the city.
Harry Natt Hoffman completed his education in Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1883, winning the degree of Bachelor of Science. For a time he worked on a farm and later entered the nursery business, in which he has since engaged. He has a large greenhouse and conducts his business under the name of the Hoffman Nursery Company. He has made a scientific study of the business and through wise management and unabating effort has built up one of the largest firms of the kind in this locality. He has a valuable farm, supplied with modern equipment, and also operates a dairy, receiving a good income from these sources.
In 1890 Mr. Hoffman was married to Miss Anna Wray, who was born in New York city and was there reared and educated. She was a Quaker but after coming to Elmira joined the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Hoffman passed away in April, 1923, leaving a family of six children: Wray B., who is a mechanical engineer and resides in the city of Philadelphia; Allyn P., who is associated in business with his father; Arthur L., who is a farmer and stock raiser and resides in Elmira; William E., a senior in Colgate College; Ruth, who is a member of the sophomore class at Wellesley College; and George C., who is attending the Elmira Free Academy. Wray, Allyn and Arthur were in training for service in the World war, but were not sent overseas. All are graduates of Cornell University.
Mr. Hoffman is a member of the congregation of the Presbyterian church and has served as one of its trustees. His ancestors were soldiers in the Continental
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army and he is one of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a republican in politics and for two years was a member of the city council. He served for four years as jury commissioner of Chemung county and was also park commissioner. He was appointed a member of the Sullivan Reservation Commission and during the World war was chairman of the local exemption board. On January 1, 1914, he assumed the duties of mayor of Elmira and filled that office until December 31, 1919. His administration was characterized by much constructive work and in the dis- charge of his duties he never placed personal benefit before the general good, lending the weight of his influence to every measure of reform and progress. Mr. Hoffman is a director of the Elmira Savings and Loan Association and vice president of the U. S. Cut Flower Company.
ELBERT ORLANDO BUDD.
In every community death is constantly taking his toll from the living. The record of Elbert Orlando Budd constituted a fine example of manliness, industry and devotion to duty and in his demise, which occurred May 27, 1924, in the Union Station at Utica, while he was on his way to a camp in the Adirondacks, his family and friends experienced a sudden and sad bereavement. He was long identified with the Eastman Kodak Company, to which he gave thirty-four years of faithful and efficient service, and Rochester numbered him among its loyal, public-spirited and highly esteemed citizens. He was born in Greece, New York, March 11, 1861, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Merrill) Budd, prominent residents of that locality, in which members of the Budd family have lived for several generations. The father was born in the town of Greece in 1842, and in 1864, when a young man of twenty-two, was appointed inspector of customs at Charlotte, New York. He served for twelve years as justice of the peace in Greece, also filling other public offices of trust and re- sponsibility, and his many commendable traits of character established him high in public regard.
Elbert O. Budd was eleven years of age when the family removed to Rochester and his education was completed in School No. 6 in the Flower city. His initial experience along business lines was gained in the Cunningham book store on State street, in which he worked for three years. On the expiration of that period he became an employe in the Lockhart bracket factory on Center street, where he spent about five years. He then entered the service of the Eastman Kodak Company and was first stationed at the factory in State street, later being transferred to the Kodak Park works. At that time there were but sixty employes and all of the coating was done by hand. Mr. Budd readily mastered the tasks assigned him, conscientiously discharging his duties, and his efforts were rewarded by promotion from time to time. Taking a keen interest in his work, he was constantly seeking to broaden his knowledge and increase his efficiency, and eventually was made foreman of the paper coating department, which he brought up to a high standard. He practically grew up with the business, contributing his share toward the develop- ment of this gigantic industry, and its progress was to him a matter of personal pride, for he was ever loyal to the interests of his employers, giving to them the best service of which he was capable.
In 1884 Mr. Budd was married to Miss Elizabeth Marie Thistle and they became the parents of a son: Mortimer E., who is connected with the shipping de- partment of the Eastman Kodak Company. About a month prior to his death Mr. Budd retired from the service of the corporation and was en route to the mountains to enjoy a much needed vacation when he suddenly expired. He was a charter member of Corinthian Temple, past noble grand of the Aurora Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was also identified with Unity Encampment of that order. In politics he was a re- publican and his interest in the welfare and advancement of his city was deep and sincere. He was a great reader and was well informed on all matters of public moment. He was a devoted husband and father and his happiest hours were spent in the society of his family. True to the ties of home and friendship, his was a well ordered, upright life that earned for him the unqualified esteem of all with whom he was associated.
Mrs. Budd is active in religious, social, fraternal and political affairs and her many admirable qualities have drawn to her a large circle of admiring friends. She is affiliated with Trinity Episcopal church and her life is guided by its teachings. She belongs to the Republican Club and is chairman of the tenth ward republican
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committee, in which connection she displays much executive ability. She has filled several important offices in fraternal orders and is a past worthy high priestess of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, president of the Temple committe and a past matron of Corinthian Chapter. She is also a past president of past matrons and a past noble grand of Monroe Lodge of the Rebekahs, the woman's auxiliary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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