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 62
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George M. Shull received a preliminary education in the district school in the suburbs of Dansville, which had quarters in the "Old White School House" and was conducted under primitive conditions. When he broke into the newspaper business in 1860 he was fourteen years old, and his duties were that of printer's devil on the Advertiser at Dansville, under the late A. O. Bunnell. At the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Shull tried to enlist, but failed. Not discouraged by this rebuff, he tried a second time, and again failed. Being plentifully endowed with pertinacity, he tried a third time, and was accepted, becoming a member of Company I, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth New York Volunteers. Mr. Shull participated in a number of engage- ments with the Army of the Potomac under General Grant, and during the latter part of his service was attached to the general staff of Brigadier General Gregory, as
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orderly. After the close of hostilities Mr. Shull returned home and for a time was employed on the Republican at Geneseo. He became foreman of the Dansville Express in 1870, and afterward was local editor and business manager of the paper. On March 4, 1875, Mr. Shull founded the Mount Morris Enterprise at Mount Morris, and published this paper with marked success until November, 1912, on the 12th of the month selling out to Raymond Haywood. Mr. Shull was one of the organizers of the Craig Colony and a director under Governor Flower, was one of the organizers of the Mount Morris Odd Fellow lodge, and was one of the charter members of the Mount Morris G. A. R. post, which is now inactive.
Mr. Shull was married on March 12, 1891, to Mrs. Jennie Garlinghouse Mills. They have one son, Frederick P., who is a graduate of Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, and is now manager of the Genesee Valley Manufacturing Company.
ABRAHAM LANDE, M. D.
Dr. Abraham Lande, now practicing liis profession in Elmira, his native city, was born March 11, 1882, a son of Theodore and Bertha (Panimo) Lande, natives of Russia. The latter were married in New York city and became the parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. Abraham, of this review, is the oldest. The father was a wholesale jeweler and a successful business man. Mr. and Mrs. Lande were faithful members of the High Street Temple and he was also connected with the Ma- sonic order, while his political allegiance was given to the republican party. The public school education of Abraham Lande was supplemented by a course in Cornell University and his medical training was received in the University of Buffalo, from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He was an interne in the Erie County Hospital for two years and has since practiced in Elmira, with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country. He enlisted in the Medical Corps of the Fourth Regiment, Field Artillery, and was sent to Camp Jackson, South Carolina. He was commissioned a first lieutenant and his term of service covered four months. After his discharge he returned to Elmira and is now a member of the medical staff of the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital. He has attended the Post Graduate College in New York city, also the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Doctor Lande is of the Jewish faith and his professional relations are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the Chemung County and New York State Medical So- cieties and the American Medical Association. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He belongs to the Cold Brook Club, the Cornell Club of New York, the American Legion and the "40 & 8" Club.
JOSEPH PERCY KALBFUS.
Rochester has long been classed with the great manufacturing cities of the country, while it has also become widely known as a center of culture, and among those who have contributed to its prestige along educational lines is Joseph Percy Kalbfus, the founder and head of a preparatory school for boys. He was born in Frostburg, Allegany county, Maryland, January 8, 1868, a son of the Rev. Charles H. and Frances L. (Patterson) Kalbfus, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and removed to Ohio, becoming connected with the West Ohio conference. His powers and talents were unselfishly dedicated to the moral uplift of humanity and his course at all times awakened admiration and respect. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kalbfus: Charles P., deceased; John W., a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Frances L., who has also passed away; and Joseph.
Reared in a home of culture and in an environment of learning, Joseph Percy Kalbfus has naturally devoted his life to study and to the dissemination of knowledge. He obtained his higher education in the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he received the A. B. degree in 1895, and afterward took postgraduate work in the Uni- versity of Chicago. He came to Rochester in 1901 and for six years was an instructor in the Bradstreet Preparatory School. In 1907 he established the Kalbfus School for Boys, which he has successfully directed for the past seventeen years. He is most thorough in his methods of instruction and the institution which he has built up
JOSEPH P. KALBFUS
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compares favorably with the best of its kind in the east. The school was located for three years on Beverly street, for six years on East avenue, corner of Scio street, and moved to its own property in Culver road in 1915.
In Ripley, Ohio, on September 26, 1898, Mr. Kalbfus was married to Miss Melissa D. Fulton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fulton. Mr. and Mrs. Kalbfus have become the parents of three sons: Howard F., who was born July 5, 1902, and is now a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University; Charles Rea, born December 2, 1904, and a member of the Sophomore class of that institution; and Thomas B., who was born on October 20, 1912, and is attending the Kalbfus school. All of the sons are natives of Rochester.
Mr. Kalbfus is faithful to the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church and takes an active part in its work. He is a member of the Rescue Mission committee of the Italian Union and his deep interest in the sociological and economic questions of the day finds expression in practical benevolent work. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and through his connection with the Chamber of Commerce is furthering the industrial progress of his city. His life has been a strong and serviceable one, of great value to his community, and his ability has placed him with Rochester's leading educators.
REV. EDWARD PHELON HART.
Enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him is the memory of the Rev. Edward Phelon Hart, who for many years was rector of St. Mark's Episcopal church of Rochester, which owes its upbuilding and prosperity to his indefatigable labors and inspired leadership. He possessed a strong conscience, a sturdy faith, and wit and learning were blended in his attributes. To him the world, with its dissensions and controversies, was destined to a great though future harmony, and to this end he de- voted the full service of a finely tempered mind. He was one of Rochester's native sons, belonging to a family whose members have been prominent in the social life of the city for generations, and had a wide and distinguished circle of relatives and friends. He was born July 6, 1851, on a farm on the site of the old Brinker Station, a landmark familiar to many Rochesterians and now occupied by a large manufactur- ing plant. His parents were Roswell and De Etta (Phelon) Hart, the former a promi- nent attorney of the city. The father was a native of Rochester and a grandson of Roswell Hart, Sr., who was one of the pioneer settlers here, owning a commission house where the Elwood building now stands.
Edward Phelon Hart received his elementary education in private schools of the city and afterward matriculated in the University of Rochester, from which he was graduated in 1872, with the A. B. degree. While a college student he became a mem- ber of the Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Upsilon fraternities. He engaged in business for a few years and later turned to educational pursuits, becoming a teacher in a school for the deaf, founded by Z. W. Westervelt. He afterward assisted in organizing the Western New York Institution for the Deaf, and at this time became interested in an Episcopal mission for the deaf, translating the services, which were held in St. Luke's church. Having decided to enter the ministry, he completed a course of in- struction in the De Lancey Divinity School at Geneva, New York, and on December 21, 1884, was admitted to holy orders as a deacon of the Episcopal church. He was ordained to the priesthood in the following September and was designated assistant rector at St. Luke's church, with which he was connected for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period Mr. Hart was placed in charge of a mission at the corner of Merrimac and Hollister streets. His energy and resourcefulness, his en- thusiasm and devotion, resulted in an increase in membership and St. Mark's church was built and dedicated. The congregation was started with a few families detached from St. Luke's church, and increased rapidly. Mr. Hart continued in the pastorate until his death, which occurred on the 16th of May, 1917, and much of the success of his pastorate was due to his untiring energy. He declined many offers from larger parishes, preferring to remain with the church and people to whom he gave his undi- vided love and service. He was beloved in his church to a degree enjoyed by but few clergymen and his passing away was deeply mourned. He was a familiar figure in the city. His interest in the deaf continued throughout his life. He was a trustee of De Veaux College at Niagara Falls, a member of the Cathedral Chapter at Buffalo, of the Missions of the Episcopal church, and the Committee on Canon Laws. He was noted for his devotion to his calling and for his kindness of heart. His whole life
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was given over to those in distress and those who were in need of a guiding hand. To this work he gave unsparingly of his time and became a veritable leader in church matters in Rochester. His attention was not devoted exclusively to the members of his own parish and almost daily he attended to the wants of those who were sick or in trouble and who had no connection with his church.
On September 21, 1901, Mr. Hart was married to Angelica Church of New York city. Her death occurred on July 8, 1902. In Rochester on October 24, 1911, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Alice Clark Bannard, a daughter of Charles and Eliza (Simpson) Bannard. Mr. Hart is survived by his widow, who resides at No. 118 Troup street in this city.
Among the many fine tributes paid to Rev. Mr. Hart, we quote the following by Mr. Edmund Lyon :
"So cosmopolitan was his spirit of brotherhood that the whole community mourned the loss of a personal friend. His life, so pure and open and radiant of good cheer, was wholly sanctified by the loftiest ideals of Christian service. In fact, service was the keynote of his life and to it he devoted to the full, all the power of his strong, deep nature. In no more beautiful way was this shown than in his warm sympathy for the unfortunate and especially for the deaf. Many a deaf child has offered up a prayer of thanksgiving that Edward P. Hart has lived, and will miss, oh so sadly, his gladsome greeting. It is not strange then, that we who knew him best, loved him most. The fragile flowers which today were strewn are but the tokens of the sweet converse and hallowed associations which garlanded his memory."
James L. Whitley said of him: "In the death of the Rev. Edward P. Hart the community has suffered a great loss. To the thousands who knew him and who honor mankind, who reverence intellect and love all that is generous and noble in human character, his memory will be cherished as the most precious recollection of life. To the numbers to whom he so unselfishly administered during his more than thirty years of service, his memory will be cherished and his life will serve as an inspiration. They will not forget his genial and generous nature, his graceful humor, the warmth of his friendship and the thousand intangible qualities that made up the perfection of his character. By the purest and greatest of those who survive him his example may be viewed with profit and it will be well with any who, at the close of life, are worthy to fill a grave such as received all that was mortal of him."
Dr. Westervelt said at commencement exercises: "One who has been with us on every closing day for the last forty years is not with us today, the Rev. Edward P. Hart. He was with me when we were starting the school. He worked for nine years as a teacher and he has continued to be interested in our school and in every- one who has been connected with it. We have lost a very dear friend in the death of Edward Phelon Hart. This is the first closing day since our school opened that he has not been upon our program. He was dearly loved by those who were pupils when he was a teacher. Some of them are here now and are anxiously waiting for some word of remembrance, for they remember him as a dear friend, one who did much for everyone. You have all seen his picture in the Advocate and read the story of his life that was given there, but we could not tell of the unnumbered courtesies that endeared him to each of us. It may not be that he had the opportunity to do for everyone what he did for some, for as a minister, all who could have him wanted him to marry them, and the genuineness of his sympathy and love was a consolation if he were called to officiate at funerals. * *
* Everyone felt rewarded and blessed when- ever greeted by him, and loved him for his sympathy. It is written in our hearts and we love his memory."
Rev. David L. Ferris, rector of Christ church, said: "The Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things. In the death of the Rev. Edward Phelon Hart, Rochester has lost one of its rare souls, and the rector, one of his dearest friends. A deeply spiritual nature, gifted in the art of friendship, transparently genuine in all he did, by his example he has enriched the lives of us all and by his ministry he has glorified the high calling in which he so faithfully served."
The following tribute was paid him by A. J. Warner, of the Times-Union: "Through the death of the Rev. Edward P. Hart the people of St. Mark's church have lost more than a rector in the conventional meaning of that word. They have lost a friend and counselor whose greatest joy and chief anxiety was the parish which he founded and for which he so lovingly cared. Those who have been privileged to be in close touch with the Rev. Mr. Hart's work say that no one will ever know fully the good he has accomplished during the thirty odd years of his ministry, the cheer and comfort he has spread by countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, such as
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come only from one who has 'seen the vision'. In a sense that is attained by few men, his has been a life of service and of sacrifice, for, declining several calls from im- portant churches that would have meant broader worldly opportunity and greater financial recompense, he remained at St. Mark's, steadfast in the belief that there lay his first duty, that there he was most needed. He left this life as he lived it-strong in faith and at peace. His memory will continue an inspiration to the parish he loved and to the friends who mourn his loss. And surely they could have no benediction more beautiful."
The following beautiful poem, written by Emily Weed Hollister, is expressive of the sentiments entertained for the Rev. Mr. Hart by the people of Rochester:
"He lives again In every soul he touched, In every suffering human frame.
"He could not go. Each spring when flowers bloom The seed he sowed in us will show
Its power to grow.
"He lives for all
God's children ! Returning ever good for ill,
Scarce seeing evil; so high his call From God to all.
-
"Dear friend, we say, And saying, feel again His warmth of love, his sun-lit day,
His faith to pray."
DON G. CRAIG.
Well known in business circles and operating extensive farm properties, Don G. Craig of Nunda, Livingston county, is also general sales agent for the state of New York for the famous Dudley Wall Safe. He was born in Nunda on September 12, 1877, son of William and Emily J. (Grover) Craig, and received his education in the public schools of his native place. He began his business career in 1898, with the seed firm of Belden & Company in its branch at Nunda, with which his father had long been connected. He later became manager of the local branch and so continued until April 1, 1924, when he resigned to devote his attention to his other rapidly growing interests, being the owner of over eight hundred acres of farm lands, including two farms in the town of Portage and one in Nunda. His agency for the famous Dudley Wall Safe, known as the "bull dog of the home" on account of the protection it affords valuables, now requires practically all of his attention.
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On October 19, 1910, Mr. Craig was married to Helen Stewart Caldwell of York, and they are the parents of two daughters: Emily Jane and Helen Caldwell. Mr. Craig is a republican in his political views and in his religious convictions is a member of the Presbyterian faith. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, affiliating with De Molay Commandery No. 22, at Hornell, New York.
HENRY WELLES ROBBINS.
Henry Welles Robbins is an outstanding figure in industrial circles of Medina as president of The Bignall Company, in the conduct of which he has been active since his arrival in this city in 1901, and also as head of the Medina Stamping & Machine Company, which he organized in 1905 and of which he has since served as president. He was born in Penn Yan, Yates county, New York, in 1872, his parents being Thomas Burr and Mary (Welles) Robbins. The father was active in the coal mining industry in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he spent the greater part of his life.
Henry Welles Robbins attended the public schools of Pittsburgh in the acquire- ment of an education and after putting aside his textbooks devoted about eight years to mercantile interests. It was in 1901, when a young man of twenty-nine years,
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that he took up his abode in Medina, New York, and became associated with The Bignall Company, the continued expansion and success of which is largely attributable to his excellent executive ability and sound judgment. In 1905 he organized and be- came president of the Medina Stamping & Machine Company, of which concern he is still at the head and which has developed to large proportions under his capable di- rection. He is also vice president of the Union Bank. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his wise management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his.
In June, 1894, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Robbins was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth K. Rutton of that city. They have one son: Thomas Burr Rob- bins, who is mentioned on another page of this publication. In politics Mr. Robbins is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Presbyterian church of Medina. The nature of his interests outside of business is further manifest in his membership connection with the Alert Club, the Tuscarora Club and the Town and Country Club. During the years 1920 and 1921 he occupied the presidency of the New York State Automobile Association. His course has ever been characterized by devotion to duty and fidelity to principle, and all who know him attest the fact that the sterling traits of his character are many. He is interested in all lines of progress and improvement and his cooperation can be counted upon to further the material, intellectual and moral upbuilding of the com- munity in which he makes his home.
NEIL STEWART.
One of the best known and most successful business men of Livingston county, of the past generation, was Neil Stewart of York, whose immediate ancestors of Scotch birth were among the pioneer residents of the county. His parents, Alexander and Margaret (McDougal) Stewart, were natives of Scotland. The former was born in 1778 and at the time of his marriage was about thirty years of age. Soon afterward he came with his wife to the United States, settling in York in 1810 and purchasing a large tract of land, on which there was a dense growth of timber. They reared a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The father passed away in February, 1845, while the mother's death occurred fifteen years later.
Their son, Neil Stewart, was born in York, July 12, 1811, and became one of the foremost business men of the county. He attended the district schools of Livingston county and a select school in Caledonia, after which he engaged in educational work, teaching in the public schools of York and Caledonia. When twenty-three years of age he accepted a position with J. H. and E. S. Beach, millers of Rochester and Au- burn, New York, and soon afterward was placed in charge of their warehouses and boats at York Landing, on the Genesee river. He remained in their employ for six years and then entered the grain and wool business in York. In early life he also followed merchandising in York Center, serving as postmaster during a portion of that time, and likewise conducted a flour mill at York Landing. In 1870 he began dealing extensively in grain, wool and lumber, and for a period of fifteen years was one of the largest purchasers of wool and grain in this section of the country, having a warehouse at Craigs, Piffard, Livonia and another at York, and also for a period received grain at Spencerport, now Fowlerville. On October 1, 1871, he established a bank in Livonia and was equally successful in financial affairs. He was a sagacious, farsighted business man of the highest integrity and ability, and his labors were re- sultant factors in everything that he undertook. He was a whig in politics but be- came an adherent of the republican party on its formation in 1854.
Mr. Stewart took a keen interest in public affairs and rendered valuable service as assessor, justice of the peace and supervisor, filling the last named office for three years. At the time of his death Neil Stewart was possessed of nearly two thouand, five hundred acres of land, which he acquired through various purchases during the course of his successful career and the management of which during the later years of his life occupied much of his time.
On March 12, 1840, Mr. Stewart was married to Jane, daughter of William Nichol of York. Her death occurred on May 20, 1891, while Neil Stewart passed away on April 30, 1893. They were the parents of ten children: Margaret, who married Homer MacVean of York; Jane R., deceased, who became the wife of George K. Whit- ney of Geneseo; Eliza, who married John Sinclair of Caledonia; Ella, the deceased
Nist Stewart
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wife of Edward C. Caldwell of York; Alexander N. of Livonia; Agnes, who married George D. Smith of New York city and is deceased; Charles N. and William N., of Livonia, both of whom have passed away; Mary K., the deceased wife of George A. Donnan of York; and Neil, Jr., also deceased.
LESLIE J. ATKINS, M. D.
Dr. Leslie J. Atkins, a young physician of Olean, New York, has already made a name for himself in his profession, his fine service during the war proving a "post- graduate" course of unusual intensity for him. Born in Blossburg, Pennsylvania, he attended the Olean high school and then the University of Buffalo, receiving his M. D. from that institution in 1917. He also studied genito-urinary surgery at the New York Post Graduate College in 1920.
During the World war Dr. Atkins served with the United States forces in the Medical Corps from 1917 to 1919. He was transport surgeon on the R. N. N. Anchises; the United States Steamship Santa Marta and the Dante Alighieri, being in transport service between Italy, England and France. He is now a captain in the Reserve Corps and is local company surgeon of Company I, New York National Guard.
After his discharge Dr. Atkins came to Olean, where he commenced private prac- tice and has met with unusual success for a young surgeon. He is in charge of the city Venereal Clinic and a member of the New York State and County Medical Associations, as well as the American Medical Association, and the American Urological Society. He has been very active in ex-service men's work and is now commander of Olean Post of the American Legion. He also belongs to the Elks and the Knights of Columbus and is a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. He is an independent democrat.
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