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 71
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Their son, George Bennett, was born on the home farm in Chemung county in 1810, and there spent the period of his boyhood, attending the district school of that locality. In 1860 he removed to Horseheads, where for some time he conducted a store. He was one of the founders of the first bank in the village, establishing a private institution, operated under the firm name of Reynolds, Bennett & Company. Like his father, he was an astute business man and became the possessor of a sub- stantial competence, continuing his financial activities until 1893, when death ter- minated his labors. He was a man of unblemished reputation and enjoyed to the full- est extent the respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He gave his political support to the republican party and served as postmaster of Horseheads and also as clerk of court in Chemung county. He was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Horseheads. He was affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and contributed liberally toward its support. In 1832 he was married to Elizabeth Swartwood, who was born in Ellistown, New York, and three children were born to them: Mary, Eliza and John of this re- view. The daughters are deceased.
After completing his high school course John Bennett obtained a position in the office of his father, then clerk of the court of Chemung county. Here he worked for three years, and then went to Horseheads, entering the bank of Reynolds, Bennett & Company. He remained with the institution for forty-eight years and contributed substantially toward its upbuilding, by able, systematic work. This institution be- came the Chemung Valley Bank and later, on August 1, 1896, it was changed to the First National Bank, by Mr. Bennett. In 1922 Mr. Bennett sold the majority of his stock in the bank and now looks after his other investments, from which he derives a large income.
On Christmas day of 1872, Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Josephine Whitaker of Sussex, New Jersey, and two children were born to them: Mabel, of Horseheads, who is the widow of Frederick C. Ayers and has two children, Ellen and Fredericka; and Louise, who is the wife of Oliver D. Eisenhart of Horseheads, and the mother of sixteen children: J. Richard, Myrtle, Gilbert O., Bennett, Franklin, William, Oliver D., Jr., Mark, Ford, Alice, Josephine, Judson, Betty, Joseph Eberley, Edward and Dorothy.
Mrs. Bennett was a devoted wife and mother and her death, on March 26, 1923, was deeply regretted by her family and all who came within the circle of her influ- ence. Mr. Bennett is a member of the Presbyterian church and his political views are in accord with the platform and principles of the republican party but he has never aspired to public office.
MICHAEL O'CONNOR.
Michael O'Connor comes of sturdy Irish stock and his ability has placed him with the foremost members of the Elmira bar. He is one of Elmira's native sons, and was born March 14, 1871. His parents, Patrick and Bridget (Burke) O'Connor, were natives of the Emerald isle and were married in Towanda, Pennsylvania, to which place they went as children. They removed to Elmira in 1865 and with the assistance of his father and brother Patrick O'Connor built three of the first houses erected in the western part of the city, bringing the lumber through the canal. Patrick O'Con- nor followed the carpenter's trade and was employed in that capacity in the shops of the Erie Railroad. He was a faithful communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic church and gave his political support to the men and measures of the democratic party.
Michael O'Connor completed a course in the Elmira Free Academy and in 1894 was graduated from Cornell University, which awarded him the degree of LL. B. He was clerk of the surrogate court for three years and in 1896 was admitted to the bar. He began the practice of law in Elmira in 1897 and for some time was a member of the firm of Taylor, Heller & O'Connor. It is now conducted under the style of Heller & O'Connor and for twenty-seven years the firm has occupied the same offices. Theirs is one of the best known legal organizations in the city and much important litigation has been intrusted to their care. Mr. O'Connor's legal acumen led to his
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selection for public office and he has served as corporation counsel, municipal judge and county attorney. He has been very successful as a criminal lawyer, although he does not specialize in that branch of jurisprudence, and has tried twelve murder cases, also assisting the district attorney in prosecuting two cases of this character.
In 1905 Mr. O'Connor was married to Miss Catherine O'Brien, who was a native of Towanda, Pennsylvania, and who died May 10, 1908, leaving three children : Lawrence, the first born, was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and is representative for western Indiana for the American Sales Book Company, with headquarters at South Bend; J. Burke is engaged in the furniture business in Elmira. When the United States declared war against Germany he was attending Cornell University and at once abandoned his studies. He enlisted in the navy and received his training at Newport News, Virginia, winning an ensign's commission. He was assigned to transport duty and remained in the service for twenty-nine months; Frances attended Mount St. Vincent Academy, afterward spent three years as a student at the Sargent School of Physical Culture in Boston, Massachusetts, and is now a teacher in the Elmira Free Academy. For his second wife Mr. O'Connor married Mrs. Margaret Foley Cowley, the ceremony taking place in Auburn, New York, in 1912. She has a son, Thomas Cowley, who is a senior in St. Francis' School and will enter Colgate College next year.
Mr. O'Connor is a member of St. Cecelia's Roman Catholic church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member of the Elmira Country Club and casts his ballot for the candidates of the democratic party.
LEON O. WILLARD.
One of the large industrial plants at Nunda, Livingston county, New York, is that of the Nunda Casket Company, Incorporated, an important factor in the com- mercial life of the town because of the number of hands employed and the large sums of money paid as wages and salaries. Of this flourishing business Leon O. Willard is the president. He was born in Nunda, on July 5, 1888, the son of O. J. and Frank (Rollah) Willard, the former of whom now resides in Daytona Beach, Florida.
After obtaining his education in the grade and high schools of Nunda and St. John's Military Academy Leon O. Willard went to work with the casket company. He bought out his father's interest in 1909, and was secretary and treasurer of the com- pany until March 1, 1924, when he became president. For a short time Mr. Willard was connected with the Nunda Water & Electric Light Company.
Mr. Willard was married on August 26, 1913, to Bernice Dana of Nunda, and they are the parents of two children: Dana O. and Nancy Willard. He is a republican, is interested in politics, and is town clerk of Nunda. Fraternally Mr. Willard is affiliated with the Masonic order, and in religion is a member of the Universalist church.
The Nunda Casket Company, Incorporated, was originally established by W. H. Willard in 1879 for the manufacture of caskets and furniture. The company was in- corporated in 1915, with H. J. Gordon as president and Mr. Willard as secretary and treasurer, and upon its reincorporation on March 1, 1924, L. O. Willard became presi- dent and Kenneth R. Willard, secretary and treasurer. Kenneth R. Willard was born in Nunda, on November 13, 1902, and was educated in the public schools, at St. John's Military Academy, the Rochester Business Institute and Columbia University, New York city.
ALONZO LEWIS WATERS.
For the past six years Alonzo Lewis Waters has been president of the Medina Daily Journal Publishing Company of Medina, New York, which owns the Medina Daily Journal, a republican newspaper with a circulation of over twenty-five hundred and the only daily in Orleans county, and also the Medina Register, a democratic weekly with a circulation of over seventeen hundred. The company also conducts a large job printing business.
Alonzo Lewis Waters was born in Medina, on the 6th of September, 1893, his parents being Arthur L. and Ida May (Lewis) Waters. The father, an agriculturist
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by occupation, who has been a lifelong resident of this section of the Empire state, now makes his home in Medina. Henry Waters, the great-great-grandfather of Alonzo L. Waters, came to the Genesee country from New England in 1810 and took up his abode in the vicinity of Medina.
In the acquirement of an education Alonzo Lewis Waters attended the grammar and high schools of his native town and following his graduation in 1912 spent one year as a student in Miami University of Oxford, Ohio. He then devoted a year to the life insurance business in Medina, after which he turned his attention to journal- istic interests in 1915, becoming connected with the editorial department of the Medina Daily Journal. Since that time he has remained active in newspaper work, save for the period of his service in the World war. He enlisted in the Three Hundred and Eighth Field Artillery, with which he served overseas from May, 1918, until April, 1919, being wounded and gassed during the Argonne offensive. Following his honor- able discharge from the army he returned to Medina and resumed his connection with the corporation of which he is the president.
On the 26th of September, 1923, Mr. Waters was united in marriage to Miss Helen Dorothy Eckert, daughter of Harry Eckert of Medina. Mr. Waters exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity. In December, 1924, he was elected master of Medina Lodge, No. 336, F. & A. M., and is at present head of this body; in 1923 he was elected illustrious master of Alpha-Omega Council, No. 71, R. & S. M., and was again elected to this position in 1924; and he has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. From 1917 to 1921 Mr. Waters was exalted ruler of Medina Lodge, No. 898, B. P. O. E. In 1923 he was honored by the New York State Elks Association by being elected its vice president and has since been a member of several important committees. He also has membership in the Rotary Club, the Alert Club and Alpha Chapter of Sigma Chi fraternity. A young man of high pur- poses and worthy motives, he has gained many friends in the varied walks of life and his popularity is well deserved.
SAMUEL RANSEL CORNISH.
Samuel Ransel Cornish, long numbered among Rochester's highly esteemed and successful business men, was at the time of his death the president of the Batavia Lumber & Coal Company. He was born in Wyanet, Bureau county, Illinois, on the 8th of February, 1866, the son of Hiram and Melissa (Smith) Cornish. In the maternal line he was descended from Mayflower ancestry, and his forebears on both sides had been residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts, since the early part of the seventeenth century. Hiram Cornish, the father of Samuel R. Cornish, was a native of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and when a young man located in Wyanet, Illinois, where he became a pioneer retail lumber dealer and where he resided throughout the remainder of his life.
Samuel Ransel Cornish attended the public schools of his native place and acquired his early knowledge of the lumber business under the supervision of his father. He was in his early twenties when he entered the employ of James A. Wilson, who was a large wholesaler of lumber and who made him manager of his yard in Fairbury, Illinois. His unusual capabilities were soon recognized. He severed his association with Mr. Wilson to accept a position with the Alexander Lumber Company of Chicago, which operated a number of yards in Illinois and Indiana. Mr. Cornish first served as auditor and subsequently became buyer and general manager for this large concern. Later he entered into partnership with his former employer, James A. Wilson, arriving in Rochester in September, 1908, to assume the management of the three yards which he and Mr. Wilson owned in this section-the Batavia Lumber & Coal Company of Batavia, the Fairport Coal & Lumber Company of Fairport, and the Lyell Avenue Lumber Company of Rochester. Of these corporations Mr. Cornish became secretary and treasurer. In 1912 he purchased the interest of his associate and became sole owner of the three yards, assuming the presidency of these corpora- tions two years later. Mr. Cornish disposed of the Lyell Avenue business in 1919 and thereafter devoted his attention exclusively to the conduct of the other two yards, with splendid success. He was considered one of the best informed men in the lumber trade in the country and was also one of the most widely known in his line. He was
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a man of unusual business ability and enjoyed an enviable reputation for honor and integrity.
Mr. Cornish was married to Miss Maude Ross of Cullom, Illinois, and they became the parents of a daughter, Eva Maude, who is the wife of Thomas F. Dorrity of Rochester, and the mother of one child, Helen Ross. Mr. Cornish was a stanch republican but never sought public office as a reward for party fealty. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, belonged to the Mystic Shrine and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and for a number of years maintained membership connection with the Rochester Club. He was also an enthusi- astic member of the Rochester Yacht Club. Mr. Cornish was extremely fond of outdoor life, particularly the forest and stream, and made many trips to the north woods on fishing and hunting excursions. His residence in Rochester was always at No. 38 Vick Park B, and there his death occurred on January 9, 1925, when he was about fifty-nine years of age. His remains were interred in Mount Hope cemetery.
EDWARD E. BROGAN.
The spirit of progress which characterizes Dansville's citizens is strongly mani- fest in the career of Edward E. Brogan, who is associated in business with his brother, James M. Brogan. In insurance circles of this locality they are recognized leaders. Edward E. Brogan was born April 7, 1883, at Portage, New York, of the marriage of Patrick M. and Mary (Barrett) Brogan, both of whom have passed away. There are also two daughters in the family: Grace M., who is engaged in business with her brothers; and Nellie M., who is the wife of Louis P. St. Cyr of Hudson, New York.
Edward E. Brogan received his early education in a parochial school and after his graduation from the Dansville high school began the study of law, completing his course at Albany, New York, in 1908, and he later attended Columbia University. After his admission to the bar he practiced law for two years and in May, 1914, joined his brother James in the insurance business, with which they have since been connected. They now represent over thirty companies and conduct a general insur- ance business. Their business has prospered, for their work is thoroughly systema- tized and their plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed, while their in- tegrity is above question.
Mr. Brogan is a democrat in politics and served in the World war. He is a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus and county historian of the American Legion. He is a gifted writer and speaker, and while engaged in the practice of law he was a formidable adversary in forensic debate. He has addressed many public gatherings and enjoys an enviable reputation as an orator. He has met every re- sponsibility of life to the best of his ability and has many friends, whose esteem he has won and retained by reason of his high principles and admirable qualities.
HARVEY O. HUTCHINSON.
One of Elmira's most valuable citizens is Harvey O. Hutchinson, who for the past three years has filled the office of superintendent of schools, and under his guidance notable improvements have been made in the educational system of the city. He was born in Berkshire, Tioga county, New York, March 11, 1878, a son of Orrin and Mary Frances (Smith) Hutchinson, the former also a native of that place, and the latter of Owego, New York. They were married in Owego and became the parents of five children. Orrin Hutchinson received a fair education, and being a man of studious habits, was constantly adding to his store of knowledge. He was a republican in politics and held various town offices. He was an earnest, helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife was also one of its active workers. He was a son of Harvey Hutchinson and a grandson of Samuel Hutchinson, who went to Tioga county about 1790 in company with Ichabod Brainard. At that time pioneer condi- tions prevailed in the district and each took up land in the county. The tract was covered with a dense growth of timber and arduous labor was required to clear the land and prepare it for the planting of crops. Upon his property Samuel Hutchinson built a log house as a home for his bride, Abigail Brainard, the daughter of his neighbor, and for four generations the farm has been in possession of the family.
In 1895 Harvey O. Hutchinson completed a course in the Newark Valley high
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school and then spent a year as a student in the Owego Free Academy, subsequently matriculating in the University of Syracuse, from which he received the degree of Ph. D. He taught school for a year at Little Meadows, Pennsylvania, before he entered college and after finishing his education taught at Locke, Berkshire, Pompey Hill, Sodus and Syracuse, New York. He was then appointed deputy commissioner of education for Vermont, in which connection he had supervision of the high schools throughout the state, and in 1921 came to Elmira as superintendent of city schools. He has charge of ten grammar schools, two high schools and one vocational school. Over eight thousand pupils are enrolled and two hundred and seventy-five teachers are under his supervision. He has had broad experience as an educator and is re- sourceful in meeting the various problems that arise in connection with the work. Moreover, he has secured the harmonious cooperation of the teachers in his efforts to maintain the highest possible standard not only as to scholarship, but also as to disci- pline in the training of the students for good citizenship and his work has received high commendation.
Mr. Hutchinson was married on August 16, 1899, to Miss Stella B. Sabin, who was born, reared and educated in Victory, Cayuga county, New York, and they have become the parents of three sons, the oldest of whom is Myron. He was born Sep- tember 20, 1902, and immediately after his fifteenth birthday enlisted for service in the World war, becoming a member of the One Hundred and Twentieth Field Artil- lery, which was attached to the Thirty-second Division. He participated in all of the campaigns engaged in by his division during the last year of the war, being severely gassed while at the front, and was but sixteen years of age when discharged from the service, having been one of the youngest soldiers in the American Expeditionary Forces. He is now connected with the United States Rubber Company at Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania; his brother, Warner Alton, was born January 20, 1904, and is now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania; Robert Lowell was born Septem- ber 25, 1911, and is attending the public schools.
Mr. Hutchinson is a consistent, helpful member of the Hedding Methodist Epis- copal church. He is allied with the republican party and conscientiously discharges the duties of citizenship. He is a member of the library board and aided in founding the Children's Reconstruction Home, one of the worthy philanthropic institutions of the city. He belongs to the lodge, chapter, and commandery in Masonry and has twice filled the office of senior warden. He is vice president of the local Rotary Club and also has membership relations with the Masonic Club, the Country Club, and Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity.
WILLIAM H. MURRAY.
One of the leading men of affairs in Hornell is William H. Murray, who during a long public and business career has found time to take an active interest in community affairs and state politics. Today, as the owner of a successful insurance business, a director of the First National Bank and president of the Maple City Loan Association, he takes front rank among business men. He was born in Hornell, July 26, 1855, the son of John F. and Julia (Dolan) Murray. After attending the public schools of Hornell he went to work for the Erie railroad in the shops and as a brake- man. He rose to yardmaster at Hornell and was in this responsible position for fourteen years. He became deputy sheriff, serving for six years and was appointed chief of police of Hornell on March 18, 1889, in which capacity he served for six years more. Under President Cleveland he held the office of postmaster for five years. In 1889 he founded his insurance business, and he carries every line of insurance, fire, life, casualty, etc. He was elected sheriff of Steuben county in 1912, and took office on January 1, 1913, serving a full term of three years.
For many years Mr. Murray was chairman of the democratic district convention and served as delegate to county and state conventions. Business interests have interfered with his political activity but he is still decidedly interested in the Jeffer- sonian party. He is chairman of the Flood Abatement Commission, appointed by the mayor of Hornell. He is a member of the Catholic church and the Knights of Columbus.
In 1875 Mr. Murray was married to Miss Catherine Magner, daughter of John Magner, of Wellsville, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have five children: John H. and Joseph R. (twins), who are conductors on the Erie railroad and assist their father in his business during their off hours; Julia, who is now Mrs. D. J. McCarthy
WILLIAM H. MURRAY
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of Elmira; Mary, who is Mrs. J. B. Hogan of Hornell; and Nellie G., who resides with her parents. Mr. Murray has been a director of the First National Bank for twelve years; a director of the Chamber of Commerce for ten years, and president of the latter body for a term of three years.
CHARLES M. DISPENZA.
Charles M. Dispenza, one of Rochester's most successful young realtors, has been actively engaged in the purchase and sale of property here during the past twelve years. His birth occurred in Buffalo, New York, on the 17th of January, 1893, his parents being Vincenzo and Josephine (Barone) Dispenza, both of whom were natives of Italy. Emigrating to America in early life, they located in Buffalo, this state, where Vincenzo Dispenza was variously engaged until coming to Rochester. Here he established an Italian wholesale and retail grocery concern and continued as presi- dent and general manager thereof to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1905. To him and his wife were born four children: Louis J., who is a member of the Rochester police department; Mrs. Clara Cirrincione, residing in Rochester; Charles M., of this review; and Josephine M., also living in this city. Mrs. Dispenza is still living.
Charles M. Dispenza began his education as a grammar school pupil, at St. Bridget's parochial school from which he graduated with honors in 1908 and then entered the East high school, as a member of the class of 1912. After putting aside his textbooks he secured a position with the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company, manu- facturers of optical instruments, working as a clerk in the office until the 1st of September, 1912. He then embarked upon an independent business career as a real estate broker and in this field has gained well-merited success, being today widely recognized as one of the leading realtors of Rochester and the sole proprietor of the Charles M. Dispenza Realty Company with offices at No. 519 Duffey-Powers building. He has thoroughly acquainted himself with property values so that his opinions con- cerning profitable purchases and sales are considered authoritative by many. Mr. Dispenza is an active member of the Real Estate Board of Rochester and is serving as chairman of its entertainment committee.
On the 8th of June, 1920, in Rochester, Mr. Dispenza was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor A. Fornataro, daughter of Giovanni and Gelsamina Fornataro of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Dispenza have one child: Eleanor June, who was born in Rochester, on the 27th of June, 1921. Mr. Dispenza is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to the Alhambra Club and to the Auto Club. His record is indeed an in- spiring one, for his present prosperity is attributable entirely to his own efforts and industry. In the negotiation of important realty transfers he has manifested marked ability in his chosen field of business activity, and in every relation of life his course has been such as to commend him to the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. His residence is at No. 230 West High Terrace.
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