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 IV > Part 10
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HOMER G. WHITMORE
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through the intervening period of thirty-four years and has built up a practice of large and lucrative proportions that fully attests his ability in the field of his chosen calling. His standing among his professional brethren is of the highest. He has been president of both the Corning Academy of Medicine and the Steuben County Medical Society and has served for three years as secretary of the sixth district branch of the New York State Medical Society.
Dr. Cobb saw considerable service in the American army during the period of the World war. He was the first physician in Steuben county who passed the examination and was accepted for service in the Medical Reserve Corps. Commissioned captain, he was assigned to Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and thence transferred to the camp at American University, Washington, D. C., five miles outside of the city, where he was made sanitary inspector of the camp. He was subsequently assigned to Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia, and given a company of ninety-one men, all conscientious objectors, whom it was his duty to keep in good health and of whom at the same time he was endeavoring to make loyal American citizens.
In 1890 Dr. Cobb was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Baldwin, and they are the parents of four children: John P., who was a corporal in the war supplies department with the American army in France; Agnew B .; Esther, the wife of Rupert Abbott of Syracuse, New York; and Ruth, who is the wife of H. H. Allison of Corning.
As a progressive and enterprising citizen of his adopted town, Dr. Cobb has taken an active part in public affairs in Corning. He made an excellent record as health officer and register of vital statistics for six years and is now ably discharging the duties of coroner for Steuben county. His pronounced skill and admirable character have won for him the unqualified esteem of his professional associates and also of the general public.
HARRY M. ROLISON.
Editor of one of the influential papers of the county, the columns of which are consistently devoted to furthering the best interests and progress of the community, Harry M. Rolison of Mount Morris, Livingston county, New York, occupies and fills most acceptably an important place in Livingston county affairs. He was born at Nunda, Livingston county, New York, on, February 19, 1884, and his whole life has been passed in the county and in newspaper work. He began work while still a boy, in 1899, on the Nunda News, and was with the paper for three years, moving to Mount Morris in 1902 and going to work on the Picket Line Post. Nine years after- ward, in 1911, Mr. Rolison took charge of the paper as editor, and has served in that capacity ever since. The paper is a member of the New York State Newspaper Association.
Mr. Rolison was married on June 6, 1906, to Edith M. Heliker. Two children have been born to them: Harry Bruce and Carol Virginia. The Picket Line Post was first issued on June 16, 1899, by Fred VanDorn. He died in 1907, and his estate operated the plant, with John VanDorn in charge, until February, 1911, when Mr. Rolison assumed the proprietorship. The paper is issued Fridays, is republican, and has a circulation close to twenty-five hundred copies. In 1918 the paper took over the Mount Morris Union, the first established paper in Livingston county, which had been published by John C. Dickey, and is now published under the title of The Picket Line Post and the Mount Morris Union.
SAMUEL HUDES.
Samuel Hudes, one of Rochester's leading furriers, has made a life study of the business in which he is engaged and owes his success to that unconquerable spirit which spurs the individual ever onward and upward, enabling him to rise superior to adversity and keep ever in view the goal fixed by his ambition. A native of Austria, he was born November 17, 1881, and his parents, David and Rose (Michaels) Hudes, were also born in that country. The father engaged in the lumber business until his demise. The mother is still living. They had a family of six children: Joseph, of New York city; Samuel, of Rochester; and Max, Mrs. Mary Shulman, Mrs. Sarah Lobell and Mrs. Rose Fox, all of whom reside in Austria.
When a boy of nine Samuel Hudes came with friends to the United States and for three years lived with a relative in New York city, during which period he attended
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night school. He then obtained a position in the establishment of M. Friendlich, a well-known furrier and garment designer of that city, and later worked for a Mr. Chambers, engaged in the same line of business. After leaving his employ Mr. Hudes decided to study business conditions in other cities and followed his chosen vocation in Buffalo, New York, Chicago, Illinois, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, also working for the Hudson's Bay Fur Company in Seattle, Washington. Believing that the east afforded greater opportunities for advancement, he returned to New York and in 1902 came to Rochester with the McCurdy Company, but later accepted a position in New York city. In 1911 he organized the Hudes Fur Company, opening a store at No. 51 Clinton avenue, South, Rochester, and remained at that location for twelve years. At the end of that time he removed to the corner of East avenue and Chestnut street and afterward met with business reverses, owing to bad management on the part of others. He now has a well appointed store at No. 11 Gibbs street and is sole proprietor of the business, which he is rapidly rebuilding. He is an expert judge of fur and his work represents the highest degree of skill in his line. His business methods are reliable and straightforward, commending him to the confidence and support of the public, and he has a very desirable class of patrons.
In Rochester, January 15, 1915, Mr. Hudes was married to Miss Sarah Shapiro, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and they have two children: Rosamond Dorothy and David Wolfert, both natives of Rochester. The former was born November 17, 1917, and the latter on April 27, 1924. Mr. Hudes is a member of the Reformed church, the Jewish Young Men's Association and the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion. He has attained the thirty-second degree in the Masonic order and is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Orientals, the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rochester Athletic Club. Mr. Hudes is a self-made man, deserving of all the praise which the term implies, and by those with whom business or social relations have brought him into contact he is held in high regard.
ALBERT E. MALONEY.
Albert E. Maloney is a member of one of the old and prominent families of Dans- ville and ranks with its leading business men and public-spirited citizens. He is well and favorably known in the village, in which his life has been passed, and was born March 26, 1884, a son of Thomas and Mary (O'Hara) Maloney, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Dansville. The father was one of the pioneer nurserymen of the city and stood high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He passed away in 1917 and the mother's demise occurred in 1905.
Albert E. Maloney attended a parochial school of Dansville and the Caton Busi- ness College, after which he became associated with his father in the nursery business. In 1908 he formed a partnership with his brother, William J., and they have since been associated in business, operating under the name of the Maloney Brothers Nurs- ery Company. They have established an enviable reputation for enterprise and re- liability and their business has become one of large and profitable proportions.
One June 16, 1913, Mr. Maloney was united in marriage to Miss Bessie M. Greene, also a native of Dansville, and they have many friends in the village. Mr. Maloney is an adherent of the republican party and has membership relations with St. Patrick's church and the Knights of Columbus. He takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs and brings to his various duties in life a broad mind and a keen intelli- gence, which are the basis of his success.
VIVIAN RANDALL BRUCE.
Vivian Randall Bruce is well known in industrial circles of Elmira and for the past twelve years has had charge of the plant of the Hilliard Clutch & Machinery Company, of which he is also a director. He was born in Asheville, North Carolina, in 1884, a son of William and Mary Lou (Jones) Bruce, the former a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, and the latter of Columbus, Georgia. They were married in that state and became the parents of eleven children, seven of whom survive, the subject of this sketch being the fourth in order of birth. The father was an accountant and worked for a textile company of Columbus, Georgia. The maternal grandfather was
ALBERT E. MALONEY
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a member of one of the old and prominent families of Georgia and represented his district in congress.
Vivian Randall Bruce obtained a public school education and was first employed by the Seaboard Air Line Railway Company, working for two years in their shops at Portsmouth, Virginia. Then for two years he was with The H. J. Heinz Company at Portsmouth. He next secured a position in the First National Bank of Wellsville, New York, and for six years was connected with financial affairs. On the expiration of that period he became credit manager of a wholesale concern and afterward spent some time on a ranch in Idaho. He came to Elmira in 1912 as manager of the plant of the Hilliard Clutch & Machinery Company, and has since filled that office. This is one of the reliable industries in the city and the present status of the firm is largely attributable to Mr. Bruce's well-directed efforts and efficient service.
On June 26, 1906, Mr. Bruce was married to Miss Mary Rockwell, who was born in Hornell, New York, and received her education in Wellsville. They have four children: Mary Louisa, a graduate of the Elmira high school; Robert Rockwell, a high school student; and Helen Catharine and Vivian R., Jr. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Bruce is an adherent of the republican party. He is scoutmaster of the Elmira Troop of the Boy Scouts of America and an influential worker for the organization, with which he has long been identified. He is a Rotarian and is also connected with the Taylor Society and the Industrial Rela- tions Association.
CLARK VERNON FAIRBANKS, M. D.
Dr. Clark Vernon Fairbanks, a well-known physician of Dansville, has had broad experience as a medical practitioner and his deep interest in and love for his profession has led to the acquirement of a constantly increasing store of knowledge and pro- nounced ability. He was born in Hermon, New York, September 16, 1872, a son of Jay and Harriet (Eggleston) Fairbanks. He obtained his public school education in his native town, and after his graduation from high school became a student at St. Lawrence University and later entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, from which he received the M. D. degree in 1896. He opened an office in Canaseraga, New York, remaining there for about eight years, and since 1905 has been a resident of Dansville. He has ever made his professional duties his first con- sideration, being most thorough and conscientious in the performance of the work that devolves upon him in this connection.
Dr. Fairbanks' military experience covers nineteen months of service in the United States Medical Corps during the World war. He offered his services in Sep- tember, 1917, and was called in January, 1918; was commissioned a first lieutenant and was stationed at Camp Merritt, New Jersey. He is now a captain in the medical department of the Officers' Reserve Corps, assigned to the Ninety-eighth Division, and belongs to the American Legion. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and gives his political support to the republican party. He is a member of the Livingston County and New York State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.
WILLIAM C. COMERY.
Rochester, growing steadily and substantially, has drawn to itself enterprises of almost every character that figure in the trade and industrial relations of the world. One of the city's newer industries is that of the Empire Sprinkler Company, which owes its origin to the initiative spirit of William C. Comery, under whose able direc- tion the business is rapidly developing. He was born in Ansonia, Connecticut, March 8, 1889, and is a son of William and Lulu (Dunnel) Comery, also natives of that state. The father is a hosiery manufacturer in Connecticut and actively connected with business affairs.
William C. Comery attended grammar schools of Ansonia and Derby, Connecticut, and was graduated from high school in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. His higher educa- tion was received in Brown University, in which he took a course in mechanical engineering, and after leaving that institution he became connected with the Grinnell Company, manufacturers of a sprinkler system. In 1916 Mr. Comery established the Rochester branch of that corporation and continued to represent the firm in this city until 1923, when he founded the Empire Sprinkler Company, of which he is treasurer
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and manager. He brings to the discharge of his duties in this connection a compre- hensive knowledge of the business, progressive ideas and executive ability that have been no small factors in establishing the industry upon a prosperous basis, while his energy and business capacity guarantee its continuous growth.
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on April 15, 1908, Mr. Comery was married to Miss Rose Lamb, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lamb, well known residents of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Comery have two sons: William, who was born in Pawtucket on
January 29, 1912, and is a student at Nazareth Hall; and Donald, who was born in Rochester, March 16, 1916. Mr. Comery is a York Rite Mason and has taken the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Rochester Automobile Club. Mr. Comery is regarded as an authority on his product. His entire business career has been spent in connection with the automatic sprinkler industry and includes valuable experience in its manufacturing, sales and executive depart- ments. He is accorded a most creditable position among the city's younger captains of industry and enterprising business men. Mr. Comery's residence is at No. 188 Alameda street.
FLOYD E. WOODHOUSE, M. D.
Dr. Floyd E. Woodhouse has had broad experience as a medical practitioner and is one of the most successful physicians of Elmira, which for thirty-three years has numbered him among its useful and highly esteemed citizens. He was born in North Chemung, New York, March 5, 1868, a son of Calvin and Mary (Johnson) Woodhouse, the former a native of Rutland, Vermont, and the latter of Newark, New Jersey. They came to this section of the state in early life and were married in Chemung. They had a family of five children, four of whom survive, and the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth. The father was an agriculturist and also engaged in the lumber business, with which he was connected for many years. He was identified with the Masonic fraternity and his political support in later life was given to the republican party. He took a keen interest in public affairs and served as town supervisor, also holding other local offices. He was a son of Orange Wood- house, the second of the name, who migrated from England to the United States. The maternal grandfather, John Johnson, was of Holland descent and followed the millwright's trade.
Floyd E. Woodhouse resided with his sister during his student days and after his graduation from the Hornell high school matriculated in the medical department of the University of Buffalo. He attended classes at that institution for two years and completed his training in the University of Wooster at Cleveland, Ohio, which in 1891 conferred upon him the M. D. degree. He chose Elmira as the scene of his activities as a general practitioner. He has attended several clinics and is a member of the medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital of Elmira.
On June 30, 1900, Dr. Woodhouse was united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Brown, formerly a schoolmate and also a native of North Chemung. They are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and active workers in its behalf. The Doctor is a York Rite Mason and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is a republican in politics and his professional relations are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the Chemung County Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
FRANCIS H. THOMAS.
Francis H. Thomas, a business man of broad experience and unquestioned ability, is one of the desirable citizens whom England has contributed to the United States, and efficiently discharges the duties of general manager of the Home Investment Trust, which ranks with the substantial financial institutions of Rochester. He was born in the city of Sheffield, August 28, 1883, a son of Frank and Thirza (Gillard) Thomas, the former also a native of Sheffield and the latter of Wales. Throughout his life the father was connected with the printing business. His demise occurred in 1896, while the mother passed away in 1889.
Francis H. Thomas obtained his education in the public schools of St. John's, Somersetshire, England, and afterward obtained employment in a shoe manufactory, where he gained a practical knowledge of the trade. He was in the service of the Royal Lives Society until 1912 and then responded to the lure of the New World, first locating at Binghamton, New York. Six months later he arrived in Rochester
FRANCIS H. THOMAS
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and obtained work in the plant of Utz & Dunn, shoe manufacturers. He remained with them until 1916 and then went to Brooklyn, New York, where he engaged in the brokerage business until 1917. In August of that year he returned to Rochester as general agent for the Niagara Life Insurance Company, which he represented until December, 1918, when he was made district manager for the Union Home Builders, Inc. In January, 1921, he severed his relations with that firm and has since been general manager for the Home Investment Trust, to whose interests he is devoted, rendering to the corporation conscientious and valuable service. He is also vice president of the Florida First Mortgage Corporation, operating at Orlando, that state, and a prosperous and growing institution.
At Wells, England, December 21, 1907, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Rhoda Fisher, a daughter of Edward Fisher. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have a family of four children: Molly V., who was born at Street, England, in 1908 and is now a student at the West high school of Rochester; Arthur R., who was born at Street in 1911; Edward F., whose birth occurred in Brooklyn, New York, in July, 1916; and Stella F., who was born in Rochester in 1918.
In 1915 Mr. Thomas was a member of the British Relief Society. His interest in the welfare and progress of the city has prompted him to join the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, valuable civic organizations. He is a charter member of the Rochester Society of Poets and his religious faith is indicated by his affiliation with the First Presbyterian church. He has taken cog- nizance of his opportunities, utilizing them to the best advantage, and his success is well deserved, for it has been worthily won.
ROBERT C. TURNBULL.
One of the Genesee country's most distinguished bankers and public-spirited citizens is Robert C. Turnbull, president of the Bath National Bank, Bath, New York. Besides following the banking profession since school days, Mr. Turnbull has found time to devote to public affairs and has served for three terms as supervisor for the town of Campbell and has been an active member of the Steuben County Republican committee for thirty years. His banking ability has also placed him in many positions of trust and responsibility as treasurer of organizations and he is owner of a poster advertising business which covers twenty-four cities-twelve of them in New York and twelve in Pennsylvania.
Robert C. Turnbull is a native of Campbell, born July 27, 1871, and received his early education in the Campbell schools and then attended the Haverling Academy at Bath. As soon as his school days were over he entered the business which was to be his life work. He was first associated with George R. Sutherland in Campbell, but later went to New York city, where he continued in the banking business, learning all departments of this most complicated branch of modern commerce. When Mr. Turnbull returned to Campbell he again became connected with Mr. Sutherland's bank, and upon the death of the latter, in 1912, formed the copartnership of Suther- land, Turnbull & Company and continued as manager of the banking house. In 1917 the Bath National Bank acquired Mr. Turnbull as its new president, which was a stroke of luck for this institution, as Mr. Turnbull, in his new capacity, took such active interest that in seven years the deposits in this bank more than doubled. In 1924 the Campbell bank was absorbed by the Bath National and all the business transferred to the latter, making it one of the strongest institutions in the state. Mr. Turnbull holds a number of other responsible charges besides those already mentioned. He is treasurer and a member of the executive committee of the New York State Private Bankers' Association; treasurer and trustee of the Hope Seminary Association; treasurer and trustee of the Presbyterian church at Campbell, and trustee and executor of an unusual number of large estates. In every case he gives careful attention to the interests of the organization concerned and takes a personal as well as professional pride in serving them.
Mr. Turnbull was married to Miss Francis Longwall on September 9, 1891, and they have a son, William Vibert Turnbull, now a member of the firm of Heminway & Turnbull, attorneys, in Corning. William Vibert Turnbull attended Cascadilla Preparatory School, Hamilton College, the Albany Law School, and the University of Michigan Law School. He was admitted to the bar of New York state in 1919, passing the examination in code practice with a record never equalled in the state. He saw service in France, at first with the Ambulance Corps, French army, and
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later was raised from a private to a lieutenant, being assigned to the paymaster's division and stationed in Paris. He received his honorable discharge in June, 1919.
R. C. Turnbull's reputation and ability are well known in Steuben county and William Vibert is a worthy son of his father in every way. In a section of the country where honesty and skill are particularly credited, the Turnbull family can always be classed among the leaders.
PERCIVAL DEWITT OVIATT.
Percival DeWitt Oviatt, one of the well known members of the Rochester bar, who has attained a position of prominence in his profession was born in this city on the 30th of April ,1876, a son of Wilson D., Jr., and Carrie (Hankey) Oviatt, and repre- sents one of its pioneer families. His grandfather, Wilson D. Oviatt, was one of the early settlers of Rochester. He was the owner of the first flour mills here and for some time also manufactured flour barrels. He was foremost in various public proj- ects and his name is inseparably associated with the early history of the city's growth and advancement. He was a strong champion of law, order and progress and rendered valuable service to his city in the office of chief of police, which he filled for some time. His son, Wilson D. Oviatt, Jr., was born in this city and for a number of years was connected with Vick's seed house. He afterward established a business of his own and became one of the leading florists of Rochester. He married Miss Carrie Hankey, a native of Canada. He passed away in 1911, while her death occurred in 1892.
Percival DeWitt Oviatt attended the public schools and the Free Academy, con- tinuing his studies in the University of Rochester, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1898. He read law in the office of Sol Wile and was admitted to the bar in 1900, two years prior to his graduation from the Law School of Columbia University of New York city. He began his professional career in Rochester in 1901 and has ever since been actively engaged in practice. He has been for years a mem- ber of the firm of Wile, Oviatt & Gilman, one of the strongest law firms in Rochester, and although the senior partner has retired, the original style of the firm is still retained. Mr. Oviatt possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the law and has figured in some of the most important litigation before the courts of this part of the state. He is accorded high rank among the able and successful lawyers of Rochester.
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