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 15
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HOWARD HEERMANS FIELD.
An enterprising and successful representative of industrial interests in Rochester is Howard Heermans Field, the president of the Rochester Cabinet Company, which was organized in 1888, and of which he has been the chief executive officer for the past six years. His birth occurred in Corning, New York, on the 28th of May, 1882, his parents being Lovasso and Alice B. V. (Heermans) Field, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of West Virginia. Lovasso Field came to the state of New York about 1881 and later turned his attention to the cabinet-making industry, which claimed his time and energies in Rochester for a period of thirty-five years. In his demise, which occurred in 1918, the city lost one of its substantial business men and highly esteemed citizens. To him and his wife, who still survives, were born five children: Frank H., Howard H., Harold L., Dorothy L., and Kenneth H.
In the acquirement of an education Howard Heermans Field attended the grade schools of Rochester, the Rochester Free Academy and the University of Rochester, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts from the last named institution in 1904. He then became identified with financial interests as an employe of the Security Trust Company of Rochester, with which he continued in a clerical capacity for three years, after which he spent a similar period with the Duffy-McInnerney Company in charge of its office. It was in 1910 that he embarked in business on his own account, with the Rochester Cabinet Company, of which he acted as treasurer until 1918, when he was elected to the presidency of the concern and has remained at its head. His associate officers are Howard M. Tuety and Kenneth H. Field, who occupy the position of vice president and treasurer, respectively. The Rochester Cabinet
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Company furnishes employment to twenty people and has developed a business of exten- sive and profitable proportions, the growing success of the industry being attrib- utable in large measure to the capable control and wise management of its head.
Mr. Field is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity and also has membership connection with the Central Presbyterian church, the University Club, the Rochester Auto Club and the Rochester Chamber of Com- merce. A lifelong resident of this city, he is widely known here and enjoys well deserved popularity in both business and social circles. The prosperity which has come to him is indeed well merited, as it is the result of his own wisely directed efforts.
BRADFORD J. BURROUGHS.
Bradford J. Burroughs, a representative and able young attorney of Batavia, is the senior member of the firm of Burroughs & Crowley, which maintains offices at No. 12 Main street. He was born in Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, on the 20th of June, 1889, his parents being Frederick C. and Catherine (Purcell) Burroughs of that place. His paternal grandfather, David Burroughs, who was the first repre- sentative of the family in western New York, left Connecticut about the year 1860 to settle in Livingston county, this state, where he resided for upwards of a third of a century, later moving to Le Roy, Genesee county, where he died. Frederick C. Burroughs, the father of Mr. Burroughs of this review, who has devoted his attention to building operations throughout his active business career, has spent the greater part of his life in Geneseo and in Batavia. He makes his home in the latter place at the present time and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance in the com- munity.
Bradford J. Burroughs received his early education in the grammar and high schools of Batavia and acquired his professional training in the University of Buffalo, which in 1917 conferred upon him the degree of LL. B. Following his graduation he engaged in law practice in association with W. H. Coon, a well known attorney of Batavia, until the 1st of January, 1923, when he formed a partnership with James F. Crowley. The firm of Burroughs & Crowley opened offices in Batavia, where they have since built up a clientage of large and gratifying proportions. Mr. Burroughs specializes in trial cases and has advanced ideas on crime and criminals. He believes that a man who makes a misstep is not potentially without honor, and therefore has had many so-called criminals from among the clients of other lawyers, as well as his own, placed on probation. He has had the satisfaction of seeing a number of these men restored to the ranks of good citizens.
In Rochester, New York, on the 24th of January, 1921, Mr. Burroughs was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Kendall, daughter of Walter E. and Mar- garet E. Kendall, who were formerly residents of Le Roy, New York, but now make their home in Batavia. Mr. Burroughs takes an active interest in politics as an ad- herent of the republican party. Fraternally he is identified with the local organiza- tion of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and along strictly professional lines he has membership connection with the Genesee County Bar Association. He finds needed recreation in hunting, fishing and other outdoor sports and indulges his fond- ness therefor when leisure permits. Mr. Burroughs is sincerely devoted to his pro- fession and greater success in years to come is predicted by his many friends.
MARTIN BROWN.
Martin Brown, who has been a representative of the legal profession in Batavia during the past forty-four years, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest active attorney in Genesee county. He may still be found in the fast thinning ranks of Civil war veterans, for he had scarcely entered his 'teens when he went to the front in defense of the Union. He was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery county, New York, on the 18th of March, 1850, his parents being James and Anna Brown. The father, who was a contractor, left the Empire state to establish his home in Huron county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Martin Brown began his education in the public schools of New York and con- tinued his studies at Norwalk, Ohio, following the removal of his father to the latter state. He put aside his textbooks to join Company B of the Twenty-fifth Ohio Vol-
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unteer Infantry and spent about two and one-half years in military service. After the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to the state of New York. Determining to prepare himself for a professional career, he entered the Albany Law School, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of LL. B: in 1881. The same year he opened an office in Batavia, where he has con- tinued in practice to the present time and with the passing years has been accorded a clientage of growing volume and importance. He was associated with James A. Le Seur for a period of five years and with W. E. Webster for six years, but he has practiced independently during the greater part of his professional career and has long enjoyed merited recognition among the most able and successful members of the Batavia bar.
On the 21st of June, 1882, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Brown was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary J. Mattison of that city. They have two living children: Elmer, who is a medical student at Georgetown University, Georgetown, D. C .; and Russell, who is connected with the Interstate Commerce Commission in Washington, D. C., as an attorney. The latter is married and makes his home in the nation's capital.
Mr. Brown gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and he proudly wears the little bronze button which proclaims him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He made an excellent record as justice of the peace, in which capacity he served for ten years. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, while along strictly professional lines he is identified with the Genesee County Bar Association. Mr. Brown has practiced as well as preached the gospel of work and has ever mani- fested an active interest in the cause of civic betterment, and his fellow citizens unite in bearing testimony as to his many substantial traits of character.
AUGUSTUS SCHAEFER MERTZ.
Augustus Schaefer Mertz, a keen, alert and aggressive young business man, has made efficiency his watchword, and closely adhering to this standard, has advanced far beyond the ranks of mediocrity until he now stands among the successful few. He has concentrated his attention upon the dairy industry, in which he has attained a position of leadership, and Rochester numbers him among its most valuable citizens. He was born March 30, 1887, in the town of- Manchester, Ontario county, New York, a son of Andrew and Charlotte (Schaefer) Mertz, both of whom are natives of Ger- many. They resided for many years in Ontario county, New York, where the father engaged in farming, and success rewarded 'his well-directed labors. He passed away in Palmyra, on May 16, 1924, having reached the venerable age of seventy-nine years. The mother survives. Four children were born of their union, namely: Lucius A., president of the Consolidated Milk Company of Rochester; Elizabeth R., executive secretary of the Big Sister Social Welfare Society of Rochester and formerly a suc- cessful teacher; Harold, general agent at Palmyra for the Prudential Life Insurance Company; and Augustus Schaefer of this review.
Augustus Schaefer Mertz attended the Armington school in Ontario county, New York, and completed his education in the Palmyra high school. He then came to Rochester and entered the employ of Sibley Converse, milk dealer, becoming driver of one of the delivery wagons. He filled that position for seven months, gaining a prac- tical knowledge of the business, and at the age of seventeen purchased a half interest in the business, his brother, Lucius A. Mertz, purchasing the remainder of the stock. The partnership was continued for four years, when Augustus S. sold his interest in the concern to his brother and in 1908 organized the Mertz Milk Company, which was incorporated in 1916. He is president and manager of the company, which conducts a large wholesale business, and the rapid growth of its trade is proof of his capacity for such service. He has a comprehensive grasp of the business, of which he has made a life study, and has been honored with the presidency of the Rochester Milk Dealers Association, which office he is now filling.
On September 16, 1908, Mr. Mertz was married to Miss Ida May Emsley, a daugh- ter of Amos and Sarah Jane Emsley, prominent residents of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Mertz have the following children: Wesley Andrew, who was born October 5, 1909, and is a student in Madison Junior high school; Loretta Elizabeth, who was born October 11, 1912; and Robert Augustus, born March 21, 1917.
Mr. Mertz is an active worker for the good of his community and acts as vice chairman of the membership committee of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He
AUGUSTUS S. MERTZ
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is equally interested in the moral progress of his city and teaches the Brotherhood Bible Class of Corn Hill Methodist Episcopal church, also serving as vice president of the Methodist Episcopal Union. He belongs to the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation and is a member of the Rochester Automobile Club. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and is connected with Damascus Shrine and Lalla Rookh Grotto. His activities are well balanced, touching the general interests of society, and his genuine personal worth has established him high in public regard. His residence is at No. 419 Hawley street.
CLAYTON CORRAL HALL.
Clayton C. Hall, vice president of the Garfield Real Estate Company, occupies a foremost position among Rochester realtors. Mr. Hall has been connected with the real estate business in this city for over seventeen years and during that period has built up a clientele that fully attests the high standing he is accorded by both patrons and contemporaries. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 7, 1875, a son of Linus and Hannah (Crooks) Hall, both of whom are natives of the Buckeye state, in which they have always resided, and are now living retired near Cort- land, Ohio.
Clayton Corrall Hall attended the public schools of Cortland, Ohio, and after entering the business world he became traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery house of Cleveland, Ohio. He represented that firm for four years and then entered the service of one of the large real estate companies of that city. In 1908 he came to Rochester to accept a position as salesman with the Garfield Real Estate Company, with which he has remained, being elected vice president of the company in 1921. The Garfield Real Estate Company has long been one of the outstanding real estate firms in the city, enjoying an exceptionally high-class and extensive clientele. Mr. Hall is a capable executive, conversant with every detail of the business, and bears an enviable reputation for integrity and clean business methods.
In Cleveland, Ohio, on April 18, 1893, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Bessie W. Woerz, a member of one of the well known families of that city. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Automobile Club of Rochester. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith and his political support is given to the republican party. While he has never sought public office, he has rendered valuable service to his city through his operations in the real estate field, and his success is well deserved, for it has been worthily won. Mr. Hall's residence is at No. 209 Rugby avenue.
PETER VERWEY, JR.
A well organized, ably conducted and rapidly growing printing business is the visible expression of the initiative and enterprise of its founder, Peter Verwey, Jr., one of Rochester's native sons. He was born October 2, 1885, of the marriage of Peter Verwey and Catherine Vanderhoof, both natives of Holland. They came to the United States in their youth, establishing their home in Brighton, New York, and the father entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad. They are now residing in Rochester and Mr. Verwey is spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. Seven children were born to them. Harry E., general manager of the Rochester branch of the National Casket Company; Peter, Jr., of this review; Elizabeth, now the wife of Wilbur Fridley of Rochester; Rev. Daniel G., a minister of the Dutch Reformed church in New York city; William, of Brooklyn, New York; Frances, now Mrs. E. P. Wondergen of Spencerport, New York; and Anna, the wife of Fred Marsh of Irondequoit, New York.
Peter Verwey, Jr., received a public school education and was about fourteen years old when he started to learn the printer's trade as an apprentice in the estab- lishment of Lewis & Leahy. He remained with that firm for a few years, when it was succeeded by William Leahy, in whose employ Mr. Verwey continued until 1911. In October of that year Mr. Verwey went into business for himself, continuing as an individual until 1914, when the business was incorporated as the Verwey Printing Company. Mr. Verwey has been an official in the corporation ever since, being treas- urer at the present time. The well equipped plant of this company enables it to turn out the highest grade of work and under Mr. Verwey's expert supervision the business
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is operated with a high degree of efficiency and ranks with the best managed printing plants in the city.
On March 21, 1924, Mr. Verwey was married to Miss Norine Negus, a daughter of Dr. Merritt Negus of this city. Mr. Verwey belongs to the National Typothetae Association, to the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and to the Automobile Club of this city. He is prominent in local fraternal circles and has membership relations with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Foresters, the Woodmen of the World, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and blue lodge of Masons. Mr. Verwey has concentrated his attention upon the printing business, of which he has acquired a highly specialized knowledge, and his energy and ability have carried him forward to a position where he is regarded as one of the highly capable men in his line of work. He has a wide acquaintance in Rochester's business circles and few men in the printing trade are as well known.
WILLIAM CRAIG.
Not so many years ago the Grand Army Posts in the Genesee country could show a goodly roster of active members. Today this membership has been sorely depleted by death, and the veterans of the Civil war, surviving, command greater homage and affection from the American people because of their rapidly dwindling number. One of these Grand Army of the Republic veterans is William Craig of Nunda, Livings- ton county, New York, now living retired and in the eighty-sixth year of his age. He was born in the town of East Sparta, on a farm two and a half miles south of Scotts- burg, on August 31, 1838, the son of James Taylor and Betsy (Carney) Craig. There were twelve children in the family, of whom seven sons are living. The children were: William, James, John, Edward, Victor, Robert, Albert, Samuel, Mary, Eliza- beth, Jane and Alfred. Those who have passed away are: James, Robert, Mary, Eliza- beth and Jane. William Craig was the oldest child. In 1850 the family moved to a farm near Nunda, where the father died at the age of forty-four. William Craig then took entire charge of the farm, including the milling operations which had been carried on by his father.
William Craig gained some education in the district schools, and took a full course at Eastman's Business College in Rochester, New York. Naturally, with the care of the farm and the large family on his hands, he was unable to devote much time to study. For a couple of years he conducted the milling business in Nunda, established by his father, and then engaged in the mercantile business, which he con- tinued for forty years at Nunda, with marked success. Later he was connected with the seed firm of Belden & Company as auditor for a number of years, until he retired from active business. Mr. Craig's Grand Army of the Republic member- ship was gained by service during the closing days of the Civil war, in the Sixty- fifth New York Infantry commissariat.
Mr. Craig was married on December 31, 1867, to Emily J. Grover, of Nunda, who died on April 2, 1905. Three children were born to this union: Frederick W., who died in 1917, in his forty-sixth year; Mabel, wife of Albert J. Stone, a resident of New York city; and Don G., of Nunda. Mr. Craig was married on December 26, 1906, to Frances W. Wood of Rochester, New York. He is a republican in his political views and has been trustee of the village of Nunda. In his religious convictions he is a member of the Presbyterian church, active in its affairs, and has been one of the trustees. Fraternally Mr. Craig is affiliated with the Masonic order and was treasurer of the three Masonic organizations in Nunda for twenty years.
WILLIAM J. MALONEY.
William J. Maloney, attorney at law, with offices in the Union Trust building, Rochester, has gained success in his profession. He was born in Rush, New York, February 27, 1877, and is a son of Timothy and Mary (Lyden) Maloney, natives of Ireland. They were married in Rush, New York, and always resided in that locality, where the father was a well known and successful farmer. He passed away on June 26, 1924.
William J. Maloney obtained his early education in the district where he was born and afterward became a student in the Geneseo Normal School, from which
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he was graduated in June, 1900. He paid the expenses of his course in that institu- tion by teaching school, devoting three years to educational work. He read law in the office of Elbridge L. Adams, then a well known attorney of Rochester, now of New York city, and in November, 1903, was admitted to the bar. He joined Hon. Walter S. Hubbell, with whom he was associated for three years, and since 1906 has practiced alone. He gives his undivided attention to his profession and enjoys an extensive and high-class clientele.
In 1907 Mr. Maloney was married to Miss Ethel Porter, who was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Porter of Rochester, and who passed away in October, 1910. She had become the mother of two children: Charles Porter, who is attending high school; and Laurice, who has passed away. In September, 1918, Mr. Maloney was married to Miss Irene Lucey, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Lucey of Rochester. Mrs. Maloney possesses histrionic talent and for a number of years was a member of the vaudeville team of McDewitt, Kelly and Lucey, which traveled the Keith circuit, presenting a sketch entitled "The Piano Movers and the Actress". She was one of the most active workers in behalf of the National Vaudeville Artists' benefit performance, given in the Eastman theatre on April 22, 1924, and was largely re- sponsible for its success.
Mr. Maloney is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and has taken the third degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Rochester Bar Association and his interest in the welfare of his city is indicated by his connection with the Chamber of Commerce. He has ever conformed his practice to the highest ethics of the profession and ranks with Rochester's leading attorneys, while a large circle of loyal friends attests his personal popularity.
ERNEST CONGER WHITBECK.
Ernest Conger Whitbeck, one of the leading lawyers of Rochester, has success- fully followed his profession in this city for more than a quarter of a century. He was born in Sodus, New York, on the 6th of October, 1872, the eldest son of J. Du Fay and Jean (McNair) Whitbeck.
J. Du Fay Whitbeck was for nearly forty years a resident and prominent busi- ness man of this city. He was born in Sodus, New York, in 1850, and in 1871 was married to Miss Jean McNair of Oswego. He moved to Rochester in 1886, and shortly afterward engaged in the laundry business, acquiring an interest in the Palace Laundry, then in Stone street. In 1890 the Palace Laundry was consolidated with the Star Laundry, then owned by A. T. Hagen and D. M. Cooper. Mr. Whit- beck from that time on took an active part in the management and development of what is now the Star Palace Laundry. In 1905 he disposed of his interest in the Star Palace Laundry and since that time had not been actively engaged in business in Rochester.
In 1891 he had established the Central Star Laundry in Buffalo and subse- quently became its president, retaining that connection to the time of his death. He was a life member of Genesee Falls Lodge of Masons, Hamilton Chapter and Monroe Commandery, was a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Damascus Temple. During all his residence in Rochester he was an active member of Asbury Methodist church. For more than fifteen years it had been Mr. Whitbeck's custom to spent the winter season's in California or Florida, returning to Rochester for the summer. It was during his winter sojourn that his death occurred in Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 1925. He was survived by his widow and three sons: Ernest C., of this review; Arthur S., of the engineering department of the Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation; and William T., of Buffalo, vice president and treasurer of the Central Star Laundry.
Ernest Conger Whitbeck received his education in the Rochester Free Academy, and the Albany Law School, the latter institution conferring his LL. B. degree as a member of the class of 1899. After his admission to the bar Mr. Whitbeck opened an office in this city, where he has since engaged in practice. He is also a director of the Genesee Valley Trust Company.
In Nunda, New York, on June 27, 1901, Mr. Whitbeck was married to Miss Louise M. Peck, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Peck. Mr. and Mrs. Whitbeck have three sons: John McNair, who was born January 11, 1903, and who is a student at Dartmouth, class of 1925; Ernest C., Jr., who was born September 19,
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1905, is a student at the University of Rochester, class of 1928; and Philip F., who was born November 11, 1909, and is a pupil in the Culver Military Academy.
Mr. Whitbeck belongs to the Genesee Valley Club and the Oak Hill Country Club and is a Royal Arch Mason. He is a member of the Rochester and New York State Bar Associations and gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party. Mr. Whitbeck's residence is at No. 9 Portsmouth terrace.
LEWIS A. KAMMAN.
In proportion to its size and population Rochester has a larger number of enter- prising and progressive business men than almost any other city in the United States. They appear to take the initiative in all fields of endeavor and it seems to be a foregone conclusion that they will make a success of what they undertake. Prominent among the young men of this class is Lewis A. Kamman, secretary and manager of the Indian Splint Company and an influential factor in the industrial life of the city. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, July 4, 1885, and is a son of Abraham and Frances (Lowenthal) Kamman, both of whom came to this country in their youth. The father won success as a clothing manufacturer and is now living retired in Rochester, while the mother also survives. Seven children were born to them: M. J., a resident of Toronto, Canada; Julius, of Rochester; Ira, whose home is in Coburg, in the province of Ontario, Canada; and Daniel, Lewis A., Mrs. M. Lavin and Mrs. H. Burricks, all of whom reside in this city.
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