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 2
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Mr. Abbott's mind was excursive, and of so active a nature that it constantly re- quired intellectual aliment. He was very fond of literary pursuits. The field of
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ADONIRAM J. ABBOTT
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literature, and to some extent of poetry, was exceedingly attractive to him. Few persons possessed a more chaste and yet active literary taste. He was a delightful conversationalist, and he quoted from his readings with spontaneity and much effect. He wrote with versatility, ease, and always with a depth of thought and originality, but his writings he reserved for himself and seldom published what he wrote. Occa- sionally he would read something he had written to a friend, and I never knew a man, so accomplished in literature as he, with so little vanity, and who made so little display of his literary resources.
Soon after his admission to practice Mr. Abbott opened an office in Dansville, New York, having formed a copartnership with Alexander C. Fraser, an industrious and very able lawyer. This business relation brought fair remuneration to the part- ners and continued several years, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Fraser removed to Washington, in the state of Michigan, where he attained an honorable and successful practice. After the dissolution of this firm Mr. Abbott formed a copartnership with John Wilkinson of Dansville, a careful business lawyer, a practitioner, and an able representative of that class of the profession known as office lawyers. This partner- ship was successful and existed eleven years, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Abbott removed to Geneseo in the year 1859, where he spent the remainder of his life. He soon took a conspicuous and honorable position at the Geneseo bar. His sphere of action was enlarged and he became one of the leading lawyers of his native county and of western New York. At Geneseo, Mr. Abbott formed several successful copartner- ships; among his partners were Sidney Ward, Augustus A. Curtiss, Edward E. Sill, John N. Drake, Colonel John Rorbach, and his own son, John B. Abbott. Mr. Abbott was engaged as leading counsel in very many cases of importance and trials that were invested with unusual interest in Livingston and other counties of western New York. Like most lawyers, Mr. Abbott's time and tastes gravitated toward the political arena, which absorbed much of his attention, time and study. He was fa- miliar with the political history of the past and the present. He learned it by re- search, by careful investigation and thought; he learned it by looking out upon the political field and watching with keen circumspection the movements and platitudes of political parties and of politicians. But he never aspired to ephemeral honors of official position, neither did he mingle in the petty strifes of conventions, wire-pullers and political gamesters.
He early gave his allegiance to the doctrines, teachings and principles of the democratic party, maintained them with rare ability and gave uniform abiding ad- hesion to them through life. Although Mr. Abbott never aspired to political position, yet such was the confidence his party had in him he was often consulted as to party movements, and was frequently offered representative positions in party conventions, which he rarely accepted. But, when delegates were to be selected for the memorable democratic presidential convention, to be held in Charleston, South Carolina, he was elected a delegate to that convention from his congressional district. He accepted the position, and the ability with which he discharged his duties gained for him the appro- bation and the admiration of his fellow members in that convention. When this con- vention was dissolved by the singular division that invaded it, it again met in Balti- more, Maryland, and here Mr. Abbott resumed his duties as a representative of his fellow citizens of the state of New York. During the struggle to sustain the Union, Mr. Abbott may be called one of the patriotic pillars of the times. He devoted his energies to enlisting troops, organizing regiments and sending them to the front. His eloquence his influences and his time were given liberally to the cause, and when at last the lanner of his country was no longer in danger, and the Union was saved, no man rejo ced with deeper joy, or felt more gratitude to Him who holds the de tiny of nations in the hollow of His hand.
To repeat what has been said of him by one of his eulogists: "He at one time was elected president of the village of Geneseo. He served for over thirty years as one of the board of trustees of its splendid Wadsworth Library. He was for many yea 's president of the board of trustees of its union free school, and it was mainly through his active and persistent efforts, that its former district school was merged into the union free school system. He was one of the trustees of the Temple Hill Cemetery Association of Geneseo, to whom, with two or three more, the village is particularly indebted for such a complete and satisfactory change in the resting place of its dead." Mr. Abbott now sleeps peacefully in this beautiful receptacle for the dead, in an honored grave.
It is pleasant to remember Mr. Abbott as a citizen and a friend. While there was a quiet reserve and urassumed dignity in his manner, often taken for a kind of haughtiness, it was more a shading of one of the most delightful minds that ever
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kindled with friendship and affection. On a near acquaintance this passed away, as we have often seen a cloud pass from the rays of the sun, leaving it to illumine all objects around it.
We have already said Mr. Abbott was a delightful conversationalist. This at- tribute was the result of a mind invigorated, enlarged and rendered flexible by a careful study of the beautiful productions of the best poets in ancient and modern times. It would have taken but little to make him an acceptable poet and writer; indeed, as we have already said, he did write poetry that would have illuminated the literature of the times. His writing was the offspring of a mind too full not to give utterance to its musings and reflections. He did more-he quoted poetry with a fervor and eloquence that reminded one of the utterances of a Booth or a Forrest. He had many favorites among the British poets, and among them all Byron was the chief. He used to say that he rose to a greater poetic height than any other poet until we come to the immortal Shakespeare. He felt the truth of Pollock's tribute:
"Byron touched his harp, And nations heard entranced."
To Mr. Abbott other poems seemed poor and dull by the side of the prodigality of accumulated splendors of Childe Harold.
His domestic life was all that might well be expected from a man of his tender and affectionate nature. There was in it a concentration of love-the embodiment of all that enters into the sacredness and beauty of domestic life. The happiness of his home life was intensified by his union with a woman in every sense worthy to become the wife of such a man. In 1848 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Beach. This union was blest by the birth of several children, all of whom were removed from their parents by death, excepting one, who survives him. We allude to John B. Abbott, who was a son, a companion and a copartner in the practice of law, upon whose counsel and assistance he largely relied, and who sustained him as the labors of his professional life were drawing to a close, fading into the years that saw the sun of life gradually decline until at last all that was mortal of him passed peacefully to the tomb. His death occurred April 8, 1898. We contemplate his ap- proach to the grave with feelings so beautifully described by the poet Young:
"The chamber where the good man meets his fate,
Is privileged beyond the common walk
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heav'n."
We have thus glanced over the long and interesting career of one who, if he did not hold the most conspicuous place in life, occupied one that cannot and ought not to be easily forgotten or passed by with indifference. Its lessons are salutary; its example and influence valuable, and its whole detail a rich tribute to the biographical history of the legal profession, not only of Livingston county but of western New York.
J. LOUIS WILLARD.
The progress of any section of the country depends upon the individual success of its citizens, and through the capable conduct of a modern enterprise, operated along efficient lines, J. Louis Willard is contributing his quota toward Rochester's industrial development. He was born in Webster, New York, October 21, 1860, and his parents, Albert J. and Martha L. (Robb) Willard, were also natives of the Empire state. The former was born in Williamson, Wayne county, and the latter in Eden, Erie county. The father was a wagon manufacturer and during the Civil war was a member of the Fourth Heavy Artillery of New York, serving as head wagoner of his regiment.
J. Louis Willard completed his education in the Union high school of South Web- ster, New York, and in July, 1879, when a young man nearly nineteen, he became a member of the clerical force of Hamilton & Mathews, hardware dealers of Rochester. He remained with that concern for three years and afterward held clerical positions with A. K. Tower & Company and F. S. Hess & Company, spending a year with each firm. He next formed a company and bought out a lithographing company and for three years was identified with the business known as the Rochester Lithographing Company. On the expiration of that period Mr. Willard purchased the Palace Laun- dry Company, which was later consolidated with the Star Laundry, conducted by Arthur T. Hagen & Company. The business was operated under the name of the Star Laundry and this association was continued until 1895, when Mr. Willard sold his stock to Mr. Cooper and purchased the Time Recording basic patent, and at once formed a company known as the Willard & Frick Manufacturing Company. It was
J. LOUIS WILLARD
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later merged with the Bundy Manufacturing Company, under the name of the Inter- national Time Recording Company of New York city. They engaged in the manufac- ture of time-recording clocks for factories and other large business institutions and after spending a year in the eastern metropolis Mr. Willard went to Binghamton, New York. Three years later he disposed of his business interests in that city and returned to Rochester, organizing a company for the manufacture of automobiles in 1904. He was a member of the corporation for a few years. He then decided to retire, but a year later reentered the business arena, finding a life of idleness most irksome, and has since devoted his attention to the management of the affairs of the Pullman Manufacturing Company, of which he is president and treasurer. He brings to his duties in this connection broad experience along business lines, mature judg- ment and marked executive ability and under his administration the business has made notable progress. The company manufactures builders' hardware and window balances and finds a ready market for its products, which are of high grade.
On the 16th of April, 1884, Mr. Willard was married to Miss Clara A. Wheeler, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Wheeler of Rochester. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Willard, a daughter, married John C. Kurtz, by whom she has three sons: Willard B., William J. and Richard B. Kurtz. Mr. Willard is a Knights Templar Mason, belonging to Damascus Commandery, and is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Rochester Historical Society and the Washington, Automobile and Ad Clubs of this city. With a mind commercially comprehensive, quick to per- ceive and act, he has taken advantage of circumstances and bent them to his will. His activities have covered a wide scope, and avoiding the pitfalls into which unre- stricted progressiveness is so frequently led, Mr. Willard has focused his energies in directions where fruition is certain. He has never resorted to questionable methods in his business operations, and a life of rightly directed endeavor has earned for him the unqualified esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Willard resides at No. 1120 Meigs street.
CHARLES J. ZIEGLER.
Charles J. Ziegler, jeweler and optician, is classed with Palmyra's leading business men and his civic loyalty has been demonstrated both by word and deed. He was born October 23, 1870, and has always resided in the village. His parents, Jacob J. and Lena (Zipfel) Ziegler, were natives of Germany and came to the United States in early life. The mother was a child of thirteen when her parents migrated to the New World, establishing their home in Wayne county, New York, prior to the Civil war, and the father came alone to this country when eighteen years of age. He became a carriage builder and followed that occupation in Palmyra. He was an honored veteran of the Civil war and was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. He was sergeant of his company and after serving for three years he reenlisted. Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler were married in Palmyra and three children were born to them, two sons and a daughter.
Charles J. Ziegler is the youngest member of the family. His elementary educa- tion was received in the grammar and high schools of Palmyra, graduating from the latter in 1886. In 1902 he became a student in the South Bend College of Optometry, while two years later he was graduated from the Rochester College of Optometry. His identification with the jewelry business dates from 1891. He first worked for a Mr. Bates and next entered the store conducted by Samuel P. Nichols. In 1894 Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Smith purchased the business of their employer and for thirty years they have remained partners, operating under the name of Smith & Ziegler. The business is conducted on a retail basis and theirs is the oldest jewelry firm in Palmyra. In their dealings with the public they have never deviated from the highest standard of commercial ethics and their trade has increased steadily, keeping pace with the growth of the town and the surrounding district. Mr. Ziegler was one of the founders of the State Bank of Palmyra and served on its directorate, but is not identified with the institution in an official capacity at the present time.
In 1910 Mr. Ziegler was married to Miss Sarah L. Tuttle, a daughter of James P. Tuttle, a prominent resident of Palmyra. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler: Margaret T. and Karl L. Mr. Ziegler is a Knights Templar Mason, is a Methodist in religious faith, and for twenty years was superintendent of the Sunday school. He is allied with the republican party and is serving as town committeeman. Of all that makes for loyal and progressive citizenship he is an effective exponent and during the World war was one of a committee of fifteen who worked for the
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success of the Liberty Loans and other campaigns instituted by the government for the purpose of securing funds to continue the war. He is deeply interested in all matters that affect the welfare and advancement of his community and served for four years as village trustee, while for six years he was a member of the school board. Mr. Ziegler is enterprising, broad-minded and public-spirited and enjoys the esteem of many friends.
FRANCIS EVERETT BALDWIN.
Francis Everett Baldwin, a dynamic personality in business circles of Elmira, is president of the Thatcher Manufacturing Company, whose destiny he has successfully guided for nearly a quarter of. a century. He is one of America's "captains of indus- try", representing that class of men who are capable of controlling the forces of trade and commerce and directing them for the benefit of the majority, and his life has been one of intense activity and usefulness, crowned with notable achievement. He was born in Otego, Otsego county, New York, August 30, 1856, a son of John Jackson and Sallie M. (Beardsley) Baldwin, the former a native of Meredith, Delaware county, this state, and the latter of Connecticut. The father was a blacksmith and operated a shop in Otego for many years. He was a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church and a republican in politics. There were eight children in the family, four of whom are living. Erwin J. Baldwin, an older brother of Francis Everett Baldwin, has been a member of the Elmira bar since 1873 and is the oldest practicing attorney in the city.
Francis Everett Baldwin attended the public schools of Otego and an academy in Oneonta, New York, after which he read law in his brother's office. He taught school for two years, being obliged to walk a distance of five miles in the discharge of his duties, and for a similar length of time was an instructor in the Elmira Reforma- tory. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1881, and formed a partnership with his brother, Erwin J. Baldwin, with whom he was associated in practice for a period of twenty-one years. Meanwhile, in 1900, he had become president of the Thatcher Manufacturing Company and since 1902 he has given his undivided attention to the management of the business. The factory was first located in Potsdam, New York, and at the time Mr. Baldwin entered the firm it was in financial difficulties. With borrowed capital he began to develop the business, which he soon established upon a paying basis, and in 1920 the company enlarged the scope of its operations, taking over seven additional plants. It now has factories in Lockport, Dunkirk and Elmira, New York; Parkersburg, Cedargrove and Clarksburg, West Virginia; Mount Vernon, Ohio; Winchester, Indiana; and Streator, Illinois, maintaining headquarters in Elmira. The authorized capital stock of the company is one hundred and thirty thousand shares, common stock, non-par value, of which eighty thousand shares are outstanding; twenty-five thousand shares of preferred stock of a par value of one hundred dollars a share, with eight thousand, eight hundred and fifty-three shares outstanding. Its assets total seven million, nine hundred and fifty-three thousand, five hundred and eighty-seven dollars. Mr. Baldwin and his family own nearly one-half of the stock in the corporation and most of its functions are vested in him. That he is an ex- ecutive of exceptional ability is indicated by the fact that when he assumed control of the company its sales amounted to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year and the corporation is now doing a business of seven million dollars annually. Milk bottles are manufactured in eight of their plants and one factory is equipped for making condiment ware. The industry is one of the largest of the kind in the country and Mr. Baldwin has perfected an organization which operates with maximum effi- ciency at a minimum expenditure of time, labor and material.
On the 7th of May, 1882, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Anna Grandin, a daughter of Rev. James L. S. and Elizabeth (Knapp) Grandin, the former the first collegiate minister of the Methodist church to preach in this section of the country. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Laceyville, Pennsylvania, and received her education in Elmira and Ovid, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have two daughters: Lena Grandin and Ethel, both graduates of Syracuse University. Ethel is the wife of Edwin E. Bruce, who is connected with the Elmira offices of the Thatcher Manufac- turing Company.
Mr. Baldwin is a zealous member of the Hedding Methodist church and an inde- fatigable worker in its behalf. He is acting as steward and trustee and has been elected a delegate to four General conferences of the Methodist Episcopal church, while he is also a teacher in the Sunday school. He was one of the strongest advocates
francis &. Baldwin.
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of prohibition and served for a considerable period on the state committee, while for four years he was its chairman, and he was a member of the national committee for many years. He takes a keen interest in civic affairs and for eight years has been a director of the Elmira Chamber of Commerce. He is also a director of the Rotary Club and for twenty years has been a member of the National Arts Club of New York city. He belongs to the City, Country and Century Clubs of Elmira and is a life member of the Masonic lodge. Mr. Baldwin is a master builder and Elmira is the richer in resources and citizenship by reason of his constructive labors and beneficial influence.
FLOYD P. BREESE, M. D.
Dr. Floyd P. Breese is one of the patriotic Americans whom Elmira contributed to the World war and is now serving his community in the capacity of physician and surgeon. He is one of the city's native sons and was born May 15, 1893, of the union of Otis C. Breese and Cora Pinckney, the former of whom was born in Elmira and the latter in the vicinity of Ithaca, New York. They were married near Spencer, in Tompkins county, and have a family of three children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the oldest. They have long been residents of Elmira and the father is con- nected with the American Sales Book Company. They are zealous, helpful members of the First Baptist church and Mr. Breese is a Knights Templar Mason.
After completing his high school course, Floyd P. Breese matriculated in the medical department of the University of Buffalo and was graduated with the class of 1915. He was interne in a hospital at Youngstown, Ohio, for a year and then spent a similar period in the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital of Elmira. At the end of that period he began practice in this city, and six months later, in January, 1918, entered the United States Medical Corps. He was sent for training to Fort Ogle- thorpe, Georgia, where he was stationed for six months, and was next transferred to Camp McArthur at Waco, Texas. He was assigned to duty at Base Hospital No. 87 and spent nine months in France. While in that country he rose from the rank of first lieutenant to that of captain and was discharged from the service in June, 1919. Returning to Elmira, he resumed the practice of medicine and surgery. He also does X-ray work for the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital.
On September 11, 1918, Doctor Breese was married to Miss Mabel Love Loomis, a native of Elmira, and a daughter of William C. and Mabel (Love) Loomis. The former was connected with the La France Fire Engine Company. Mrs. William C. Loomis was also a member of the Diven family. Dr. and Mrs. Breese have one child: Mabel Love. Dr. Breese belongs to the Exchange Club and the Elmira Golf and Country Club. He is an Episcopalian in religious faith and his professional connec- tions are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
ARTHUR C. GLOVER, M. D.
Among the younger members of the medical fraternity of Elmira is Dr. Arthur C. Glover. He was born in Burns, New York, July 2, 1894, a son of Albert D. and Caroline Elizabeth (Grover) Glover, and was graduated from the high school in Portville, New York. He next matriculated in the University of Buffalo, which in 1917 awarded him the M. D. degree, and in July of that year he became an interne at the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital in Elmira. In July, 1918, he enlisted for service in the World war and received his training at Camp Gordon, Georgia, having been the youngest medical officer among the two hundred who were there at that time. He remained in the service for fourteen months and was released from military duty in September, 1919. He then completed a course in the Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of New York city, and in July, 1920, opened an office in Elmira as a specialist in those branches of medical science. He is well equipped for his chosen line of work and has been very successful in treating the cases intrusted to his care.
On the 14th of April, 1920, Dr. Glover was united in marriage to Miss Hazel E. Drew, who was born in Rochester, New York, and was educated in that city. She is an active member of the Episcopal church and the Doctor's religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Mason and gives
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his political support to the republican party. He belongs to Omega Upsilon Phi, a college fraternity; to the Masonic, Exchange and Century Clubs, and is also a member of the American Legion. His interest centers in his profession, in which he is making rapid progress, and close study keeps him abreast of the times in the field of medical research, while his personality is one that inspires confidence and respect.
ERNEST GORDON PARMELEE.
The efforts of the real estate dealer are a most potent and far-reaching element in the upbuilding of a community, and in this connection Ernest Gordon Parmelee has rendered notable service to Rochester, his native city. He was born September 1, 1873, a son of William Frank and Julia (Gordon) Parmelee, the former a native of Massillon, Ohio, and the latter of West Henrietta, New York. When a boy of six the father came with his parents to Rochester on a packet, and his education was acquired in the public schools of the city. He served an apprenticeship to the car- riage maker's trade, which he followed for a number of years, and built up a good business. Later he retired from business life and acted for some time as custodian of the Rochester Armory. The mother is still a resident of the city, but he has passed away.
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