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 33
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Miss Griffin was the first member of the Zonta Club in Rochester and became its first treasurer. She is serving on the local board of directors and at the national convention, held in Buffalo in May, 1924, she was elected treasurer of the Confedera- tion of Zonta Clubs, a high office, for which she is exceptionally well qualified. She is a Catholic in religious faith and attends the Rochester cathedral. Her life has been one of intense activity and usefulness, crowned with noteworthy achievement; and her career is an inspiration to all who aspire to the highest level of accomplishment.
LYMAN CLAIR BROUGHTON, M. D.
Dr. Lyman Clair Broughton, who has been actively engaged in the general prac- tice of medicine in Castile for nearly a third of a century, makes a specialty of X-ray work and is widely recognized as the leading Roentgenologist of his section. He was born in Covington, Wyoming county, New York, on the 24th of August, 1869, his parents being Oscar L. and Mary (Barrett) Broughton. The family has been represented in the Genesee country through more than a century, for it was about 1820 that Lyman Broughton, the paternal grandfather of Dr. L. C. Broughton, came to western New York from Vermont and here took up his permanent abode. Oscar L. Broughton successfully followed the profession of dentistry in Buffalo, New York, until death terminated his labors in 1911.
Lyman Clair Broughton supplemented his grade and high school education by a course of study in Wilson Academy and then matriculated in the University of Buffalo for professional training, receiving the degree of M. D. in 1889. The same year he opened an office in Middleport, New York, where he remained for three years. In 1892 he came to Castile, where he has continued to the present time and has built up a practice of extensive and gratifying proportions. Though his practice is of a general nature, he makes a specialty of X-ray work and electro-therapeutics, in which field he has gained such renown that patients come to him from all parts of western New York. Dr. Broughton is in charge of X-ray work in the Wyoming County
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Community Hospital at Warsaw. He is a constant student of his profession and through membership in the Wyoming County, the New York State and the American Medical Associations he keeps in touch with the latest discoveries of eminent representatives of the medical science throughout the country. He is also a member of the New York and New England Railroad Surgeons Association and has been surgeon for the Erie Railroad Company since 1899.
On the 22d of April, 1904, in Castile, New York, Dr. Broughton was united in marriage to Miss Grace E. Voorhees, daughter of John Voorhees of Castile. Dr. and Mrs. Broughton have three children: John Oscar, Lyman C. and William Barrett. Mrs. Broughton and her children are members of the Methodist church. The family maintains a summer home at Silver Lake, where the Doctor indulges his love of fish- ing and boating and other water sports.
Dr. Broughton is a republican in politics and has ably discharged the duties of Coroner for twenty-five years. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Foresters and the Woodmen, while his name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Silver Lake Country Club and the Hornell Medical Club. He has ever held to the highest of professional ethics and the success he has achieved is the outcome of recognized and innate skill, and years of constant study and practical experience.
GEORGE GORDON WANZER, D. D. S.
The name of Wanzer was long a prominent and honored one in professional cir- cles of Rochester in connection with the practice of dentistry. The skill of the father was transmitted to the son, George Gordon Wanzer, who worthily followed in the footsteps of his father, ably sustaining the traditions of the family, and he was also numbered among the gallant officers of the Civil war, in which he served with the rank of major, bravely defending the Union cause on the battlefields of the south. He was born in Auburn, New York, March 10, 1840, and was but two years of age when his parents, Huested and Ann (Chidsey) Wanzer, settled in Rochester. The father was one of the pioneer dentists of the city, rendering that quality of service which only the skilled practitioner is capable of giving to his community, and his professional activities brought him a wide acquaintance, while the substantial traits in his character established him high in public regard.
George Gordon Wanzer attended the public schools of Rochester and was also a pupil in a private school, then situated on Allen street. He continued his studies in the University of Toronto and after completing his course returned to Rochester. At the opening of the Civil war he offered his aid to the Federal government, enlisting for a period of three years, and became a member of the New York State Volunteers. He formed a company, which he took to Elmira, where it became a unit of the Twenty- seventh Regiment, under General Slocum, who was his commanding officer for three years. He was courageous, efficient and trustworthy in the discharge of his duties and rose rapidly, receiving a major's commission before the expiration of his first term. On its completion he reenlisted for another three-year period, joining the Twenty- fourth New York Cavalry, and at the battle of the Wilderness, on the 6th of May, 1864, he was captured by the Confederate forces. He was taken to Libby prison and was later sent to Macon, Georgia, but managed to escape from the building in which he was confined. He was recaptured, however, and was not released until peace was declared. He had to his credit a distinguished military record and during his service the following article appeared in one of the Rochester papers:
"Captain George G. Wanzer of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, who has been at home on recruiting service for a few weeks, is now about to return to his regiment in the field and to active service. His health, impaired by arduous service in the Peninsula during the memorable siege of Richmond, is nearly reestablished and he will join his gallant company with no diminution of zeal for the cause which he was one of the earliest to espouse. He has sent forward a considerable number of recruits and takes a squad with him. The Twenty-seventh has had the fortune to be in the thickest of the fray whenever the Army of the Potomac has been engaged and has always come out with flying colors."
His company had great confidence in his judgment. At the close of a fierce en- gagement his praise was in every man's mouth. He knew no fear and never faltered in the performance of his duty. The anniversary of the receipt of his commission was celebrated May 7, 1862, by his regiment with fitting ceremonies at West Point.
DR. GEORGE G. WANZER
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One ball from the enemy's lines took off a shoulder ornament and another passed through a white zephyr hat which he was wearing. He was shot in the leg at the time he was captured by the Confederate troops and had many harrowing experiences during his imprisonment. After receiving his honorable discharge Major Wanzer returned to Rochester and formed an association with his father, becoming a member of the firm of H. C. Wanzer & Son. Their work represented the highest degree of skill in dental surgery and an extensive practice was indicative of the confidence reposed in their ability.
On October 1, 1867, Major Wanzer was married to Miss Frances Lewis, a daugh- ter of La Fayette and Eleanora E. (Shapley) Lewis, the former a prominent merchant of Hamilton, New York. Major and Mrs. Wanzer had four children: Charles Huested Wanzer, the eldest, who is living retired in Rochester, married Mrs. Carolyn (Smith) Young and they have a daughter, Ruth Haviland; George Lewis Wanzer is a success- ful realtor and resides in Cleveland, Ohio. He married Miss Gertrude Fuller and they have three children, Frances Fuller, George Lewis, Jr., and Charles Huested Wanzer; William Haviland Wanzer is living in California; Mary Harriet, the youngest of the family, is deceased.
Major Wanzer was affiliated with the Third Presbyterian church, conscientiously following its teachings, and during his earlier years was identified with the Masonic order. He was an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to George H. Thomas Post. He was widely known and universally esteemed. Patriotism and devotion to duty were outstanding traits in a character above reproach and his life was an inspiring example of good citizenship.
FELIX M. WOOLWORTH.
Banking is a vital force which is present in all business activity. It participates in the creation of raw products, in manufacture, in distribution and in practically every sale. The business of the Niagara Falls Trust Company is so conducted that there is readily available to its patrons a keen intelligence, reflecting contacts with world-wide conditions, and of this institution Felix M. Woolworth is vice president. He has practically grown up with the business, with which he has been connected throughout the period of its existence, covering thirty years, and manifests the forcefulness, keen sagacity and ready understanding of involved interests which make him one of the chief factors in the promotion of the financial interests of this city.
He was born in Oneida, New York, October 15, 1870, and represents an English family that was founded in America during the colonial epoch in its history. His father, William H. Woolworth, was a native of Massachusetts and when a young man located in Oneida. He was a successful business man and for many years was a member of the Oneida Community Silver Plating Company. In Wallingford, Con- necticut, he was married to Caroline A. Macknet, a member of one of the pioneer families of New Jersey and of Scotch ancestry. Felix M. was the only son of the second marriage, and there is a daughter who was born of the first union.
Felix M. Woolworth attended the Graylock Institute at South Williamstown, Massachusetts, and as a young man came to Niagara Falls. He engaged in the coal business for about three years in association with a partner and at the age of twenty- one became a member of the firm of Kelly & Woolworth, silverware jobbers. This relationship was continued until 1894, when Mr. Woolworth sold his interest in the undertaking and joined the Electric City Bank at the time of its establishment. He has continued with the business, which was subsequently merged with the Niagara Trust Company, and by training, experience and ability he is well qualified for the office of vice president of the institution, which owes much of its success to his execu- tive power and financial insight.
In Glens Falls, New York, in August, 1888, Mr. Woolworth was married to. Miss Morelli Kingsley, a daughter of John Kingsley, a prominent resident of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Woolworth became the parents of four children: Their son, Richard M., died when a young man of twenty-four. He was graduated from Dartmouth College and went to France with the American Expeditionary Forces. He remained in the service for eighteen months, becoming first sergeant in the ordnance department, and after his discharge was appointed a second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps; his brother, Wendell H., is a graduate of Dartmouth College, while he also completed a course in the Thayer School of Engineering, and is now connected with the firm of Johnson & Higgins, insurance agents, with offices in New York city. He went to
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France with the First Division, the first to cross the ocean, and remained in the service of the government until 1922. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and rose to the rank of major. He was an aide to Major General Buck and participated in the notable engagements in the Soissons and Argonne sectors. He was wounded in action and was cited for bravery by General Pershing; Chester M., a graduate of Dartmouth College, also enlisted for service in the World war and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Forty-first Machine Gun Battalion, being stationed at Camp Custer, Michigan, until released from military duty. He is now acting as vice presi- dent and treasurer of the Animal Trap Company of America, with offices at Lititz, Pennsylvania; the other member of the family is a daughter, Carolyn A.
Mr. Woolworth contributed three sons to the service of his country and also "did his bit" as a member of committees which aided in raising war funds. He is a republican in politics but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty, pre- ferring to discharge his public duties in the capacity of a private citizen. He is a Mason in high standing, belonging to the lodge, chapter, council and commandery at Niagara Falls and to the consistory and Shrine at Buffalo. By nature he is genial and sociable and has membership relations with the Niagara Club, the Buffalo Club and the Adirondack League Club. He is an Episcopalian in religious faith and a life of industry, integrity and usefulness has won for him the confidence, esteem and goodwill of his fellowmen.
FAYETTE L. ROCKWELL.
Fayette L. Rockwell is one of the leaders of industrial activity in Wellsville and his success is largely due to concentrated effort, good management and close attention to detail. He was born in Hornell, New York, June 25, 1892, and is a son of J. Lester and Jennie (Case) Rockwell, the latter a native of Norwich, New York. The paternal grandparents, Lemuel and Mary (Van Scoter) Rockwell, were married March 4, 1850, and reared a family of eight children, five of whom are living. Lemuel Rockwell was born in Simsbury, Hartford county, Connecticut, October 9, 1817, and was eight years old when his parents removed to Elmira, New York. He had the misfortune to be born blind but notwithstanding this great handicap became widely known as a musi- cian of more than ordinary ability, teaching both vocal and instrumental music and conducting singing schools throughout this section of the country. His second child, J. Lester Rockwell, became the pioneer silk manufacturer at Hornell and continued in this line until his death on January 29, 1925.
Fayette L. Rockwell attended the grammar and high schools of his native town and afterward became a cadet in the military academy at Montclair, New Jersey. He completed his studies at that institution in 1910 and four years later was gradu- ated from Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, winning the degree of Civil Engi- neer. In 1914, when a young man of twenty-two, he located in Wellsville, forming a partnership with W. Earl Browning. In 1915 they incorporated the business, which has since been conducted under the name of the Victor Aluminum Manufacturing ' Company and is a close corporation. The first officers were: J. L. Rockwell, presi- dent; F. L. Rockwell, vice president and treasurer; and W. E. Browning, secretary. Mr. Browning died in 1918, at which time A. H. Cronauer became secretary, and F. L. Rockwell now acts as manager. In April, 1917, the plant was destroyed by fire but the company immediately prepared to rebuild, securing the most modern equipment for its new factory. The capital stock remains the same, but the volume of business transacted by the firm has increased six hundred per cent since its incorporation. This remarkable growth indicates the ability and enterprise of the men at its head and the company has established a precedent for industrial development in Allegany county and western New York. Mr. Rockwell is also engaged in oil development work in association with Otto Walchli and is likewise a stockholder in the First Trust Company of Wellsville, the Steuben Trust Company of Hornell, New York, and has been a director of the Citizens National Bank of Wellsville since 1924. His powers of organization are supplemented by executive force, and mature judgment is displayed in the management of his business affairs.
On the 3d of February, 1915, Mr. Rockwell was married to Miss Greta Higbie of Wellsville, a daughter of Horace A. and Ella (Duke) Higbie. Mr. and Mrs. Rock- well have two children: Betty Virginia and Maxine Eloise, the former of whom was born May 9, 1916, and the latter on March 5, 1919. Mr. Rockwell is master of the Wellsville Lodge of Masons, has taken the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites, is
FAYETTE L. ROCKWELL
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a Noble of Ismalia Shrine at Buffalo, and is president of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity of Cornell University of Ithaca, New York. He has been honored with the presidency of the Wellsville Country Club, which office he filled for five years, and is now serving as secretary-treasurer of the Brookland Rod & Gun Club. He belongs to the Rotary Club and is also connected with the Cornell Club of New York city. He enjoys outdoor life and golf and fishing are his favorite sports. He is an Episcopalian in religious faith, being a vesteryman in St. John's Episcopal church of Wellsville. His political support is given to the republican party. He was village trustee in 1919-1921, and has been a member of the Village Water & Light Commission since 1922. Mr. Rockwell is practically at the beginning of his career, and judging by his past accomplish- ments, the future holds much in store for him. He is a young man of progressive ideas and enterprising spirit and possesses those traits of character which always elicit admiration and esteem.
AUGUSTUS GRANGER PORTER.
The name of Porter is one of long and close connection with the history of Niagara Falls and the record of Augustus Granger Porter sustains the high reputa- tion which has always been borne by members of this distinguished family. Financial affairs occupy his attention and he is well known in business circles of the city as manager of A. J. Wright & Company, stock brokers, whom he has served in that capacity for more than two decades. He comes of English ancestry and represents one of the honored pioneer families of the Niagara district, mentioned elsewhere in this publication. He was born in Niagara Falls, on the 23d of June, 1876, the fifth child of Albert Augustus and Julia G. (Jeffrey) Porter.
Augustus Granger Porter attended De Veaux College of this city, was also a student at the King School of Stamford, Connecticut, and afterward completed a four-year scientific course in Harvard University, from which he was graduated in 1900. He first became identified with the Ramapo Iron Works at Niagara Falls, fill- ing the position of secretary, and in 1903 entered the service of A. J. Wright & Company, of which he has since been manager. He is one of the most able and suc- cessful representatives of this large financial corporation and as a result of his influence and business sagacity a large and desirable clientele has been secured for the house in this city. The firm deals in high-grade stocks and bonds and is a member of the New York Stock Exchange and the New York and Chicago Boards of Trade.
In Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, on October 21, 1903, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Gertrude Wright, a daughter of A. J. Wright, prominent in financial circles of Buffalo, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have a family of three children: Gertrude Granger, Lovinia Jeffrey and Augustus Porter (VI).
In politics Mr. Porter is a republican with independent tendencies and conscien- tiously discharges the duties of citizenship. He served for two years on the board of police commissioners and during the World war devoted much of his time to Red Cross work. He is a Mason and belongs to the Alpha Delta Phi and Delta Phi fra- ternities. He is also a member of the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770, the Niagara Club and the Niagara Falls Country Club, while his religious views are in accord with the tenets of the Episcopal church. In thoroughness and devotion to duty lies the secret of his success and his fellow citizens unite in bearing testimony as to his public spirit and genuine worth.
RAYMOND E. SLACK.
Raymond E. Slack, one of the most public-spirited and progressive young citizens of Attica, is the popular and efficient cashier of the Bank of Attica, with which insti- tution he has been continuously identified during the past eighteen years, working his way up from a clerkship. He has also been active in the public life of the com- munity as treasurer of Attica for the past decade. He was born in Eldred, Pennsyl- vania, on the 28th of June, 1887, his parents being Charles M. and Matilda (Moody) Slack. The father, a veteran of the Civil war and a lifelong resident of Pennsyl- vania, where he followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active career, passed away on the 1st of January, 1924.
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In the acquirement of an education Raymond E. Slack attended the public schools of his native town, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school in 1902. Five years later he came to Attica, New York, where he secured a position as clerk in the Bank of Attica. Various promotions came to him as he demonstrated his capability and trustworthiness in the faithful discharge of the duties assigned him and he is now serving as cashier, in which important and responsible position his efforts are contributing materially to the steady growth and success of the institution. The Bank of Attica, which was founded in 1856, has a capital stock of forty thousand dollars, with about thirty-three hundred depositors in the Genesee country. Its officers are: C. B. Benedict, president; C. J. Danley, vice president; R. E. Slack, cashier; and John B. Ulmer and Fred J. Schreiber, assistant cashiers.
On the 31st of August, 1907, in Buffalo, New York, Mr. Slack was united in mar- riage to Miss Julia Guignette, daughter of Charles and Marie (Nicholas) Guignette. Her father was formerly president of the board of directors of the Eldred Window G.ass Company of Eldred, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have a son; Raymond E., Jr., who was born on the 14th of August, 1914.
Mr. Slack has taken an active and helpful interest in community affairs and is making an excellent record as treasurer of Attica, in which capacity he has served continuously since 1914. He is likewise the president of the Attica fire department and is ex-president and a member of the board of directors of the Attica Advertising Club. Fraternally he is identified with all of the Masonic bodies, is president of the board of directors of Attica Lodge, F. & A. M., and is also a trustee of the local organization of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has served in every official capacity. For recreation Mr. Slack turns to baseball, motoring, hunting and other outdoor sports. He is a man of genial and pleasing personality and all who know him are his friends.
TERRENCE JAMES HANLON.
The United States has no better citizens than those who come to her from the Emerald isle. Honest, industrious and full of civic pride, they strengthen the best interests of every community in which they are found. Of this type was Terrence Jame, Hanlon, who came to America in his youth and rose to the top through con- scientious application to duty and the strength of his mental endowments, becoming one of Rochester's substantial business men and progressive citizens. He was born in Ireland, on the 14th of August, 1860, and came to this city in 1878, when eighteen years of age. Being dependable, energetic and capable, he had no difficulty in securing employment, and rose rapidly as he demonstrated his worth and ability. He was identified with the iron business and for some time was in the service of the firm of Lancy & Barker, acting as foreman. He was also associated with Levi Hay and eventually established a business of his own, securing a location on State street. He organized the firm of T. J. Hanlon & Company and ably guided its destiny, placing the enterprise upon a solid financial basis. He had executive force and his success was also due to his tireless industry, to his close personal attention to detail, and to probity and courage, tempered with conservatism.
On November 4, 1889, in Rochester, Mr. Hanlon was married to Miss Alice Friday ard they became the parents of four children, but lost their firstborn, Alice. The others are: Terrence George, who married Miss Gertrude Hall and they have two daughters, Mary Gertrude and Suzanne; Rose May, who is now Mrs. Leslie Ingerson of Newark, New York; Victor James, married Freda Lurch and they have a daughter, Barerly Jean. He is continuing his father's business, which is prospering under his able management. He joined the New York National Guard and was sent to the Mexican border with Company G, of Rochester, under command of Major Couchman. After its return to the city the company was ordered to France and became a part of the Twenty-seventh Division. Mr. Hanlon remained with the company for fourteen months and participated in many notable engagements. He was faithful and cour- ageous in the performance of duty and served successively as corporal, sergeant and second lieutenant. Terrence G. is also a veteran of the World war, in which he served as a member of the Second H. M. O. R. S.
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