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 39
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Emil G. Schauman was born in the city of Rochester, on June 29, 1890. As a boy he attended public school No. 20, after which he enrolled in the Mechanics Institute. He left that institution, however, before he completed the course, to accept a position in the drafting department of the Eastman Kodak Company. After several years with that company he entered the Eckles School of Embalming to qualify himself for the business of undertaker and funeral director. Having passed the examination and secured a license from the state board, he entered into business with his father. When his father retired he and his brother, George J., took over the business and they have ever since conducted it. The company keeps abreast with all the improve- ments in the undertaking business and is recognized as one of the progressive con- cerns of its kind in the Flower city.
On June 11, 1913, Mr. Schauman was married to Miss Minnie F. Zellweger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Zellweger of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Schauman have two children: Lois E., born December 28, 1915; and Robert W., born June 29, 1917. Mr. Schauman belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Seneca Lodge, No. 920, F. & A. M .; Hamilton Chapter, Monroe Commandery, Damascus Temple and the Masonic Club. He is also a member of the Rochester Automobile Club, the Masonic Club and the Salem Evangelical church.
DELMER E. BATCHELLER.
Delmer E. Batcheller has devoted his life to educational work and forty-three years of experience have well qualified him for the responsible position of superin- tendent of schools of North Tonawanda, New York, which have made notable progress under his able direction. He was born in Stockton, Chautauqua county, this state, February 27, 1862, a son of Joseph E. and Achsah (Munger) Batcheller, both natives of that county, in which the Munger family settled in 1810. The Batchellers migrated from Massachusetts to New York and became pioneers in the development of Chau- tauqua county. Joseph E. Batcheller followed the occupation of farming as a means of livelihood and was called to public office, serving as supervisor at Stockton, New York. There he was married to Miss Munger and three children were born to them, two sons and a daughter, Delmer E. being the youngest member of the family.
Delmer E. Batcheller acquired his early training in the public schools of Stockton and in 1881 he completed a course in the State Normal School. He also took post- graduate work in the University of Illinois, which in 1898 conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. His first experience as a teacher was gained at Gerry, New York, in 1881, and he afterward followed his profession in Perrysburg, Stockton, Ripley and Mayville. In 1886 he went to Buffalo as principal of one of the grammar schools of that city, and in 1902 was appointed superintendent of schools in Olean, this state. He tendered his resignation in 1907 and in 1908 accepted a similar position in Dunkirk, New York. In 1912 he returned to Olean and had charge of the schools there until 1919, when he came to North Tonawanda as superin- tendent of its public schools, which have an enrollment of two thousand seven hundred
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pupils. Eighty-five teachers are employed and the high school course covers four years. He has instituted improvements in the methods of instruction and exerts his influence to better school facilities and equipment. He thoroughly understands the needs of the pupils and has secured the harmonious cooperation of the instructors.
In Ripley, New York, in 1884, Mr. Batcheller was married to Miss Saville H. Rickenbrode, a daughter of Jacob Rickenbrode, whose home was formerly in Venango county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Batcheller have become the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter. The oldest, Delmer Elliot, Jr., has chosen his father's vocation and is instructor in English at the East high school in Rochester. On November 26, 1917, he was married to Madeline Brooks of Silver Creek, New York, and they have a daughter. Mr. Batcheller enlisted in the United States Infantry during the progress of the World war and went overseas with the Three Hundred and Third Ammunition Train, which was attached to the seventy-eighth Division. He participated in the Argonne and St. Mihiel drives and spent twenty months in the service of his country. He was made a sergeant March 1, 1918, and received his honorable discharge at Camp Dix, New Jersey; his sister, Margaret E., resides in Port Arthur, Texas; Carl Arthur, the younger son, was married to Miss Helen Gunn of Port Arthur, and is with the Standard Oil Company at Buffalo. He also is a veteran of the World war. In August, 1917, he enlisted in the aviation service, becoming a member of the Signal Corps, and on December 1, 1917, was made corporal. He was promoted to sergeant January 1, 1918, and on May 13, 1918, was commissioned second lieutenant. He went to France, June 17, 1918, and returned to the United States on December 21, 1919.
Mr. Batcheller contributed his share of patriotic service as a Four-Minute speaker and delivered many public addresses in Olean, New York. He is connected with the State Teachers' Association and the National Education Association and has served as vice president of the former society. He belongs to the Rotary Club of North Tonawanda and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Batcheller keeps in touch with the most advanced thought of the day along educational lines and has placed the schools of this city upon a high plane.
GEORGE WILLIS BABCOCK.
George Willis Babcock, a successful representative of the legal profession in Batavia during the past quarter century, has also been an active factor in public life and has served as referee in bankruptcy for the counties of Genesee, Wyoming and Allegany since his appointment to that position in 1923. He was born in Elba, Genesee county, New York, on the 26th of September, 1874, his parents being Alva and Mary L. (Willis) Babcock. The first representative of the Babcock family in the Genesee country was Asa Babcock, who came to this part of the state from Con- necticut in the eighteenth century and participated in the War of 1812 with the rank of captain. John Willis, maternal ancestor of George Willis Babcock of this review, also took up his abode in western New York in the eighteenth century and fought in the second war with England. Alva Babcock, the father of George W. Babcock, was a lifelong resident of this part of the Empire state and devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results. He served on the county sessions with Judge Peck for one year. In 1918 he was called to his final rest, the community thus sustaining the loss of one of its respected and substantial citizens.
George Willis Babcock completed his studies in the grade and high schools of Batavia by graduation in 1893, and in the following year finished a course in the Rochester Business Institute. Having determined to prepare for law practice, he next entered the University of Buffalo, which institution conferred upon him the degree of LL. B. in 1899. In October of that year he opened an office in Batavia, where he has since followed his chosen profession and has built up a large and lucrative general practice. He has membership in the Genesee County Bar Association.
Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Mr. Babcock served as justice of the peace in Batavia for more than sixteen years and also made a splendid record as the first city judge of Batavia, continuing on the bench from 1914
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until 1920, or for a period of six years. Since 1923 he has capably discharged the duties of referee in bankruptcy for Genesee, Wyoming and Allegany counties. This appointment, which is made by the United States Department of Justice and prohibits holding any other office, is generally for life.
On the 16th of July, 1902, in Batavia, New York, Mr. Babcock was married to Mary E. Foster, daughter of Henry S. and H. Eliza (Dean) Foster of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are the parents of one son: Sherman Foster Babcock, who was born on the 25th of December, 1911. Mr. Babcock is a man of domestic tastes who finds his greatest pleasure at home in the companionship of the members of his family.
An active worker in the local ranks of the republican party, Mr. Babcock has been for many years a member of the republican county committee, and at present is assistant secretary of that organization. He belongs to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and is also a consistent member of the First Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks, and is leading knight in the latter organization. He is a worthy descendant of honored pioneer families of the Genesee country and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation in its professional circles, while his personal characteristics are such as have gained for him many warm friends.
PETER A. PORTER, JR.
Peter A. Porter, Jr., represents the fourth generation of the family in Niagara county and his life has been passed in harmony with that of an honored ancestry. He was born in the city of Niagara Falls, November 16, 1877, and is one of the three sons in the family of Peter A. Porter, Sr. He attended De Veaux College in Niagara Falls, St. Paul's School at Concord, New Hampshire, and also had the benefit of study in the excellent educational institutions of Germany. In 1898, when a young man of twenty-one, he became secretary and treasurer of the Niagara reservation, serving in the dual capacity until 1903, and now acts as secretary of the Thompson estate, maintaining offices in Buffalo. His duties are discharged with characteristic thorough- ness and efficiency and he is watchful of every opportunity that tends to promote the interests in his charge.
In 1907 Mr. Porter was married to Miss Geneva Thompson, whose father was one of the foremost business men of Buffalo, and thus united two of the oldest and most prominent families of Niagara county. During the progress of the World war Mr. Porter joined the Home Guard and also served on the Liberty Loan committees of North Tonawanda, likewise working for the success of the Red Cross and other drives. He belongs to the Buffalo Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and to the Society of Colonial Wars, and that he enjoys the social amenities of life is indicated by his membership in the Saturn, Park and Buffalo Clubs, the Buffalo Automobile and Athletic Clubs, the New York Club, the Niagara and Niagara Falls Country Clubs, the Lockport Country Club, and the New York City and Everglades Club of Palm Beach, Florida. He has been loyal to every trust reposed in him and a life of rightly directed endeavor has enabled him to win and retain the esteem of his fellowmen. His residence is in North Tonawanda and his summer home is at Narra- gansett Pier, Rhode Island.
WILLIAM J. RICHARDSON.
William J. Richardson figures prominently in financial circles of Allegany county as president of the Citizens National Bank of Wellsville, which he assisted in organiz- ing in 1895 and of which he has been at the head for the past twenty-six years. He is likewise officially identified with a number of important business concerns of the state and has long been numbered among the influential and leading citizens of his native county. He was born in Richburg, Allegany county, New York, on the 31st of March, 1848, his parents being Alvin Richardson, Jr., and Rebecca (Gray) Richardson. The paternal grandfather, Alvin Richardson, Sr., left Otsego county, this state, in 1819 to take up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Allegany county. He erected a tavern and also built the first grist mill and sawmill on the present site of Richburg, which town was named in his honor. His son, Alvin Richardson, Jr., who was five years of age when brought to Allegany county by his parents,
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succeeded his father as proprietor of the inn and subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, being an extensive landowner. He had attained the age of seventy-nine years when called to his final rest in 1894.
William J. Richardson obtained his education in the Richburg Academy and the Genesee Valley Seminary and subsequently followed the profession of teaching for three years. He next engaged in farming in the vicinity of Richburg for six years and afterward spent a similar period, from 1881 until 1887, in the employ of the First National Bank of Richburg. It was in 1887 that he organized the State Bank of Bel- mont, where he remained for a decade, or until March, 1897. In the latter year he came to Wellsville to accept the cashiership of the Citizens National Bank, which he had assisted in organizing in 1895. In 1918 Mr. Richardson was made president of the institution, the continued growth and success of which is largely attributable to his wise control and to a sound financial policy which protects the interests of deposi- tors and stockholders alike. His cooperation and counsel have also been factors in the successful management of a number of important corporations. He has been treasurer of the Wellsville Refining Company since its organization in 1902; is treasurer of the Pure Carbon Company of Wellsville; director of the Moore Steam Turbine Cor- poration of Wellsville; director and vice president of the Wellsville Wholesale Tobacco Company of Wellsville; director and treasurer of the Wellsville Development Com- pany of Wellsville; director of the Guarantee Bond & Mortgage Company of Buffalo; and director of the Merchants Mutual Casualty Company of Buffalo.
In 1872 Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Jordan of Rich- burg, New York. Their son, Fred B., who was born in 1874, departed this life in 1908. Mr. Richardson is a republican in his political views and a stanch supporter of prohibition. He has served as town supervisor for two years and as a member of the board of education for fourteen years, acting as its president during seven years of that period. He is highly esteemed as a worthy representative of a family which for more than a century has been identified with the growth and development of Allegany county along material, intellectual, political, social and moral lines.
WILLIAM JAMES SIMPSON.
William James Simpson, president of the Genesee Valley Trust Company, has been identified with the banking interests of Rochester for over thirty years and his present position, as executive head of one of the city's most progressive financial institutions, is directly the result of the capable manner in which he has filled the sev- eral positions previously occupied in banking circles. He was born in this city on the 13th of October, 1877, his parents being Joseph T. and Isabella (Tytler) Simpson, the former a native of Albion, New York, and the latter of Ontario, Canada. Joseph T. Simpson, like his father before him, was a stone contractor, building stone dwell- ings of the substantial type constructed for a century of service. He passed away in Rochester in 1883 and for more than three decades was survived by his wife, whose death occurred in 1915. Their family numbered seven children: Sophie E., of Roches- ter; Mrs. Isabella L. Buckland of Irondequoit; Alexander T., Joseph T., William James, Frederick M. and Charles A., all residents of Rochester.
William James Simpson acquired his education in the schools of Rochester but at an early age put aside his textbooks to enter the office of a Rochester attorney, with whom he remained for two years. A business rather than a professional career ap- pealing to him, he gave up his work in the law office to accept the position of bank messenger with the Alliance Bank of Rochester, in March, 1896, with which institution and its successor, the Lincoln-Alliance Bank, he continued through the succeeding nearly twenty-seven years, advancing through the various intermediate positions to that of second vice president of the Lincoln-Alliance Bank. On the 1st of July, 1922, he severed his connection with the Lincoln-Alliance Bank to accept the proffered presi- dency of the Genesee Valley Trust Company, of which he has remained at the head. The growth of this institution under Mr. Simpson's management represents a mag- nificent tribute to his executive ability and is one of the outstanding achievements in Rochester bank development of recent years.
On the 7th of June, 1904, in Rochester, Mr. Simpson was united in marriage to Miss Helen E. Van Vechten, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Van Vechten, rep- resenting a prominent family of Batavia, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have three daughters: Margaret E., Helen F., and Jean I. Fraternally Mr. Simpson is identified with the Masons, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership
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in the First Presbyterian church. His appreciation for the social amenities of life is manifest in his membership connection with the Genesee Valley Club, the Oak Hill Country Club, the Washington Club and the Automobile Club of Rochester.
M. G. BURCH, M. D.
A surgeon of high quality, a popular citizen, and a man with a distinguished war record is Dr. M. G. Burch of Hornell, New York, who has practiced in Hornell for fourteen years and has gained a fine reputation in the vicinity. He was born in Ca- lais, Maine, February 1, 1888, the son of William M. and Lizzie A. (Decker) Burch, both natives of New England. Although his ancestors were English, his great-great- grandfather served with Washington during the Revolutionary war.
M. G. Burch attended the schools of North Adams, Massachusetts, and Albany Medical College, from which latter institution, he graduated in 1911 and then took a postgraduate course (interne work) in Arnot-Ogden Hospital of Elmira, New York.
In June, 1917, Dr. Burch enlisted in the United States army for service in the World war, and was commissioned a captain in the Medical Corps. After some service in this country he was sent to France, where he served in the Oisne-Aisne and Meuse Argonne offensives and with the Army of Occupation. He was discharged August 19, 1919, after over two years of active service. In 1922 Dr. Burch, a republican, was elected county coroner, despite the fact that nearly all of the ticket elected were democrats. But his personal popularity broke down party lines.
Dr. Burch was united in marriage, to Margie E. Dunning, in Hornell, on January 1, 1918. They have one daughter, Marilynn Eleanor. Dr. Burch's father, William M. Burch, was secretary of the Federal Mutual Insurance Company of Boston and was republican "Boss" in Massachusetts for many years. Dr. Burch belongs to the Amer- ican Legion, the Odd Fellows and the Elks. In the Masonic order he belongs to Hor- nell Lodge, No. 331, A. F. & A. M .; Hornell Chapter, R. A. M .; DeMolay Command- ery and Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Rochester, New York. He belongs to the city, county, state and American Medical Associations. Dr. Burch is a young physician who has already made a name for himself and may be expected to add new laurels as the years go by.
HARRY CLAY HERMANCE.
In the business and professional worlds the men who rise to eminence are those who willingly devote a lifetime to their chosen vocation with no thought of wealth or profit beyond that which naturally follows worthy achievement, realizing the fact that true success is measured by the standard of usefulness. Judged by this standard, Harry Clay Hermance is one of Rochester's most successful business men for, inspired by the highest ideals in his work, he has rendered valuable service to the citizens of this community as an undertaker and embalmer. He is the pioneer in this business, which has claimed his undivided attention for fifty-three years, and during this period he has become widely and favorably known, enjoying in full measure the respect and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. He was born in Brook- lyn, New York, December 14, 1852, a son of Charles Philer and Charlotte (Cook) Hermance, who were also natives of the Empire state. The former was born in Troy, Rensselaer county, and the latter in Bristol, Ontario county. The father was an inventor and a mechanical genius. He died in early manhood, when the Civil war was at its height, and the mother afterward went to the Pacific coast, becoming a resident of Spokane, Washington, where she passed away. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hermance, three sons and two daughters. Those now living are: Harry Clay and Mrs. Helena Murrell, both of Rochester.
Harry Clay Hermance received his education in Brooklyn and after leaving high school became traveling salesman for a firm dealing in funeral accessories. Rochester was included in his territory and among the morticians upon whom he called in this city was C. V. Jeffries. They became close friends and Mr. Hermance eventually resigned his position to enter the undertaking business with Mr. Jeffries, with whom he was associated until the latter's death. The son, L. A. Jeffries, succeeded the father in the business and when the Jeffries Undertaking & Embalming Company was formed
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Mr. Hermance became its president. He filled that office until 1914, when he severed his relations with the firm and established the Harry C. Hermance Undertaking Company, of which he is sole owner. Since 1920 Mr. Hermance has owned and occu- pied the property at No. 683 Main street, East, which is one of the finest properties in the city devoted to the undertaking business. He has an expert knowledge of the business and has long maintained a position of leadership in this field. His establish- ment is thoroughly modern in its appointments and equipment. Its service is adapted to every need and its personnel is capable and experienced. Mr. Hermance is the pioneer undertaker of western New York and although he has passed the Psalmist's . allotted span of threescore years and ten he remains at the helm of his business, retaining much of his physical and mental vigor, for time has dealt kindly with him. He belongs to the National Funeral Directors Association and is one of the five mem- bers comprising the state board of embalming examiners.
In 1882 Mr. Hermance was married to Miss Mary A. Garvey, who was a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Garvey, a prominent Rochester family. Her death occurred on July 14, 1923. Mr. Hermance was married to Miss Anna F. Garvey of Rochester, a sister of his first wife, on February 18, 1925. Mr. Hermance is an Episcopalian in religious faith and attends Christ church, contributing liberally toward its sup- port. He is a Royal Arch Mason and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce has long numbered him among its valued members. He has lived to see great changes in the city as the work of development and improvement has been carried forward and at all times has stood for those things which are of municipal benefit. He has ever recognized the duties and obligations of life, discharging the former promptly and efficiently and meeting the latter in the fullest degree, and his friends are legion.
WILLIAM BELL BOOTHBY.
William Bell Boothby, whom Rochester numbers among her well known, popular and successful young business men, is secretary of the William S. Riley Company, wholesale dealers in butter, eggs and cheese. His identification with this concern covers a period of twenty-three years, during which he has risen from the position of office boy to one of executive control. He was born in Augusta, Maine, on the 4th of July, 1885, his parents being Clinton L. and Mary Lucy (Whitehouse) Boothby, who are also natives of that state. It was in the year 1887 that they established their home in Rochester, New York, and here they have remained since, enjoying an ex- tensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community. The father was one of the pioneer nurserymen of the vicinity.
In the acquirement of an education William Bell Boothby attended School No. 15 in Rochester to the age of sixteen years, when he entered the employ of the William S. Riley Company in the capacity of office boy. Recognition of his ability and trust- worthiness brought him promotion from time to time, and at length he became active in the management of the business when chosen to the position of secretary. The enterprise has been developed to extensive and profitable proportions and not a little of its success may be attributed to his efforts, for he is a young man of excellent business ability and keen discernment.
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