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 4
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washer, the only one of its kind in Rochester, by means of which every bottle is thoroughly cleansed and brushed inside and out. The greatest precautions are taken in the preparation of the milk, which is not touched by human hands from the time it reaches the plant until bottled and placed in the refrigerator. The company is sole distributor of the Browndale Farms Certified Jersey milk, which received the blue ribbon and cup as first prize at the national certified milk exhibit in Chicago. The milk is produced and bottled in Warsaw, New York, and shipped to Rochester in iced containers. The cows and plant are under the weekly inspection of the com- mission and the milk boasts of the best mark in Rochester given by the Monroe Medical Commission. The firm also has the exclusive privilege of distributing the Butchers Farm Grade A Guernsey milk, produced and bottled in Fulton and shipped to the city under the inspection of the Rochester Health Bureau. It is the finest grade of Guernsey milk to be found in the city and is sold in large quantities. The company bears an unassailable reputation for integrity and reliability and the pronounced success of the business is attributable to the high standards of service adopted by Mr. Mertz, his progressive policy and expert knowledge of the industry.
On November 30, 1919, Mr. Mertz was married to Miss Grace E. Tucker, a daughter of Dr. Charles J. Tucker, a prominent physician of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Mertz have a son: Richard Lucius, born July 17, 1921. Mr. Mertz is a Knights Templar Mason and in the consistory has attained the thirty-second degree. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is one of the influential members of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association, the Kiwanis C.ub and the Automobile Club. He is a member of the Corn Hill Methodist Episcopal church and consistently follows its teachings. Mr. Mertz has ever manifested a spirit of helpfulness and devotion to the general good and is recognized as a public- spirited citizen and an exceptionally capable business man.
CHARLES HENRY STUART.
Industrial progress in Newark has received marked impetus from the initiative spirit and well directed efforts of Charles Henry Stuart, who has built up a large manufacturing enterprise and is also at the head of an extensive nursery business. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability and Newark is proud to number him among her native sons. He was born September 18, 1868, of the union of Charles W. Stuart and Caroline Emmons, the former a native of Onondaga county and the latter of Port Chester, New York. They were married in Port Chester and became the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. At the time of the Civil war the father offered his services to the federal government but was rejected, being unable to pass the severe physical test. In 1855 he had embarked in the nursery business in Newark, organizing the firm of C. W. Stuart & Company, and in this venture he was very successful, ably guiding the destiny of the concern for many years. His activities were not narrowed to business affairs and as supervisor and president of the village he rendered valuable service to his community.
Charles Henry Stuart, the second child in the family, attended the public schools of Newark and afterward spent two years as a student in Cornell University, specializ- ing in chemistry. In 1889, when twenty-one years of age, he joined his father in the nursery business and they were associated until the latter's death in 1923. The busi- ness was established in 1852 and has been in continuous operation for a period of seventy-two years. It is one of the oldest and largest of the kind in the United States and is composed of several subsidiary companies. The firm of C. W. Stuart & Company caters exclusively to the retail trade. In 1903 Mr. Stuart formed the C. H. Stuart Company, manufacturing chemists, and has since been its president. Under his able administration the business has grown steadily and the factory operatives now number one hundred, while over two hundred persons are employed in the office. The firm manufactures toilet requisites, shaving creams, tooth paste, perfumes and flavoring extracts and conducts the only business of the kind in Wayne county. There is a large demand for its products, owing to their purity and excellence, and in its dealings with the public the firm adheres to the highest standards of commercial ethics.
In New York city, in 1905, Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Jane Knight, a daughter of A. L. Knight. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart have a son, L. K. Stuart, who is twenty-six years of age and is associated in business with his father. He was mar-
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ried to Miss Harriet Sanford, who lived in the vicinity of Orange, New Jersey, and they have a daughter, Margaret Coventry.
During the World war Mr. C. H. Stuart utilized his plant for government work, developing and manufacturing special gases. He is a republican in politics and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs but has never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He is a member of the Episcopal church and for thirty years was one of its vestrymen. His religion is carried into his daily life and he never fails to inspire respect for his strength of character, admiration for his business ability and confidence in his integrity.
RICHARD OLIVER GREGORY, M. D.
Among the younger physicians of Elmira is Dr. Richard Oliver Gregory, who is worthily following in the professional footsteps of his father. He was born in Troy, Pennsylvania, in 1885, a son of Dr. George W. and Nellie (Oliver) Gregory, the latter also a native of that place. The father was born near Auburn, New York, and com- pleted his education in the Union Medical College at Albany. He was numbered among the leading members of Elmira's medical fraternity and practiced here until his death, which occurred on the 25th of February, 1915. The mother still resides in this city. He was identified with the Masonic order and gave his political support to the republican party, while his religious views were in harmony with the doctrines of the Presbyterian church. Dr. and Mrs. Gregory were the parents of two children: Richard Oliver, of this review, and Margaret, who is the wife of T. J. Berry of Tioga, Pennsylvania.
Richard O. Gregory was a student in the Elmira schools and prepared for his profession in the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1909. He began practice with his father, from whom he received the advantage of personal advice and guidance during the years when he was establishing a foothold in the profession. In 1918 he laid aside personal considerations and responded to the call to the colors, in the World war. In the fall of that year he was sent to Camp Meade, Maryland, where he was stationed until his release from military service in May, 1919, at which time he was holding the rank of first lieutenant. He resumed the work of his profession in Elmira on the 24th of that month and is now caring for a large practice.
On April 20, 1911, Dr. Gregory was married to Miss Antoinette Spring, who was born in Bath, New York, and received her education in Elmira College. They have two children: George S. and Elizabeth. Mrs. Gregory is a member of the First Baptist Church, and its teachings guide her in the daily relations of life. The Doctor belongs to the Elmira Golf and Country Club and gives his political support to the republican party. He holds membership in the Chemung County and New York State Homeopathic Medical Societies.
FREDERICK J. MAIER.
Frederick J. Maier, proprietor of the Elm Bowling Hall, is a representative of an old and prominent family of Rochester and one of the enterprising and sub- stantial business men of his native city, in which he is widely and favorably known. He was born March 12, 1878, a son of L. W. and Mary (Kiefer) Maier, and his mother is one of Rochester's native daughters. She engaged in teaching previous to her marriage and has reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. The father was born in Germany and when a boy of twelve came to the United States. He was one of Rochester's honored pioneers and became superintendent of the House of Refuge for boys, of which he had charge until the institution was closed. In 1872 he opened an undertaking establishment at No. 5 North Clinton street, remaining at that location for a quarter of a century. He was numbered among Rochester's sub- stantial business men and highly respected citizens, enjoying the esteem of many friends. His life was brought to a close in September, 1902, when he had reached the age of sixty-seven years. He was the father of seven children, four of whom survive: William F., Frederick J., Mrs. Joseph T. Otto and Mrs. J. Oscar Schuchart, all of whom are residents of the city.
Frederick J. Maier attended St. Joseph's parochial school, also the public schools,
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and completed his education in the Rochester Free Academy, in which he spent two years as a student. For several years he was identified with the manufacture of surgical instruments and in 1906 directed his energies into another channel, erecting a bowling hall on Elm street, which he has since conducted. He is the owner of the property, which is very valuable, being situated in the heart of the downtown district. He is also interested in various other real estate holdings in desirable sections of the city. Mr. Maier owns a half interest in the Genesee Amusement Company, being a partner of Thomas Northway in that enterprise. He has prospered in his undertakings and is regarded as a business man of foresight and good judgment.
On June 3, 1915, Mr. Maier was married to Miss Lillie Tooker of Rochester, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Tooker, residents of Canada. John Frederick Maier, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Maier, was born March 25, 1924. Mr. Maier is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Rochester Club, and his religious views are in harmony with the tenets of the Roman Catholic church. A man of progressive ideas, he cooperates heartily in all movements for the benefit of his city and state and is therefore a serviceable factor in general advancement. Mr. Maier's residence is at No. 215 Canterbury road.
JAMES T. MILLER.
In the passing of James T. Miller, twelve years ago, Rochester sustained the loss of one of her honored and successful business men and eminent citizens. He was born on the Miller farm of twenty acres located in Lamson, Onondaga county, New York, on the 25th of October, 1864, and he passed away at his home at No. 325 Oxford street in Rochester, this state, on August 19, 1913. He was one of a family of ten children and received his early education in the county district schools, con- tinuing his studies in the high school in Phoenix, Oswego county, New York.
James T. Miller was a youth of seventeen when he took up his permanent abode in Rochester. He began his career as a clerk in one of the city's mercantile estab- lishments and there worked his way upward until admitted to a junior partnership. Realizing and utilizing the opportunities offered in the field of real estate, he grad- ually developed a most substantial business of that character and eventually aban- doned his mercantile interests in order to devote his attention exclusively to real estate dealing and to building operations. With these activities thoroughly organ- ized and prosperous, he turned to another line in which he saw potential advantages. In association with Winfield P. and Charles J. Pembroke he formed the Kee Lox Manufacturing Company and began making typewriter ribbons and carbon paper. The Messrs. Pembroke were the owners of the patents, processes and formulas under which the Kee Lox Company manufactured their products, and were practical men in the factory department of the business. Mr. Miller was secretary-treasurer of the company from its organization until his death, and under his wise office and financial management the company won high reputation and standing. The product of the factory was of superior quality, and with factory and office closely coordinating, a business of great magnitude resulted. The Kee Lox product gained international reputation and the Kee Lox Company became one of Rochester's important corpora- tions. Mr. Miller, although secretary-treasurer, was conceded the executive manage- ment of the company, and under his able control and methods the Kee Lox Company became very prosperous, its financial standing and reputation for honorable dealing being very high. He possessed untiring energy, was very resourceful, quick both to plan and execute, and confined himself perhaps too closely to his business, as he died a comparatively young man, not having reached the age of fifty when death called him.
On the 17th of June, 1903, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Carrie E. Reeder, who survives him and still makes her home in Rochester, where she enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance.
A contemporary biographer said: "Mr. Miller was a man of public spirit, and Rochester profited through the keen interest he manifested in the welfare and de- velopment of his city. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and always could be relied upon to support any movement endorsed by the Chamber. He was a warm friend to the Young Men's Christian Association, was greatly interested in the work of the Mechanics Institute, and aided all good causes. He was a student of Spiritualism for several years and an active, helpful member of the American Society for Psychical Research. His life furnishcs an example which should prove an in-
Eng by E G Williams & Bro NY
The Americon Historical Society
Photo by JE Mock
James J Miller
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spiration to the young man seeking to win his 'place in the sun' against adverse circumstances. He began at the lowest round of fortune's ladder, but he stayed there only for the time required to place his feet upon the next round, and that was true until he had reached the top. In every position he occupied he met the require- ments so well that when a vacancy occurred he was the natural choice for advance- ment. He possessed the two requirements a young man must have to succeed- a stout heart and a clean mind, and to these he added that other prime requisite- industry. Through his entire business career he was a model of integrity and honor, making no engagements which he did not keep, nor promise he could not fulfill. He compiled a business record of which any man might be proud; he was honored and respected wherever known, and his life stands as an example of the heights of business success a young man may aspire to and reach if he lives as cleanly, works as intelligently and as industriously, and as closely observes the homely virtues of honesty, industry and fidelity as did James T. Miller. During his residence in Rochester he contributed to the strength of its citizens and left behind him a mon- ument in the form of a prosperous manufacturing enterprise, a record of upright- ness and integrity, and an example of right living worthy of emulation."
A. L. DARLING, M. D.
Dr. A. L. Darling, a representative and successful member of the medical fraternity in Corning, is a physician of pronounced skill who has been accorded an extensive general practice during the seven years of his residence in the city. He was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of June, 1870, and belongs to an old American family whose progenitor in this country crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower. Dr. Darling and his brother, Carlos Darling, are members of the Mayflower Society. Both his father and grandfather, Dr. Lewis Darling, Jr., and Dr. Lewis Darling, Sr., were physicians by profession who served as surgeons in the Union army during the period of the Civil war.
A. L. Darling supplemented his early educational training by a course of study in Elmira Academy, from which he was graduated in 1888, and then entered the medical department of the University of Buffalo, which in 1892 conferred upon him the degree of M. D. He began practice in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, where he continued for a quarter of a century, being accorded a gratifying patronage. In 1917 he came to Corning, where he has remained to the present time and has gained an enviable reputation for professional ability of a high order. Actuated by the laudable ambition to progress, he has ever kept in touch with the latest scientific researches and discoveries along medical and surgical lines through his membership in the Corning Medical Society and the New York State Medical Society.
Dr. Darling has two living sons: Lewis A. and Waldo P. His son, Carlos M. Darling, who was born on the 12th of September, 1899, was a medical student in Hobart College when the United States entered the World war. He enlisted in the Medical Corps and after a period of honorable service was stricken with pneumonia and died on the 21st of December, 1918. He had made the supreme sacrifice.
In politics Dr. Darling maintains an independent attitude, giving his country, commonwealth and county the allegiance of a one hundred per cent American and supporting the candidates whom he deems most worthy of public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also belongs to the Corning Country Club. He is an exponent of all that is highest and best in his profession and of all that is worthy and honorable in his relations with his fellowmen.
NATHAN R. WICKERSHAM.
Nathan R. Wickersham, general superintendent of the Ingersoll-Rand Company of Painted Post, New York, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 7, 1874, and following grammar school days he went to work for the Pencoyd Iron Works as an apprentice machinist, working for them for four years and then going to Bement Miles & Company for five years more. Five years of service with the Bethlehem Steel Company preceded his connection with the Ingersoll-Rand Company. It was in 1903 that Mr. Wickersham was called to Painted Post as superintendent for the Ingersoll-
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Rand Company. When Mr. Wickersham came to the Ingersoll-Rand Company the plant was a very small one. Today seven hundred men are employed and the concern is the mainstay of Painted Post. The management's humane treatment of labor and its abil- ity to create harmony is notable. The wonderful esprit de corps, so noticeable in the entire plant, is made possible by the efforts of Mr. Wickersham, Mr. Hollister and Mr. Pitts, the three local officials. The plant made munitions for the government during the World war and wisely followed the motto: "Help America and the boys overseas" instead of the "profits first" plan of many industries.
The parents of Nathan Wickersham were John M. K. and Florence R. (Rowland) Wickersham. John M. K. Wickersham was an oil operator in Pennsylvania, and his father, John B. Wickersham, was one of the organizers of the Grand Old Party in 1854. Mr. Wickersham's grandfather, Nathan Rowland, was an organizer of the fam- ous Union League Club of Philadelphia.
In October, 1898, Nathan Wickersham was married to Miss Ellen P. Wynkoop of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and they have three children: Leonore, now the wife of Lieutenant George H. Miller, U. S. N .; Nathan R., Jr., and. Rowland de Benneville Wickersham. In politics Nathan Wickersham is an independent, voting for the man rather than the party. He has served as police commissioner of Corning for several years and was president of the Red Cross during the World war. He was reared a Quaker but is now a member of the Presbyterian church. He lists his favorite recrea- tion as golf. He is a member of Montour Lodge, F. & A. M., Painted Post; of the Amer- ican Society of Mechanical Engineers and of the Corning Club, Corning Country Club, Elmira Country Club and the Rotary Club. But with all these business and social in- terests his work is nearest to his heart, and he has become the great engineer that he is by love of mechanics and ability to reach heights of accomplishment.
EDWARD BACON.
The quality of the fruit produced in New York has never been surpassed by that grown in any other state of the Union and because of this fact there is always a large demand for the products of its orchards. Many enterprising agriculturists have found fruit growing a profitable industry and among those who have contributed substantially to the horticultural development of Livingston county is numbered Edward Bacon, who for forty years has continuously engaged in the nursery business in Dansville, his native village. He was born February 12, 1853, and his parents, Peter and Mary (Tierney) Bacon, were both natives of Ireland, the former being a skilled mechanic. They reared a family of three sons, all of whom survive.
Edward Bacon received a public school education and his first knowledge of the nursery business was obtained in 1863, when a boy of ten, with the firm of Maxwell & Pratt. He remained with them until 1870 and then entered the service of S. P. Williams, under whom he also gained valuable experience, continuing in his employ for fourteen years. Prompted by a laudable ambition, he then established a business of his own, starting on a small scale and gradually expanding the scope of his opera- tions. He now caters exclusively to the wholesale trade and is known throughout the east as an expert judge of fruit trees, having made a life study of the business. He specializes in fruit trees and grows fine varieties of apples, plums, cherries, peaches, quinces, etc. He has admitted his son, William E. Bacon, to a partnership and their trade covers a wide territory, while their integrity has never been open to question.
Mr. Bacon has been married twice, his first union being with Miss Nellie Veeder in 1875. She passed away in 1884, leaving six children: Mary; Ellen; William E., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; Ida C., now the wife of John Karshner; Fannie; and Clara, who married John Reilly. Mr. Bacon was married in 1885, to Miss Theresa M. Cogan, and her demise occurred in 1919. They had two daughters: Theresa, who is now Mrs. Walter C. Knapp; and Bessie L., who is the wife of Roland B. Thomas.
Mr. Bacon has never been remiss in the duties of citizenship and has served as a supervisor of Livingston county. He has also held village offices and no trust reposed in him has ever been misplaced, for he has always been actuated by an unselfish spirit of devotion to the general good, discharging to the best of his ability every duty assigned him. He gives his political support to the republican party, for he believes that its principles contain the best elements of government for the majority. He belongs to St. Patrick's Catholic church and is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. He is numbered among those stable business men who have aided in
EDWARD BACON
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pushing forward the wheels of progress in Dansville and his life history is written in terms of success, for diligence and perseverance have done for him what inheri- tance has at times failed to accomplish for others.
WILLIAM E. BACON.
An analysis of the life records of Dansville's leading business men discloses the fact that the majority are native sons, and to their loyalty and enterprise the village is largely indebted for its present prosperity and development. In this classi- fication belongs William E. Bacon, who comes of a family long closely and promin- ently identified with the upbuilding and progress of this section of Livingston county and is contributing his quota toward the work of general advancement.
William E. Bacon was born May 30, 1878, and is one of the six children in the family of Edward and Nellie (Veeder) Bacon, the latter of whom is deceased. Wil- liam E. Bacon is of Irish lineage, for his grandparents, Peter and Mary (Tierney) Bacon, were natives of the Emerald isle and eventually became residents of Dansville, where the birth of their son Edward Bacon, father of William E., occurred. Edward Bacon has become widely known through his operations as a nurseryman and is a recognized expert in his line. A sketch of him precedes this one of his son.
William E. Bacon obtained his early training in a parochial school and com- pleted his studies in the Dansville high school. When a youth of sixteen he gained his initial experience in the nursery business and continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-one. He then entered the service of the govern- ment and for twenty-two years was employed in the Dansville post office, filling the position of money order clerk. Since April, 1921, he has been associated with his father in the nursery business, assuming many of the burdens which the latter has borne for so many years, and has fully demonstrated his ability to manage the important interests intrusted to his charge. The firm specializes in fruit trees and the business is one of the oldest of the kind in this locality, while the volume of its trade is proof of its strict observance of a high standard of commercial ethics.
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