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 46
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Paul A. Setter, general manager of this great corporation, was born in Collins Center in 1892. He was but a child when the family moved to Cattaraugus and his education was completed in the high school there, from which he was graduated. From the days of his boyhood he has been familiar with the details of the woodwork- ing industry and in 1910, when but eighteen years of age, he was sent into the Adirondacks as a manager of the firm's veneer mills located at Wanakena, New York. When the timber supply at this location had been exhausted, the plant was closed and Mr. Setter returned to the home plant, of which he was made general superintendent in the following year, while subsequently he assumed the duties of manager. In 1922, when all the plants were consolidated, he was made the general manager of the new company and has since been serving the Setter interests in that general capacity.
On the 31st of May, 1924, in Leon, Cattaraugus county, New York, Mr. Setter was united in marriage to Miss Florence C. Cooper, daughter of E. A. Cooper. Paul A. Setter, like most busy men, finds time for the extension of his interests in other di- rections than that comprised in the "main line" and also finds a further outlet for his energies in an interest in local civic affairs, at present serving the public as mayor of the village of Cattaraugus. He is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Cattaraugus Lodge, F. & A. M .; Gowanda Chapter, R. A. M .; Salamanca Commandery, K. T .; the Consistory at Buffalo and Ismailia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Buffalo.
CHARLES VERNON PATCHIN, M. D.
For more than seventy years the name of Patchin has been an honored one in medical circles of Dansville and Livingston county, and following in the professional footsteps of his father, Dr. Charles Vernon Patchin has gained an enviable reputation as a physician, while he also has important business interests. He is a loyal son of the village and was born July 15, 1853, of the marriage of Dr. Edward W. Patchin and Mary A. Ewart, who were natives of the Empire state. The father was an able exponent of the medical profession and practiced in Dansville from 1840 until his death, which occurred in 1869. The surviving children are Charles Vernon and Mrs. Elizabeth S. Kennedy, also a resident of Dansville.
Charles Vernon Patchin received his early education in private schools and after- ward attended the Dansville Seminary and Cook Academy, situated at what is now Montour Falls, New York. In 1881 he was graduated from Bellevue Hospital of New York city, with the degree of M. D., and has since practiced in Dansville. His deep
DR. CHARLES V. PATCHIN
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interest in the humanitarian as well as the scientific phases of his profession has prompted him to put forth earnest, conscientious effort in his conflict with disease and his services as a physician are in constant demand.
On August 25, 1912, Dr. Patchin was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Tunnison, who died in October, 1918. His second union was with Miss Helena Hoffman of Dansville, whom he married on the 5th of September, 1922. Dr. Patchin is a stanch advocate of the platform and principles of the democratic party and has been called to public office, serving from 1914 until 1916 as sanitary supervisor under the state department of health, with jurisdiction over six counties. He has been local health officer for over forty years. He is a Knights Templar Mason and has taken the thirty-second degree in the consistory. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and is likewise identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of The Macca- bees and the Improved Order of Red Men. He has been a constant student of his profession, keeping in close touch with the latest scientific researches and discoveries, and broad experience has ripened his ability, while the sterling traits of his char- acter have established him high in public regard.
FRED L. MOSER.
Fred L. Moser, founder and president of the Moser Studio, Incorporated, is one of the well known photographers of Rochester. He is a native of Germany and was born September 16, 1892, a son of Fred L. and Christina (Wagner) Moser. He was twelve years of age when his parents came to the United States, settling in Rochester, where they have since made their home. Six children were born to them, three sons and three daughters, namely: Louis, a resident of Culver City, California; and Theo- dore, Fred L., Mrs. Elsie Wyman, Mrs. Elizabeth Kettering and Mrs. Anna Wein- haber, all of whom are living in this city.
Fred L. Moser received his early education in his native land and later in Pittsburgh and Rochester. He was employed by photographers of Rochester, Pitts- burgh and other cities, acquiring a thorough knowledge of the technical and practi- cal phases of the business, and in 1916 started in business for himself, opening a studio in this city and conducting the business as an individual until August, 1924, when it was incorporated as The Moser Studio, Incorporated, with Mr. Moser as presi- dent, Thomas L. McLeod as treasurer and Marie Rickey as secretary.
Mr. Moser, in establishing his business in Rochester, had the advantage of a most excellent training, under which his artistic nature enabled him readily to ab- sorb the technical points in his profession. His work from the very first reflected a superior skill and excellence which a discriminating clientele was not slow to detect, with the result that it rapidly attained a high reputation among the best class of pa- trons and the sobriquet of "Rochester's society photographer." The equipment and appointments of the Moser Studio give it rank with the finest in the country and it includes a complete plant for kodak finishing, wherein is done that character of work for nearly two hundred stores. Located on the second floor at No. 27 Clinton avenue, North, the Moser Studio is in the heart of the shopping district and has come to be regarded as one of the representative business organizations in Rochester.
Mr. Moser is a member of the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce and is affiliated with the Lutheran church. Actuated by the spirit of progress, he is con- stantly striving to bring his work to a higher degree of perfection and as a natural result is meeting with well deserved success from both a commercial and artistic standpoint, while his character is one that inspires respect and confidence.
SHELDON DE WITT CLARK.
Sheldon De Witt Clark, postmaster of Bath, New York, also occupies a prominent position in insurance circles of Steuben county as president of the Bath Insurance Corporation and enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the enterprising and pro- gressive young business men of the community. He was born in Addison, Steuben county, New York, on the 20th of July, 1888, his parents being William D. and Ida B. (Clinton) Clark. The father, a native of Penn Yan, Yates county, this state, is active in business as vice president of the Bath Insurance Corporation and is also discharging the duties of town clerk of Addison, which position he is now filling for the sixteenth
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consecutive two-year term. His repeated reelections are a splendid testimonial to his capability and fidelity as a public official. The grandfather of Sheldon D. Clark in the maternal line was a brother of De Witt Clinton, governor of New York from 1817 until 1823 and again from 1825 until 1828, and also the chief promoter of the Erie canal, which was constructed and opened under his regime. The paternal grand- father of Mr. Clark of this review was a well-known lawyer who rendered valuable service to the Union during the period of the Civil war and who was always a stanch friend of the Union veterans.
In the acquirement of an education Sheldon De Witt Clark attended the public schools of his native town and after putting aside his textbooks turned his attention to the insurance business, which has claimed a large share of his time and energies continuously since and in which he has met with a gratifying degree of success. He has been a resident of the town of Bath since the year 1919 and as president of the Bath Insurance Corporation has built up a business of extensive and profitable propor- tions. This corporation, under the control of Mr. Clark, represents twenty-five differ- ent insurance companies and writes all kinds of insurance except life. On May 23, 1924, Mr. Clark was appointed postmaster of Bath and is filling that position very acceptably.
On the 19th of July, 1916, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Louise Mott of Cortland, New York, and they have become the parents of two sons: William and Sheldon De Witt, Jr. Mr. Clark is a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bath Lodge No. 112, A. F. and A. M .; Bath Chapter No. 95, R. A. M .; and Bath Council, R. and S. M. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a member of the Masonic Club and is the efficient secretary of the Bath Rotary Club.
FRANK A. RIVERS.
Frank A. Rivers, one of Rochester's loyal sons, has recognized and utilized the many opportunities which this city offers to the man of ambitious spirit and resolute purpose and has won noteworthy success as a furniture dealer, occupying a position of leadership in this line of endeavor. He was born May 28, 1879, a son of Edward and Marie (Lemieux) Rivers, who were natives of Montreal, Canada, and came to Rochester during their youth.
Frank A. Rivers received a public school education and at an early age began earn- ing a livelihood. He was variously employed until 1904, when he secured a position as traveling salesman, and was thus engaged for seven years, representing furniture manufacturers of Rochester. In 1911, with a very limited capital, he established a business of his own, and by selling at a very small margin of profit gradually built up a good trade. He now has one of the largest and most modern furniture stores in the city. The business is conducted under the name of Frank A. Rivers Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, and the establishment, which is situated at No. 286 South avenue, is stocked with furniture of the highest grade. Mr. Rivers has devoted much thought to the management of the business and in its conduct has introduced many original ideas. The following description of the store recently appeared in one of the city's leading newspapers:
"No matter how often one passes that big building at South avenue and Howell street, he never realizes the remarkable transformation constantly going on inside until he visits the 'model room' so beautifully decorated and outfitted with striking and appropriate furniture in each; just like the home one will love to own some day. As fast as apartment leases expire they are being continuously added, so that eventually twenty-five or thirty full-sized rooms will be similarly revamped to 'the queen's own'-making this great furniture store a veritable beehive of up-to-date home-furnishing ideas, where one can accurately judge just how certain sets and pieces of period furniture will look in the home. For every room is the actual size of present-day living quarters, not wallboard simulations.
"And now comes another innovation, conceived by Frank A. Rivers, in the estab- lishment of an electric lighting fixture department, where the opportunity is afforded to judge the adaptability of lighting effects along with the furnishings. In this way it is impossible to be disappointed with the selections after installation in the home, as is so often the case when there is no opportunity to compare proper lighting in conjunction with the actual furniture.
"In line with the 'Low Rent Lowers Price' policy, which has brought the Frank
FRANK A. RIVERS
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A. Rivers Company rapidly to fame for furniture of the best grade, so now on electric lighting fixture does this responsible firm guarantee to effect a saving of at least th rty-five per cent on the purchases. This building, extending from No. 282 to No. 288 South avenue, is a veritable storehouse of furnishing ideas and should be visited whenever one thinks of anything for home betterment."
In Rochester on June 9, 1905, Mr. Rivers was married to Miss Stella C. Perkins, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Perkins, of Greece, New York. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rivers are: Kenneth A., born in Rochester on January 15, 1909, and now a sophomore in the East high school; and Frank A. Rivers, Jr., who was born in this city March 18, 1913, and is attending the public schools.
Mr. Rivers casts his ballot for the men and measures of the republican party and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic. He has taken the third degree in the Knights of Columbus, and is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Rochester Automobile Club and the Brook-Lea Country Club. Mr. Rivers is an enthusiastic patron of all sports. He captains a bowling team in the Elks League, and is sponsor for the Rivers Furniture team in the Genesee League, City champions. At one time he was an amateur boxer of rare ability. Whenever he can spare the time from his many business activities he takes delight in his trips to Canada, on hunting and fishing trips, while in Rochester he is an enthusiastic devotee of the game of golf. Mr. Rivers is a self-made man before whom the door of success has swung open because of his industry and perseverance, and an upright citizen whom to know is to respect and honor.
W. HERBERT WALL.
W. Herbert Wall, one of the best known representatives of life insurance interests in Rochester, which has been the scene of his entire business career. was born in this c'tv on the 6th of January, 1874, a son of William Henry and Lucretia I. (Stickney) Wall, the former a native of Tribes Hill, New York, and the latter of Darien, New York. The father was a well known business man of Rochester, where he passed away in 1922, while the mother's death occurred in 1890. They were the parents of two sons and two daughters: James L., a resident of Brooklyn, New York; Inez, who resides in Rochester; W. Herbert, and Mary Evangeline, who is deceased.
W. Herbert Wall attended schools No. 2 and No. 4, after which he was a student at the Rochester Free Academy. He began his business career as a messenger for the Merchants Bank, and for nine years was in the employ of that institution. Upon the expiration of that period he became connected with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company as a salesman, and has ever since been identified with the life insurance field, which he has found well suited to his talents, and he occupies a firmly estab- lished position in that sphere of activity.
As a special council regarding the creation of life insurance estates and funds for inheritance taxes; incomes for dependents and philanthropies; partnership and cor- roration life insurance, Mr. Wall is not only regarded as an authority but has built up an extensive and representative clientele. He has made a careful study of the various phases of the business, and his thorough knowledge of it enables him to aid patrons in securing the particular policy best suited to their needs.
On the 16th of June, 1903, Mr. Wall was married to Miss Augusta White, a daughter of Henry C. and Mary (McClure) White, members of a prominent family of Rochester. Mrs. Wall descends from colonial ancestry in both paternal and maternal lines. She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and also belongs to the Century Club of Rochester.
Mr. Wall's ancestors were gallant defenders of the nation during the formative period in its history and he is thoroughly imbued with their spirit of patriotism. He was an officer in the World war, and for twenty years has been treasurer of Company A, Boys in Blue. He is a member of the New York State Society of Military and Naval Officers of the World war, the Society of Colonial Wars and the Sons of the American Revolution, being a descendant of John Howland, who came over in the Mayflower. In his political affiliations he is a republican, and in 1910 was supervisor of the eleventh ward. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wall are members of the Church of the Epiphany, of which Mr. Wall is warden and also treasurer, while Mrs. Wall is president of the Women's Auxiliary, also a member of the board of managers of the church home.
Fraternally Mr. Wall is a Mason and has attained the thirty-second degree, and
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is also a Shriner. He belongs to the Genesee Valley Club. A man of high ideals, Mr. Wall's personal worth is recognized by hosts of friends, many of whom have known him since boyhood, for he has always stood for those things which have real value as constructive elements in the world's work. Mr. Wall's residence is at No. 245 Westminster road.
RALPH EDWIN CHAPIN.
For more than a quarter of a century Ralph Edwin Chapin has been an active and successful representative of industrial interests in Genesee county as the head of the R. E. Chapin Manufacturing Works of Batavia, in which connection he has developed an extensive enterprise in the manufacture of steel barrels and hardware specialties. He was born in Darien, Genesee county, New York, on the 27th of August, 1863, and represents a pioneer family that was established in the western part of this state more than a century ago. Mr. Chapin is descended from one of the early New England families, tracing his ancestry in direct line to Deacon Samuel Chapin, who founded Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1635. Ralph Chapin, grandfather of Ralph E., came to the Genesee country in 1815 from Westfield, Massachusetts, in a covered wagon and established his home on the Big Tree road (now Ellicott Street road), about four miles from Batavia. He later removed to Corfu, where he spent the remainder of his active life, engaged in farming. In his old age he made his home with his son, Horace H., in Darien, where he departed this life in 1860, when seventy-seven years of age. His son, Horace Harrison Chapin, was the father of the Ralph Edwin of this review. He was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, in 1812, and was three years of age when his parents removed to the state of New York. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Darien, but lived retired for many years previous to his death, which occurred in 1904, when he was ninety-one years old.
Ralph Edwin Chapin began his education in Darien, after which he became a high school pupil in Attica, where he continued his studies to the time of his gradu- ation as a member of the class of 1882. While his youth was spent in an agricultural environment, he was offered the position of freight clerk in Attica shortly after his graduation-an opportunity which he eagerly accepted. Although this was a very lucrative position for one of his age, the opportunity for advancement seemed so remote that in 1884 he decided to embark in business for himself and accordingly, opened a hardware store in association with his brother-in-law, in Oakfield, New York. The hardware business was necessarily of limited scope in a small village, so the partners began the manufacture of galvanized oil cans, in the rear of the store. They were pioneers in this line, being the first to make these containers for distribu- tion to the jobbing trade. Mr. Chapin made extended trips through the east to intro- duce this line, with the result that a separate plant was soon required for their production. However, the business was of short duration in Oakfield, for in 1895 the block in which the store was located was destroyed by fire, and in the year following the factory met with the same catastrophe, leaving the owners without any means whatsoever. In spite of this misfortune Mr. Chapin had faith in the future, and meeting with encouragement, he moved to Batavia and here embarked in business for himself in 1897. The business continued to grow, embracing the manufacture of oil tanks, oil dealers' supplies, agricultural sprayers and later steel drums and other containers, as well as fruit jar wires and automatic wire goods. Under the capable control of Mr. Chapin the industry has expanded to extensive and profitable propor- tions and now ranks among the foremost manufacturing concerns of Batavia.
Having never lost his inclination toward agriculture, Mr. Chapin began the establishment of a large stock farm adjoining Batavia in 1909, operated under the firm name of R. E. Chapin & Son. This property, Bonalevo Farms, comprises about six hundred and thirty-eight acres, is a model of its kind, and here they specialize in dairying and fruit growing, producing certified milk for the markets of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Batavia. This fine herd of pure bred Holstein-Friesian cattle, with an average number of about one hundred and fifty head, is from the Colantha and Johanna blood lines, and four world-record animals have been developed from the Bonalevo Farms. The efforts of Ralph E. Chapin in improving the type and increasing the production of this breed led to his election as director in the New York Holstein Association and later in the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, positions which he still retains. Mr. Chapin is a member of the Stafford Country Club. He is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. Appointed a member of the city sewer commission
RALPH E. CHAPIN
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of Batavia, he served in that capacity when the present sanitary sewer system was established.
On the 27th of January, 1887, in Oakfield, New York, Mr. Chapin was united in marriage to Miss Florence Heal of that village. Their only child: Horace Heal Chapin, who was born in Oakfield, January 29, 1889, completed his education at the Van Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, and is associated with his father's business enterprises. He married Desdemona Baldwin of Omaha, Nebraska, and four children were born to them: Ralph Baldwin; Horace Beecher; Desdeann, who died in infancy; and Patricia. The Batavia residence of Ralph E. Chapin is at No. 39 Ellicott avenue, and he has a summer home, "Twin Oaks", at Eagle Point, Conesus Lake, New York.
BLANCHARD B. WEBER.
A distinguished editor and publisher of more than fifty years experience in western New York is Blanchard B. Weber, proprietor of the Cattaraugus Republican (weekly) of Salamanca, New York, and one of the proprietors of the Republican Press (daily). Mr. Weber started in the newspaper business in 1871 as an apprentice printer and has followed the trade and profession ever since, with increasing success. His son, Matthew Weber, is in partnership with him. Blanchard B. Weber was born in the town of Ashford, April 16, 1848, the son of Matthew and Betsey (Hem- street) Weber. His father (Matthew) came from Frankfort, Herkimer county, New York, but moved to this section when seventeen years old, in the late 1830s. Matthew's father, Jacob, became a hotelkeeper at Frankfort and a farmer and con- tinued in the latter occupation the rest of his life. He was one of the pioneer dairy- men of this county, and operated one of the largest dairies in the county through the '50s.
Blanchard B. Weber attended the district schools and Springville Academy and then farmed for two years. His start as a printer came about in 1871, when he entered the shop owned by Augustine Ferrin in Little Valley, working for two years, and on January 1, 1873, he bought a half interest in the paper. On July 1, 1873, Ferrin & Weber started a branch office in Salamanca and Mr. Weber went there as manager. In 1875 they organized the Bradford, Pennsylvania, Era as a semi- weekly, but sold this paper in 1878 to C. F. Persons. In 1880 Stephen C. Green was admitted to partnership but he sold his third interest to the other partners in 1882. In November, 1887, Ferrin & Weber and Stephen C. Green bought the Olean, New York. Times and operated it for eight years, when it was sold to Mr. Straight. They moved all of the Little Valley plant to Salamanca in 1890 and in 1895 Mr. Weber took over the entire business and has been in sole charge since. In 1904 Mr. Weber and his son, Matthew Weber, established the Republican Press, a daily newspaper, in connection with which they still publish the weekly Cattaraugus Republican.
Mr. Weber was married to Miss Lena Ferrin, a sister of Augustine W. Ferrin, his business partner for so many years. Mr. Weber is a Mason, being a member of Cattaraugus Lodge and Salamanca, the chapter and Salamanca Commandery. He also belongs to the Springville Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have seven children :
Adna Weber, who graduated from Cornell, majoring in political economy. He was for years chief statistician in the Labor Bureau at Albany, New York; served as head of the Bureau of Accounting of the Public Service Commission of the first district for twenty years and retired on a pension a year ago on account of failing eyesight. He lives in Richmond, Hill, New York. He married Mabel Norris of Springville, and they have two children, Harold and Lawrence: Anna Virginia Weber is secretary to the superintendent of schools of Salamanca; Lucia Ellen was married to George W. Cole, who was justice of the supreme court and was previously district attorney for several years. He died March 30, 1923. They had two children, Irene and Ruth Cole; Matthew Weber graduated from Olean high school in 1894 and worked on a Buffalo newspaper for two years, returning to become associated with his father in 1902. He also worked on the Olean Herald before going to Buffalo. In 1904 he became a partner in the business and they organized The Republican Press, of which he is managing editor and business manager. He is a Mason. He married Julia Burrows Morey of Buffalo, and they have one child, Matthew, Jr., who gradu- ated in chemistry from Cornell, with the class of 1924, and three other children who are still in school, Carol Morey, Latham Avery and Blanchard Benjamin; Raxley
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