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 5
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On the 7th of January, 1915, Mr. Bacon was united in marriage to Miss Kather- ine Theresa Bloomster, a daughter of Samuel and Anne (McKenna) Bloomster, and they have six children: Margaret, Edward, William, John, James and George. Mr. Bacon is a member of St. Patrick's church and his political views are in accord with the platform and principles of the republican party. Every project that means the betterment of his community enlists his hearty support and his sterling traits of character have established him high in public regard.
KARL A. GUELICH.
The efforts of the realtor are a most potent and far-reaching element in the ad- vancement and upbuilding of a community, and in this field of endeavor Karl A. Guelich has won noteworthy success. He has long been a resident of Rochester, which numbers him among its most valuable citizens, but his activities in connection with development projects have extended far beyond the confines of his city and his exceptional ability has brought him state-wide prominence. He was born in Utica, New York, June 30, 1880, a son of Oscar and Josephine Guelich, the former a native of Denmark, while the latter was an Alsatian, and both came to this country in early life. The paternal grandfather was a scientific agriculturist and for many years had charge of the state farm in Oneida county. His son, Oscar Guelich, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and served throughout the period of that conflict. He joined the One Hundred and Fortieth New York Volunteer Infantry and won a major's commission, his superior officer being Colonel O'Rourke. After his release from military duty Mr. Guelich came to Rochester and for a time his attention was devoted to the sale of harvesting machin- ery. Later he became a railroad contractor, following that business until his demise. The mother has also passed away.
Karl A. Guelich's public school training was supplemented by a course in the en- gineering department of the Mechanics Institute of Rochester, from which he was grad- uated in 1898, when seventeen years of age. For a number of years he was connected with the Hiram Sibley estate and after severing his relations with that estate he en- gaged in engineering and realty work under his own name. Since 1909 his energies
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have been given chiefly to development projects and he has done much important work of this character. He developed large tracts of land in the state of California and in the Adirondack mountains for the De Camp families Depew and Vanderbilt interests and laid out subdivisions for those families in the city of Buffalo. Mr. Guelich has also developed and placed upon the market Ross-More Gardens, an attractive subdivision, located on Lyell avenue, west of the city, also the Rochester Homestead farm for Paul R. Rochester, a direct descendant of the founder of the city, and has improved large tracts on Clifford, Norton and Arnette streets and Culver road. He likewise had charge of the original Gates Homestead subdivision of the Gates family and is an acknowl- greatly enhanced the value of property in the sections in which he has operated.
edged expert in his line. His business has assumed extensive proportions and he has
In Rochester, on June 28, 1909, Mr. Guelich was married to Miss Matilda Ross McCort, a daughter of John Ross McCort, a prominent resident of Edinburgh, Scot- land. Mr. and Mrs. Guelich reside in the old Jacobs home at No. 14 Arnold park, which Mr. Guelich recently purchased. He is a member of the Adirondack Engineering So- ciety, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, the Thendara Golf Club, the Rochester Club, and the local Automobile and Ad Clubs. He is a trustee of Westminster church. Mr. Guelich has aided in pushing forward the wheels of progress in many parts of the country and his work has been of signal service to his city. His success has been won by constructive effort and an unsullied reputation has earned for him the unqualified confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.
J. FRANK NORRIS.
J. Frank Norris, a man of original ideas and creative powers as well as practical business ability and mature judgment, has utilized to the full the talents with which nature has endowed him. As the founder and head of one of the unique industries of Rochester he has given to the city a product almost indispensable to the builder's trade and of great value as a means of ornamentation, perfecting a large and prosper- ous business which redounds to his credit, while it is also a decided asset to the com- munity. He is one of Rochester's native sons, and was born January 28, 1873. His parents, J. F. and Elizabeth (Ambrose) Norris, were natives of Brighton, New York, now a suburb of Rochester. His grandfather, Jabez B. Norris, settled in Brighton in 1822 and built the first house in this locality. He also established the first nursery business here and was very successful in his undertaking. As the pioneer in this line he became widely and favorably known and his death occurred at the venerable age of ninety-one years. His son, Jabez F. Norris, aided him in the management of the business, of which he subsequently became the head, continuing it successfully until his demise. He passed away in Brighton in 1901 but the mother is still living. Three children were born to them: Mrs. Emma De Potter, the wife of Abram De Potter, president of the town council of Brighton; Mrs. Lottie Williams, a resident of Syracuse, New York; and J. Frank, of this review.
J. Frank Norris obtained his education in Brighton and his teachers found him a mischievous, though interesting, pupil, full of vitality and high spirits. He also attended a preparatory school and after completing his studies entered his father's nursery business. While thus engaged he began experimenting in the manufacture of cement, concrete and stone products, working at night generally, and when his plans were perfected he started to make concrete blocks in a small shed, formerly used for packing trees. He was the first in this locality to realize the possibilities of manufactured stone and since its inception in 1908 the business has enjoyed an exceptionally rapid growth under the expert direction of Mr. Norris, who has care- fully outlined every detail in its development, while in the management of its larger phases he displays notable foresight and executive power. His product is known as Norristone and his plant comprises several one- and two-story buildings. It covers nearly three acres of ground and ranks with the largest industries of the kind in the country, furnishing employment to from eighty to one hundred workmen. Mr. and Mrs. Norris are sole proprietors of the business and he attributes his success in large measure to the wise counsel and able cooperation of his wife, who is an unusu- ally capable business woman. She has entire charge of the sales department and also of the ornament and garden furniture section, for which she has originated many beautiful designs. Norristone has never been offered as a chean building material and Mr. Norris has adopted as his slogans "Quality always" and "Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you." The psychology of these slogans
GRACE BRIGHTMAN NORRIS
J. FRANK NORRIS
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has done much to build the morale of the business. Cut cast granite is used exten- sively in the construction of many churches, banks, schools and buildings of varied character. It can be made in a number of colors and textures to match natural stone and is practically indestructible. Large hooks are cast in all large stones to facilitate their handling and setting. Concrete conduits for the New York Central signal system are now being made at the Norristone plant. The process of manu- facture is distinctive and each order is taken care of in a thorough manner from the time it enters the drafting room until it is placed in the building for which it is designed. Draftsmen with long experience in handling the various styles of architec- ture constantly keep in touch with the contractor and architect. Skilled modellers and carvers are employed to turn out the work in a satisfactory manner. A special mold is made in which the stone is cast and it is then removed and recut by carvers and stone-cutters. Norristone has become a most conspicuous feature in Rochester's adornment and is seen to advantage in the beautiful Eastman Theatre and Eastman School of Music, the Security Trust building, the Catholic Institute, the National Bank of Rochester, which was recently completed, and the medical building for the Uni- versity of Rochester, now in process of construction.
In Rochester, on June 15, 1901, Mr. Norris was married to Miss Grace Brightman, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Brightman of Brighton. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have a daughter: Sylvia Frances Norris, who is now attending a finishing school for young ladies. Mrs. Norris is one of the most prominent business women of Rochester and is also active in the social life of the city. She is one of the charter members of the Zonta Club and one of its directing heads. She was chosen a delegate to the convention recently held in Buffalo and made a number of addresses to the assembled Zontonians. Mr. Norris is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He also belongs to the Lions Club, a business men's organization devoted to Americanism, and to the Rochester Club and the Automobile Club. He has left the impress of his individuality upon the indus- trial progress of his city and his life record commands uniform respect and confi- dence, for he has never deviated from the path of honor and rectitude.
BERT GRANT VOORHEES, M. D.
Dr. Bert Grant Voorhees, member of the medical profession, in which several members of the family have won success, has for the past nine years maintained an office in Elmira. He was born in Wells, Pennsylvania, in 1886, and is a son of Charles and Emma (French) Voorhees, also natives of that place. For many years the father followed the occupation of farming and since 1906 has been a resident of Philadelphia, where he is engaged in the ice business. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and in politics is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which the mother is also affiliated, and both are earnest workers in its behalf. They have two sons: Bert Grant of this review; and Le Roy, a veteran of the World war. The latter was a corporal with the Nineteenth Railway Engineers, with which he served for twenty-two months. He now resides in Philadelphia, and his occupation is that of locomotive engineer. The paternal grandfather, Dr. Charles H. Voorhees, was born in Daggett, Pennsylvania, and after his graduation from the State University engaged in the practice of medicine, successfully following his pro- fession from 1855 until 1893. His son, Dr. Sherman Voorhees, was graduated from the Baltimore Medical College in 1893 and four years later came to Elmira. He prac- ticed here until 1914, when he was injured by an automobile, and his death occurred in 1915. Other members of the family, Dr. Shepard Voorhees, Dr. Belle ( Voorhees) Aldridge, and Dr. Grant Voorhees, also entered the medical profession. The last named is a graduate of the Baltimore Medical College and one of the leading physi- cians of Prescott, Michigan. Dr. Shepard Voorhees received his training in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania and opened an office in Wells burg, New York, subsequently removing to New Jersey, where he engaged in practice until his death. Dr. Belle (Voorhees) Aldridge is the wife of Dr. Vincent Aldridge, also a physician, and both are engaged in practice in Brooklyn, New York. Mrs. Aldridge completed a course in Elmira College and prepared for her profession in the Woman's Medical College of Philadelphia.
Bert Grant Voorhees received his rudimentary knowledge of English in country schools of his native state and afterward taught for a year. He completed a course in one of the high schools of Philadelphia and then became a student at the Jefferson
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Medical College of that city, from which he received his professional degree in 1914. He devoted a year to postgraduate work and in 1915 began his professional career in Elmira as a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat.
On the 29th of January, 1918, Dr. Voorhees laid aside his practice and enlisted for service in the World war. He went overseas on June 4, 1918, and was assigned to duty at Base Hospitals Nos. 1 and 19. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the Medical Corps and on February 18, 1919, was promoted to the rank of captain. He was connected with the eye, ear, nose and throat department and took a postgraduate course in Paris in March, 1919. He was sent all over France and examined one hun- dred and fifty thousand boys in the embarkation camps at Bordeaux and Gondrecourt. He returned to the United States, on July 5, 1919, and received his honorable discharge on the 24th of that month. He resumed his practice in Elmira in August, 1919.
On April 29, 1916, Dr. Voorhees was married to Miss Elizabeth H. Hammell, who was born in Marlton, New Jersey, and completed a course in the Nurses' Training School of Cooper Hospital in Camden, that state. To this union has been born a son : Charles H. Dr. and Mrs. Voorhees are members of the Hedding Methodist Episcopal church and his political views are in accord with the platform and principles of the republican party. He belongs to the Ivy Lodge of Masons and Mrs. Voorhees is connected with the Eastern Star. His professional relations are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the Chemung County Medical Society and the American Medi- cal Association. He is also a member of the Century Club, the Rod and Gun Club, and the American Legion.
FREDERICK FIELD SABEY.
Frederick Field Sabey, who began learning the tent and awning business when a lad of thirteen years, has been identified therewith continuously since and is now the president and treasurer of the Fred F. Sabey Company, Incorporated, of Roches- ter, which he established in 1902 and which was incorporated eight years later. He was born in Rochester, New York, on the 15th of December, 1867, his parents being George and Mary A. (Goodman) Sabey. The father, a native of England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early life and was active in business circles of Rochester as a contractor and builder to the time of his death, which occurred in 1870. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary A. Goodman, was born in Johns- town, New York, where she is still living at the age of ninety-two years.
In the acquirement of an education Frederick Field Sabey attended schools Nos. 12 and 4 to the age of thirteen years, when he secured employment with the James Field Company, manufacturers of tents and awnings. That his services proved highly satisfactory is indicated in the fact that he remained with the concern for a period covering twenty-two years, or until 1902, when he embarked in business on his own account, feeling that his long experience justified the venture. It was on a small scale that he established the extensive and profitable industry now conducted under the name of the Fred F. Sabey Company, Incorporated, but under his capable control the business gradually developed until it had assumed large proportions. He fur- nishes employment to from thirty to forty people in the manufacture of awnings, tents and cordage at Rochester and also operates a branch establishment at Honeoye Falls under the name of the Duban Shade Corporation. Twenty-five to thirty people are employed at the latter place. The success which has attended his undertakings is the merited reward of intelligently directed industry, undaunted determination and persistency of purpose.
On the 24th of September, 1891, in Rochester, Mr. Sabey was united in marriage to Miss Harriet S. Meyer, daughter of Jacob Meyer and Katherine Meyer. They are the parents of one son: Harold M., who was born in Rochester in 1893 and is the secretary of the Fred F. Sabey Company and also president of the Duban Shade Corporation. During the period of the World war he spent eighteen months in France, serving in the ordnance department with the rank of second lieutenant. To him and his wife, who was formerly Elizabeth M. Jones of Rochester, have been born two children, Fred F. (II) and Charlotte E.
Frederick F. Sabey has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry and has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Damascus Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and in religious belief he is an Episcopalian. In social circles he is well known as a member of the Rochester Club, the Masonic Club, the Oak Hill Country
FREDERICK F. SABEY
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Club, the Yacht Club and the Automobile Club of Rochester. His name is likewise on the membership roll of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and his cooperation is withheld from no movement or measure instituted to promote the progress and advancement of the city which has always been his home.
WILLIAM VALLANCE HAMILTON.
In the industrial and financial affairs of Caledonia, Livingston county, New York, the name of Hamilton has been preeminent for over sixty years, and much of the prosperity of the town and county is directly traceable to the activities of the Hamil- ton family. They have always been interested in grain and milling, and this in time led into the banking field, in which the Hamilton interests are now an important factor, W. V. Hamilton, head of the family, being president of the First National Bank of Caledonia, as well as interested in other financial institutions. He was born at Caledonia, on September 18, 1860, the son of William and Jane (Vallance) Hamil- ton. The father died in 1912; his widow is still living. All the grandparents of W. V. Hamilton were of Scotch birth. William Hamilton located in Caledonia in 1859 and entered the grain business. There were two sisters and two brothers in the family, all of whom are living.
The education of William Vallance Hamilton was obtained in the grade and high schools of Livingston county, after which he had one year in the Peekskill Military Academy and two years at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Upon leaving the university Mr. Hamilton returned to Caledonia and went into the grain business with his father. The business, which has grown to sizable proportions, is still conducted from the headquarters in Caledonia, and the company also has a mill at Honeoye Falls, New York. In 1900 the business became a partnership under the name of William Hamilton & Son, and in September, 1922, it was incorporated as William Hamilton & Son, Incorporated, W. V. Hamilton becoming president.
In January, 1918, Mr. Hamilton became president of the First National Bank of Caledonia. He is a director of the Monroe County Savings Bank of Rochester, New York, and of the State Bank of Honeoye Falls, New York. He is president of the New York State Millers Association, and holds membership in the Genesee Valley Club of Rochester, and the Laurentian Club of Quebec, Canada. Politically he is a member of the democratic party, and in religion he is a Presbyterian. Fraternally Mr. Ham- ilton's affiliations are with the Masonic order.
THOMAS F. VOGT.
Thomas F. Vogt is imbued with that spirit of energy, enterprise and ambition which insures success in any vocation to which its possessor may turn and while his connection with the automobile trade covers but a year, he has already become an influential figure in business circles of Rochester, his native city. He was born De- cember 20, 1890, and is a son of John W. and Catherine (Meagher) Vogt, also natives of Rochester, which has always been their home. Mr. Vogt was a prominent leather goods manufacturer and is now living retired in the enjoyment of a substantial com- petence, won through the careful management of his business affairs. For many years he was closely identified with the industrial development of his city and during the course of a long, useful and honorable life he has won the esteem of many friends. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vogt: Martin G., Mrs. Rita McCargle, Mrs. Marie C. Gamble, Mrs. Helen Wegg, Mrs. Lydia Hart, and Thomas F., of this review.
Thomas F. Vogt was a pupil in St. Mary's parochial school and afterward at- tended a night school of Rochester, completing a course in business accounting. He secured a position in the auditing department of the Rochester Railway & Light Com- pany and spent six years in the employ of that corporation. His next position was. that of salesman for A. H. Boyce, an automobile dealer, whom he represented in that capacity for six years, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of the business. In August, 1923, he secured the local agency for the Willys-Knight and Overland cars, opening a salesroom on Joseph avenue, and his business has a very encouraging outlook. It has been incorporated and is conducted under the name of Thomas F. Vogt, who acts as president and treasurer, while the other officers are: George E. Gamble, vice president, and Glenn A. Spoor, secretary. Mr. Vogt is an expert sales-
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man, while he also possesses executive force, and his business associates are men of proven ability and integrity.
Mr. Vogt enlisted for service in the World war and was assigned to the quarter- master department. He became an instructor at Camp Johnson, Florida, and was discharged at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in February, 1919. He is a member of the American Legion and fills the post of welfare officer in the local organization. His religious views are in harmony with the tenets of the Roman Catholic church and he has taken the third degree in the Knights of Columbus. He is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also belongs to the Automobile Club. He is an enthusiastic member of the Chamber of Commerce and conscientiously discharges the duties and obligations of citizenship, measuring up to high standards in every relation of life.
EDWARD JOSEPH DUNN.
With the history of progress in Elmira the name of Edward Joseph Dunn is inseparably associated, for his life has been so varied in its activities, so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its results that it has become an integral chapter in the annals of the city. A man of extraordinary mental versatility, born with a genius for leadership, his efforts have been directed along constantly ramifying lines, extending to financial, commercial, civic and philanthropic affairs, and in every sphere of life in which he has acted he has left an indelible impress, through his ability and tireless energy, which never stops short of the attainment of its purpose. He has built his success and reputation from the ground up, he has maintained the common touch with his fellows, and he has never allowed material success to stultify his love of the simple ideals of life. He is one of Elmira's native sons. He was born January 23, 1866, and his parents were Patrick and Bridget (O'Brien) Dunn. They were of Irish ancestry and the father was superintendent of the Elmira Gas Light Company.
Edward Joseph Dunn attended the public schools and completed his education in the Elmira Free Academy. He did not have the advantage of a collegiate educa- tion, but even as a lad in his teens he perceived clearly the goal which he wished to reach and accordingly, bent every effort to this attainment. In his younger years he was accorded the gentle and wise counsel of an older brother, the late Rev. William T. Dunn, who spent his life in the service of the Catholic church. To this brother and his affectionate guidance may be attributed the splendid teachings which Edward J. Dunn acquired during the formative years of his life.
In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Dunn began his business career as a clerk in the office of the Elmira Gas Light Company and the Arnot Real Estate office, with which he remained for five years. In 1886 he entered the service of the Chemung Canal Bank, starting as bookkeeper, at the munificent salary of twenty-five dollars per month. He was promoted from time to time and became assistant cashier in 1900. In 1903, upon the organization of the Chemung Canal Trust Company, which was a merger of the Chemung Canal Bank with the Elmira Trust Company, Mr. Dunn was made treasurer, and in December, 1919, assumed the duties of president, in which capacity he is now serving. The terms under which Mr. Dunn accepted the position of president of this institution are typical of his conception of the fitness of things, for he stipulated that his services in this connection should be given without salary.
The other officers are: Frederick W. Swan, vice president; Alexander D. Falck, second vice president; Paul G. Kingston, treasurer; F. E. Sackett, cashier; J. Ernest Webb, secretary and trust officer; Charles A. Bowman, assistant treasurer, and Robert H. Gardinier, asistant cashier. The directors are: Isaac Baldwin, E. E. Buchanan, B. S. Chamberlin, Hon. Frederick Collin, Edward J. Dunn, Alexander D. Falck, Thomas B. Fitzgerald, Fred D. Herrick, H. C. Mandeville, W. S. McCord, J. Arnot Rathbone, J. R. Reynolds, Daniel Sheehan, Frederick W. Swan and Halsey Sayles. The bank was founded in 1833 and for the succeeding period has been the central point around which all the movements of trade in Elmira have gravitated. It has played a most important part in the upbuilding of the city and is one of the oldest, as well as one of the strongest financial institutions of this section of the state. It is capitalized for six hundred thousand dollars and at the close of business on November 15, 1923, its surplus and undivided profits were $773,331, while the deposits
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