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 52
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"The Bank of Olean" was the first title of the present National Bank, which became a federal institution in 1871, the bank having been founded a year previous. The first officers were: William F. Wheeler, president; Nelson S. Butler, vice president, and Lafayette Lawton, cashier. Business was first carried on as a copartnership on the second floor of the F. R. Brothers Company building. The First National Bank had a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars in 1872, and moved into the ground floor office of a building at No. 107 North Union street, staying there until 1915, when the present handsome building was erected. In 1915 the officers of the bank were: Edgar G. Dusenbury, president; William A. Dusenbury, vice president; Augustus T. Eaton, cashier; and Charles B. Nelson, assistant cashier. Mr. Eaton had been with the bank ever since its founding, rising from bookkeeper to cashier and holding that office to the time of his death, on May 15, 1919.
The present officers of the bank are: William A. Dusenbury, president; Charles L. Davis, vice president; Arthur E. Yahn, vice president; Charles B. Nelson, cashier; Fred B. Heberle and Thomas C. Boyd, assistant cashiers. Others who are directors are: Wallace Weston, Jr., Edward H. Wright, Henry J. Zimmerman, James P. Quigley, Nelson P. Wheeler, Jr., Wilson K. Page, Charles Quirin, J. Ross Allen and Donald M. Dusenbury. The bank now has a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and a surplus of five hundred thousand dollars. The statement at the close of busi-
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ness on March 31, 1924, shows a total of five million, seven hundred and sixty-four thousand, nine hundred and one dollars and twenty cents with deposits of four mil- lion, five hundred and eighty thousand, three hundred and thirty-seven dollars and eighty-four cents.
NORMAN D. OTIS.
For many years Norman D. Otis was identified with banking activities in Wells- ville, his native village, but is now concentrating his attention upon the manage- ment of his oil properties in this district, in which his life has been spent, and with its history he is largely familiar. He was born on the 11th of January, 1877, and his parents were Theron P. and Laura (Day) Otis. The paternal grandfather, James Otis, was born in Fabius, New York, in the central portion of the state, and for many years operated a tannery in Bath, New York, also following the occupation of farm- ing. He was married to Hannah Tilton and their son, Theron P. Otis, was born in Bath in 1839. In 1868, when twenty-nine years of age, he located in Wellsville and resided here until his death, which occurred in 1921. He was a successful merchant and also became the owner of valuable oil lands. He was a man of high character and enjoyed the esteem of many friends.
Norman D. Otis was accorded liberal educational advantages. He attended the public schools, later becoming a student in Worcester Academy of Massachusetts, and next entered Yale University, from which he was graduated in 1898, winning the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He accepted a position in a local bank and re- mained in that business for nearly a quarter of a century, promoting its success by able and conscientious service. He spent fourteen years in the Citizens National Bank and six years with the First Trust Company. Since his retirement from financial affairs Mr. Otis' time has been occupied with the management of the prop- erty which he inherited from his father and he is now numbered among the success- ful oil producers of this district.
On the 26th of January, 1918, Mr. Otis was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Gorton of Belmont, New York, who presides over his home with grace and dignity and is popular in social circles of the community. Mr. Otis is a consistent member of the Congregational church and exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party. He is a blue lodge Mason and belongs to the Wellsville Country Club, also serving as president of the local cemetery asso- ciation. He loyally supports all measures calculated to benefit Wellsville and its citizens and his many fine traits of character have drawn to him a large circle of friends.
HARRY D. BARTLETT.
A rather rare combination, successful banker and educator, is found in the person of Harry D. Bartlett, president of the Orleans County Trust Company of Albion, New York. Mr. Bartlett has had a distinguished career in the Genesee coun- try and during the past thirty years has accomplished things that only the most active and farseeing man of affairs could carry out. Today finds him a director of several organizations, a banker of prominence and a community leader who has served the public and gained its admiration. For example, Mr. Bartlett was elected county clerk in 1908 and remained in office until 1919-the only democrat ever elected to that position in the county and likewise the only man to hold the office for four terms. That alone proves his popularity. He was born in Clarendon, Orleans county, this state, on the 3d of March, 1872, his parents being Abram H. and Lucy (Wilkin- son) Bartlett. The father, who came to western New York in 1840, here continued to reside to the time of his death, which occurred on the 21st of August, 1923. He devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active career and made his home in Clarendon and in Holley.
In the acquirement of an education Harry D. Bartlett attended the public schools of Clarendon, the State Normal and Training School at Brockport and Cornell Uni- versity of Ithaca, New York. In 1895, after three years of study in the last named institution, he took up educational work as principal of the high school in Bergen, New York, continuing in that capacity for two years. From 1897 until 1904 he served as high school principal in Holley, while during the two succeeding years he
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filled the position of superintendent of schools in Medina. It was in 1908 that Mr. Bartlett was elected county clerk of Orleans county, in which office he was continued for four successive terms, or until 1919, making a splendid record through the efficient and faithful discharge of his duties.
In 1920 Mr. Bartlett became associated as vice president and secretary with the Orleans County Trust Company, which had just taken over the old Orleans County National Bank and was ready for a new era in its financial life. In 1922 Mr. Bartlett was made president of the institution, which is one of the oldest in the section, having been founded in 1835. Three decades later it became a national bank. During the four-year period between 1920 and 1924 the volume of business of the bank increased threefold and made new and larger quarters imperative. On June 2, 1924, the Trust Company moved into its new building at Main and West Bank streets.
Mr. Bartlett is associated with H. E. Turner of Batavia, New York, as proprietors of the Holley Standard and is a member of the firm of H. E. Turner & Company, furniture dealers in Batavia. He is a director of the Wilson State Bank of Wilson, New York, and the Ransomville State Bank of Ransomville, New York.
On the 3d of March, 1909, Mr. Bartlett was united in marriage to Miss May Chap- man, daughter of Byron W. Chapman of Rochester, New York, and stepdaughter of Judge Edward B. Simonds of Orleans county. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett have two chil- dren: Harrison Chapman, born in 1911; and Howard Wilkinson, born in 1914. Mr. Bartlett is an active democrat and takes a great interest in the Boy Scouts, being a trustee of their organization at this time. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Presbyterian church of Albion, while fraternally he is identi- fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masons, being past master of Murray Lodge, No. 380, F. & A. M., and past district deputy of the Thirty- seventh Masonic District, F. & A. M. He is one of the organizers of the local Rotary Club and was its first president. His name is also on the membership rolls of the Orleans Country Club and the Stafford Country Club. The interests and activities of his life are varied, bringing a well balanced development, and there is no phase of substantial community progress that seeks his aid in vain. He has ever been a man of great activity and energy and his alertness and progressiveness have carried him far on the high road to success, while at all times the sterling worth of his character has been attested by those with whom he has been brought into contact.
LESTER NUSBAUM.
Lester Nusbaum, a member of one of the honored pioneer families of Rochester, is numbered among the city's most progressive merchants and successful business men, while his activities as a philanthropist have also won for him widespread prominence and high commendation. He was born in this city on the 15th of Febru- ary, 1873, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah (Linezinger) Nusbaum, who came to the United States in early life. The father became a member of the firm of Meyer & Aaron Nusbaum, dealers in tailors' trimmings, and engaged in the business for many years, building up an extensive trade. He is now enjoying a well earned rest and the mother is also living. Eleven children were born to them, namely: Morris A., Louis J., Arthur A., David, Lester, Mrs. Minnie Fishman, and Fannie, Rhea, Lillian, Rose and Lottie Nusbaum.
Lester Nusbaum received his early training in School No. 9 and later became a student at the Rochester Free Academy, from which he was graduated in 1888. To become a lawyer was his youthful ambition but his father, grandfather and great- grandfather each in turn had been head of a wholesale and retail business and in order to preserve the traditions of the family he abandoned the plan. They were the pioneer silk merchants of the city and Mr. Nusbaum gained a comprehensive knowledge of the business in his father's establishment, conducted under the style of A. Nusbaum & Sons. He soon settled down to commercial life and liked it. He assisted his father in the conduct of the business for ten years and in 1898 started out for himself, opening a silk and dress goods store at the corner of Clinton avenue and Franklin street. The venture at once proved a success and three years later he was forced to seek larger quarters, becoming the first tenant of the newly con- structed Masonic temple. In 1918 he again expanded his interests, removing to the present store at No. 29 Clinton avenue, North, a few doors from Main street. His sons, Leonard J. and Milton H. Nusbaum, are in charge of the silk and fur depart- ments, respectively. Wash goods, laces and trimmings have been discontinued and
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the house specializes in silks, hosiery and furs. The entire floor above the store is used by Mr. Nusbaum for the repairing, remodeling and relining of fur coats and another feature is the service for the general public and for the large clientele of tailors and dressmakers which the house always has enjoyed. Up-to-date machinery and skilled employes enable the firm to execute orders for button covering and pleating on short notice. The store also carries the Pictorial Review patterns, a great convenience to customers, who are thus able to select patterns and secure materials and findings all on the one ground floor. This is a daylight store, it being Mr. Nusbaum's firm conviction that silks cannot fairly be judged, especially as regards color, under artificial light. The house has always been noted for the high quality of its merchandise as well as for its honorable dealing and Mr. Nusbaum's notable success is largely due to his close adherence to the following motto: "Be honest with a customer and a personal friend in the same proportion. If you can help a client as you would help a friend, do so."
Mr. Nusbaum is a man of broad humanitarianism and generously shares his substance with others. Welfare work is his hobby and for many years it has occupied a large share of his attention. He is president and founder of the Jewish Home for the Aged, situated on St. Paul street, and for the past twenty years has taken a most active part in this work, and is now serving his tenth term as president of the Asso- ciated Hebrew Charities of Rochester. He is vice president of the newly formed Jewish Welfare League of Rochester, chairman of the Rochester committee of the American Jewish Congress, and was vice president of Temple Beth El. He is also prominent in fraternal organizations and has attained the thirty-second degree in Masonry. He is a Shriner, an Elk and a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. He is also connected with the Clinton Avenue Merchants Association, the Retail Merchants Council of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Automobile and City Clubs. Sympathetic, genial, warm hearted and generous, Mr. Nusbaum has brought sun- shine into the lives of many, winning friends wherever he goes, and the years serve to strengthen his hold upon their esteem, for his is a life in which true nobility of spirit finds daily expression.
In Syracuse, New York, on the 5th of January, 1902, Mr. Nusbaum was married to Miss Belle Goldstein, a daughter of Haskell Goldstein, a prominent resident of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Nusbaum have become the parents of four children: Leonard J., who was born in 1903 and since his graduation from high school has been associ- ated in business with his father; Helen, born in 1905 and also a high school graduate; Milton J., who was born in 1906 and likewise completed a course in high school; and Mortimore Nusbaum, who was born in 1915 and is a public school student. All of the children are natives of Rochester.
JOHN HUDSON MILLER.
Rochester is a city of many large industries and offers countless opportunities for advancement to the young man of ambition, energy and determination. Possessing keen perceptive powers, John Hudson Miller readily availed himself of these advan- tages and through the exercise of his native sagacity has won noteworthy success as a furniture manufacturer. He was born in East Guilford, New York, July 27, 1877, a son of Austin L. and Sarah (Arms) Miller and a grandson of Matthew Miller, who was a native of Glastonbury, Connecticut. He settled in Chenango county, New York, in 1821 and was one of the pioneer farmers of that locality. In partnership with his brother-in-law, he purchased a township in that county, dividing it up into farms, and the original homestead is still in possession of the family. This Miller family is of old colonial stock and descends from William Miller, one of the settlers of Northampton, Massachusetts. In the line of descent, John Hudson Miller is a representative of the eighth generation. Austin L. Miller, father of John Hudson Miller, was born in Chenango county and also devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil. He passed away in 1906. The mother is living. Six children were born to them, two of whom are living: Frederick S., of Rochester, secretary of the firm of Hubbard, Eldredge & Miller, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and John Hudson of this review.
John Hudson Miller attended the public schools of Sidney, New York, and was afterward a student in Colgate University, and the Rochester Business Institute. He obtained a position as bookkeeper in the Rochester establishment of the National Cash Register Company but was obliged to give up the work owing to ill health and
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later entered the employ of Milton Clark, an insurance broker. Eight months later he assumed the duties of manager of the New York Institute of Science and filled that office for three years. In 1903 he became connected with the William M. Powell Company, and at the end of six months purchased Mr. Powell's interests. In 1904 the business was incorporated and has since been conducted under the name of the Miller Cabinet Company. They are manufacturers of high grade furniture and Mr. Miller is president, treasurer and manager of the firm, which he has brought to the fore in industrial circles of Rochester, displaying mature judgment and execu- tive force in the control of the business.
In East Guilford, New York, on January 1, 1902, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Elizabeth Estelle Sliter, a daughter of Frederick W. Sliter. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a family of six children: Raymond Hudson, who was born January 29, 1903, and is now a student at Colgate University; Katherine Sliter, who was born August 21, 1904, and is a senior at Wellesley College; Ruth Elizabeth, who was born March 7, 1907, and is attending the West high school, class of 1925; Virginia Louise, born August 3, 1910; John Robert, who was born July 29, 1914; and Elizabeth Dickerman, born April 21, 1919. All are natives of this city. Mr. Miller is affiliated with the Central Presbyterian church of Rochester and conforms his life to its teachings. He is a member of the Old Colony, Oak Hill Country, Automobile and Rochester Clubs and is also connected with the Chamber of Commerce, while his fraternal relations are with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic order. He is a progressive citizen, well informed on all matters of public moment, and measures up to the highest standards of personal honor and present-day business ethics. His residence is at No. 40 Augustine street.
ARTHUR EUGENE SUTHERLAND.
Arthur Eugene Sutherland, a distinguished Rochester attorney, senior member of the well known legal firm of Sutherland & Dwyer, was born in Geneva, New York, on the 20th of September, 1862, a son of Andrew and Mary (McLean) Sutherland. He received his more advanced educational training in Wesleyan University, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1885, and that of Master of Arts three years later. In 1906 he received the degree of LL. D. from his Alma Mater. Admitted to the bar in 1887, he at once began the practice of law and with the passing years built up a clientage of extensive and lucrative proportions.
In 1893 Mr. Sutherland was elected county judge of Monroe county, in which capacity he continued for a period of twelve years, making a most excellent record in the able discharge of his important duties. Higher judicial honors came to him when he was elected a justice of the supreme court of New York, for the term cover- ing the years between 1906 and 1919. On the first of February, 1916, after ten years of service on the supreme bench, Mr. Sutherland resigned to resume the practice of law in Rochester, where he occupies a foremost position in the ranks of the legal fraternity. He is also a factor in financial circles of the city as a director of the Union Trust Company.
Mr. Sutherland was married on the 30th of June, 1888, to Miss Eleanor Reed of Nunda, New York. He gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Genesee Valley Club and the Oak Hill Country Club. He also belongs to the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity, and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation in both social and professional circles of western New York, where his life has been spent.
JOHN F. STROBEL.
John F. Strobel, an architect of broad experience and pronounced ability, has long been intimately associated with building operations in Rochester, which numbers him among its native sons and valuable citizens. He was born September 1, 1874, and his parents were John and Mary (Mayer) Strobel, the latter a native of Genesee county, New York. The father was one of America's foreign-born citizens and gained success as a merchant tailor, following that business for several years in Rochester. He has passed away. The mother is still a resident of the city. Six children were born to them: William, George, Edward, Arthur, Charlotte and John F. of this review.
In the acquirement of an education John F. Strobel attended the public schools,
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the Rochester Free Academy, and the Mechanics Institute, in which he took up the study of architecture. In order to gain practical experience he entered the office of Charles S. Ellis, with whom he remained for some time, and was afterward in the employ of other well known architects. In 1902 he became associated with Charles F. Crandall, a prominent representative of that profession, with whom he eventually formed a partnership. This relationship was continued until January, 1923, when Mr. Crandall retired, and Mr. Strobel has since conducted the business independently. The firm has designed and constructed some of the most substantial and imposing buildings in Rochester, including the dry goods stores of McCurdy & Company, Duffy-Powers and E. W. Edwards & Sons, the Howe & Rogers Furniture Store, Hotel Rochester, and the Young Men's Christian Association building. Mr. Stroebel has shown a marked degree of originality in his work, which is of high character and a decided asset to his city.
On October 15, 1903, Mr. Strobel was married to Miss Mae Wilkins, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wilkins, prominent residents of Rochester. Alice Lee Strobel is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Strobel. She was born in this city, Febru- ary 10, 1905, and is attending school. Mr. Strobel is deeply interested in civic affairs and has served as fire marshal, filling that office for one year under appointment of Judge Carnahan. He is one of the enterprising members of the Chamber of Com- merce and also belongs to the Rochester Art Club and Historical Society, while along professional lines he is connected with the American Institute of Architects. He is affiliated with the Lake Avenue Baptist church and conscientiously adheres to its teachings. Mr. Strobel's many friends in Rochester have watched his career with much interest and rejoice in his success, for it has been worthily won and well used.
FRANK JOSEPH BLUM.
Important industrial interests claimed the time and profited by the sound judg- ment and enterprising spirit of Frank Joseph Blum, one of Dansville's native sons and foremost citizens. who ably continued the large manufacturing business which owes its inception to his father's constructive genius, until his death on January 2, 1925. He was born May 4, 1859, and was one of a family of nine children whose parents were John and Euphrosine (Buhler) Blum, the former of whom was num- bered among the industrial leaders of the Genesee country. He was the founder of the Blum Shoe Manufacturing Company and his name is written high on the rolls of Dansville's honored dead.
Frank J. Blum attended the grammar and high schools and after completing his education entered his father's factory, applying himself zealously to the task of mastering the details of the business. From that time on he was identified with the company, with the exception of four years which were spent in the west. Follow- ing the demise of his father in 1907 he assumed charge of the business, whose course he successfully directed for seventeen years. He made many innovations in the business, which he conducted in accordance with the most modern and progressive ideas, and under his control the firm out-distanced many of its competitors, while its trade constantly grew in volume and in importance. He closely adhered to the high standards upon which the business was founded and succeeded in popularizing the firm's output, the "Kreep-A-Wa" felt slippers being widely used in the United States and Canada.
On January 19, 1892, Mr. Blum was united in marriage to Miss Molly Roach and they had three children, of whom John R. is the oldest. He became associated with his father in the business, which has been continuously operated by members of the family for three generations. He is an honored veteran of the World war, in which he served as a member of the Three Hundred and Fourth Machine Gun Bat- talion, Seventy-seventh division, and was severely gassed on the battle fields of France; Paul F. Blum, who passed away on March 16, 1925, was in training at Camp Han- cock, Atlanta, Georgia, during the World war, and was there stationed when the armistice was signed; Norb C., the youngest of the family, is a student at Notre Dame College.
Mr. Blum was a faithful communicant of St. Mary's Catholic church, and politi- cally was an adherent of the republican party. He was a leader in civic affairs and did much to advance the educational standards of his community, serving for many years as president of the Dansville School Board, with which he was identified at the time of his death, and he also worked for municipal progress through his member-
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ship in the local Rotary Club, of which he was a charter member. He had the fine perspective and keen sagacity of the man of large affairs and his record sustains the high reputation which has always been borne by the family. He will be greatly missed in the business world and in the community where he has for so many years made his home, as well as in the circle of his family.
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