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 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91
In the acquirement of an education Frank Judson Hess attended private and pub- lic schools, the high school of Rochester, and later Cayuga Lake Military Academy in Aurora New York, from which he graduated June 19, 1883, with the highest honors of the school, winning the gold medal given for discipline, etc., called the "gentlemanly conduct medal", not having received a single demerit mark. This is prized very highly at all military academies. Entering the academy as a private, he gradually was pro- moted through the several grades of sergeant, to that of sergeant-major, and on gradu- ation was the adjutant of the school, having had previous military training with the Rochester Cadets, which he joined June 18, 1880. At the military academy he sang
660
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
with the glee club, and in the village Episcopal church choir. He was a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity, the baseball club, and took an active part in everything doing at the academy. He matriculated in Cornell University at Ithaca, New York, with the class of 1887, was rushed, pledged, and initiated into the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, and installed in the chapter house. He was chosen class poet, managing director for his class in the navy board, high priest of class ceremonials, a member of the University glee club, singing first tenor and played the banjo with the banjo quartet, a part of the glee club. He pulled bow oar in the class crew, and took part in many athletic events; and was duly initiated into the mysteries of Theta Nu Epsilon. Military being part of the required instructions under United States army officers, and having had previous training he was at once appointed regimental sergeant-major of the University Cadet Corps.
After leaving college he took a commercial college course at the Rochester Busi- ness University, and directly after entered the employ of S. F. Hess & Company, to learn the business of manufacturing tobacco and cigars, and when a corporation was formed of the business, he was made a director and treasurer, which positions he held up to January 1, 1904, when he was made vice president and general manager, and so continued to April 1, 1907, when the corporation was dissolved, and the business dis- continued, and he was authorized to close it. In addition to his tobacco business he was interested in the business of perfumes, toilet goods and cosmetics, with his father and uncle, C. D. Hess, under the title of The Hess Company, and became a member of the board of directors on October 1, 1894. In February, 1901, he was made vice president and secretary and on July 8, 1907, he succeeded his father as treasurer and general manager, and on July 1, 1920, acquired the entire interest to the business, being at present sole proprietor, operating under the title of The Hess Perfume Company. The business since its inception in 1882 has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth, for it was reared upon a solid foundation of honorable and straight- forward dealings, and is so conducted today. Mr. F. J. Hess always displayed much interest in all musical and dramatic entertainments, singing in church, and at one time was a member of the Rochester Maennerchor, the Mendelssohn Club, Eighth Separate Company, National Guard, New York, Octette (all male voices) and the Rochester Opera Club, as one of its board of managers, taking part in many operas in chorus and small parts, and other dramatics. An enthusiastic National Guardsman, he served one year as second lieutenant and over four years as first lieutenant in the Eighth Separate Company, National Guard, New York. The only company retained out of the Fifty-fourth Regiment, National Guard, New York, being "E" Company of that Regiment. On May 19, 1890, he organized and mustered in the First Separate Com- pany, National Guard, New York, and was chosen its first captain, which office he held to May 23, 1894. He resigned on March 30, 1897. Was appointed lieutenant colonel and assistant general inspector of rifle practice of the National Guard, New York, which he retained to January 1, 1899, when the department was discontinued and Colonel Hess was placed on the Reserve Officers list, and is so held today. He is en- titled to at least two brevet-commissions for service. He participated in many en- campments, and strike duty (Buffalo, New York, 1892); served with the Two Hundred Second New York Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American war, 1898, and during the world war was called by National Guard, New York, to assist the adjutant's office, in part of its field duty, being unable to get an acceptable assignment from the war department, for which he made strenuous efforts. He is the possessor of many medals for marksman and sharpshooter, "Long and Faithful Service", " In aid of the Civil Authorities", "War with Spain, 1898", "For Faithful State Service in the Field, During the World War"; medals and badges of the various military orders to which he belongs and badges won in rifle competition.
Colonel Hess has always interested himself in genealogical and historical work and has compiled quite a volume of data pertaining to the early Hess families of New York state, and the history associated with them. He is a past captain general of the Na- tional Society, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Society Colonial Wars (New York state); Sons of the American Revolution, being a past registrar and historian of the Rochester Chapter; vice president, State Society, War of 1812; Naval and Military Order of the Spanish American War; Military Order of Foreign Wars; past garrison commander, Army and Navy Union; past camp commander, L. B. Smith Camp, No. 25, Department of New York, Spanish War Veterans, Achilles Corps, Veterans Associa- tion; past president Two Hundred Second Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry Association of Rochester; member Old Guard of Rochester, New York; National De- fense League of Washington, D. C .; life member Army and Navy Club of New York city; Cornell and Auto Clubs of Rochester; Olmstead Family Society: and a life mem-
661
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
ber, Rochester Historical Society. In addition to the foregoing military and historical societies and orders, Colonel Hess is a Mason, a member of the Yonnondio Lodge, No. 163, F. & A. M. (life member); Hamilton Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M. (life member) ; Doric Council, No. 19, R. & S. M. (life member); Monroe Commandery, No. 12, K. T .; Rochester Consistory, S. P. R. S., thirty-second degree (a life member); Damascus Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
On the 30th of October, 1895, Colonel Hess was united in marriage to Anna Augusta Olrick of New York city. Her ancestors came to this country at an early period in its history and she is a Daughter of the American Revolution. His mother, Helen Mar (Chichester) Hess, passed away July 25th, 1913. She came from old New England stock, who settled here as early as 1632, and were of important personage to the early colonial days, and thereafter. Colonel Hess had no brother, but one sister, Helen V. (Hess) Walbridge, who died April 16, 1907, leaving three children: Lieutenant Arthur Hess Walbridge of Los Angeles, California; Lieutenant Edward Dewey Wal- bridge, United States Navy, and Mrs. William J. Kaelber of Rochester. Colonel Hess is an exemplary representative citizen of high esteem, for every phase of his life will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. He resides in the old Hess homestead at No. 245 Plymouth avenue, South, where he has resided for about half a century. This old home is full of history and wonderful antiques, being erected in 1838.
ELMER ELLSWORTH CONRATH.
During the ten years that Elmer Ellsworth Conrath has been editor of The Patriot and Free Press, a weekly newspaper of Cuba, Allegany county, he has brought that sheet well to the front among the weekly newspapers of the Empire state and added to his prestige as a successful journalist. Mr. Conrath's interest in the printing business dates from the time he was a boy of nine, when he bought a little printing press and established a job office of his own. What seemed at first to be a youthful hobby developed into a life-long interest that has made him both notably successful and happy in his work.
Born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1869, Mr. Conrath is the son of David W. and Elizabeth (Strasler) Conrath. Through his father he is of German descent, while his mother's family is of Swiss origin. At the early age of thirteen Elmer Conrath put aside his textbooks, temporarily, to enter a printing office. He was already familiar with the essentials of the trade, for he had taught himself much of the technique in the years he had been running his little job office as a side issue, and from the time he left school until he was eighteen he worked at the trade steadily. In these years he acquired the skill and efficiency that comes only to those who have actually mastered the various operations of any trade or business, assets that were to be of great value to him in after life when he had reached the editorial office of a newspaper. Meanwhile the young man was spending his leisure hours in studying to make up for his lack of formal education. By the time he was eighteen he had prepared himself to take the teacher's examinations and enter the educational field. The ensuing four years he spent in the public schools of his native state as teacher and principal, following which he took a year's work at Bucknell University. For three years he held the position of head of the Ebensburg (Pennsylvania) Normal Institute, a school for teachers. But the lure of the newspaper field was too great an attraction for him, and eventually he found himself back in the line of work that had first attracted his attention.
At intervals after he began teaching Mr. Conrath worked in printing establish- ments and for three seasons he had valuable experience as a member of the staff of the Daily Assembly Herald of Chautauqua, New York. He became connected with the Johnstown (Pennsylvania) Daily Tribune in 1890, as correspondent, and three years later took a post on the editorial staff of the same journal. In 1898 he was promoted to associate editor and held that position until 1911, when he resigned to become editor of the Johnstown Daily Leader. Mr. Conrath severed his connection with the Leader in 1914, when he bought The Patriot and Free Press of Cuba. In his management of this paper he has used his experience on the larger dailies, and in so doing has brought it up to a standard of excellence that has made it one of the conspicuous weekly papers of the state. Through his membership in state and national editorial associations Mr. Conrath keeps in touch with the work of his fellow editors and has contributed his-share to the advancement of his profession through his work as vice president of the state association.
41-Vol. IV
662
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
Mr. Conrath and Miss Charlotte Vernella Learn were united in marriage at Cookport, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of December, 1893. They are the parents of two children : Jane Elizabeth, now the wife of Fred J. Fales of Olean. and Robert Elmer, who lives at home.
In Cuba Mr. Conrath is known as a very public-spirited citizen and what is slangily called a "booster." He is interested in all the activities of the community and takes part in them with a whole-hearted enthusiasm that makes his support a decided asset to any movement. His former experience as a teacher has well qualified him for the very responsible position of president of the board of education, which he now holds, and he is also a trustee and treasurer of the circulating library associa- tion. His name appears on the list of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba and on the directorate of the Cuba National Bank. Fraternally he is a Mason and past master of his lodge, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His participation in the business, educational and civic life of the community, as well as his place of leadership as editor of a very successful paper, entitle Mr. Conrath to the enviable position he holds as one of the most influential men in Cuba.
HENRY A. MOORE, D. D. S.
Dr. Henry A. Moore is one of the pioneer dentists of Elmira and his success is the result of thorough preparation, years of experience, and devotion to his profes- sion. He was born April 18, 1864, in Schuyler county, New York, the youngest in the family of four children of Asa and Harriet (Mathews) Moore, who were life- long residents of that county, in which the father followed the occupation of farming. He was a republican in politics and an earnest, helpful member of the Methodist church, with which his wife was also affiliated. His father, Paul Moore, was one of the pioneers of Schuyler county and passed away at the venerable age of ninety-five years. His son, Henry Moore, now resides on the old homestead, of which he is the owner, and the maternal grandfather, Alanson Mathews, also made his home in Schuyler county.
Henry A. Moore obtained his early education in the district school near the home farm and his studies were continued in the Ohio Normal College at Ada. For two years he filled a clerical position in a dry goods store in Watkins, New York, and afterward was employed for a year in the dental office of Dr. Firman. Dr. Moore entered the Philadelphia Dental College in 1887 and was graduated with the class of 1890. He came to Elmira the same year and at the time of his arrival there were eight dental practitioners in the city. His practice has grown with the development of the community and has now reached extensive proportions. His work represents the highest degree of skill in dentistry and those who sought his services when he entered upon his professional career thirty-four years ago are still his patients. He has installed an X-ray machine in his office. Also nitrous-oxide and oxygen are administered, with a trained nurse always in attendance. Dr. T. R. Murdock has been associated with Dr. Moore for the past four years. He also has a fully equipped laboratory, where all mechanical work is done.
On July 2, 1903, Dr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Edith Firman, whose public school training was supplemented by an academic course. Her father was also a well known dentist. In his political views Dr. Moore is a republican. His profes- sional connections are with the Elmira, Sixth District, New York State and American Dental Societies. He is an Elk and a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, council, St. Omer's Commandery, the Shrine and the Grotto. He is also a member of the Masonic, Century, City, Rotary, Country, Keuka and Cold Brook Clubs.
WILSON KINGMAN PAGE.
Vice president and general manager of the Olean Petroleum Company of Olean, New York, Wilson Kingman Page has well carried on the successful work of his father, Wilson Rufus Page, who passed away in 1922 after an active and honorable life which made him one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of the com- munity. Wilson K. Page was born on the 18th of May, 1885, at Olean, New York, a
DR. HENRY A. MOORE
665
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
son of Wilson Rufus and Nellie (Brett) Page. Following the completion of a high school course in Olean by graduation with the class of 1906, he matriculated in Cornell University of Ithaca, New York, which institution conferred upon him the degree of M. E. in 1909. After spending eighteen months with the General Electric Company at Schenectady he returned to Olean and entered the service of the Western New York & Pennsylvania Traction Company, with which he continued in the capacity of electrical engineer until 1920. In the year 1913 Mr. Page organized the Allegany Sand & Gravel Company, of which he is president, and he is also president and general manager of the National Railroad Trolley Guard Company. In 1922 he and his brother took over the management of his father's estate as executors. Besides being active in the conduct of the Olean Petroleum Company as vice president and general manager, he is a director of the Page Brothers Company and the First National Bank of Olean. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honor- able methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.
On June 5, 1912, Mr. Page was married to Miss Madeleine Quirin, daughter of W. C. A. Quirin, of Olean. They are the parents of a son and a daughter, Elizabeth and Kingman W., who were born in the years 1914 and 1918, respectively.
Mr. Page manifests an active interest in local republican politics and is otherwise public-spirited to a great degree. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Baptist church, in which he is serving as chairman of the board of trustees, and he is also a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is a thirty-second degree Mason who has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Ismailia Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and he likewise belongs to the City Club and the F. L. Bartlett Country Club. A lover of the great outdoors, he finds pleasurable recreation in hunting and fishing. A worthy successor of his honored father, Wilson K. Page is held in high esteem in Olean, because of his integrity and sterling worth, and his friends are legion.
WILLIAM L. NICHOLS.
Bolivar sustained the loss of one of her representative and highly respected citizens in the death of William L. Nichols, who long figured prominently in business circles of the community as an oil producer and as an active factor in the real estate and insurance field. He had reached the age of sixty-four years when he passed away on the 14th of July, 1924, his birth having occurred in Youngstown, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1860. He early lost his father, who was killed in the Civil war as a de- fender of the Union cause.
William L. Nichols spent the years of his youth at Ischua, Cattaraugus county, New York. When about sixteen he obtained a position as a railroad telegrapher, being thus employed until he entered the service of the Tidewater Pipe Line Company as purchasing agent. It was in this capacity that he came to Bolivar, where he continued as an independent oil producer after severing his connection with the Tide- water Pipe Line Company. Mr. Nichols also developed the local telephone company, remaining manager and proprietor thereof until he disposed of these interests to the Bell Telephone Company. He likewise devoted considerable attention to the real estate and insurance business and his activities along this line were attended with well merited success. His connection with any undertaking insured a prosperous out- come of the same, for it was in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he was associated with. He earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings was known for his prompt and honor- able methods, which won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.
On the 25th of June, 1882, at Little Genesee, New York, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Jennie B. Rosebush, daughter of George W. Rosebush. They became the parents of a son, William G., a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work.
Mr. Nichols was an active worker in the local ranks of the democratic party and filled many offices of public trust and responsibility in a highly acceptable manner. At all times he manifested a deep and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to civic we'fare and withheld his aid and cooperation from no movement instituted to
666
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
promote the general good. In fraternal circles he was known as a Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine, while his religious faith was that of the Methodist church. His passing was sincerely mourned throughout the community which had been his home for a period covering more than four decades.
DANIEL WITERSTEIN PARMALEE.
Daniel Witerstein Parmalee is one of Rochester's enterprising realtors and his progressive business methods and well directed activities are important factors in civic improvement, as well as in the attainment of individual prosperity. He was born in Oneida county, New York, April 7, 1882, a son of George L. and Amelia (Witer- stein) Parmalee, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of the Empire state. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming and is survived by the mother.
Daniel Witerstein Parmalee attended the district school near his home and com- pleted his education in the high school at Verona, New York. His first experience along business lines was gained in a clerical capacity and later he was placed in charge of a shoe store at Niagara Falls, New York. He afterward became a traveling salesman for a grocery house and in 1917 established his home in Rochester but continued to travel until 1920, when he abandoned that occupation. He has since engaged in the general real estate business, being sole owner of the enterprise, and displays keen sagacity in placing his investments. He is thoroughly informed concerning realty values in this locality and his business has enjoyed a rapid growth, for it is conducted along systematic and up-to-date lines.
In Oneida, New York, on July 2, 1909, Mr. Parmalee was married to Miss Edna M. Sherman, a daughter of Edgar D. Sherman, a well known resident of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Parmalee have become the parents of two children: Helen Sherman, who was born in Syracuse, New York, June 24, 1914, and is now attending school in Cali- fornia; and Edgar Sherman, whose birth occurred in Syracuse, June 5, 1917. Mr. Parmalee manifests a deep interest in municipal welfare and to this end has become allied with the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, whose well devised plans for the extension of the trade relations of the city receive his hearty support. With industry and determination as dominant qualities, he has advanced to a position of financial independence, and is the possessor of substantial and commendable traits of character, as his fellow citizens attest. His residence is at No. 274 Canterbury road.
JOEL HARVEY WINCHIP.
The growth of any community is dependent upon the prosperity of its citizens and through the able conduct of one of the large milling industries of Allegany county Joel Harvey Winchip has materially promoted the upbuilding and development of Fillmore. He was born in the town of Allen, Allegany county, New York, December 2, 1863, a son of Joel and Phoebe (Kingsley) Winchip, the former a native of Nider, Warren county, this state. The father came to the Genesee Country when thirty years of age and settled in Allen, Allegany county. In 1874 he purchased the old homestead of Colonel Wilson, and the property is now owned by the subject of this sketch. He was a successful farmer and after retiring from agricultural pursuits lived in Angelica, New York, until his death.
Joel H. Winchip obtained his education in the public schools of Allen, Belfast and Angelica, and after completing his studies followed the occupation of farming until he reached the age of twenty-eight years. He then established a livery business in Angelica, conducting the enterprise for five years, and during that period also operated a stage. Removing to Fillmore, he opened a livery stable, of which he was the proprietor for eight years, and also engaged in farming. For the next four years he operated the Wilson farm, which his father had purchased, and on November 1, 1916, became a member of the Fillmore Milling Corporation. He is now serving as its president and has instituted many well devised plans for the growth and expansion of the business, keeping it not only in line but rather in the lead of similiar industries in this district.
On the 29th of January, 1891, Mr. Winchip married Miss Margaret Moot, a daughter of Charles Martin and Mary (Rutherford) Moot, of Allen, and they now have a family of three children, of whom Claire Julian is the oldest. He was born July 14,
DANIEL W. PARMALEE
669
THE GENESEE COUNTRY
1894, and completed his education in Alfred University. He is an enterprising young business man and is now proprietor of the Metro Oil Company of Fillmore. During the World war he enlisted in the Three Hundred and Twelfth Infantry, which was attached to the Seventy-eighth Division, and spent eight months on the battlefields of France, returning to the United States with the first company of casuals. He was assigned to duty as a machine gun operator and was gassed at St. Mihiel, also participating in the offenses at Arras, Grand Pré and on the Verdun front. Lois Ethelwyn was born March 14, 1898. She was graduated from the Rochester Business Institute and is employed in the offices of the board of education of that city. Kenneth Moot was born March 2, 1900, and completed a course in the Fillmore high school. He was a student at Alfred University for a year and is now attending the Mechanics Institute at Rochester.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.