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 72
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The following editorial appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle under date of January 13, 1925: "The career of former Senator George L. Meade, whose sudden death has come with a shock to his many friends in Rochester and elsewhere, was typical of the careers that lie open before Americans of ability and spirit. He determined at the outset of his legal career to take an interest in public affairs and his service as supervisor from the sixth ward began almost coincidently with his prac- tice at the bar. But it was apparent from the first, and it became more apparent as his career developed, that his political interests did not submerge his interest in his profession. He rose steadily in politics, but he also extended his legal knowledge and practice, so that when opportunity came to win a desirable post in the public service he had the knowledge and ability to fill it with distinction and with advantage to the public. It is the usual thing for young attorneys to be interested in public affairs and it is quite the usual thing for political leaders to be attracted to them and to make their rise easy and pleasant. It is not unusual, however, for young lawyers who are given political opportunities to become so dazed by the limelight of public favor as to forget proper attention to the study of their exacting profession and so to lack the ability to fill higher political posts acceptably. Here was a man of the right type; one who was interested in public affairs and willing to serve the public. The limelight did not daze him; he went steadily forward in the study and practice of the law. When he was appointed deputy attorney-general he served with such ability and effect that it could be said that the state was as fortunate to be able to command his services as he was to win the appointment. Such careers as Senator Meade's should have the direct effect of encouraging more of our young lawyers to take a serious interest in public affairs. They also should inspire them, in the pursuit of such interest and in the enjoyment of any public preferment they may attain, to continue their steady devotion to the study of their profession."
The Journal-Post-Express printed the following editorial on January 13, 1925: "George L. Meade was a sincere, able and useful conservative. The incident which ended his career as a state senator is a striking testimonial to his consistency. As chairman of a joint legislative committee he had investigated the operation of direct primaries and formed the opinion that they were undesirable. He so reported. Then his party declared for them and he refused to be returned. He quit, not in pique, but because he would not stultify his convictions. That was fourteen years ago. During the interval until his death he served by appointment as a deputy attorney general and as an attorney in private practice, always ably and with credit. He made friends readily and held them. His death has impressed the community and many admirers throughout the state with an unusual sense of loss."
The following editorial tribute appeared in the Rochester Times-Union on Jan- uary 12, 1925: "As a deputy attorney-general for four terms George L. Meade up- held the interests of the state in many important cases. Mr. Meade also served as state senator and assemblyman, being active in politics during the large part of his' life. He was a quiet, courteous man, well liked by everyone, and was regarded as a diligent and capable official. In more recent years he had devoted himself to his private law practice. While in the state senate Mr. Meade had charge of the legis- lation which resulted in the transfer to the city of the former State Industrial School, which was converted into Edgerton Park. Mr. Meade's death will be felt as a loss by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances."
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Along strictly professional lines Mr. Meade had membership connection with the Rochester Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, while fra- ternally he was identified with Yonnondio Lodge of Masons and with Central Lodge of Odd Fellows. He also belonged to the Rochester Club and was a consistent and devoted member of the First Methodist church. The Rochester Evening Journal, which on January 12, 1925, printed a brief review of his career, said: "Tributes to his political leadership and legal ability today were made by Governor Smith; Lieutenant Governor Lowman; State Conservation Commissioner MacDonald; Fred H. Hammond, clerk of the assembly; Supreme Court Justice Ellis J. Staley; former Senator Charles Walton; former Senator George F. Argetsinger; James L. Hotch- kiss, republican county leader, and Postmaster Mullan, former state senator." "His passing," Mr. Mullan said, "is a distinct loss to the community. He was a man of genial and pleasant personality and he was a faithful and capable public official when called upon to serve. His loss will be felt deeply."
On the 12th of December, 1894, in Rochester, Mr. Meade was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide J. Ostrander, daughter of Alvah and Mary Melissa Ostrander and rep- resentative of a prominent family of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Meade became the parents of three children, as follows: Ruth F., who was born, reared and educated in Rochester, is the wife of Paul M. Titus of this city and the mother of one son, David Charles Titus. Gordon Montgomery, who was born in Rochester, December 9, 1905, is a graduate of the East high school of this city and afterward attended Dartmouth College for a time but is now a student at the University of Rochester; and Dorothy, who was born in Rochester, is attending Monroe high school as a member of the class of 1927. George L. Meade is also survived by three brothers, James H., William and Millius Meade, all of Clyde, New York.
JAMES E. LE SUER.
James E. Le Suer, one of Wellsville's representative business men, has long been identified with the oil industry and represents a family whose members have contributed their quota toward the development of Allegany county for more than a century. The paternal grandfather, Eli Le Suer, was born in 1796 and in 1821, when a young man of twenty-five, made the journey from Unadilla, Otsego county, New York, to Allegany county, bringing with him two years' supplies. At that time there were few settlers in this region and the country was wild and undeveloped. He hewed a farm out of the wilderness, purchasing the property from the Holland Land Company, and there he continued to make his home until death terminated his labors in 1885. He was also a lumberman, operating a sawmill, in which he made shingles, and was likewise a manufacturer of potash. His son, Cyrus E. Le Suer, was born December 14, 1831, and also became a farmer, and with exception of the time he was in the Civil war service he has spent all of his life on the old homestead, where he was born. He was with General Sherman on his march from Atlanta to the sea, and as a talented musician, organized two bands which went with the Union troops to the battlefields of the south. He married Miss Lida White and resides at Bolivar, New York, having passed the venerable age of ninety-four years, but his wife has passed away.
Their son, James E. Le Suer, was born May 6, 1867, at Bolivar and completed his education in the high school of that town. Oil was discovered at Richburg, New York, in 1881 and in the following year the Tide Water Pipe Line Company came to the Allegany field. They established their pumping station on the farm owned by Cyrus E. Le Suer and in March, 1885, James E. Le Suer entered the employ of the company, with which he remained until the firm retired from the field. He then be- came identified with the Standard Oil Company, for which he worked until 1903, when the Tide Water firm resumed business, and he reentered their service. He engaged in all branches of field and station work and aided in making a complete inven- tory of the Allegany field. In 1919 Mr. Le Suer severed his relations with the Tide Water Pipe Line Company and embarked in the oil producing business in association with: E. C. Harder, also opening a garage, and well deserved success is attending his activities, for he combines a detailed knowedge of the business with executive ability and keen powers of discernment.
On the 26th of February, 1899, Mr. Le Suer was united in marriage to Miss
JAMES E. LE SUER
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Lucy McBride, a daughter of Michael and Mary Jane (Rea) McBride and previous to her marriage a teacher at Portville, New York.
When national issues are involved Mr. Le Suer supports the candidates of the republican party but at local elections votes independently. He is identified with the Masonic order and belongs to Ismailia Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is an Elk, and the teachings of the Episcopal church guide him in the daily relations of life. Mr. Le Suer has never been afraid of hard work and is most thorough and pains- taking in every task that he undertakes. He has based his success upon industry, integrity and ability and merits and receives the respect, confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen.
WALTER THOMAS BLISS.
Walter Thomas Bliss, senior member of the legal firm of Bliss & Bliss of Bolivar, Allegany county, has been a practicing attorney of this vicinity for more than thirty years. He is one of the county's native sons, born in the village of Genesee on the 16th of November, 1860. On the paternal side of the family he is descended from old Rhode Island ancestry. His grandparents, Ebenezer D. and Martha (Boss) Bliss, came to Allegany county from Rhode Island in 1830. Ebenezer Bliss was a chair- maker by trade and died here in 1885, at the age of eighty-five, his birth having taken place in the year 1800. Benjamin Thurston Bliss, father of Walter Thomas, was born in 1832 and died in 1902. His life was spent mainly in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Bliss's mother bore the maiden name of Mary J. Crandall.
Walter Thomas Bliss mastered the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common and select schools of his neighborhood, following which he entered Alfred Academy at Alfred, New York. He continued his studies in Alfred College, graduating therefrom in 1886, with the A. B. degree and for a time was a student in the University of Michigan. In 1890 he was granted admission to the practice before the bar of the state of New York and "hung out his shingle" in Alfred, where he practiced for two years. In 1892 he moved to Bolivar and has been engaged in legal work here ever since, enjoying a gratifyingly large and important practice. Chester M. Bliss, his third son, was taken into partnership in 1920, the firm adopting the name of Bliss & Bliss, by which it is now known. Mr. Bliss is a member of the Allegany County Bar Association, whose members esteem him highly, both as a distinguished colleague, and as a man and a friend. In the course of his long career before the bar he has participated in many important pieces of litigation, in which he has displayed a thorough knowledge of the law and the rare capacity for grasping a subject as a whole, as well as mastering its slightest details.
Politically Mr. Bliss has made a more than local reputation as an ardent sup- porter of the prohibition cause. In connection with the prohibition party he has been a candidate for the offices of attorney-general of the state of New York, judge of the court of appeals, county judge and district attorney. While the fact that this party has always been decidedly in the minority as regards state and national elections made it impossible for Mr. Bliss to be chosen for any state or other important public office as its candidate, the nation today owes a debt of gratitude to this busy lawyer and other of his high-minded associates all over the country, who sacrificed personal gain on many occasions in their support of this once unpopular cause. They have had their reward in the adoption of the recent amendment to the United States con- stitution, if not in any personal sense. The issue of child welfare is another problem that has enlisted his interest and he is now serving as chairman of the Allegany County Board of Child Welfare.
In 1891 Mr. Bliss was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Mitchell of Chautauqua county, and to them have been born five sons: Laurence M. is a graduate of Alfred University, class of 1913, and of the Law School of the University of California. He was admitted to the bar in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is now engaged in practice in that city as a member of the firm of Wilson & Bliss. He has served as United States commissioner at that place. His wife was formerly Miss Agnes Thane of the Golden Gate city and they are the parents of a little daughter, Barbara; the second son, Hubert D., took a course in journalism in Columbia University of New York city after completing his college course in Alfred University in 1917, and is now on the staff of the Post Standard of Syracuse, New York. During the World war he served in the medical department of the United States army. Mr. Hubert D. Bliss was married to Miss Julia Wahl of Allegany county and they have one child, Roberta; Chester M. Bliss, who is now associated with his father in legal practice in
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Bolivar, received his degree from the Law School of the University of Buffalo, and was admitted to the bar in 1920; Burton T. Bliss graduated from Alfred University in the class of 1923 and is on the staff of the Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, New Mexico; George W., the youngest son, is a student in Alfred University.
THOMAS WEBSTER NEWCOMB.
There are life histories so stimulating that one cannot read them without feeling a desire to follow a similar course, owing to the respect which is engendered by the strength of character and indomitable purpose which have brought the individual from obscurity to a place of distinction and leadership. Such a record is that of Thomas W. Newcomb. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has not only managed to gain a competence but to win his way to the heights of prosperity, overcoming obstacles that would have disheartened a man of less resolute spirit. His activities as a shoe manufacturer have made his name known from coast to coast, and Rochester is in- debted to him for one of its greatest industries.
Mr. Newcomb was born in Rock Stream, Yates county, New York, December 13, 1846, and represents one of the colonial families of New England, tracing his ancestry in this country to the year 1630. His parents were Colonel Hiram Azaria and Louise Irene (Page) Newcomb, the latter of whom was born in Salisbury, Con- necticut. The father was a native of Canada and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Yates county, New York. He was a man of liberal education and a leader of public thought and opinion in his community. He served as postmaster of Dix, as school commissioner of Yates county, and was nominated for the office of congressman. He enjoyed in the fullest extent the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen and his death, which occurred at Dix in 1883, was deeply regretted. Colonel Hiram A. Newcomb took a keen interest in the work of the state militia in Yates county and was quite prominent in local militia circles, serving as colonel. He was one of the prime factors in securing the funds for founding Starkey College at Starkey, New York, and in this, like almost every movement that involved the wel- fare or betterment of the community, he took a foremost part. His public spirit, like his civic pride, was never dormant and throughout his active life his influence and help were never withheld from measures or projects of benefit to his locality.
He was one of the founders of the republican party in Schuyler and Yates coun- ties and remained one of the stalwart members of the party during the remainder of his life.
His son, Thomas W. Newcomb attended the district school near his home in Yates county, continuing his studies in one of the grammar schools of New York city. At the age of fourteen he became deputy postmaster of Monterey, New York, and afterward taught a rural school. On severing home ties he went to Elmira, this state. For a time he filled a clerical position in a country grocery store and later became a hat and cap salesman. Having decided to engage in business for himself, he formed a partnership with a Mr. Weller and they became proprietors of a shoe store in Elmira. Subsequently Mr. Newcomb withdrew from the firm and secured a position with a well known shoe manufacturing concern of Rochester, with which he remained for several years, acting as traveling salesman. He next represented a shoe house of New York city in a similar capacity and eventually returned to Elmira, where he formed the Newcomb & Wyckoff Shoe Company. In the financial panic of 1873 he lost every dollar he possessed and in order to recoup his fortunes decided to utilize his musical talent. He possessed a beautiful tenor voice and, after receiving a thorough course of instruction, became a concert singer. His services were much in demand and he finally joined the famous New Orleans Minstrels as tenor soloist and toured the country with that organization, whose members were well received in every city they visited. After the expiration of his contract Mr. New- comb reentered commercial life, becoming traveling representative for a Rochester shoe house, with which he was connected for a number of years, and was one of the stockholders of the concern. Disposing of his holdings, he decided to give expression to his creative powers and began designing footwear for children. He at first con- fined his attention to moccasins and soft-soled shoes, making them in his home and selling his output to the trade on the road. Gradually he created a demand for his handiwork and his business reached a point that justified the erection of a factory. He secured a suitable location at No. 272 Sanford street, in Rochester, and the sub- stantial building which now occupies the site is four stories in height, well ventilated,
THOMAS W. NEWCOMB
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and supplied with the most improved equipment. The business is conducted under the style of the Newcomb-Anderson Shoe Company and the firm enjoys the distinc- tion of being the largest manufacturers of children's shoes in the world. Mr. New- comb is the president of this great industry and has perfected an organization which redounds to his credit and to the fame of the city which he has made the scene of his activities. The output of his factory represents the highest achievement in the lines in which he specializes, and the mammoth business of today is a complete real- ization of the dream of its founder-an imposing monument to his courageous spirit, his progressive ideas, his stability of purpose, and his exceptional powers of organ- ization and administration. He also was the promoter of Don O Lac, a paint and varnish manufacturing concern, which is likewise a prosperous industry.
In 1873, in Elmira, New York, Mr. Newcomb married Miss Ella Wood, who was a daughter of Morgan L. Wood, a conductor for forty years on the Erie Railroad, and her death occurred in Rochester in 1895. Four children were born to them but two are deceased. Those who survive are Bertha Florence, now Mrs. H. Frank Clark and Grace Wood, now Mrs. Charles W. Anderson. Both were born in Elmira. Charles W. Anderson is vice president of the Newcomb-Anderson Shoe Company, of Rochester. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two children: Ralph Morgan Anderson and Mrs. George S. Alverson, who has a daughter, Marylynn Anderson Alverson. Mr. Newcomb's second union was with Miss Mary M. Balzer, a daughter of August Bal- zer, of Rochester. They were married in 1897 and to them was born a son, Thomas Scott Newcomb, who is a native of Rochester. He married Miss Beatrice Haley and they have become the parents of a son, Donald Haley Newcomb. Mrs. Newcomb died April 12, 1925.
Mr. Newcomb was a prominent member of the Jefferson Club and for fifteen years its treasurer. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and for many years he took an active part in political affairs. He ran for alderman in the fourteenth ward; was a candidate for the office of school commissioner of Monroe county and was also a candidate for city comptroller and for treasurer of Monroe county on the democratic ticket. Although he has passed the seventy-seventh mile- stone on life's journey, he still remains at the helm of his business, for he has wisely conserved his powers and enjoys the priceless possession of physical and mental vigor. He has played well his part, contributing in notable measure to the world's work, and never fails to inspire respect for his ability, confidence in his integrity, and admiration for his firmness of character.
BAYARD H. KNAPP.
Heredity and training combined to make a newspaper man of Bayard H. Knapp, editor and owner of the Dansville Breeze, published in Dansville, Livingston county. His first occupation after leaving school was in the publishing business, and his father had been identified with the press for many years. He is purely a Dansville product and has passed his entire life in the town. He was born in Dansville, June 24, 1879, the son of A. H. and Lizzie (Woodruff) Knapp. The father died in March, 1915, and the mother in 1914. They were the parents of seven children, all except one of whom are living. Bayard H. Knapp obtained his education in the grade and high schools of Dansville, and then went into the printing business, as foreman, with A. O. Bunnell. In 1904 Mr. Knapp became connected with his father in the publication of the Breeze and is now owner and editor of the paper.
On June 3, 1903, Mr. Knapp was married to Adah Lanphear, and they have one son: Calvin B. Knapp. Mr. Knapp is a member of the Presbyterian church in his religious belief and also belongs to the Rotary Club of Dansville, while fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange.
The Dansville Breeze was established in 1883 by M. H. Fowler and J. W. Burgess, as a weekly of independent political color, there already being a democratic and a republican paper in the village. In 1893 the owners erected a brick block on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets for the accommodation of the plant. In 1900 Mr. Fowler bought the share of Mr. Burgess in the real estate, and on the 1st of June, 1902, bought the Burgess interest in the paper, Mr. Burgess retiring. Herman W. DeLong was engaged as editor of the paper and acted in that capacity until 1904. In February, 1904, A. H. Knapp and George R. Brown became proprietors, Mr. Brown retiring the following August and Bayard H. Knapp joining his father. In June, 1908, the paper was changed to a daily and is now the only daily paper in Livingston
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county. Its political tone is republican. A. H. Knapp died in March, 1915, and was succeeded in the ownership of the paper by his son, who has rapidly developed the journal to a successful standard. The Breeze has a circulation of nearly fifteen hun- dred, is an extensive advertising medium, and the office also does a large amount of job printing.
ST. MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The following history of St. Mary's church was written by a contemporary biographer: "When DeNonville and his French army, in 1687, destroyed the Indian village of Gannagaro and Gaudougarae, the inhabitants were driven eastward and formed a village near the foot of Canandaigua Lake, which village and lake have since then borne that name. Among the Indian inhabitants in those days were many Catholics, some of them Senecas and most of them Hurons and Algonquin captives, the result of fifty years of missionary labor of the zealous Jesuits. Even in our day the beads and crucifixes given the Indians by the missionaries are still picked up on the sites of the old Indian towns.
"Following the revolution and the white settlement of western New York, Can- andaigua became a prominent center of commerce and government, and no doubt many Catholics were among the pioneers. The family of Hugh Collins came as early as 1823, others followed, and there are traditions of lumber wagons leaving here Saturdays afternoons to bring the people to the Sunday mass at St. Patrick's in Rochester. About 1840 Rev. Bernard O'Reilly of Rochester said the first mass in Canandaigua in the Patrick Doyle house on Antis street. Mass was celebrated in various homes for the following few years. At length, in 1844, a lot was purchased by Father O'Reilly from Thomas Beals, and in the fall of 1846 the pew books give the following list of pewholders: On the south side of the church: Bernard Scand- ling, Bridget Garvey, Hugh Collins, Patrick White, Patrick Doyle, Michael Coyle, Catherine Hanavin, Agnes King, John Whalen, William Lysaght, Eleanor Gannon, James Ryan, Patrick Sherry, Matthew Carroll, Hugh Keefe, James Gleason, James Cooney, Thomas Eccles, James Cass, Miss Eagan. On the north side of the church: John Classey, John Callahan, Walter Corcoran, James Coyle, Martin White, Charles Murphy, Thomas Walsh, Peter Cowan, Bernard Coyle, Maria Connell, Peter Moore, Matthew Walsh, Jerry Mahaney, William Day, Patrick Leddy, Catherine Kilkelly, John Smith, Cornelius Hurley, Neil Connelly, Connor Kelly, Jerry Noonan.
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