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 8
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5-Vol. IV
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Tracy, has shocked us beyond expression. His was a rare spirit. He always seemed to move in an atmosphere of kindliness. In his presence the manifold trials and vexa- tions of the ordinary day seemed petty, and soon melted away. His sense of justice was very strong and this, together with these other attributes, made him peculiarly adapted for the position which he filled with such marked success. He came with the North East Electric Company in 1912, very early in its history, and by energy and ability made rapid and substantial progress until he became manager of the service department. When it was deemed wise to make a separate company of this department he still retained his position as manager with the title of vice president. The word service was no misnomer with him and his loyalty to the interests that he represented never warped his sense of justice. He has gone out from among us in the full vigor of his manhood and we shall always think of him as a 'good soldier'. He died as he lived-helping others. Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to his companion in life, to whom has come the greater loss and the deeper sorrow. We are sure that her greatest comfort will be the splendid heritage of the memory of that life which was lived so well and has left the world better because of his part in it.
"C. Walter Coapman, secretary, June 9th, 1924."
"Mrs. John Walter Tracy,
"Rochester, New York,
"My Dear Mrs. Tracy:
"It is with the greatest reluctance that I send these words of sympathy to you. With reluctance, as they bring to me the full realization that John Walter Tracy is no longer in the land of the living. The reaction, when I received the telegram con- veying the sad news that Mr. Tracy had been drowned, was that I had lost one nearer to me than a superior. Such a relationship must have been mutual, as he has told me plans and discussed events that indicated a deeper confidence than ordi- narily exists between managers and subordinates, and his confidence was never violated. Mr. Tracy was loved, honored and respected wherever he was known. No one could bear enmity toward him. He combined those qualities of manhood that made it a great pleasure to work with him or to count him as a friend. Fair dealing with those under his direction and with those with whom he transacted business, accorded him a universal welcome. His sincerity created the utmost confidence among his business and personal friends. Subterfuges were no part of his nature. A wonderful personality cemented the bonds of acquaintanceship and thus built up enduring friendships. But a noble character was the real foundation underlying his tower of friendships. The entire New York Branch organization join me in this expression of deepest sympathy. Your loss is our loss and we share your sorrow. Memories of Mr. Tracy and of his heroic deed will remain with us throughout the rest of our lives.
"Sincerely and sorrowfully yours, "Dale Pierce Cartwright.
"East Orange, New Jersey,
"June 7th, 1924."
CARL M. FIERO, M. D.
Extensive hospital experience, part of which was acquired in United States army service, preceded the location of Dr. Carl M. Fiero at Geneseo, Livingston county, New York, where he enjoys a large general practice which his hospital experience proves of especial value in handling. He was born at Peoria, Wyoming county, New York, on April 6, 1878, and is the son of John M. and Marian (Rudgers) Fiero, both now living at Leicester, New York. Mr. Fiero is a Civil war veteran. They were the parents of two children, Carl M., of this review, and Guy M. (twins), the latter a dentist at Buffalo, New York. On the paternal side the Doctor's grandparents were John C. and Isabel (Gay) Fiero, of Flint Creek. The grandfather was born in 1800 and his death occurred in 1874. Isabel Gay (or De Guy, Maryland Huguenot ances- try), was born in 1801 and died in 1867. His great grandfather was Peter Fiero of Westcamp-on-the-Hudson, whose ancestors came from Holland and located in New York at an early period in its history. Isabel Gay's parents were William and Re- becca (Maxwell) Gay, born in 1771 and 1780, respectively. On the maternal side the Doctor's grandparents were Daniel and Charlotte (Denton) Rudgers. The grand- father was born in 1807 and died in 1888, while the grandmother was born in 1811
DR. CARL M. FIERO
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and died in 1882. The grandfather was the son of Daniel and Nancy (Purdy) Rudgers, and the grandmother the daughter of Stephen and Eunice (Hudson) Denton.
Carl M. Fiero's early education was acquired in the grade and district schools, at the Geneseo Normal School and at Middlebury Academy, after which he entered the University of Buffalo, at Buffalo, New York, from which he received his degree of M. D. and was graduated in the class of 1905. For about a year Dr. Fiero devoted himself to hospital work at Rochester, New York, and then located at Leicester, New York, where he followed general practice for twelve years. When the United States entered the World war he offered his services and was stationed at Embarkation Hospital, No. 1, at Hoboken, New Jersey, with the rank of captain. After his war duties were ended, in 1919, Dr. Fiero moved to Geneseo, where he has been engaged in general practice ever since. He is a member of the county and state medical associations, and of the Livingston County Historical Society. In his political views Dr. Fiero is a republican, and has been county physician four years. He is a Mason, and in his religious convictions belongs to the Presbyterian church, and is a member of G. Livingston Wadsworth Post, No. 271, American Legion.
Dr. Fiero was married on February 6, 1907, to Louella Morrow of Pavilion, New York, and three children have been born to them: John, Donald and Austin. Mrs. Fiero is the daughter of David and Margaret (Cromwell) Morrow, the former of whom was born in 1839 and died in 1908, while Margaret Morrow was born in 1842 and died in 1921. David Morrow was the son of David and Agnes (Ross) Morrow, who were born in 1800 and 1804, respectively. Margaret Cromwell was the daughter of Jacob and Janet (McVean) Cromwell. Jacob Cromwell was born in 1815 and died in 1887. Janet (McVean) Cromwell was born in 1818 and died in 1908.
LAURENCE MEULENDYKE.
In the production of canned fruits and vegetables Rochester ranks with the lead- . ing cities of the world and among those enterprising business men who are responsible for its prestige in connection with this industry is numbered Laurence Meulendyke, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the W. N. Clark Company. He was born in Rochester, on the 31st of January, 1881, and his parents, Abraham and Mina (Zeeveld) Meulendyke, were also natives of the same city. The father was well known in industrial circles here as a manufacturer of upholstered furniture and for many years his attention was devoted to that business.
Laurence Meulendyke supplemented his public school education by a course in the Rochester Business Institute and after his graduation in 1899 he became an employe of W. H. Wood & Company, with whom he remained for about eighteen months. Sub- sequently he spent a similar period in the employ of the Taylor Instrument Company. In 1903 he entered the service of W. N. Clark Company, canners and preservers, and his ability soon became apparent to his employers, who rewarded his faithfulness and zeal by successive promotions. He now acts as general manager of the company, of which he is also secretary and treasurer, and his untiring efforts and managerial ability have been no small factors in the growth and development of the business.
On September 12, 1920, Mr. Meulendyke was married to Miss Katherine Morrison, a daughter of Walter W. and Katherine (Woodruff) Morrison of this city. Mr. Meulendyke is also a factor in the moral progress of his community and serves as a trustee of the Brick Presbyterian church of Rochester, of which he is an earnest, helpful member. His public spirit is denoted by his connection with the Chamber of Commerce and he also belongs to the Rotary and Rochester Clubs. He is a Knights Templar Mason and has attained the thirty-second degree in the consistory. He supports the platform and candidates of the republican party but has never been an aspirant for political honors, being content to perform his duty as a private citizen.
JOHN G. CARPENTER.
For nearly a quarter of a century engaged in the practice of law, John G. Carpenter of Avon, Livingston county, has always found the time to take an active part in the civic affairs of the community in which he lives and has been honored by many years in public office. He has a large legal practice which extends to many of the surrounding counties and all parts of western New York. He was born in West-
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port, Essex county, New York, on September 15, 1874, the son of Albert and Mary (Sheldon) Carpenter, both natives of New York and both now deceased. The father was a farmer and sheep raiser. His family numbered five children, four sons and one daughter.
John G. Carpenter attended the grade and high schools at Westport and did post- graduate work in the latter. He then entered Colgate University at Hamilton, New York, from which he received his Ph. B. degree and was graduated in 1898. For his legal studies Mr. Carpenter entered the law department of the University of Buffalo at Buffalo, New York, from which he received the degree of I.L. B. and graduated in 1900. Mr. Carpenter began the practice of law in Buffalo, but a few months after- ward, on August 20, 1900, moved to Avon and has since been engaged in the general practice of law there. He has also maintained an office in Rochester since 1921. He served as police justice for ten years and was village attorney from 1904 to 1916. Some years ago Mr. Carpenter acquired the Fisk property of fourteen acres in Avon, which he laid out in an allotment of forty choice building lots through which run two thoroughfares-Fisk place and its extension, South avenue. This enterprise was a distinct contribution to the needs and growth of the village.
Mr. Carpenter was married on May 28, 1901, to Mary J. Risley, and two children have been born to them: John Colby and Rose Mary. Fraternally Mr. Carpenter is affiliated with the Masonic order. In religion he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, while his political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party. He is now serving as president of the Avon Community Club, and president of the Avon Rod and Gun Club. He is also a member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Along strictly professional lines he is identified with the Livingston County Bar Association,and he is likewise a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon, the Theta Nu Epsilon and Beta Delta Beta college fraternities and the Delta Chi legal fraternity at Buffalo. During the World war Mr. Carpenter was on the Farmers' Loan committee, the Committee for the Promotion of the Raising of Food Crops, and was the head of the American Protective League for the northern half of Livingston county.
AMOS PECK MACK.
Any calling, be what it may, is ennobled or debased by the men who follow it. For more than a half century the name of Mack was synonymous with high-minded enterprise and absolute honesty in industrial circles of Rochester, and Amos Peck Mack steadfastly adhered to the high standards of commercial honor by which the business men of this city have always been distinguished. He was born in Oswego, New York, October 22, 1857, a son of William Warren Mack, who was one of the pioneer manufacturers of Rochester and a self-made man who fought life's battles unaided. He was born October 14, 1821, in Ira, Cayuga county, New York, and when a boy of fifteen left home to earn his own livelihood. As a young man he went to Syracuse, New York, and engaged in the dry goods business, afterward removing to Oswego, where he entered the same line of activity in partnership with his brother, Royal Mack. William W. Mack remained in that city for several years and then started for the west in search of a climate which would restore his health. He reached Davenport, Iowa, in 1860, and after recuperating returned to the east, arriving in Rochester in 1864. He formed a partnership with D. R. Barton, who had begun the manufacture of edged tools in this city in 1832, and they were joined by C. C. Merri- man. The business was first conducted under the name of D. R. Barton & Company and in 1874 William W. Mack and his brother purchased the interest of Mr. Barton. Subsequently the two sons of W. W. Mack entered the firm, which then became known as Mack & Company. The factory was situated on Brown's Race and Mr. Mack was the pioneer business man of that district, in which connection he became widely and favorably known. On September 10, 1845, he was married to Miss Laura Jane Peck, who was born May 28, 1820. He was a man of high principles and fine character and death terminated his labors on the 19th of July, 1901, when he was seventy- nine years. of age.
Amos P. Mack was seven years of age when his parents came to Rochester and here he was reared and educated, attending the public schools and the old Sutterfee Institute, a preparatory school. On completing his studies he entered his father's plant, and having mastered the mechanical processes of the business. he was admitted to a partnership in the firm of Mack & Company. After his father's death Amos P.
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AMOS P. MACK
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Mack and his brother, William Royal, assumed control of the business. Upon Wm. Royal Mack's death, some years later, Amos P. Mack became the head of the business, being the last of the family to continue the industry, which is the oldest in the city. He proved worthy of the trust and in its management displayed executive ability of a high order, greatly enlarging the scope of the enterprise and maintaining a notable degree of efficiency in its :operation.
At Port Byron, New York, on May 27, 1885, Mr. Mack was married to Miss Alice Monroe Smith and they became the parents of two children: The elder, Warren T. Mack, was married to Martha H. Hunter and they have two daughters: Alice Monroe and Ernestine Elizabeth. Ernestine Mack became the wife of John Vrabeck of New York city, and they are the parents of a daughter, Elizabeth Barbara Vrabeck, born June 15, 1921, in Rochester.
Early in life Mr. Mack joined the Baptist church and to its teachings he faith- fully adhered and served as trustee of the church. He was a member of the Genesee Valley Club and his political support was given to the republican party. He passed away at his home at No. 10 Granger place, on Tuesday, November 6, 1923, when sixty-six years of age, and in his death Rochester lost one of its valuable citizens, his associates a loyal friend, and his family a devoted husband and father. He was a manly man who met life's obligations with the confidence and courage that result from conscious personal ability, a right conception of things, and an habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities.
EARL L. GREENE.
Earl L. Greene, president of the Earl L. Greene Knitting Corporation of Bath, Steuben county, is a prosperous young business man who has the reputation of being one of the most expert cloth weavers in America. He was born in Little Falls, Herkimer county, New York, on the 5th of April, 1891, his parents being William C. and Leora (Leaditt) Greene and his paternal grandfather was William C. Greene, Sr., of Herkimer county. The family is one of the oldest in the historic Mohawk valley. Earl L. Greene has a clock which has been in possession of the family for three centuries. During pioneer days in the Empire state his great-great-grandmother lived in a stockade and rode a horse. His father was a successful agriculturist, residing in the town of Little Falls.
Earl L. Greene was reared and educated in Johnstown, Fulton county, New York. After putting aside his textbooks he began learning the knitting business, which he has thoroughly mastered in every detail and in connection with which he has worked his way upward from a minor position to one of responsibility and importance. He was manager of the mills at Whitestown, New York, for Robert Evellett & Company, prior to his arrival in Bath in 1919. Here he represented the gasoline corporation as resident manager until 1923, when he organized the Earl L. Greene Knitting Cor- poration, with the following officers: Earl L. Greene, president; E. Kendall Derrick, vice president, and H. J. Donnelly, secretary. In the factory, which was erected in 1923, employment is furnished to from fifty to sixty people. The output of the mill is shipped to all parts of the United States in order to meet the large demand for knitted cloth, as well as for the entire garments here produced.
On the 19th of June, 1917, Mr. Greene was united in marriage to Miss Mae Kalmus, and they are the parents of four sons: John Earl, William G., Robert K. and Earl L., Jr. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Greene has supported the men and measures of the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bath Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M., and is likewise a member of the Rotary Club. He holds a secure place in the esteem of his fellow citizens, for his is an admirable character, worthy of all praise.
NELSON ELWOOD SPENCER.
Nelson Elwood Spencer, who has been an active representative of the legal pro- fession in Rochester for nearly three decades, is also identified with business interests as president of the W. N. Clark Company, preservers and packers of canned goods. His birth occurred in Spencerport, Monroe county, New York, on the 30th of Octo-
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ber, 1869. His parents were Riley A. and Lucretia (Palmer) Spencer, both of whom were descended from old New England families, the father's family coming to New York from Massachusetts, while his mother's came from Connecticut. The grand- father, Austin Spencer, was one of the pioneers of Monroe county and surveyed a great portion of its lands. In addition he followed the occupation of farming and was closely associated with the early development and improvement of this portion of the state, aiding in its reclamation for the uses of the white race. He served as justice of the peace and was a very prominent and influential citizen of western New York in his day. His son, Riley A. Spencer, was also a farmer and followed various other occupations as well.
Nelson Elwood Spencer was reared under the parental roof and after acquiring a public school education he became a student in the Wilmington Conference Academy at Dover, Delaware. Later he matriculated in the University of Rochester and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in the class of 1893. He became a member of the Alpha Delta Phi and also of the Phi Beta Kappa, two college fra- ternities. He was admitted to the bar on the 26th of December, 1895, and began practice the same day, since which time he has been an active member of the legal fraternity in Rochester. He engages in the general practice of law and his broad understanding of the principles of civil and common law well qualify him for the conduct of the litigated interests entrusted to his care. In addition to his professional activity he is engaged in business as president of the W. N. Clark Company, preserv- ers of fruits and vegetables at No. 333 Hollenbeck street in Rochester. His associate officers are Fern L. Shannon, vice president and Lawrence Meulendyke, who is the secretary and treasurer.
On the 1st of December, 1897, Mr. Spencer was married to Miss Helen Louise Clark of Rochester, and they became parents of four children: Clark Palmer, Howard Clark, Elwood Clark and Nelson Palmer. Clark Palmer and Elwood Clark have passed away. Nelson Palmer who was born in Rochester in 1912, is attending school. Mr. Spencer belongs to the University Club of Rochester and to the Rochester Cham- ber of Commerce, while along strictly professional lines he is identified with the American Bar Association. His residence is at No. 115 Strong street, Rochester, New York.
ANTONINO M. D'APRILE.
Habits of thrift, the will to progress, and financial acumen are inborn traits of the Italian race. Lack of education is a bar to the advancement of many, but those who have been educated quickly better their condition in life through the assistance of natural traits. They will work and save for years, and eventually will be found in a little private venture of their own which grows steadily under their watchful care into a business of large proportions and money-making powers. That has been practically the career of Antonino M. D'Aprile, owner of a prosperous private banking, real estate and steamship agency business at Rochester, New York. He was born at Valle d'Olmo, Italy, on June 23, 1870, the son of Giacommo and Fortunata D'Aprile.
Antonino M. D'Aprile received his early education in Italy, but could see no field there in which he could employ his abilities to advantage, and resolved to try his for- tunes in the United States. In 1889 Mr. D'Aprile left his own country and arrived in America on June 23, when he was in his nineteenth year. His parents followed him in 1892. The first employment Mr. D'Aprile found after his arrival in the United States was at Buffalo, New York. He had worked at the plumbing and tinsmith trade" in his own country, and there was a demand for men familiar with that work in Buffalo. He did fairly well at Buffalo for a couple of years and then moved to Geneseo, where he soon found work in a bean canning factory. For the next ten years Mr. D'Aprile worked in the bean canning factory, where for a part of the years he had been promoted to the position of a foreman. In 1895, and while still working in the factory, he had opened a general merchandise store in Geneseo, and this store he successfully conducted for about twenty years. About 1905 Mr. D'Aprile embarked in the real estate, private banking and steamship agency business in Rochester, being located at No. 228 State street. In 1913 Mr. D'Aprile purchased of Hon. James W. Gerard, former ambassador to Germany, the fine residence at No. 26 Main street, Geneseo, which was the homestead of Judge B. F. Angel, at one time minister to Norway and Sweden, and grandfather of Mr. Gerard. Mr. D'Aprile resided there un- til 1924, when, because of a desire to be nearer his business, he purchased his present beautiful home at No. 1239 Lake avenue, corner of Seneca Parkway, Rochester.
ANTONINO M. D'APRILE
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Mr. D'Aprile was married on June 7, 1888, to Catharine Miceli, and the five chil- dren horn to them are: James, Fortunata, Joseph, Jerome and Carmina. Politically Mr. D'Aprile is a republican, and in religion a member of the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks.
RICHARD T. FORD.
A model hotel in its intricate operations is a mammoth undertaking when suc- cessfully directed. No one can question the executive ability of Richard T. Ford, owner and manager of the Richford and Ford Hotels, which he conducts without noise or friction, embodying the most progressive ideas and modern methods of hotel management. He has a wide acquaintance among the traveling public and his name figures conspicuously in business circles of Buffalo and Rochester. Mr. Ford was born in the latter city, January 23, 1874, a son of Thomas W. and Elizabeth M. (Kinsella) Ford, the latter a native of Ireland. She was a child when her parents came to the United States, settling in New York, where she received her education, and in Corning, this state, she married Thomas W. Ford. He was a lifelong resident of the Empire state and for many years engaged in the plumbing and heating business in Rochester, contributing his share toward the city's upbuilding and progress. His life was brought to a close in 1917 but the mother is still a resident of the city.
Richard T. Ford obtained his early education in the parochial school maintained by the Church of the Immaculate Conception and completed his studies in the Rochester Free Academy. He learned the plumbing and heating trades in his father's establishment and afterward engaged in business as a building contractor. In 1916 he purchased the property at the corner of Elm and Chestnut streets and on this site erected Hotel Richford, a modern, fireproof structure, of which he is sole owner. The elegance and refined taste reflected in its appointments, the genteel appearance and courtesy of its staff, are among the visible evidences of its excellence, and unfail- ing service, smoothly rendered, makes the guest pleasantly conscious of its efficiency. In 1923 Mr. Ford opened a similar hotel in Buffalo. He is a popular host, studying closely the wishes of his patrons and putting forth every effort to promote their comfort and well-being.
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