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 80
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FREDERICK EDWARD FOX.
Frederick Edward Fox, a rising young attorney and popular citizen of Rochester, was born in Wayne county, New York, on the 10th of February, 1898, his parents being Edward F. and Carolyn (Wilkes) Fox, who were also natives of the Empire state. The father, who was well known in business circles of Lyons, New York, where he continued in business until his demise in 1914. To him and his wife, who still survives, were born three children, as follows: Mrs. Herbert E. Lux, a resident of Rochester; Mrs: Norman C. Esterheld, living in Brighton; and Frederick Edward.
Frederick Edward Fox began his education at the usual age, passing through consecutive grades, to his graduation from the Rochester high school in 1916. In preparation for a professional career he then entered the Albany Law School but at the end of a year joined the United States army, serving as a private from April, 1917, until 1919. He spent one year overseas with the Twenty-seventh Division and when the World war was ended continued his studies in the Albany Law School, later receiving further professional training in the New York Law School of New York city. Subsequently he read law in the office of Robert H. Koehler, an attorney of the eastern metropolis, and then came to Rochester, here entering the office of Hubbell & Taylor, Goodwin & Moser. Following his admission to the bar on the 3d of January, 1922, he continued with the firm of Hubbell & Taylor, Goodwin & Moser, until September, 1923, since which time he has practiced independently. A gratifying clientage is being accorded him, for he has already demonstrated his ability in the field of his chosen profession, manifesting thorough familiarity with the principles of jurisprudence and applying them accurately to the points in litigation. Mr. Fox is attorney for the Continental Casualty Company of Chicago and holds membership in the Rochester Bar Association.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Fox has supported the men and measures of the republican party. His religious faith is indicated by his
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membership in the Mount Hope Presbyterian church and he also belongs to the Greek letter fraternity known as Gamma Eta Gamma, to the Rochester Auto Association, to the American Legion and to the Old Guard of Rochester. He is also connected with Masonic circles, being secretary of Frank L. Simes Lodge, No. 990, F. & A. M., a member of Doric Council, Hamilton Chapter, No. 62, R. A. M., and Cyerene Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He also belongs to Rochester Lodge No. 24, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His friends, who are many, attest the sterling worth of his character, as well as his professional ability and feel no hesitancy in predicting for him a bright future.
RAY TOMPKINS.
Preeminent as a financier and a citizen, the late Ray Tompkins of Elmira was an outstanding figure in western New York. His sphere of usefulness was large, his ability was akin to genius, and his influence was predominant in the community which he did so much to develop and benefit. Throughout his life, whether in the classroom, on the gridiron, in the marts of trade or in association with his fellows, he was a natural leader. However, he did not make this leadership a burden or even a visible thing, but his natural qualities and characteristics assured him this place. As the executive head of one of the largest business concerns of its kind in the east, and as the president of two large corporations, he won material success beyond that of most men, but the acquisition of worldly goods did not destroy the common touch which he maintained in his relations with society.
Ray Tompkins was born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, January 28, 1861, a son of Tamerline Burt and Brittania (Millard) Tompkins. The father, who was a prominent lumberman of the Keystone state, was born July 29, 1821, and died in Elmira, on April 2, 1889. He traced his ancestry back to John Alden, Thomas Rogers and Elder William Brewster. The mother of Ray Tompkins was born in Tioga, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Ambrose and Mary (Gordon) Millard, the latter descended from the Gorden clan of Scotch Highlanders. The parents of Ray Tompkins were married December 23, 1851, and to them were born two sons: Ray and Charles Millard. The latter passed away in 1901.
Ray Tompkins completed his early education within the familiar walls of the Elmira Free Academy. He then entered Williston Seminary at Easthampton, Mas- sachusetts, to fit himself for Yale University. He entered the latter institution in the fall of 1879 and was graduated therefrom in June, 1884. In this classic insti- tution Ray Tompkins became one of the most prominent students in its history and, in fact, throughout his life he was close to his Alma Mater and active in its behalf. As an athlete he won national reputation, having been one of the most able guards ever on a Yale football team. For two years he was captain of the varsity eleven, which was an honor given only one other time in the history of the university and that to Tom Shevlin. After he had left Yale, Ray Tompkins for twenty years returned every autumn and aided in the coaching of the varsity elevens and even after that was active in the athletic councils of the university. He was also active during his student days in baseball and as an oarsman. He was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon and Psi Upsilon fraternities and the famous Skull and Bones Society.
Ray Tompkins entered into the wholesale grocery business with his brother, Charles M., soon after leaving the university. Together they operated this suc- cessful business until the death of Charles M. Thereafter Ray Tompkins carried on the business alone, building up a corporation involving millions of dollars and cover- ing territory of national scope. He entered into the banking business in 1902 as vice president of the Elmira Trust Company and after the merger of this institution with the Chemung Canal Bank in 1903 he continued with the new corporation, the Chemung Canal Trust Company, in the same capacity. In 1910, following the death of the president, Matthias H. Arnot, Mr. Tompkins was elected the executive head of the bank and retained this office until his death. In 1901 Mr. Tompkins became president of the Elmira Water, Light & Railroad Company, a connection he also retained during the remainder of his life.
In politics Mr. Tompkins was a republican and in 1912 was a delegate to the Republican national convention. He was treasurer of the Newtown Battle Monument Association, vice president of the Arnot Art Gallery, chairman of the board of directors of the Eclipse Machine Company, a trustee of the Arnot-Ogden Memorial Hospital, a director of the Elmira Knitting Mills and a trustee of Elmira College.
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During the war he was chairman of the first and second Liberty Loan drives and treasurer of the Chemung County Home Defense committee. His club affiliations were with the Country, City and Cold Brook Clubs, and the University and Yale Clubs of New York city.
In 1893 Ray Tompkins was united in marriage to Sarah Ross Wey, a daughter of the late Dr. William C. Wey. Mr. Tompkins is survived by his widow. The death of Ray Tompkins occurred in Elmira on June 30, 1918.
J. FRANK BRADY.
J. Frank Brady is classed with those enterprising business men who have stimu- lated industrial activity in Rochester and his constructive labors have been a source of public progress as well as individual success. He was born in Ontario county, New York, April 19, 1874, and is a son of John P. and Mary (Brady) Brady, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ontario county. During his boyhood the father came to the United States and subsequently engaged in farming in Ontario county, becoming one of the prosperous agriculturists of that section. He is now living retired in Rochester, but the mother died in May, 1916.
J. Frank Brady is the third in a family of eleven children. He attended the public schools of his native county and later entered the Mechanics Institute at Rochester, from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He followed his trade for five years, gaining valuable experience along industrial lines, and in 1917 organized the Brady Tool & Die Company, of which he is now secretary and treasurer. Francis J. Troy is president of the corporation and Walter Fogarty is filling the office of vice president. Since its inception the business has grown steadily as a result of the combined efforts and careful supervision of the men at its head and the work turned out by the firm is of high grade and standard excellence.
On the 4th of January, 1909, Mr. Brady was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Fogarty, a member of one of the prominent families of Rochester, and they have become the parents of three children: Geraldine, who was born in 1912; Margaret, born in 1915; and Robert John, born in 1919. All are natives of this city. Mr. Brady is a faithful communicant of the Roman Catholic church and is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. He has taken cognizance of his opportunities, utilizing them to the best advantage, and com- bines in his character all of the qualities of a useful and desirable citizen.
FREDERICK PERRY HALL.
For nearly half a century Frederick Perry Hall has been identified with the Jamestown Evening Journal. He was born in the town of Busti, Chautauqua county, New York, November 8, 1859, and is a son of John A. and Emily (Perry) Hall. As far back as 1814 Samuel Hall, the grandfather of Frederick P., came from Vermont and purchased a farm in the town of Busti. In 1849 this farm was taken over by John A. Hall, who at that time came from Warren, Pennsylvania, where he had been engaged in business for ten years or more. In 1872 he removed to Jamestown and in 1876 purchased the Journal, which had been established in 1826, and with which he re- mained connected until his death in 1886.
Frederick Perry Hall received his elementary education in the district schools of his native town. He was about twelve years old when his parents removed to James- town. There he attended the Jamestown Union School and Collegiate Institute. Upon leaving school in 1876 he entered the employ of his father, subsequently becoming a partner in the management and publication of the Journal. Since his father's death in 1886 he has been in control of the Journal Printing Company, of which he is now president. The Evening Journal, under the management of the Halls (father and son) has contributed in no small degree to the development and prosperity of the city's industries.
Mr. Hall is president of the Journal Press, Inc., a commercial printing establish- ment occupying its own fire-proof building at 212-216 West Second street, James- town; president of the Western Reserve Securities Corporation, an investment bank- ing company, Jamestown; president of the Chautauqua Abstract Company, a title searching company with offices at Mayville, New York, the county seat of Chautauqua county.
Mr. Hall is a director in the National Chautauqua County Bank and vice presi- dent of the Union Trust Company; president of the Lake View Cemetery Association; has served as one of the city park commissioners; is president of the Young Men's
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Christian Association; and was one of the five directors who planned and erected the magnificent Furniture Manufacturers building, one of the finest structures in James- town, and is secretary and treasurer of the corporation owning the building. These activities indicate his public spirit and progressiveness.
On September 12, 1883, Miss Lucy Mason, daughter of Levant L. and Emmie Mason of Jamestown, became the wife of Frederick P. Hall. To this union five sons have been born: Henri M. and Levant M. are now associated with the Journal Printing Company; Frederick Perry, Jr., is chief engineer of the Salisbury Axle Company of Jamestown; John Adams; and Charles Edward, who died in 1919 in his twentieth year.
HARRY NORMAN JEFFERIES.
Harry Norman Jefferies, editor of the Times, was born in Canaseraga, Allegany county, on the 14th of April, 1880, the son of William Forshee and Mary (Hulburt) Jefferies. On his father's side of the family he is descended from old pre-Revolution- ary stock and more recently his grandfather, Norman P. Jefferies, was one of the men who settled Oramel, Allegany county. Thus for three generations this family his been intimately connected with the history of this section of New York state, where its members have ever been highly respected and valuable members of the community. William F. Jefferies is well known locally as a railroad man of many years of experience.
Harry Norman Jefferies spent his boyhood and youth in his native city and there obtained a good high school education. Later he took up the study of accounting in a business school and also attended New York University for a time. His career in his chosen line of work was a highly creditable one and demonstrated his unusual ability as an accountant. For three years he was head cost accountant for the accounting department of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, from which he went to Washing- ton, D. C., to become cashier in the disbursing office of the bureau of census, where he likewise served for a period of three years. From this position Mr. Jefferies was ad- vanced to the post of taxation expert, division of statistics of cities, department of commerce, Washington, D. C. After three years of experience in this particular line of work his department sent him into the field as field auditor for city accounts for two years. His last position with the national government service was that of chief auditor for the bureau of census in Washington, a highly responsible and important post. Mr. Jefferies had been in this last office for but three years when his health failed and he was compelled to resign.
It took two years of rest and change, spent in eastern Kentucky, in Breathitt county, to restore Mr. Jefferies' health to the point where he could wisely resume an active life. Even then it did not seem advisable for him to take up the exacting work in which he had formerly been engaged, so he returned with his family to Canaseraga in June, 1922, to make his future home here. He bought out the Times, a small newspaper with a local circulation, and has since been its editor and business manager. Under his management the circulation of the paper has increased con- siderably and now amounts to about eight hundred copies. Mr. Jefferies has found this work, so totally different from anything in which he had previous experience, very interesting, while his subscribers have noticed with pleasure the innovations introduced in the paper by one who has come from the outside with a fresh viewpoint.
In 1910 Mr. Jefferies was married to Miss Grace Hancock, daughter of Delphine and David M. Hancock. At that time the bride's father was sheriff of Allegany county. To Mr. and Mrs. Jefferies have been born three children: David William, Mary Delphine and Robert Hancock. Mr. Jefferies is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in political matters votes with the democratic party. He is fond of outdoor life and since returning to Canaseraga has become identified with the Rod and Gun Club, of which he is now secretary and treasurer.
ARTHUR E. RHODES.
Arthur E. Rhodes is an enterprising and resourceful business man, capable of directing important commercial interests, and for twenty years Elmira has numbered him among its useful and influential citizens. He was born in Attleboro, Massachus- etts, September 23, 1877, a son of Edward W. and Fannie (Martin) Rhodes, also natives of that state, and the father was a manufacturer of jewelry.
Arthur E. Rhodes was reared and educated in his native town and after his graduation from high school was associated in business with his father for a short
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time. He entered the service of the American La France Fire Engine Company in 1902, at the age of twenty-five, and for three years was connected with their estab- lishment at San Francisco, California. Since 1905 he has been identified with the company at Elmira and is now filling the offices of vice president, secretary and treasurer. He has initiative, executive power and mature judgment and success- fully controls the interests intrusted to his charge.
In 1900 Mr. Rhodes was married to Miss Emma Perry, who was born, reared and educated in Mansfield, Massachusetts. His attention is concentrated upon business affairs and the City and Country Clubs are the only organizations of a social nature with which he is connected. He has gained a wide acquaintance during the period of his residence in Elmira and supports all projects calculated to prove of benefit to the city.
THEODORE DOSSENBACH.
Theodore Dossenbach, pioneer in municipal musical activities, was the founder of the Rochester Park Band, one of the best military and concert bands in the country, of which he had been musical director for two decades when death terminated his career in January, 1924, when he was about fifty-four years of age. This organiza- tion gained state wide fame under his leadership and he was also the proprietor of the Dossenbach Orchestra, the Commandery Band and the Shrine Band. His birth occurred at Niagara Falls, Niagara county, New York, on the 5th of April, 1870, his parents being Mathias and Ragalua (Birdsing) Dossenbach. It was during the halcyon days of the Philharmonics that the Dossenbach family first came into public notice through the wonderful violin playing of Master Otto, then a young lad of twelve or fourteen. The father, Mathias Dossenbach, was a comb maker in the old country and emigrated to America with the intention of working at his trade here, but as everything in that line was done by machinery in the New World, he found it diffi- cult to secure employment. His knowledge of music stood him in good stead, and through teaching and doing what he could at his trade, he managed to bring up a family of most promising boys whose names have stood for much in the musical world of Rochester. The discovery of the boy Otto by Henry Appy created considerable excitement among musicians, especially the members of the Philharmonic Orchestra, and the story is an interesting one. It was at a rehearsal one evening that Mr. Appy told of a little German boy he had found who played like a maestro-how he happened to be passing along one of the streets in an outlying district of the city of Niagara Falls when from a small cottage he heard a violin being exquisitely played. With the interest of an artist and teacher, he rapped on the door to inquire who it was and to make himself acquainted with a fellow musician and artist. Imagine his astonish- ment when the Herr Papa presented the little boy, Master Otto Dossenbach, a lad eight years old. Mr. Appy became deeply interested in the boy and prevailed upon the father to allow him to take charge of his future musical education, and he became one of his most promising pupils. The Philharmonic also took an interest in Master Otto, made him a member and brought him before the public as its soloist at the concert of the society in Corinthian Hall, March 27, 1873. He appeared on several occasions after that. Ill health, however, finally compelled him to give up an active career. His three brothers, Adolph, Herman and Theodore, also displayed remark- able musical talent and as they reached a suitable age were placed under Mr. Appy's tuition and rapidly developed into useful members of the musical fraternity. They gained a place in the front rank. doing much gool for the cause of music, and became prosperous and enterprising citizens.
Theodore Dossenbach, who was two years of age when the family home was established in Rochester, attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. As above stated, he received his musical instruction from Professor Appy of Rochester, who made him a master of the violin. He played string bass in the Lyceum Theatre for eighteen years. He organized the Dossenbach String Orchestra for social engage- ments, also the Dossenbach Band, and for two seasons played at Charlotte. To Theodore Dossenbach is given the credit for the development of band music in Roches- ter as a musical activity. His leadership and the support of the city's park depart- ment brought the organization to an unusual state of excellence. In 1904 the music committee of the park board, of which Frank G. Newell was chairman, recommended to the board that funds be assigned to establish a park band, with Mr. Dossenbach as leader, the musicians to be selected by him and concerts arranged for the summer and fall seasons. The band, said to be the first municipal park band in the state, soon
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became widely known and received requests for concerts in other cities. For two seasons the band gave concerts in Buffalo, Syracuse and Olean, New York, and Cobourg, Ontario. During the first few years of the band's existence each musician furnished his own uniform and contributed for rental of the band headquarters for rehearsals. Mr. Dossenbach bought all the new music from his own funds. In 1910 Mr. Dossenbach suggested to the park board that leading soloists be employed to come here for the season. As a result E. B. Llewellyn, solo cornetist of the Thomas Symphony Orchestra of Chicago, and Gardell Simons, trombone soloist of New York, played here for several seasons. Mrs. Kathryn Rankin Williams of Brooklyn, New York, was cornet soloist with this band during the last five years of Mr. Dossen- bach's life. Not all of Mr. Dossenbach's musical activity, however, was centered in the Park Band. He organized and developed the Dossenbach Orchestra, the Com- mandery Band, prominent in many Masonic affairs, and the Shrine Band. To make the music of the Park Band more readily available in many sections of the city, where no band stands had been built, he devised a portable band stand, which has been in use several years and has been copied in many other cities. Three years after enter- ing the parks of Rochester with the Dossenbach Band, its leader changed the name to the Rochester Park Band. In 1909 its members presented him with a gold baton and on the last Sunday of August, 1923, with a beautiful badge. He was much beloved by all the men under him. Through a period of twelve years he played twice weekly at entertainments in the Eastman home, for fourteen years at the Lake Avenue Baptist church and also furnished the music at the horse and automobile shows, at weddings and other functions. Theodore Dossenbach was a natural-born musician, playing every instrument but the drum. For twenty-four years he was band cornetist. A true artist, success did not make him vain.
When the Park Band was organized with Theodore Dossenbach at its head, there was some criticism because he trained his men along classical lines, but cor- dially supported by an enlightened public sentiment, he held to his course, avoiding extremes, rendering the greatest of the classics from the immortal operas and isolated compositions and touching with skill the popular melodies of all lands. The American classics like our "Old Kentucky Home" are equal in power and pathos to any works of foreign lands. He did not neglect these classics. He gave the city a distinction in music that is rare. The Park Band is individually and as a body worthy of its founder, having secured some of the best talent in the country. The following tribute to the work of Theodore Dossenbach was paid by Park Commissioner Riley: "Roches- ter has lost a splendid citizen, a man gifted with music which fulfilled the wants of the people of Rochester. He was always cheerful and good-natured, liberal with his encores and quick at all times to fill in with the proper music to fit the occasion as it arose. He was always on time and on the job and made it his aim to study and render the best music at all times. His work showed this by the large number of people who attend the concerts in the park three to five times a week. I doubt if anv one director of municipal park band free concerts held out-of-doors has played before as many people and has given as much pleasure as Theodore Dossenbach has in the last twenty years. I feel I have lost a very dear friend, having worked with him for over twenty years in the park affairs, and he was never found wanting."
The following editorial appeared in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: "The park band has become an institution in many cities since the Park Band of Rochester began its public service for this city twenty years ago. It was due to the musical initiative of Theodore Dossenbach that this organization began its service, since by making the band which was drafted to such service one of such excellence as to attract the attention and interest of Rochester's civic sponsors of the enterprise, Mr. Dossenbach was a principal contributor to the enterprise. Through many years Mr. Dossenbach kept the band he directed efficient and popular; to combine such assets in a civic musical organization is no mean task. And the influence of this band on musical interest in the city must be reckoned as important. It is not necessary to pay attention to the critical aspects of the band's achievement to be assured that it furthered the conviction of thousands of people of Rochester that enjoyment of music. and of good music, was a sensible and profitable employment of leisure. The Park Bank was the keystone in performance of the music festivals held in the parks: these festivals were enjoved by hosts of people; the city's parks were on occasion made scenically delightful. Theodore Dossenbach will be remembered and deserves to be remembered as an able and conscientous worker in the cause of music in Rochester. His service was rendered directly to the people, and it reached a great public, which has contributed and will contribute to the city's music public,
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