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 84
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Charles H. Ocumpaugh was the eldest son of his parents, and his education was principally under private tutors, while he also attended the well known private school conducted by George D. Hale. Impaired health necessitated his giving up his school work for outdoor life and recreation. He later began his business career in his father's store, afterwards going into the manufacturing business with which he was identified for a number of years. His interests have broadened with the demands of the times until they are now varied and extensive, and his name figures promi- nently in connection with the management of a number of Rochester's important business enterprises. He is president and treasurer of the American Rare Metals Company, the Norwood Apartment Company, Incorporated, the Kolo Lens Corporation and the Carnotite Radium Company; a director of the Ocumpaugh Realty Company, and a trustee of the East Side Savings Bank. For a number of years Mr. Ocum- paugh maintained his business office at No. 60 Wall street, New York, but in recent years Rochester has been his headquarters.
On the 15th of February, 1887, Mr. Ocumpaugh was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Ellison and they have a son, Herbert Ellison, who was born April 17, 1889, in Rochester, and married Miss Angelica Mumford. Mr. Ocumpaugh is an Episco- palian in religious faith and is affiliated with St. Paul's church of Rochester. He is a member of the Transportation Club of New York, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club of Toronto, the Aero Club of America, of which he was a charter member, the Archaeological Societies of America and of Rochester, the Genesee Society, the Humane Society of Rochester, the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and the Auto- mobile, Genesee Valley, Country and Yacht Clubs of this city. That Mr. Ocumpaugh is a broad-gauged man is indicated by the extent and variety of his interests, and his fidelity to high principles, his industry, enterprise and ability are amply illus- trated in his career.
ALFRED JOHN WESTLAKE, M. D.
Dr. Alfred John Westlake, physician and surgeon, is worthily following in the professional footsteps of his father, who was highly esteemed in medical circles of Elmira. The son was born in Cooperstown, Otsego county, New York, July 28, 1878, of the marriage of Dr. John A. Westlake and Catherine Call, the latter of whom has reached the age of seventy-two years. The father located for practice in Elmira many years ago and afterward removed to Washington, D. C., where he followed his profession for several years. Returning to Elmira, he founded a private hospital and later established a similar institution in Breesport, Chemung county. The latter part of his life was spent in this city and at the time of his death Dr. Westlake was
CHARLES H. OCUMPAUGH
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holding the office of county coroner. He passed away January 30, 1910, at the age of sixty-three years, and his death deprived the city of one of its leading physicians.
Alfred John Westlake obtained his early education in this city, attending the public schools and the Elmira Free Academy, and his professional training was received in the medical department of George Washington University, from which he was graduated in 1900. He formed a partnership with his father, with whom he was associated until 1904, and has since continued alone. A well deserved repu- tation for professional skill has brought him a large practice and for twenty-one years he has been a member of the medical and surgical staff of the Arnot-Ogden Hospital and consulting staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. He has had broad experi- ence along professional lines and brings to his duties in this connection an accurate judgment, a cheerful disposition and a deep insight into human nature.
In 1904 Dr. Westlake was married to Miss Helen Bentley, a daughter of Frank S. Bentley, a prominent attorney of Horseheads, New York. She received a portion of her education in Elmira and completed her studies in Cornell University. Har- riet, the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Westlake is attending Elmira College, Elmira, New York. The family are members of the First Presbyterian church and Dr. West- lake is a member of St. Omer's Commandery, Knights Templars. He is connected with the Elmira and Penn Yan Country Clubs and his professional relations are with the Elmira Academy of Medicine, the Chemung County and New York State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association. He has ever remained a close and discriminating student of his profession and his faithful and able service has gained him a secure place in public confidence and regard.
CASSAR R. ADAMS.
Cassar R. Adams, editor and proprietor of the Chronicle-Journal in Franklin- ville, and one of the best known citizens in Cattaraugus county, was born in Cuba, in the neighboring county of Allegany and is a son of Edward and Joanna (Swift) Adams, the former of whom was a well known merchant of that place, engaged in the grocery business. His father came into the Genesee country from Massachu- setts and established the first tannery set up in Cuba.
Reared in Cuba, Cassar R. Adams finished his education in the high school there and then became a life insurance underwriter in Olean, in the neighboring county of Cattaraugus, a line which he followed for eight years, or until January 26, 1923, when he bought from Gordon L. King the plant and goodwill of The Chronicle and Journal in Franklinville, in that county. Mr. Adams is a republican and for some time during his residence in Olean he rendered service to his party as secre- tary of the republican city committee. He also rendered public service for some time as town clerk. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and is the present (1925) junior deacon of the local lodge of the Masonic order in Franklinville. He is a past exalted ruler of the local lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks in Olean and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Since becoming engaged in the newspaper business Mr. Adams has taken an interested and helpful part in the activities of the Allegany-Cattaraugus Press Association and is the present secretary of that body. He also is a member of the New York State Press Association. Mr. Adams married Miss Ethel H. Hogg of Franklinville and they have two children, daughters both, Mary Elizabeth and Joanna.
The Franklinville Chronicle-Journal, over the destinies of which Mr. Adams now is presiding in a quite effective fashion, dates from the year 1875, when the Weekly Argus was established in the village of Franklinville by Francis M. Perley, who carried on the publication for fourteen years, at the end of which time, April 1, 1889, he sold the paper to his son, Charles A. Perley, who changed the name to The Chronicle. In the meantime, August 23, 1888, Levi T. Spring entered the Franklinville newspaper field with The Cattaraugus Journal and in March, 1899, was joined by Ward Morton, who became a partner in the enterprise. Mr. Spring died on August 31, 1890, and in April of the next year (1891) Mr. Morton acquired his deceased partner's interests, thus again becoming sole proprietor, and in the following September changed the name of the newspaper to The Franklinville Journal,. carrying on the publication under that name until he retired, selling the newspaper to A. B. Morgan and the latter's son, Henry Morgan. In 1910 the Morgans sold the Journal to Charles A. Perley of the Chronicle and on December 31, 1911, Perley discontinued the publication of the Journal and consolidated his two papers under
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the name of the Chronicle-Journal and presently sold the combined plant to Joseph A. Crain, from whom Gordon L. King, who had been carrying on a job printing establishment in Franklinville, bought the paper. Mr. King continued in proprietary charge of the paper until January 26, 1923, when he sold it to Mr. Adams, who has done much to improve the paper and to extend its circulation throughout the fine trade area which it so admirably covers, this circulation area taking in a large part of both Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
PETER J. MACPHERSON, M. D.
Enjoying a liberal practice, Dr. Peter J. MacPherson of Caledonia, Livingston county, for many years followed his profession with marked success. He was born on a farm in Le Roy, Genesee county, New York, on May 7, 1864, the son of Peter J. and Anne Eliza (Butterfield) Macpherson, both now deceased, the mother being ninety-four years old at the time of her death in 1918. Both parents were natives of New York state.
Peter J. MacPherson's education began in the grade schools in Le Roy, after which he took a course in Cook Academy, at what is now Montour Falls, New York. His professional studies were pursued in the Philadelphia Medical College (Homeo- pathic) at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from which he received the degree of M. D. and graduated in 1890. Dr. MacPherson began practice in Hornell, New York, remained there four years, and then went into a Buffalo hospital as an interne and for the further study and practical experience to be derived. He remained in the hospital work for one year, after which he located in Montour Falls, Schuyler county, where he successfully followed his chosen calling until 1911, which year witnessed his arrival in Caledonia. Here he continued through the intervening years to the time of his death and was accorded a practice of large and lucrative proportions. Dr. MacPherson was a member of the New York State Medical Association, and fraternally was affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His religious convictions made him a member of the United Presbyterian church, while his politi- cal opinions aligned him with the republican party.
On December 10, 1890, Dr. MacPherson was married to Harriet Skellenger of Montour Falls, New York, who died in 1918, leaving the following children: Mar- garet, the wife of John Bryam of Caledonia; Mary, at home; and Donald B., a veteran of the World war, residing in Rochester, New York.
CHARLES BODDY.
High on the roll of Rochester's honored dead appears the name of Charles Boddy, a man of initiative, vision and exceptional executive ability, who played a conspicuous role in the expansion of the city's trade relations and stimulated its industrial growth through his operations as a last manufacturer. His motto was progress, and striving ever toward perfection, he performed his work with that keen interest and painstaking thoroughness which constitute the basis of all notable suc- cess. A master craftsman, he developed one of the greatest industries of the kind in the United States, for he had a mind that conceived in large proportions and executed as readily as it conceived. He was a native of England, born January 21, 1844, in a village which later became a part of the city of London, and was a son of Thomas Boddy. In the same year his parents sailed for Canada, where they spent some time visiting relatives and friends, and then came to the States, settling in Rochester. The father was also a manufacturer of lasts and the firm which he established in this city eventually became one of the largest in the country.
Charles Boddy attended the public schools of Rochester and later received instruc- tion from Professor Kendrick. At an early age he became an apprentice in his father's plant, in which he received thorough training, and was thus employed until he reached his sixteenth year, when he went to Chicago. He started a last factory in that city but a few years later returned to Rochester. When Thomas Boddy, Sr., retired, his son, Thomas Boddy, Jr., established an independent undertaking and Charles Boddy took over his father's business. At one time he was a traveling salesman for the firm, which had representatives throughout the United States and Canada, sending their men to every city in the two countries where shoes were
CHARLES BODDY
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made. Rochester was noted for the excellence of its lasts, which were sold extensively in the United States and also in England and on the continent. Mr. Boddy made his own designs and when orders were received for special lasts he gave them his personal supervision. This was the secret of the firm's reputation for superior work- manship and the output of their factory was in great demand. In addition to their large domestic trade they made frequent shipments to England and under the expert direction of Mr. Boddy the business assumed very extensive proportions. No detail of the work escaped his observation, while he also had the ability to see clearly its larger aspects, and brought to the conduct of his business notable administrative power, perfecting an organization which operated with maximum efficiency at a mini- mum expenditure of time, labor and material.
Mr. Boddy married Miss Edla Snelgrove, a native of Hamilton, Canada, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Hitchcock) Snelgrove. Mrs. Boddy comes of dis- tinguished ancestry in both the paternal and maternal lines. John Hitchcock, her mother's great-uncle, was lord mayor of London and a man of broad humanitarianism who established the first soup kitchens in that city during his administration, which was characterized by other acts that redounded to his credit. In the paternal line the family was financially interested in the firm of Marshall & Luellgrove of London, leading dry goods merchants of that city. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boddy. Their only son, Dr. Edmund C. Boddy, married Jessica Cogswell and they have a daughter, Marian. He practiced medicine in Rochester for fourteen years, later going to Serbia to study the disease of tepis for that government. Serbia in the meantime entered the World war and Dr. Boddy joined the Red Cross, becoming sur- gical head at Chelacula. He later returned to the United States and when the United States entered the war he volunteered for service, went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces and for a time had charge of a hospital in France. After the war Dr. Boddy returned to the United States, resuming his profession .; Edna Har- riet became the wife of Dr. Irving T. Clark and they have two children, Alden and Elizabeth; Mabel Lendon became the wife of George Young Webster, who has been for many years county attorney of Monroe county, and they have a daughter Virginia Lendon.
Mr. Boddy was a republican in his political views, but never sought office as a reward for party fealty. He enjoyed his home and his leisure hours were spent in the society of his family, to whom he was devoted. He had many friends, whose admiration for his ability was surpassed only by their respect for his integrity and sterling worth. Mr. Boddy's residence had been for many years at No. 1108 Lake avenue, where he built one of the early homes of the better class, erected in that section.
EUGENE ZIMMERMAN.
The career of Eugene Zimmerman affords a striking illustration of the fact that merit and ability will always gain recognition, for his early life was a period of arduous toil and his rapidly expanding powers have brought him from obscurity to national fame as a cartoonist. His record confers honor and distinction upon Horse- heads, which is proud to claim him as a citizen. He was born in Basel, Switzerland, May 2, 1862, a son of Joseph and Amelia (Alotz) Zimmerman, the former of whom was an Alsatian, while the latter was born in the land of the Alps. The father was a baker by trade and came with his family to the United States, settling in Paterson, New Jersey, where he worked as a journeyman. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer- man had three children, two of whom survive: Eugene of this review, and a daugh- ter who resides in Switzerland.
Eugene Zimmerman's preliminary training was received in his native land and his studies were continued in the Paterson high school. As a boy he was employed at farm labor and later became a sign painter, devoting five years to that occupation. He also did some pictorial work and his illustrations attracted the attention of the owners of Puck, who at once recognized his talent. For three years he was a cartoonist for that well known magazine and his services were then secured by Judge. He remained with that publication for about thirty years and his cartoons attracted much favorable notice, adding greatly to the popularity of that weekly. About 1910 Mr. Zimmerman severed his connection with Judge and has since conducted a correspondence school for cartoonists. He works as a free lance and his services are much in demand as a commercial artist. Inspired by the
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creative impulse, he has constantly sought to bring his work to a higher degree of perfection, and in his chosen field of art he is unsurpassed.
Mr. Zimmerman was married in Horseheads, to Miss Mabel Alice Beard, a native of the village and a daughter of Joseph Beard, who was connected with the baking business. Laurah Emily Zimmerman, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman, is employed in the Second National Bank of Elmira. Mr. Zimmerman is an adherent of the republican party and has proven his loyalty to his community by service on the village board of trustees and also in the Horseheads volunteer fire department, of which he is a member. His work has brought him prominently before the public and a career of brilliant achievement through individual effort has won for him the respect and admiration of his fellowmen.
JOHN ARTHUR JENNINGS.
Among the younger members of the legal fraternity of Rochester who are doing their part in maintaining its well known high character is John Arthur Jennings, who has become recognized as a safe counselor and is equally able in his presentation of a case before the courts. He was born in Washington, D. C., March 2, 1893, a son of Edward James and Mary Dominica (McArdle) Jennings, the former a native of Rochester and the latter of Washington. The paternal grandfather, Edward Jennings, was born in Ireland and came to the United States in early life, settling in Rochester. He engaged in the manufacture of harness and other articles of leather, his plant being located at the intersection of Caledonia avenue and West Main street, where he built up a large industry. He married Miss Rose Riley, a daughter of James Riley, a prominent contractor.
In his early youth Edward J. Jennings gained considerable prominence for his oratorical ability and was an active member of the Excelsior Debating Club and served as its secretary for many years. Later on he attended St. Charles College, Baltimore, Maryland, and was graduated with the degrees of B. A. and M. A. Follow- ing graduation he entered Georgetown University Law School and was graduated with the degrees of LL.B. and LL.M. In 1881 Mr. Jennings married Miss Mary D. McArdle, of Washington, D. C., who died in the year 1899. Four children were born to them: Corinne M., of Flushing, Long Island; Robert E. (II), president of Titan Terminal Company, Inc., of Newark, New Jersey; Gertrude F., of Flushing, Long Island; and John Arthur.
After graduation Edward J. Jennings entered the war department of the govern- ment service in Washington, D. C., where he remained for many years, advancing from one position to another until his duties became among the most important in that branch of the service. During the Spanish-American war, Mr. Jennings was assigned to the surgeon general's branch of the war department, where intricate war problems came under his direct supervision. In 1899 Mr. Jennings resigned from the government service and joined his brother Robert E. Jennings, of Jersey City, New Jersey, in the steel manufacturing business, in which they have both been as- sociated together for the past twenty-five years, with the following companies: Spaulding Jennings Steel Company of West Bergen, New Jersey. The Carpenter Steel Company of Reading, Pennsylvania and New York city, and the Parish Manu- facturing Company, of Reading, Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan. He resided at No. 24 North Seventeenth street, Flushing, Long Island, until the time of his death on January 28, 1925.
John Arthur Jennings was but six years old when his mother died, and during his boyhood he resided with his two aunts, Miss Cornelia R. Jennings and Miss Mary L. Jennings, in Rochester, New York, at their home No. 30 Strathallan Park. He completed a course in Nazareth Hall Academy in 1908, and in 1914 was graduated from East high school of Rochester. His legal training was received in Cornell University, from which he won the degree of LL.B. in 1919, and March 3, 1920, he was admitted to the bar at Rochester, New York. He began his professional career with Frederick M. Whitney, Frederick A. Mann and George B. Draper, and in due time built up a private practice for himself. His mind is analytical and logical in its trend and in his presentation of a case he is always fortified by a comprehensive under- standing of the legal principles applicable thereto. In July, 1924, Mr. Jennings was appointed by Hon. Willis K. Gillette, Monroe county judge, to examine reports of committees for incompetent persons, especially with reference to the accounts for incompetent ex-service men.
JOHN A. JENNINGS
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When the World war broke out, Mr. Jennings was a junior at Cornell University, and on May 1, 1917, he answered the call to the colors and enlisted in the United States army. He was first stationed at Madison Barracks, New York. In December, 1917, he was transferred to the air service and was sent to Kelly Field, Texas, where he served as an acting sergeant major in charge of the receiving unit for six months. In June, 1918, he went overseas with a replacement detachment and was first as- signed to duty with the Eight Hundred and Thirty-third Aero Squadron at Cromwell, England. He was next placed in charge of the technical office at Wendover, England, and after the armistice was transferred to Air Service Headquarters at No. 35 Eaton Place, London. He received his honorable discharge at Camp Upton, New York, February 10, 1919.
On the 27th of June, 1923, Mr. Jennings was married in Rochester, New York, to Miss Genevieve Keenan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Keenan, the former a prominent lawyer of this city. They have one son, Edward James Jennings, (II), born May 21, 1924.
Mr. Jennings is a member of the Rochester Bar Association, the Genundawah Golf Club, Rochester Historical Society, Memorial Post of the American Legion, and the Cornell Club of Rochester, having served as vice president and treasurer of the last named organization. 'He holds a commission of first lieutenant in judge advocate general's department of the Officers Reserve Corps. He early recognized the fact that industry and perseverance are basic elements in the attainment of success, and natural talent and acquired ability are bringing him rapidly to the front in his chosen profession.
HON. JAMES M. E. O'GRADY.
Hon. James M. E. O'Grady has long been numbered among Rochester's able and successful attorneys. He was born in this city on the 31st of March, 1863, his parents being Daniel and Winifred (McDonald) O'Grady. The father, who passed away in 1886, was a native of Ireland and came to America when a young man, locating in Rochester, New York.
James M. E. O'Grady supplemented his grade school education by study in the Rochester Free Academy and subsequently in the University of Rochester, from which institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1885. Having decided to prepare himself for the legal profession, he then entered the law offices of Edward B. Fenner, a prominent Rochester attorney, and following his admission to the bar in 1887 he at once began the general practice of law in this city. The same year he was made school commissioner in Rochester and in 1891 was chosen president of the board of education.
Politically Mr. O'Grady has always affiliated with the republican party and for years has been one of its advisors and counsellors in Monroe county. In 1892 he was elected to the state assembly and introduced a number of bills in course of the session of 1893, including those to amend the code of civil procedure; increase the fees of the penitentiary of Monroe county for caring for state convicts, and for an appropriation for the State Industrial School. In 1894 Mr. O'Grady introduced bills amending the charter of Rochester, and also a bill appropriating twenty-five thousand dollars for the construction of a state dam across the Genesee river and for canal purposes. He also presented a bill authorizing boards of supervisors to buy for towns the Myers automatic voting machine; a bill relating to the fees of notary clerks; a bill providing for an equal division of the election inspectors of the state between the great political parties; and a bill providing for the election of women trustees for the Soldiers Home in Bath. So acceptably had he filled the office that Mr. O'Grady was reelected in 1894, receiving a splendid endorsement at the polls. In 1895 Mr. O'Grady was appointed chairman of the committee on cities, and was also a member of the committee on ways and means, and the following year he became the republican leader in the assembly. As candidate for his third consecutive term in 1895, he received six thousand, one hun- dred and eighty votes, while William S. Woodruff, democrat, received three thousand, six hundred and fourteen. In the assembly of 1896 Mr. O'Grady was chairman of the ways and means committee, and was also a member of the cities and rules com- mittees. In 1896 he introduced the following bills of interest: Relative to the pay- ment of back taxes to the amount of one million, two hundred thousand dollars by New York city for the support of the state's insane; relative to the transfer of county hospitals for the insane to the care of the state; creating commissioners of jurors in
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