Landmarks of Monroe County, New York : containing followed by brief historical sketches of the towns of the county with biography and family history, Part 57

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), b. 1840; Raines, Thomas; Fairchild, Herman LeRoy
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1160

USA > New York > Monroe County > Landmarks of Monroe County, New York : containing followed by brief historical sketches of the towns of the county with biography and family history > Part 57

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Mr. Gerling is one of the best known and most popular of Rochester's German American citizens, and has always taken an active interest in public and business matters. He is a director in the Rochester German Insurance Company, the Ger- man-American Bank, and the Bartholomay Brewing Company, and a prominent member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Germania Lodge of Masons, Hum- bolt Lodge I. O. O. F., Americus Lodge A. O. U. W., the Rochester Mannechor and Liederkranz, the German Trinity church, and for more than a quarter of a century of Cyrene Commandery K. T. Enterprising, generous, and public spirited, he is one of the most active promoters of the city's material interests, and bears the respect and esteem of all who know him.

In 1873 Mr. Gerling was married to Miss Louisa Klein, daughter of the late George Klein, of Rochester. They have five sons and four daughters.

JUNIUS JUDSON.

JUNIUS JUDSON was born on a farm in Jefferson county, N. Y., on February 5, 1813, and obtained his education from the district schools of his native town. The death of his father threw him upon his own resources at an early age. About 1830 he came to Rochester and learned-the machinist's trade, and a few years later removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in business as a foundryman and hardware man- ufacturer. In 1848 he invented and patented the celebrated steam engine governor which bears his name, and in 1851 returned to Rochester and began its manufacture, which he has ever since continued with remarkable success. For many years Mr. Judson devoted his time largely to prosecuting those who had infringed upon his patents in this country and in Canada, and in this he has been very successful, hav- ing secured large returns from the very cousiderable sums expended by him in patent litigation. Endowed with great energy, patience and perseverance, he possesses the ability, unusual among inventors, of obtaining for himself the rewards accruing

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

from his inventions and of vigorously protecting the results of his talents against unscrupulous imitators. His extensive business enterprises, giving lucrative employ- ment to hundreds of workmen, have for many years contributed materially to the prosperity of both county and city. He is plain and unassuming, and throughout a long and useful life has given generously to benevolent and religious objects. Being a large owner of real estate he has for many years been one of the city's heaviest indi- vidual taxpayers, and, being deeply interested in the growth of Rochester, firmly believes that its government should be conducted upon broad and liberal lines. His whole career has borne out these principles. He favors liberal taxation, desiring that real improvements be secured thereby. He has great confidence in the future of Rochester, and believes that its location and natural advantages destine it to be a greater city, and his faith in this prophecy is shown by his heavy investments in local enterprises. In business and social matters, and in fact in every sphere of life, he is universally recognized as a man of the strictest integrity, of the simplest and purest motives, of steadfastness of purpose, and of great uprightness of character.

HENRY A. LANGSLOW.

HENRY A. LANGSLOW, senior member of the firm of Langslow, Fowler, & Co., was born within twelve miles of London, England, November 16, 1830. His father, Capt. Richard Langslow, was a captain in the East India Company's military service for about twenty years. He visited America in 1817 and made an extended tour of the country, including the then primitive section of the Genesee valley. During his travels he kept a journal, which at this time is both curious and valuable, and which graphically illustrates the pioneer life and notable scenes en route. He was evidently a close observer, a man of good education, and a popular companion. As showing the cost of travel-by steamboat or by stage-the following is gleaned from his interesting notes: From New London to New York, by boat, $8; to Albany, by boat, $8; to Schenectady, by boat, 16 miles, $1.50; to Utica, by stage, 84 miles, $6; to Skaneateles, by stage, $4.75; to Canandaigua, $3.50. Thence he journeyed by stages, occupying four days, to Buffalo, and after visiting Niagara Falls returned to to New London, Conn. His descriptions of the forts, etc., along the Niagara River are especially noteworthy, while his accounts of the officers and engagements during the war of 1812 are replete with personal reminiscence. His journal, marked by the stains of time, is preserved and valued by his son, the subject of this sketch, who more than three-quarters of a century later is living near the scenes visited by this pioneer tourist.

Henry A. Langslow received his education in his native country. In 1849 he emi- grated to America, landing in Nova Scotia, going soon to Prince Edward's Island, and coming thence to Boston, Mass., where he remained about a year. He then re- moved to New York city, where all his children were born, and where he was en- gaged in various occupations for some ten years. In 1860 he came to Rochester and has since made this city his home, being engaged mainly in the furniture business. In 1875 he associated himself with the furniture firm of Burley & Dewey and in 1881 became vice-president of their successors, the I. H. Dewey Furniture Company, in

BIOGRAPHICAL.

which capacity he continued until January, 1885, when he and his son, Stratton C. Langslow, withdrew. He then organized the present firm of Langslow, Fowler & Co., of which he has been continuously the financial manager. This concern is one of the largest manufacturers of rocking chairs in the country. It has met with un- varying success from the start, and its prosperity is largely due to Mr. Langslow's great business ability and long practical experience. He is a man of rare tact and foresight, of recognized qualifications, and of indomitable energy and perseverance. Throughout life, although taking a citizen's interest in public affairs and municipal matters, he has steadfastly declined political office. To his business interests he has always given his entire attention, and his long active career is marked with con- tinued success. In 1890 the members of this firm organized and incorporated the Rochester Furniture Company, which for three years manufactured and sold large quantities of folding beds. When the popularity of this class of furniture declined they ceased operations and dissolved.

In 1850 Mr. Langslow was married to Miss Catherine M. Cardiff, a native of Char- lottetown, Prince Edward's Island, and they have had five children: Henry Richard and Thomas Walter, deceased, and Louis A. G., Stratton C., and Helena M. Louis A. G. Langslow was born December 7, 1854, received his education in the public schools of Rochester, and is now employed by Langslow, Fowler & Co.

In this connection it is proper to notice briefly the other members of the firm of Langslow, Fowler & Co., for they have individually contributed not a little to its wonderful growth and marked success. Purdy A. Fowler, son of Hiram Fowler, was born on a farm in Yorktown, Westchester county, N. Y., December 27, 1851, and moved with his parents soon after to Peekskill, where he received a good education. For five years he was a clerk in a department store, and then learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he followed successfully for a similar period. He then traveled as a salesman through the West, handling fancy rockers for a Boston firm, until 1885, when he removed from Peekskskill to Rochester to become a partner of Langslow, Fowler & Co. He is a prominent member of Genesee Falls Lodge, F. & A. M., Hamilton Chapter, R. A. M., Monroe Commandery, K. T., Doric Council, Mystic Shrine, and Veiled Prophets. He is also a member of the Rochester Club and was one of the organizers and for one year president of the old Commercial Club. In 1875 he married Miss Sarah E. Schultz, of Cold Spring on the Hudson, and their chil- dren are Lillie, Carrie, Mamie. Edna, and Purdy H.

Stratton C. Langslow, son of Henry A. and junior member of the firm, was born in New York city July 3, 1857, and moved with his parents to Rochester, where he was educated in Nos. 16 and 18 schools. With the exception of about three years as clerk in the Central-Hudson railroad office here he has always been associated in business with his father, becoming a member and the manager of the wholesale department of the I. H. Dewey Furniture Company, from which he withdrew in January, 1885, to form the firm of Langslow, Fowler & Co. Here he has managed principally the manufacturing part of the business, although he has traveled exten- sively as a salesman. He is a member of Genesee Falls Lodge No. 507, F. & A. M., Hamilton Chapter, R. A. M., Doric Council, Monroe Commandery, K. T., and Veiled Prophets, and of the Rochester and Rochester Athletic Clubs. April 19, 1884, he married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of John and Sarah Thompson, and granddaugh-

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

ter of the late R. D. Lewis, formerly proprietor of the Forsyth Scale Works of Roch- ester. They have two children: Harry R. and Helena Mary.

PLINY MILLER BROMLEY.

THE subject of this sketch was born in the town of New Haven, Oswego county, N. Y., in September, 1816, and received a common school education. At an early age he entered the employ of an older brother, Hiram Bromley, of Albany, who was part owner of a line of packet and freight boats on the Erie Canal, and while in this employment he ran between Rochester and Utica until railroads revolutionized trans- portation. He then became proprietor of Stanwix Hall in Albany and later kept the Syracuse House in the "Salt City," and successfully established a wide reputation as a popular landlord. About 1849 he came to Rochester and for a few years was engaged in various occupations. In 1855 he formed a partnership with Charles J. Hayden, under the style of Hayden & Bromley, and established himself in business as a manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer in furniture at 101-103 State street. This venture proved very successful, and was continued until 1861, when Mr. Brom- ley withdrew and started a similar establishment at No. 74 State street under the name of P. M. Bromley & Co., his partners being F. S. Hunn and S. M. Spencer. This firm carried on a large business, both as manufacturers and dealers, until 1869. when our subject sold his interest and withdrew wholly from commercial life.

In 1868 he took possession of the old Osburn House, which occupied the site of the present Granite building, and this he rebuilt, enlarged, and refitted, doubling its capacity, and making it one of the most popular hotels in the country. He con- tinued as proprietor until his death on October 4, 1874, but its active management devolved upon his brother, Daniel H. Bromley, and his only son, Charles P. Daniel H. Bromley, "Captain Dan," as he was familarly called, was known throughout the State and everywhere had hosts of friends. He was a bachelor, and for many years a canal captain and later a conductor on the New York Central Railroad. For a time he kept the Clifton House at Niagara Falls.

Pliny M. Bromley was a life-long Democrat and always took an active part in poli- tieal affairs. He was long one of the influential and trusted leaders of his party. While a young man he was for a time sergeant-at-arms in the Assembly at Albany, and after his removal to Rochester represented the Fifth ward in the Common Coun- cil several terms. He was also treasurer of the city one term and a member of the Board of Water Commissioners which had charge of the construction of the present water works. He was the first president of the East Side Savings Bank and held that position until his death. In business and social life he was characterized as a man of great integrity, and broad and liberal views, of sound judgment and rare ability, and of indomitable energy and perseverance. Charitable, benevolent, and enterprising he encouraged and sustained all worthy objects, and throughout a use- ful career made hosts of friends. His chief aim in life was to advance the material interests of the city.

In 1842 he married Miss Ellen E. Stevens, daughter of Thomas Stevens, of Jordan, N. Y., who with an only son, Charles Pliny Bromley, survives him.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

Charles P. Bromley was born in Albany, N. Y., April 6, 1845, and received his education in the public schools of Rochester. From 1862 to 1868 he was associated in business with his father. In the latter year he joined issues with his uncle, Daniel H. Bromley, in the active management of the Osburn House and continued in that capacity until the latter's death in 1876, succeeding to hisfather's interest in that hostelry. He then conducted the hotel alone till March, 1879, when he sold out to Buck & Sanger. January 28, 1895, he became the senior member of the present firm of Bromley, Miller & Moore, furniture dealers, at No. 181 East Main street. In 1872-73 he served as alderman of the Fifth ward, but excepting this has held no pub- lic office, although he takes a keen interest in the city's welfare.

JEREMIAH S. BAKER.

JEREMIAH S. BAKER, only son of Thomas Baker, was born in Hoosick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., May 3, 1813, his father being a large cotton manufacturer there. When he was two years old his parents moved to Peterboro, N. H., and at the age of nine he accompanied the family to Northfield, in the same State, where his father, as senior member of the firm of Baker, Cavender & Smith, built a cotton factory and again engaged in manufacturing cotton fabrics. There the youth received his rudi- mentary education, which was supplemented by brief attendance at the academies in Andover and Franklin Village. He finally removed to a farm near Verona, Oneida county, N. Y., where he married Adeline Sturtevant, who was born in Thetford, Vt., in 1813. He resided there seven years. In 1845 they came to the village of Fairport, Monroe county, and took up their residence in the house-formerly a tavern-now occupied by Mrs. A. H. Cobb. He first engaged in farming, but subsequently asso- ciated himself with Remsen Vanderhoof, W. K. Goodrich, and Dr. Henry Van Buren in the drug, coal, lumber, and produce commission business, in which he successfully continued until 1869, when he retired permanently from active life. His wife died in 1867, leaving three daughters: Mrs. Emma B. Wygant, of Perinton; Mrs. Frances A. Woolston, of Denison, Iowa; and Mrs. Mary E. Adams, of Los Angeles, Cal. November 21, 1869, Mr. Baker married, second, Almira T. Pepper, of Belchertown, Mass., who survives him, as do also the three daughters just mentioned and an only sister, who resides in Fairport. He died April 2, 188%.

Mr. Baker was endowed with rare qualities of head and heart. Originally an old line Whig and subsequently a staunch Republican he always took an active interest in politics and for many years was a trusted local leader. He was in no sense a pol- itician ; his political activity stamped him as a substantial, public spirited citizen. He held the offices of supervisor of Perinton, superintendent of the poor for the eastern district of Monroe county, and member of asesmbly for the first district of Monroe -- all with marked ability and general satisfaction. He was a man of strict integrity of good judgment, and of great business ability, and was widely respected for his honesty and upright character; charitable, kind and benevolent, he bore the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a Unitarian in belief, but always attended the Congregational church of Fairport, of which he was a generous supporter. His

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

whole life, filled as it was with usefulness and good deeds, is worthy of emulation and this brief memorial.

BRYAN HARDING.

BRYAN HARDING, senior member of the firm of Harding & Todd, manufacturers of ladies' fine shoes, was born in County Cork, Ireland, December 22, 1842, and received his education in the national schools of his native country. His father, Joseph Harding, was a shoe manufacturer in Millstreet, and there our subject learned his trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. Leaving Ireland when a young man he came to Boston, where, and in Woburn, Mass., he followed his trade as a journeyman. He finally settled in Lynn and occupied positions as foreman and superintendent in several of the largest shoe factories. While a resident of that city he took an active part in politics, being drawn into the political arena against his expressed wishes." He was elected to the Massachusetts Legislature of 1879-80 on the Independent ticket, and during the session of that body distinguished himself as a member of the com- mittee on labor and as a champion of the workingman. He was very industrious both in committee and in the House. He took a prominent part in seeking to give employees of corporations the benefit of weekly payments. He advocated the pro- tection of operatives; that minors should attend schools and not be employed in factories. He had attention drawn to the enforcement of the ten-hour law, and in- troduced a bill for the benefit of the working classes exempting fifty dollars from trustee process. He introduced a measure for a State Board of Arbitration for the settlement of trade disputes, which matter the State has, taken under consideration. He strongly opposed the consolidation of the Boston and Maine and Eastern rail- roads as tending to create a monopoly. He fought against the project for biennial sessions. Mr. Harding was a good speaker and engaged in debate on questions in which he was interested. He exercised a marked influence in the House owing to his evident desire to be fair to all and to a candor which was ready to be convinced by sound argument. He also served on the board of education of Lynn for three years, being elected on the Democratic and Republican tickets.

In 1883 Mr. Harding went to Beloit, Wis., as superintendent of a large ladies' fine shoe factory, whose shoes became celebrated and are still the standard all over the United States. This signal success was wholly due to his efforts and practical ex- perience. Three years later his services were sought by a large New York concern for the purpose of producing the same line of goods in that city. He moved there and had entire charge of the factory, and later went to Philadelphia as superinten- dent of a similar establishment. In September, 1889, he came to Rochester in charge of the largest shoe factory in the city and remained in that capacity until the labor troubles occurred in the following year, when he resigned. In the fall of 1890 he established the present plant and one month later took in F. S. Todd as partner. They shipped their first case of shoes in March, 1891, and since then the growth of the business has been remarkable, having doubled each year. It is the youngest but one of the largest shoe factories in Rochester and employs about 425 hands, having a weekly pay roll of from $3,500 to $4,000. During the year 1895 their output

Bryan Harding

BIOGRAPHICAL.

will reach a value of $600,000 or $700,000, and preparations are now being made to turn out $1,000,000 in 1896. The trade extends into every State and territory in the Union, but is mainly confined to the larger cities. Their factory on State street was erected especially for the purpose and is the second one so built in the city.

Mr. Harding has done more to better the shoe trade in Rochester than any other one man. 1. His long practical experience has enable him to grasp every opportunity and turn it to the advantage of the business. The firm's goods, which have succeeded solely upon their merits, are everywhere recognized leaders, especially in the cities. In 1893 they produced a style which eight months later was copied in nearly every city in the world.

Personally Mr. Harding has always taken a lively interest in affairs of state and nation, but since leaving Lynn, Mass., has given his attention wholly to business, in which he has been very successful. September 8, 1871, he married Miss Nancy A. O'Neil, daughter of Eugene O'Neil, now living, an old "landmark " of Scythe- ville, N. H. They have five sons and one daughter: Joseph and Bryan Eugene, graduates of schools in New York and Philadelphia and now in business with their father; and Daniel Paul, John Francis, Charles Stuart, and May A.

JOHN AYRAULT.

JOHN AYRAULT, son of Nicholas, was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire county, Mass., October 12, 1787. His paternal ancestors were French Huguenots, three brothers of whom-one being a physician-emigrated to this country late in the seventeenth century and settled in Weathersfield, Conn., where members of the family still live. His grandfather, James Ayrault, was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature and a trusted leader in affairs of town and State, and with him our subject resided, man- aging the farm and securing such education as the common schools of Berkshire county afforded. In 1817 he drove a lot of stock to the Genesee Valley for James and Gen. William Wadsworth, and so pleased was he with the appearance and ad- vantages of the country that he resolved to take up his residence here. For six years he lived in the town of Lester, near Geneseo, and following this he was for eleven years a citizen of Caledonia, Livingston county. He then removed to what is now the Ayrault homestead in Perinton, near Fairport village, where his son Allen now lives, and where he died September 3, 1861.

Mr. Ayrault was one of the best and most methodical farmers the county has ever known. He had 300 acres of land, which was well fenced and systematically culti- vated, prinically in rotation. He took great pride in the appearance of his place, and, improving it, made it one of the finest rural seats in the country. Being a heavy dealer in cattle, sheep, etc., he was noted far and wide as a grazier, and for many years carried on a large business in connection with his agricultural interests. He fre- quently exhibited stock at local fairs and was a prominent member of the Monroe County Agricultural Society. He was always a liberal patron of periodicals and publications issued in the interests of the farmer, and possessing sound judgment and keen discrimination was often a judge at State and other fairs. His opinions

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

and decisions were never questioned. He was a man of strict integrity and of con- siderable executive ability, and withal, was public spirited, benevolent, enterprising and shrewd. His ideas of right and justice were pronounced; his opinions were strong and decided; and his counsel was often sought. He was widely known, re- spected and esteemed. In politics he was a Whig and then a Republican, but stead- fastly declined public office. Educational and religious matters always received his cheerful and generous support.

Mr. Ayrault was married in 1817 to Huldah Smith, of Sandisfield, Mass., who for seven winters and ten summers had taught school in her native State, and who sub- sequently became an active member of the Fairport Congregational church. She died February 26, 1881, aged eighty-eight. Of their ten children seven grew to ma- turity, viz. : Celestia, who died unmarried in 1889; Emily (Mrs. Isaac S. Hobbie), of Fairport; John, who died in Lester; N. Y., in 1889; George, who died in Dutchess county in 1885; Allen; Warren, of Livingston county; and Miles, a manufacturer of Tonawanda, N. Y.

ALLEN AYRAULT.

ALLEN AYRAULT, son of John and Huldah (Smith) Ayrault, was born in Caledo- nia, N. Y., December 27, 1827, and moved with his parents to the town of Perinton in 1833. He attended the district schools and completed his education at the Mace- don Academy in Wayne county. He has always lived on the homestead in Perin- ton, to which he succeeded, in partnership with his brother Warren, upon his father's death in 1861. They bought off the other heirs, and some three years later Allen Ayrault purchased his brother's interest, thus becoming sole proprietor of the pater- nal homestead of 300 acres. Like his father he made a specialty of stock, buying and selling large numbers, and he, too, is counted among the prominent and sub- stantial farmers of the county.

He has always been a Republican and is interested in politics for the good of his party. He is public spirited, energetic, and persevering. He has long been a prom- inent member of the Fairport Presbyterian church, which he has served as trustee. June 18, 1873, he married Miss Lavilla Smith, daughter of Eleazer Smith of White Pigeon, Mich. She was born in Perinton, about one mile west of Fairport, in No- vember, 1848, and at the age of twelve moved with her parents to Michigan. Imme- diately afterward she began teaching school and continued for twelve years, being a part of the time a teacher in the academy at White Pigeon. She was a woman of rare qualities and was also a member of the Fairport Presbyterian church. Her death occurred in September, 1885. She was the mother of five children of whom three are living, namely: Allen, jr., John Winthrop, and Edith Celestia.

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Landmarks of Monroe County, New York : containing followed by brief historical sketches of the towns of the county with biography and family history, Part 57

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), b. 1840; Raines, Thomas; Fairchild, Herman LeRoy Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Boston : Boston History Co. Number of Pages: 1160

Author: Peck, William F. (William Farley), b. 1840; Raines, Thomas; Fairchild, Herman LeRoy
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Boston : Boston History Co.
Number of Pages: 1160