Landmarks of Monroe County, New York : containing followed by brief historical sketches of the towns of the county with biography and family history, Part 71

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 71

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Wolf, John F., was born in Germany in 1855 and came to America in 1865 with his parents. He is a son of Charles Wolf of Penfield. In 1878 he married Freadereke Bauer, and their children are Louisa Mary, Bertha Emma, and Charles. Mr. Wolf is one of the thrifty farmers of the town, having made many improvements in his home since coming here.

Brown, George S., was born in Mendon, December 15, 1826, a son of Capt. Hugh Brown, a native of Whitehall, who came to Monroe county in 1820. He married Deborah Sanford, and was prominently identified with the town life of Mendon, serving as captain in the State militia, and taking a leading part in town affairs. He died in 1865 in his seventy-second year. George S. was educated in the common schools, and in 1853 married Elizabeth, daughter of Harvey Field, by whom he has had these children: William J., and Eliza. In 1870 Mr. Brown came to Brockport, and became identified with all the active interests of the town. He is a man of ster- ling character, whose word is as good as his bond.

Grant, Archibald S., was born in Caledonia, March 18, 1853, a son of Donald Grant, a native of Scotland, who came to this town with his wife, Margaret Stewart in 1850. They remained three years, then returned to their native country. Of their ten children, our subject was born during his parents' stay in America. He attended school until the age of twelve, when he entered a store as clerk, and at the age of eighteen sailed for America, coming direct to Mumford, where he made his home with his uncle. He taught school for a time, and in 1876 married Ellison, youngest daughter of Deacon Irvin, of Mumford. She died in Kansas in 1885, where they had purchased a farm. In 1890 he was married to Eliza M., daughter of Charles Ball, and they have two children. Mr. Grant is a member of the Knights of Macca- bees, and Mrs. Grant of the Ladies of Maccabees.

Butts, Truman (deceased), was born in 1829 in Perinton, where his whole life was spent, and where his memory will long be cherished for his charity and unostentatious benevolence. He was for many years prominent in local affairs, and an active mem- ber of the Congregational society, serving as clerk thereof for thirty years. He was for nine years commissioner of highways, and a member of the Board of Education for as long a term. He won a high place in the esteem of the community, and his death, which occurred. June 16, 1888, was mourned as a personal loss by the people. He married Mary, daughter of the late Thomas D. Walker, who was born in Che- nango county in 1812 and came to Perinton in 1822. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he was a man of superior ability and education, and was at one time supervisor, besides holding other official positions, His children were Nancy J.

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Hamilton, John W., Walker, Sarah A. Sawyer, and Mary A., who married Truman Butts. Mr. and Mrs. Butts had an only daughter, Alida, who was born in 1868; her early life was one of great promise, but was cut short by her untimely death in 1885. Her inborn love for the beautiful had already found expression in the art of painting, and the products of her brush show remarkable artistic feeling and development.

Lennon, W. H., was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, N. Y., August 15, 1838. The family trace their descent to one of two brothers who came to this country from the North of Ireland about 1750. He removed with his parents to Chenango county, where he worked on his father's farm during the summer and attended school winters. After teaching district school for several terms, he went to Binghamton and graduated from the High School in 1863. The following year he was employed as assistant in the same school. In 1864 he entered Genesee College from which he graduated in 1867, and was immediately employed as principal of the Clyde High School. The next year was spent in organizing a graded school in Cobleskill, N. Y. In 1869 he was called to Brockport and made professor of science in the Brockport Normal and Training School. In 1882 he was elected vice-principal of the same in- stitution, which position he still holds. In 1867 he married Sarah Shepherd, and their children are Alice Grace and Miriam. Mr. Lennon is one of the best known teachers in Western New York.

Pellett, James, was born in Kent, England, in 1833, and came to America and to Webster in 1853, and three months later moved to Madison county, residing there six years, and then returned to Webster, in 1859, and settled on the farm where he now lives and is engaged in fruit growing. He married Sarah Stace of England, and their children are George A., James F., Spencer A., John E., Sihon W., Charles H., and Raymond R. They have also three daughters, Mary, Carrie and Sarah. Mr. Pellett was one of the jurors that tried the last case in the old Monroe county court-house, that was torn down in 1894.

Howard, Seymour W., was born in Sweden, March 4, 1819, a son of Sampson How- ard, who came to this county in 1810, and was among the pioneers of the town (Swe- den), he, with his brother, clearing up several farms. He married Amanda, daugh- ter of Joseph Saulsbury, was an honest, upright man, and received the respect of his townspeople. He died in 1885, in his seventieth year. Seymour Howard was edu- cated in the common schools, to which he has added through life by reading and close observation. In 1841 he married Lois B., daughter of Hail Mason, and their chil- dren are O. L. and Charles M.

Cobb, F. D. H., of Fairport, was born at Fort Edward, N. Y., July 8, 1866. His father, the late Amos H. Cobb, was at that time in the paper business in New York city. He established in 1881 a canned goods factory, which has grown into one of the most important industries of Fairport. Mr. Cobb was, at the time of his father's death, engaged in the practice of law in Rochester, having been admitted to the bar in January, 1889. His preparatory studies were prosecuted at the Brooklyn Collegiate Polytechnic Institute, the Fairport Classical Union School and at Colgate University, from which he was graduated in 1886. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY

Stokes, William H., was born in Wayne county in 1859. His father was Jonathan, son of Richard Stokes, whose father came from Scotland in an early day. Our sub- ject followed farming and teaching for several years prior to 1884, when he came to Union Hill, and entered the store of F. M. Jones, and after clerking for two years, bought out Mr. Jones's interest and has since conducted it alone. He is also post- master. He married Mattie, daughter of John and granddaughter of Byron Wood- hull, who was at one time judge of Monroe county.

Warner, Fred, of Fairport, manufacturer of combination wire and slat fences, and dealer in agricultural implements, flour, feed, etc., was born in New York city, where his father, Samuel Warner, was a cabinet-maker. Samuel later located in Arcadia, Wayne county, having also farmed for a time in Yates county. He died in Arcadia July 4, 1860. Frederick began as a farmer, and was located in Arcadia from 1857 to 1869, when he removed to Perinton, where he is still interested in agriculture. He handles several specialties of mechanical merit and general application. In May, 1893, he established his business in the Newman block. He has served as commis- sioner of highways, and as assessor. In 1865 he married Eva Niesz of Fairport, and their children are M. S., Levi L. Barnard M., Amy L., Marguerite A., wife of Rich- ard Williams, and Fred L. Another son, Walter, was killed at the age of eighteen by a kick from a horse. The elder sons are associated with their father in business, and Levi L. is an employee of Snow & Parce.

Rowe, Asa, was born in the town of Greece, February 25, 1806. His father, Abel Rowe, settled on the Ridge in 1805, and married Miss Amy Hincher, daughter of one of the early settlers of Monroe county. In 1828 Asa Rowe married Ruby M., daughter of John Reed of Sweden. They had six children: Ruby E., Asa W., George, Edwin, Oscar and Arthur. In 1824 Mr. Rowe commenced keeping hotel on the north side of the Ridge Road near the present Greece post-office. He also carried on a farm and established a greenhouse and nursery in Greece. 'The family moved to Sweden in 1842, where Mr. Rowe wasa prosperous farmer. He served as supervisor of Greece in 1834, 1835, 1842, andof Sweden in 1850. He died November 23, 1894. Three sons survive him. Two sons, Edwin and Oscar, now conduct the homestead farm in part- nership.

Palmer, William, who was born in the town of Sweden, December 25, 1827, a son of Humphrey Palmer, who was born in Madison county and came to Monroe in 1806 with his father, Simeon. The latter bought a quarter section of land, which is still in the possession of the family. Humphrey married Sarah Parkes, and was identified in advancing all interests for the growth of the town in which he lived. He held various offices of trust and responsibility. His death occurred in 1884, in his eighty- third year. William Palmer was educated at Brockport College and later taught school for nine years. He is one of the foremost men of the town, interested in all town affairs, and a practical farmer. In 1867 he married Mary W., daughter of John Udell.

White, Charles J., was born in Sweden, May 16, 1849. His father, Edmund J., also a native of this town, and the grandfather, James White, came here from Mad- ison county about 1820. The family traces its descent from John White, who came from England during the French war, his descendants settling in Massachusetts, and

FAMILY SKETCHES.

went from there to Madison county, this State, in 1796. John, James, and Chester, the sons of John, of Madison county, came and settled in Sweden, and were leading farmers of the place. Edmund J. White married Sarah, daughter of Samuel H. Davis, and died in 1871, in his fifty-first year. Charles J. White was educated in Brockport and in 1871 married Sarah, daughter of Henry Root, who died in 1874. He married second Adelaide Locke, by whom he had two children, Lillian and Harrison.

Killip, Patrick, who for many years lived in Rochester and was identified with the early history of the place, was a native of the Isle of Man, born December 25, 1801. At the age of twenty-two he became captain of a small coasting schooner, and fol- lowed the sea several years. In his native place he married Jane Morrison and they had one child, who died in England. In 1828 Mr. Killip came to Rochester, and- located on Andrews street, where the convent now stands. He was a tanner, and also a farmer as well as a successful business man, and the owner of a number of houses. He was in business several years prior to 1840, and during that time was a prominent member of the old volunteer fire department. He had three certificates, each showing seven years' service in the department, and was justly proud of his association with the early events of the locality. His funeral was attended by a delegation of the Exempt Firemen's Association, in which body he was much es- teemed, and was its oldest member. In 1858 he removed to Ogden, where he pur- chased the Hodges farm, and here he died in 1889. His children were Margaret, who married James Balfe and lives in Toledo, O .; Eliza, wife of William Killip; Sarah and Susan, twins, both of whom died in Ogden: John C., and Maria, both of Ogden; Thomas, who died in childhood; and Mary, of Ogden.

Pannell, Silas J .- About 1830 John Pannell, by trade a printer, emigrated from Lincolnshire, England, and settled first in Chili, this county, where he learned the cooper's trade, but in 1857 bought 100 acres near Egypt, which is now the home of our subject, Silas, his second son. Here also the elder Pannell remained until his death in 1883, at the age of seventy-five. Near this homestead are several large trees, remarkable specimens, which, though not indigenous to the locality, have at- tained enormous growth, and most noteworthy among these is a sassafras, four feet in diameter, and probably about 100 years old. It is claimed for this tree that no larger one of its kind exists anywhere. The wife of John Pannell was Mercy Purdy, and she survives him at the old house. Silas married in 1891 Miss Josephine Crosman, of Victor.

Rogers, Charles Spencer .- In 1790, at Cornwall, Conn., of old English ancestry, was born Rutherford Rogers, who in later life became a resident of Vernon, Oneida county, where in 1815 was born his only son, James F. Rogers. In 1818 the family removed to the vicinity of Pittsford, and there James Rogers made his home for life, rearing three children, Frances Augusta, Charles, and Sarah J. (deceased). The elder daughter is now Mrs. Claire Barker of this town. In 1847 James married Martha B. Jeffords, of an old Henrietta family, and both are now deceased. Mr. Rogers reached the age of seventy-three years. His death occurred in 1888, his widow sur- viving until 1894. Charles is now the sole representative of this well known and honored family and lives on the homestead.

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

Hutchinson, S., one of the most genial and popular young business men of Pittsford, was born in Liverpool, England, July 22, 1856, and came with his parents to America and to Rochester in the same year. Samuel, sr., was a cooper by trade, and in 1857 began making casks and barrels at Mendon, beside conducting a farm. The remain- der of his life was passed at Mendon, where his widow still lives and where our sub- ject's boyhood was passed. At the age of thirty-one years the latter removed to Pittsford, and in 1888 purchased the cooperage plant of Owen Burns. This shop was destroyed by fire in 1889, and Mr. Hutchinson rebuilt near the Central station on Main street. His establishment is now a very complete one, including the manufac- ture of all sizes of fruit and flour barrels. He now supplies a large territory and has increased the output from 30,000 to 50,000 yearly, and employs a force of eight men. The house at Mendon first bought by the elder Mr. Hutchinson was erected by Brig- ham Young, partly of logs, and near by are the ruins of a chair factory once operated by him. In 1883 our subject married Mary A., daughter of Thomas Finucan of Men- don, and their children are James H., Marguerite A., and Una M. Mr. Hutchinson is a supporter of the Presbyterian church, and is a trustee of the village of Pittsford.

Eaton, Wilber, son of Daniel, was born in Onondaga county, where he learned telegraphy, and later was agent and operator for six years at Clay station. He was afterwards transferred to Webster, where he now lives, and is also ticket agent and express agent at the station. He married Eliza, daughter of Jacob Pink, and. they have one son, Lawrence Eaton.

Burritt, Sylvester .- Giles Burritt was a native of New York State and came to Parma from Sand Lake, Rensselaer county, about 1835. He brought a family and settled at the place since known as Burritt's Corners. Burritt street also derived its name from him and his descendants. In the east Mr. Burritt was engaged in lum- bering and farming, but in Parma he devoted his time entirely to farming. He died in 1854. His children were Bailey, William, Seley, Polly, wife of Martin Amidon ; Malinda, wife of William Moreland; Sylvester, Elizabeth, wife of John Taber; Stephen D. Thomas, Mahala, and Giles. Sylvester Burritt was born December 7, 1820, and was about fifteen years old when his father came to the town. He was brought up on the farm. At the age of twenty he started out for himself and about three years later bought a tract of land in company with his brother, Stephen. They improved and added to it and finally divided it, Sylvester living on his portion until 1877, when he came to his present splendid home at the Corners. In 1846 Mr. Bur- ritt married Eunice A. Barber, by whom he had three children: Rosalia, wife of Frank W. Rowley; Newton S., a farmer of Parma; and Loretta, wife of Dr. Williams, of North Parma.

Howard, John E., late of Fairport, N. Y., was born at Bridgewater, Mass., of an old Puritan family, March 4, 1814. He came to Fairport in 1845, whence his four brothers, Ansel, Lorenzo, Daniel and Marshall, had preceded him. These brothers became the leading successful business men of the place, he and his brother Lorenzo managing a large wagon factory and other commercial interests. He retired from business in 1864, yet retained a benevolent interest in current affairs and kept the best interests of the village at heart. Of the Congregational church he was a literal pillar, and of his unostentatious private charities there is no record. By Sophia

FAMILY SKETCHES.

Woolworth, a former wife, Mr. Howard had four children, of whom one son is now living, W. W. Howard, of Los Angeles, Cal. In 1857 John E. Howard married Mrs. Louisa Brown Edson of Orlean, who survives him.

Wygant, T. B .-- About 1833 Harvey Wygant with his young wife, Jane Buchanan, came from Ulster county and settled on a farm of 100 acres, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking what later became the flourishing village of Egypt. Here passed the even tenor of their way until 1880, when Mrs. Wygant died. Of a family of four daughters and a son, one daughter and the son, T. B. Wygant, remain. The father is now eighty seven years of age, but with mental faculties unimpaired, and his mind a storehouse of reminiscences of earlier days. In 1868 T. B. Wygant married Emma, daughter or the late Hon. Jeremiah S. Baker, a man widely known and honored. There are no children. Mr. Wygant is a man of liberal education and culture, but of retiring disposition and tastes.

Huber, Frank, was born in Baden, Germany, March 26, 1833, and came to Parma in 1860. By trade he was a mason and farmer, and worked at both previous to his enlistment, August 12, 1862, when he went out with Co. B, 8th N. Y. Mounted Vols., from which time till the final muster-out, June 7, 1865, Comrade Huber was in sixty- two engagements, and was twice wounded. At Yellow Tavern, Va., March 11, 1864, he was struck in the side with a fragment of shell, and although painfully wounded, he remained on duty, and at Malvern Hill a bullet struck the same place as had the shell, and he was kept in hospital six weeks. He however ran away from the sick tent and rejoined his command long before his wound was healed, and his comrades say that Corporal Huber was as willing a fighter as ever handled a gun or sword. Returning to Parma he resumed his trade and former work, and later spent three years in Pennsylvania in the lumber business. Returning to Parma he bought a farm and settled. He is a G. A. R. man and an Odd Fellow, having passed every chair in the latter society. He is also a member of the Veteran Company of Parma. December 26, 1866, Frank Huber married Samantha Seeley. They have no children living.

Boughton, Orrin, came from Fairfield county, Conn., and settled first in Oswego county, where he was a shoemaker. In 1821 he came to Brockport, where he con- tinued his trade until his death about 1828. He left a wife and seven children. The mother managed to keep the family together for some time, and until her son John was able to work, and his earnings almost provided for the children. John was born September 13, 1818. On reaching his majority he came to Ogden, and built a potash factory, which business he continued about twenty-five years, then established a lime kiln in the west part of the town. This he operated about twenty years. His pres- ent farm he bought in 1841, and has since added to its size. He is now the owner of a good farm in the town, and his life of industry and perseverance has been justly rewarded. Mr. Boughton married first Eliza Allen and they had one child, Harriet. His second wife was Anna Maria Stone, who bore him seven children, of whom Eliza, Charles and James survive. Mr. Boughton has been a life long Democrat and has served as collector and road commissioner, the latter for twenty-one years.

Keene, William H., was born in Rochester July 12, 1856, was educated in the dis- trict schools, and by occupation is a market gardener. In 1878 he married Sarah A.

LANDMARKS OF MONROE COUNTY.

Smith of Rochester, and they have three children, Etta G., Lula G., and Henry W. Mr. Keene is a member of the Royal Arcanum Lodge, No. 1105. Mr. Keene's father. Henry, was born in Wiltshire, England, November 25, 1825, and in 1851 married Sarah A. Tarrant, of his native place, and they came to this country in 1856, first locating in Rochester, where their son was born, then came to their present home on the Ridge Road in 1858 and began the above business, which has been successful. They have six green-houses heated throughout by hot water through the entire dis- tance of 100 feet each, where vegetables are grown in winter as well as summer. William Smith, father of Mrs. Keene, was born October 8, 1831, in Walsoken, Cam- bridgeshire, England. In 1852 he married Martha Flint, of Lincolnshire, England, and they at once came to the United States, settling in Rochester. They had six children, Evangeline, William A., who died aged twenty five, Sarah A., as above, Florence M., Abraham L., and Martha L. He died November 16, 1873, his wife surviving. He was a contractor and builder.

Thatcher, James H., was born in Wayne county in 1840, a son of Cyrus and grand- son of Peter Thatcher, who was one of the earliest settlers of Ontario, Wayne county, N. Y. James enlisted at Ontario in August, 1862, in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Heavy Artil- lery and served in that regiment, which was in the 2d Brigade, 3d Division and 6th Army Corps until July 24, 1865, when he came to Webster, and after conducting a farm and being in the produce business for some years, in 1889 he started the store he now owns and conducts as Bancroft & Thatcher, carrying on a general hardware and furniture business. He was for seventeen years one of the local assessors of the town, and is now one of the justices of the peace. He married Frances A., daughter of James L. Fox, of Webster, N. Y.

Barnhart, Mrs. Mary E., was born at Schagticoke, N. Y., a daughter of the late Erastus Herrington. He was born at Hoosick, N. Y., a descendant of the Hyde fam- ily, whose vast English estates are now the subject of protracted litigation. Mr. Herrington came to Perinton in 1850, engaging in farming, and was for thirty-nine years a resident of Fairport, where he took an active part in town and village gov- ernment, as trustee, assessor, etc. He died July 3, 1889, aged eighty-one years, the last of five brothers. His children are Mary, Erastus B. and Frank. The only daugh- ter, Mary, married in 1865 Lewis B. Barnhart, late of Perinton, and one of its lead- ing citizens, who died April 26, 1889. Their children are Louise M., Dewitt C., Frank and Luella. The daughters are at home, and the son, Dewitt, married Mary Bulman, and is now in charge of the homestead farm in Perinton.

Jordan, Edwin, a veteran soldier of Co. H, 13th N. Y. Vols., was born in Penfield, March 25, 1841. His father was John, of Portland, Me., who settled in Penfield about 1840, and whose death occurred in 1877. In 1861 Edwin enlisted in the " Old Thirteenth," and during two years active service participated in many hard-fought battles, among them being Bull Run, Hanover Court House, Siege of Richmond, Manassas, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. At Second Bull Run he was captured, but soon escaped. Mr. Jordan is a mason by trade, and also a farmer. In 1866 he married Rebecca Lovett of Penfield, by whom he had these children: Emeline, Lewis, Lovett, Sarah, Alzora. Minnie, Stella, Fenton and Harry. One daughter, Belle C., is deceased.

FAMILY SKETCHES.'

Young, Hiram, was one of the early settlers of Ogden, coming from Middle Had- dam, Conn., in 1824 on foot. He returned east, married, and in 1825 became a per- manent settler of Ogden, his farm being that now owned by George H. Comstock. His children were Samuel H., now of Michigan, Abbie L., who married Mr. Com- stock, and Hiram A., of Michigan. Mr. Young died in 1839, and his widow survives him, at the age of ninety-two. George H. Comstock was born in Swanton, Vt., Feb- ruary 7, 1829, a son of Walter H., and Eliza (Adams) Comstock. He was brought up a farmer and at the age of twenty-one began for himself. In 1851 he came to Ogden, and in 1853 bought a small farm, and in 1864 purchased the Young farm. April 17, 1855, he married Abbie L. Young, and they have had two children, Walter H., now a teacher at Chicago, and Abbie E., a teacher of Scottsville. George H. Comstock is among Ogden's successful and enterprising men. He is assessor of the town, and an elder in the Presbyterian church.

Cottar, James, jr., was born in County Cork, Ireland, February 2, 1829, and came to the United States in 1834. In May of the same year he settled in Rochester, and has ever since resided in Monroe county. His father, James, began life as a truck- man, and in 1856 exchanged real estate in Rochester for a farm in the town of Union, now Hamlin, and later came to Brockport, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1879, in his eighty-fourth year. James, jr., was educated at Rochester and the district schools of his county, and began life as a driver on the canal, later became a boat owner, and in 1871 retired from the business and came to Brockport. In 1861 he married Mary McCumber of Penfield. He has taken a prominent part in town affairs, having served as president and trustee of the village, etc., and is a man of solid worth. In politics he was always a staunch Democrat.

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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 71

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