USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Rochester and Monroe County, New York : pictorial and biographical > Part 16
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Mr. Teal was a sufferer from pleurisy for several years before his death, and in the year 1893, desiring to leave his estate in as convenient a form as possible for his family, he sold his interest in the business of John Greenwood & Company to his partner, Mr. Greenwood. The latter continued the busi- ness alone until January 1, 1900, when, because of ill health, he resold the same to the Teal estate, and a corporation was formed by those interested therein under the name of the Rochester Barrel Machine Works. In the year 1903 the demands of the business had so increased that more commodious quar-
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ters, and better adapted to the manufacture of machinery, became necessary. Accordingly a large building suited to the purposes of the corporation was erected on St. James street, where the company still carries on the manufacture of barrel machinery, besides the business of manufacturers of machinery in general, Mr. Teal's only son, Arthur R. Teal, and his brother, Crowther Teal, being the active managers.
On the Ist of May, 1866, Mr. Teal was united in marriage to Miss Fran- ces Smith, a daughter of George Smith, a farmer living in the town of Riga, Monroe county. Four children were the fruit of this union, three of whom survive their father: Ella M., Elizabeth and Arthur R.
Mr. Teal attended the Brick church and lived a consistent Christian life. His political support was given to the republican party and he always voted for its men and measures. He passed away January 19, 1894, after a residence of more than a third of a century in Rochester, during which time he worked his way upward from a comparatively humble financial position to one of affluence. There was not a single esoteric phase in his career, his life ever being as an open book. He was diligent in business, loyal in citizenship and faithful in friendship, while in his home he was a devoted husband and father.
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James Cunningham
ames Cunningham
J AMES CUNNINGHAM, whose business activity and breadth of view concerning industrial questions led to his classification with Rochester's captains of industry, left a monument to his memory in the extensive carriage manufactory which is today one of the leading productive enterprises of Rochester, now conducted under the name of James Cunning- ham, Son & Company. His record reflected credit alike upon the land of his adoption and the land of his birth. He was born in County Down, Ireland, in December, 1815, and lost his father when but four years of age. The mother with her five children afterward came to America, settling first at Cobourg, Canada.
James Cunningham, the fourth son, was educated in the country schools and when not busy with his text-books was employed at farm labor. He early manifested a decided inclination for working in wood and developed unusual talent for designing. Leaving the farm, he became employed at carriage- making in Canada, but wishing to see more of the country he paid a visit to an uncle, who was an architect in New York. After spending a few weeks in this state he passed through Rochester on the return trip and for a brief period worked in this city. He then again went to Cobourg but had become convinced that the United States offered superior advantages for business advancement. He therefore determined to try his fortune across the border and in 1834, at the age of nineteen years, returned to Rochester, where he learned the carriage-making trade in all of its branches. His ambition, his determination and his diligence gained for him successive promotions as his ability and skill increased, and in 1838 he became a member of a firm of car- riage manufacturers operating under the name of Kerr, Cunningham & Com- pany. This was the beginning of the present extensive enterprise, which now constitutes one of Rochester's most important business concerns. After some time he bought land on Canal street, where he long resided and where the James Cunningham, Son & Company carriage manufactory is now located. Additions have been made to the original purchase until the grounds include four acres and the works are among the most extensive of this character in the world. In 1847 Mr. Cunningham built the first of the present factory build- ings and others have been added as necessity has demanded in order to meet the growth of the trade. The product soon gained a high reputation for
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excellence and durability and the business grew rapidly. Mr. Cunningham not only gave supervision to the work of financing the enterprise but also to the mechanical labor and as the result of his study and investigation, combined with inventive genius, he invented several machines which simplified the constructive process and at the same time brought forth better work than had previously been secured by the old-time methods. Year by year saw an increase in the business, the company not only following the lead of others but introducing many new styles in carriage manufacturing as well as improved methods in construction. Mr. Cunningham continued in business to a ripe old age but in 1881 formed a stock company and transferred the management of the enterprise to younger men, being succeeded by his sons and son-in-law, the former hav- ing been trained to the business and thus were well qualified to take up the work which their father laid down. His was a well merited rest, the fitting reward of years of earnest, unwearied and honorable activity. His relations with his workmen were always those of a considerate, just employer, quick to recognize faithfulness and capability on the part of one who served him.
Mr. Cunningham was married in early manhood to Miss Jennings. The surviving children are: Mrs. Charles H. Wilkin, Mrs. R. K. Dryer, Joseph T. and Charles E. Cunningham. The father, James Cunningham, died at his home in Rochester, May 15, 1886. It is not alone as a most successful manu- facturer that his memory is held in esteem, for he displayed many splendid traits of character which endeared him to those with whom he was asso- ciated. He was a friend of charitable and benevolent institutions, contributing liberally to their support and in all matters of citizenship he stood for needed reform, for progress and improvement. Advancement might well be termed the watchword of his life. It was manifest in his business, his social and his public relations. He wrought well for his day and for succeeding generations and seemed to have accomplished at any one point in his career the possibili- ties for successful accomplishment at that point.
Cha. ABaker
Charles S. Baker
O HARLES S. BAKER, a man of broad mind, of kindly purposes and high ideals, with whom contact meant elevation and expansion, passed away on the 21st of April, 1902. Such was the force of his character, the strength of his mentality and the breadth of his nature that the news of his demise came with a sense of personal bereavement to the great majority of those who had known him. He had friends among the prominent and the lowly, the rich and the poor, throughout the entire country. All who knew him respected him, but in Rochester, where he was best known, he was loved as few men are loved. A native of Churchville, Monroe county, Mr. Baker was born on the 18th of February, 1839, the youngest son of James and Catherine Baker, the former a carriage manufacturer, who came from England in an early day. In the vil- lage schools Charles S. Baker acquired his early education. Said one who knew him well: "His parents bequeathed to him the riches of virtuous train- ing and example, a happy temperament, high aspirations, untiring energy and a love of righteousness for its own sake. The fruitage of these qualities dur- ing all his years brightened, stimulated and blessed not only his own life but the lives of a great multitude of his fellows, brought into close or even casual relationship with him." After a struggle in his youth to secure an academic education, he was sent to the Caryville Collegiate Seminary in 1854 and the following year was entered as a pupil in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, New York. During the winter of 1857-8 he taught school in Leroy. Coming to Rochester to study law in the spring of 1858, he accepted a position in the law office of Danforth & Terry, where he remained until his admis- sion to the bar in December, 1860. He was a very successful attorney of Rochester for many years, displaying keen analytical power, logical reasoning and clear deductions in the practice of his chosen profession. His first part- ner was John H. Jeffries and in later years he was associated with his son, William J. Baker, having an office in the Powers block at the time of his death. He prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care and his legal learn- ing was manifest in the strong presentation of his cause before the courts.
Mr. Baker had been engaged in practice for only a brief period when the Civil war was inaugurated. Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guns cleared away when at the first call for volunteers for the Union army he offered
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ticing physician of the same city; Cornelius B., who is engaged in the bank- ing business in Kansas City and who married a daughter of Ex-Governor Morrill, of Kansas; William J., an attorney with offices in the Powers block in Rochester; and Harold H., a practicing physician of this city. Both of the sons who are physicians are graduates of the University of Michigan. The only daughter of the household died in infancy. In his family he was a devoted husband and father and at his own fireside the sweetness of a rare soul found its most fitting and loving expression.
Mr. Baker was a Master Mason and also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He organized Corinthian lodge of Rochester and served as worshipful master for two years. He was likewise a member of the Loyal Legion and George H. Thomas post, G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades, many of whom he assisted in material ways. He was an elder in the Central Presbyterian church in Rochester at the time of his death and was ever a most earnest Christian man, whose life was actuated by high and honorable principles and who at all times lived in conformity with his professions. In the church he took a most active and helpful part and at all times gave his support to those movements which advance justice, truth and right. When death claimed him resolu- tions of sympathy and respect were passed by the different lodges with which he was connected; the alumni association of Livingston Park Seminary, which his wife attended in girlhood; the Infants' Summer Hospital, to which he had been a generous contributor ; the board of supervisors and the board of education; while hundreds of letters were received by the family. All con- tained an expression of appreciation for the rare beauty and strength of his character and the great usefulness of his life.
One who knew him well wrote: "In all the multiplied activities of his fruitful life his energies, means and influence were always thrown upon the side of justice, mercy, truth and righteousness. The wealth of his great nature and the genial companionship of his warm, generous heart drew to him the rare and sweet friendship of many who took high rank in the various departments of church, state and literature, as well as others closely identified with the financial growth and prosperity of our great country. He allowed no differences of creed or party to mar these friendships but took the best of each life that touched his own. Conspicuously useful as he was in public affairs, it was as husband, father, brother and friend, within the cheery and sacred precincts of his own home, that the rare sweetness and all embracing love of his large and noble nature were most richly bestowed."
alfred Perkins
Alfred Perkins
A T THE TIME of his death Alfred Perkins was one of the oldest residents of Irondequoit township, not only in years, but also in the length of his connec- tion with that part of the state. He passed away at the age of eighty-four years, after long and active connection with business interests that made him well known throughout his part of the county. A native of Connecticut, he was born in 1820 and was a son of Abner Perkins, who in 1822 came with his family to Monroe county, settling first in Rochester. Soon afterward the family removed to Webster, Monroe county, where he spent his boyhood and youth, amid the pioneer conditions which existed here.
After his marriage he removed to Chautauqua county, New York, where his wife's people were living, but after one year they returned to Monroe county and settled in Carthage. He lived for fifty-seven years in the home in which Mrs. Perkins yet resides, purchasing that property on the Ridge road and continuing to make it his home until he was called to his final rest. For many years he conducted a bus line, carrying passengers from town and steamer, in which connection he was well known.
Mr. Perkins was married twice. He first wedded Mary Ball, who with two of their daughters was drowned June 13, 1868. There were two other children by that marriage: Andrew Perkins, who is living in Penfield; and Mrs. Clinton Towle, of Webster, New York. After losing his first wife Mr. Perkins was married, November 22, 1870, to Miss Sarah J. Forrest, a daughter of David Forrest, who came from Massachusetts to Monroe county at a time when land was selling for only five dollars per acre. Unto them were born five children, four of whom are yet living: Oliver H., Mrs. Francis P. Towles and Mrs. Adelia J. Gregory, all of Rochester; and Ira D., who mar- ried Lulu Baetzel, of Rochester, by whom he has one son, Earl Theodore, now six years of age. Ira Perkins resides with his mother on the old home place, where at one time the father owned thirty-eight acres of land, while the place still contains ten and a fourth acres, devoted to gardening.
From the organization of the republican party Mr. Perkins gave to it his stalwart support. He belonged to the North Street Methodist church and his life was ever honorable and upright-in harmony with his professions- while his influence was ever given on the side of improvement and public
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progress. He possessed a genial, kindly spirit, was fond of company and was a general favorite with those who knew him. His acquaintance was a wide one and all esteemed him for his genuine worth. He died in October, 1905, and thus passed away one whose life history was closely allied with the interests of the county and who had been a witness of its growth and develop- ment during the greater part of his lifetime. Mrs. Perkins is also a member of the Methodist church and is very active in its work. She has been presi- dent of the Ladies' Home Missionary Society and for three years was president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the church. She has also been active in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and has always thrown the weight of her influence on the side of right, justice and truth.
mas S. J. Perkins
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Mark Do Kyouton
Mark Dean Knowlton
M ARK DEAN KNOWLTON, deceased, whose invent- ive genius and executive ability in business largely revolutionized the trade of paper box machinery, was born October 5, 1840, at Milford, New Hampshire, his parents being Samuel Dean and Nancy J. (Shat- tuck) Knowlton. His father was a shoemaker and retail dealer in shoes. The son acquired his early education in the common schools of Milford and afterward attended the Milford Academy to the age of sixteen years, when he put aside his text-books and went to Nashua, New Hampshire, to learn the trade of blacksmithing and carriage manufacture.
Subsequently he had an opportunity to purchase a paper box manufactory and while he was totally unacquainted with the business he availed himself of the chance offered and his ready adaptability, which was always one of his strong characteristics, enabled him soon to thoroughly acquaint himself with the business in principle and detail. This step was the initial one in the path of progress that eventually made him one of the best known paper box manufac- turers of the east. For a time he was located in Worcester, Massachusetts, and in 1866 he disposed of his business interests in Nashua and removed westward to Chicago, where he continued in the paper box manufacturing business until the great Chicago fire, in which he lost practically all that he had. At a time when despair with many overshadowed courage and deter- mination Mr. Knowlton with resolute spirit faced the situation and with not- able energy set to work not only to retrieve his lost possessions but also to assist others. At that time he and his family were living at South Evanston, where, by the way, he held the only public office in his career-that of justice of the peace. While Mr. Knowlton's business was consumed in the flames, his home still remained to him and he did much toward assisting others who had lost their homes as well as their business interests. Following the fire he located on the west side, where he resumed operations in paper box manufact- uring, but again he was burned out and once more practically lost all. After- ward he joined the W. C. Ritchie Company. He soon built up a good trade and success attended his efforts. While associated with that firm he gave much of his time toward completing the invention of his machine for paper box manufacture, on which he had been working. At length he completed
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the machine and placed upon the market an invention which later revolution- ized the entire trade.
In March, 1892, Mr. Knowlton disposed of his business interests in Chicago and came to Rochester, where under the firm name of Knowlton & Beade he started the manufacture of machinery for making paper boxes. This connection continued until May, 1904, when Mr. Knowlton bought out his partner's interest and continued under the style of M. D. Knowlton Company. Being a man of great inventive genius, he patented a number of appliances and machinery all used in paper box making, and was widely known as an inven- tor of great ability, largely giving his time to the business, which was later organized as a stock company. From the beginning it proved a profitable undertaking, reaching large and important proportions. His daughter, Miss Annie Dean Knowlton, possesses remarkable business powers and executive ability and with her brother she was named as executrix of the estate. The brother, Fred Kirk Knowlton, is now the vice president of the company. Mr. Knowlton was also the principal owner of the stock of the Auburn Ball Bear- ing Company. This still constitutes a part of the estate and the business is practically managed by Miss Knowlton with her brother's assistance.
On the 5th of October, 1864, Mark D. Knowlton was married to Miss Abbie E. Currier, a daughter of Alfred and Abbie (Worchester) Currier, of Massachusetts, her father being a railroad man. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knowl- ton were born four daughters and a son: Annie Dean, Grace E., Hattie Gertrude, Fred Kirk and Ola. The son pursued his education at Purdue University and Columbia College, and married Elizabeth Kent Stone.
The officers of the company are now M. D. Knowlton, president; Fred Kirk Knowlton, vice president; Annie Dean Knowlton, treasurer; and Mrs. F. K. Knowlton, secretary. The business has developed eightfold since it was organized in Rochester and employment is now furnished to over one hundred operatives in the factory. It has been marked by no decline since the death of the father, owing to the marked executive ability and keen business discern- ment of his daughter, who had been so closely associated with him in its con- duct.
Mr. Knowlton was a man of fine personal appearance, as well as of marked strength of character and intellectual ability. He was a republican but was never active in politics. He served as one of the trustees in the Cen- tral Presbyterian church, to which he belonged. Without special advantages at the outset of his career and in the face of two disastrous fires Mr. Knowl- ton as the architect of his own fortunes builded wisely and well, gaining not only success but also an honored name by reason of the straightforward busi- ness principles which he ever followed. The family are also members of the Central Presbyterian church. The mother and daughters reside at No. 6 Granger Place, where they have a fine residence. Miss Annie Dean Knowl- ton greatly resembles her father in personal appearance as well as in the splen-
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did business qualities which he displayed. Mr. Knowlton was very devoted to his family, being pre-eminently a home man, and while his loss was felt in business, church and social circles, it came with greatest force to the members of his own household, to whom he was ever a devoted husband and father.
James P. B. Duffy
A LARGE PERCENTAGE of Rochester's successful business and professional men are numbered among her native sons, for the growth of the city, with its enlarging possibilities and opportunities, have afforded scope for the labors and ambitions of those who have grown to manhood here. Mr. Duffy is numbered among the younger attorneys of the Roch- ester bar. He was born November 25, 1878, in this city, his parents being Walter B. and Theresa (O'Dea) Duffy. He attended the Nazareth Hall parochial school and the Rochester Free Academy, after which he became a student in Georgetown University of Washington, D. C., from which he was graduated in the class of 1901 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered Harvard Law School and was graduated in June, 1904, with the degree of Bachelor of Law. In the fall of the same year he was admitted to the bar and was associated with the firm of Perkins & Havens until its dissolution in March, 1907. Mr. Duffy then formed a partnership with James B. Perkins and Joseph McLean under the firm name of Perkins, Duffy & McLean, which is now one of the leading firms of Rochester.
In October, 1905, Mr. Duffy was appointed a member of the school board to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. George G. Carroll, and although a democrat he was elected to the same position in November of that year on the republican ticket. His term on the school board will not expire until the 3Ist of December, 1909. He has taken a great interest in athletics and out- door sports and had the honor of rowing with the Georgetown University crew at Poughkeepsie and the Harvard University crew at New London. He is a member of the Rochester Bar Association and along more strictly social lines he is connected with the Genesee Valley Club, the Oak Hill Club, the Golf Club, the Irondequoit Canoe Club, the Friars Club, the Rochester Yacht Club and the Athletic Club. He is a member of the cathedral and is one of the cathedral ushers.
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George A. Saegmuller
A LTHOUGH a resident of Rochester for but a brief period, George N. Saegmuller has gained distinctive recognition as one of the leading manufacturers not only of this city but of the country, having shown a marked capacity for the successful conduct of affairs of great breadth. He is today a partner in one of the most successful and extensive productive indus- tries of the city-the Bausch, Lomb, Saegmuller Company. A native of Germany, he was born in Bavaria, on the 12th of February, 1848, and is a son of John L. and Babette (Bertholdt) Saegmuller, who were likewise natives of that country.
George N. Saegmuller was reared in the fatherland and attended the tech- nical school at Erlangen and graduated from the polytechnic school at Nurem- berg. In accordance with the laws of the country he rendered military serv- ice as a member of the regular army, serving as one year volunteer in the 14th regiment at Nuremberg. Having acquainted himself with mechanical engineering he afterward spent four years with Thomas Cook & Son in Eng- land, who was one of the most eminent instrument makers of that time. In 1870 he came to America, locating first in Washington, D. C., where he lived for thirty-five years. He there was associated for a time with Wurdemann, and was later in charge of the instrument division of the United States coast survey, during which time he began the manufacture of astronomical and engineering instruments under the firm name of Fauth & Company. For years he obtained the optical parts for his instruments from Bausch & Lomb Optical Company, with whom his relations were always most cordial. Ham- pered in his efforts to expand his business by the limitations imposed by the city and by lack of manufacturing facilities available there, in 1905 he came to Rochester, removing his factory here and forming with the members of the Bausch & Lomb Optical Company a new corporation known as the Bausch, Lomb, Saegmuller Company. They manufacture all kinds of astronomical and engineering instruments which they send to all parts of the world.
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