USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Rochester and Monroe County, New York : pictorial and biographical > Part 25
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William H. Seymour, however, continued at Brockport as proprietor of the mercantile store which they had established in 1823 and also extended the scope of his activities to the purchase and shipment of grain. He likewise served as postmaster under President Andrew Jackson, having the office in his store. During a part of this time Joseph Ganson and subsequently Hollister Lathrop were associated with him in business. Sometime prior to 1844 D. S. Morgan was admitted to a partnership and a year or so later Mr. Morgan, Mr. Seymour and the latter's brother-in-law, Thomas Roby, established a foundry business for the manufacture of stoves and other castings. This was the initial step into a line of business which later became one of world wide importance. Mr. Roby died in 1847 while a member of the firm, the partner- ship, however, being continued by Mr. Seymour and Mr. Morgan. It was after the establishment of the foundry that Mr. Seymour became interested in the manufacture of reapers. Several reaping machines had been invented in Great Britain during the early part of the nineteenth century but none went into practical operation except the one produced by Rev. Patrick Bell in Scot- land in 1826, of which, however, only two or three were made. Early in the '30s Hussey and McCormick brought out their machines and developed them sufficiently to do practical work in the field. A few of each were made and sold but no regular manufacture of either had been established until 1846, when Seymour, Morgan & Company of Brockport built the first hundred machines
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for Cyrus H. McCormick. Shortly prior to this time Mr. Seymour had been told that when Mr. McCormick was in Washington getting a patent on the seat on his machines, he was informed by D. Burroughs that his brother-in-law, Mr. Backus, of Backus, Fitch & Company, of Brockport, would most likely manufacture his reaper for him. In the preceding fall, he also learned Mr. McCormick had brought his reaper to Backus, Fitch & Company and had it tried in cutting wheat. It had no seat for the raker, who walked behind and raked off the sheaf. In the succeeding winter Mr. McCormick brought his patterns for castings to Backus, Fitch & Company, but as they could only make a small number he called on Seymour, Morgan & Company, then engaged in the manufacture of stoves and they agreed to make for the harvest of 1846, one hundred of these reapers, which had a seat for the raker. Mr. Jenner made the patterns for the castings, Mr. McCormick directing in the con- struction of his first machine, as he brought no machine to the firm to serve as a pattern. During the succeeding year they made two hundred reapers for Mr. McCormick but feeling that they could not agree to pay his patent fee of thirty dollars on each machine they subsequently began the manufacture of a reaper brought out by George F. Barnett, which they believed did not infringe on Mr. McCormick's patent. They built three hundred that year and were sued by Mr. McCormick, so abandoning that invention they began to manu- facture reapers after plans perfected by Mr. Seymour, the new machine being known as the New Yorker. Mr. Seymour obtained a patent on this and made five hundred of the machines when he was restrained by an injunction granted by Judge Nelson of the United States court to Mr. McCormick, who bitterly contested the right of any other manufacturer to place reapers upon the mar- ket. However, to the firm of Seymour, Morgan & Company belongs the credit of being the first regular manufacturers of reapers in the country. In Feb- ruary, 1857, Mr. Seymour disposed of his interests in his patents on his reaper, yet reserving his rights so far as they might be necessary in the manufacture of self-raking reapers, to D. S. Morgan for his interest in a farm in Hamlin. He continued at the head of the iron foundry business, however, until 1875, when he withdrew from the firm and became interested in the manufacture of lumber and its sale inconnection with his son Henry. The new enterprise prospered and he thus continued in business until 1882, when he retired to private life, enjoying a well earned rest throughout his remain- ing days.
Mr. Seymour was married in 1833 to Miss Pixley, of Columbia county, New York. Unto them were born five children, of whom only three grew to maturity: Hon. Henry W. Seymour, who died in Washington, D. C., leav- ing a wife and one daughter; Helen, now Mrs. W. B. Sylvester; and James H., who is unmarried, and resides at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
After his retirement from business Mr. Seymour lived quietly in Brock- port, taking occasional journeys with one of his children until 1895. When
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eighty-one years of age he went abroad with his children, spending five months in travel in Great Britain, Germany, Italy and France. When eighty- six years of age he visited England again with a daughter and son-in-law, and in 1893 he spent the summer at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. For many years he found pleasure and recreation in billiards and whist, attaining much skill in both, while his leisure was devoted to reading, which cov- ered a wide range. His memory concerning the works of his favorite authors was remarkable, his quotations culled from various sources often exciting the surprise of those with whom he was conversing. In 1900 he was elected an honorary member of the National Association of Agricultural Implement and Vehicle Manufacturers in recognition of his importance as a factor in estab- lishing one of the country's greatest industries.
In retrospection he could go back to the time when the farm implements were such as had been in use for hundreds of years-the wooden plow, the brush drag, or the Roman harrow, with wooden teeth; the hoe for planting and cultivating; the scythe and hand rake for harvesting hay; the hand sickle for cutting grain; and the flail for threshing. He lived to see a complete revo- lution in the methods of farming with the invention and introduction of machinery and he was ever an interested witness of the changes that occurred in other departments of life, indicating progress and improve- ment. It hardly seemed possible that in 1903 there yet lived a man who was living when George III was yet on the throne of England. He was ten years of age when the second war with Great Britain was begun and a youth of thirteen at the time of the battle of Waterloo, and he well remembered inci- dents connected with both. One of the most notable events in his life history was the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of his birth. It was made a gala day in Brockport. The entire village united in an expression of good will and honor to him. On that day the church bells pealed out a greet- ing in strokes of ten from each tower, thus registering the hundred years. Neighbors and friends decorated their homes for the occasion, while the flag was unfurled on the town hall in his honor. From far and near came friends to express their congratulations and delight that he had been spared to the ven- erable old age, including a delegation from his natal town, Litchfield. Many choice gifts were bestowed upon him, including a century plant, while an appropriate centerpiece for the table was composed of one hundred sweet wil- liams, bordered with rosemary "for remembrance." One hundred years of Christian living had made him a most honored man. At the reception held in the afternoon there gathered people from every walk of life, for his friends were numbered among the young and old, the rich and poor. One of his old workmen said on that occasion, "I worked for you steady, sir, for forty years and I always got my pay," while a similar expression came from a friend and neighbor : "In all the years Mr. Seymour has lived here no one ever could say a word against him. His name stood for absolute integrity." He lived to pass another milestone on life's journey and on the 6th of October, 1903, was called to the home beyond.
Howy Dr. David
Henry M. Dabis
T HERE ARE men who in business life have attained remarkable success who will be forgotten long before the memory of Henry W. Davis ceases to be cher- ished by those who knew him while he was still an active factor in the world's work. This was not because he won for himself a fair measure of pros- perity nor even because he figured prominently in the public life of the community in which he lived but because he possessed many lovable characteristics and manly qualities that gained him the highest esteem of friends, neighbors and all with whom he came in contact. He was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1807. At the age of nine years he went with his father's family to Galway, Saratoga county, New York, where he remained until 1827. In that year he arrived in Monroe county, which was regarded as a frontier district of the "far west." Making his way to Pittsford, he there found employment with Henry S. Potter, as a clerk, and for a few years remained in Mr. Potter's employ. That constituted the beginning of his successful business career. When about twenty-five or thirty years of age he became identified with the old Rochester Bank as exchange cashier and for a quarter of a century continued in that position, thus figuring prominently in financial circles of the city. On the expiration of that period he removed to Churchville, taking up his abode upon a farm, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1884. It was about the year 1852 that he removed from the city and from that time forward he was actively and prominently associated with agricultural interests. His carefully managed business affairs won him a gratifying meas- ure of success and he became recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of his community.
Mr. Davis was also prominent and influential in public life. He was active in the ranks of the democratic party, closely adhering to the principles set forth by its earlier leaders. He was supervisor and also represented his dis- trict in the general assembly, where his course was characterized by the utmost devotion to duty. He regarded a public office as a public trust and was ever most loyal to the confidence reposed in him in his election.
Mr. Davis was married to Miss Sarah Louisa Selkreg, and unto them were born six children, of whom only one is now living, Mrs. Albert D. Stone, of
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Churchville. She was married in 1875 and has one living child, Mrs. Frank T. Sage, of Rochester.
Mr. Davis departed this life in 1884 and was laid to rest in Churchville cemetery. He was an earnest Christian man, holding membership in the First Presbyterian church and his life displayed many qualities that endeared him to those with whom he came in contact. He was frequently spoken of among his friends in terms of appreciation and praise. He was generous in spirit, manly in thought and action, albeit a strong man of decided opinions and unfaltering in his defense of what he believed to be right. His residence in the county covered almost six decades and thus compassed the period from early pioneer development to that of modern day progress and upbuilding.
Young S. Hortard 11
Henry Stead Debard
A LIFE OF GREAT activity and large usefulness was terminated when in 1890 Henry S. Hebard passed away. He figured prominently in the financial and business circles of Rochester and the state as presi- dent of the East Side Savings Bank, as proprietor of extensive marble works in this city and as president of the New York Mutual Aid Society. His life rec- ord began at Saugerties, Ulster county, New York, March 10, 1827, but for more than a half century he was a resident of Rochester and left the impress of his individuality upon its business development and its public interests. His father, Zebulon Hebard, was a licensed local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church. His mother was Mrs. Martha (Inman) Hebard, a native of the Empire state.
In his boyhood Henry S. Hebard accompanied his parents on their removal to Rochester, where he acquired a public-school education and at the age of nineteen years he entered upon his active business career, wherein he was destined to rise to greatness, as a clerk in his father's marble works. He continued to act in that capacity until given an interest in the business, which under his management and ownership grew to large proportions, as he became recognized in Rochester and throughout western New York as a substantial citizen and capable business man, his intense and well directed activity lead- ing to splendid results in industrial circles. The marble works were estab- lished in 1831 by Zebulon Hebard, his father, who continued as proprietor of the business until 1845, when the firm of Z. Hebard & Sons was organized. The business was thus carried on until 1858, when it became the property of the firm of Hebard & Graham, so continuing until 1867, when Henry S. Heb- ard became, and afterward remained, sole proprietor. Having become recog- nized as a forceful factor in business life, his co-operation was sought in other lines and he became the third president of the East Side Savings Bank, which was organized in 1869 with Pliny M. Bromley as the first executive officer. The second president was William M. Emerson, then state senator, who held the office for a single year, when he was succeeded by Mr. Hebard, who con- tinued at the head of the institution until his death. He was also a director of the New York Mutual Aid Society, which was incorporated August 17, 1881.
It was not alone the signal success which Mr. Hebard achieved in business
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that made him a notable figure in Rochester, for his public service alone would entitle him to distinction as one of the representative men of the city. His political views were embodied in the platform of the republican party and he served as a member of the state central committee. He was elected alderman from the fourth ward in 1857, 1859 and again in 1861. He also served as a member of the old volunteer fire department, to which he belonged until its discontinuance in favor of the paid system. Mr. Hebard was foremost in advocating the establishment of a paid department, having, while alderman, with another member of the city council, introduced a resolution for its estab- lishment. Mr. Hebard's interest in city affairs also extended to the depart- ment of public works and he became an active and helpful member of that board. He also served for one term as supervisor and in 1865 he became a member of the first police commission, serving in that capacity for eight years and assisted in laying the foundation for the present police department. In 1873-4 he was a member of the board of public works and in 1875 was chosen supervisor, in which position he served for one term, refusing re-nomination for the succeeding year. In 1880 he was a presidential elector and voted for Garfield and Arthur. After Arthur succeeded to the presidency he offered Mr. Hebard appointment as postmaster but he declined. On the 13th of Feb- ruary, 1890, his name was sent by President Harrison to the senate as appointee for the position of postmaster and the appointment was confirmed but Mr. Hebard did not enter the office, as his death occurred less than a month later. He was twice nominatedfor mayor of the city without solicita- tion and was for many years a member of the board of managers of the Wes- tern House of Refuge, now the State Industrial School, and one of its presi- dents. For several years he was a member of the board of managers of the State Industrial School and for one year was president of the board.
In 1853 Mr. Hebard was married to Miss Harriett M. Hazen, a daughter of Charles Hazen, of Martinsburg, New York. They became the parents of seven children. Mr. Hebard, in connection with his other public work, was president of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church. Hon- ored and respected by all, there was perhaps not another citizen of Rochester who occupied a more enviable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen. He was closely associated with the city's growth and the interests and needs developed thereby. He desired that Rochester should keep apace in all of its improvements and in its varied municipal interests with other cities of the country and was a guiding spirit in bringing about progressive and valued results. He died in 1890 but the worth of his work will not cease to be felt until the public movements which he instituted have reached their full fruition in the life of the city.
Samflows
Samuel Sloan
R OCHESTER'S greatness as a business center is attributable in large measure to citizens who came here about the middle of the nineteenth century and wrought along lines of development and improve- ment, working for the general good as well as for individual prosperity. To this class belonged Samuel Sloan, and his advancement in the business world was attributable not so much to his possession of unusual qualities as to his unfaltering exercise of the powers and talents which were his. He was at the time of his death presi- dent of the Mechanics Savings Bank and also at the head of an extensive wholesale business, dealing in plumbers', steam fitters' and engineers' supplies.
A native of the north of Ireland, Samuel Sloan was born near Belfast, in 1828, and was a son of Timothy Sloan. He acquired his education in his native country and when a young man of twenty years sought the broader business opportunities of the new world, crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 1848. Soon after his arrival in New York city he secured a position in the first wholesale dry-goods house on Broadway and there engaged in the Australian shipping business. He remained in New York until it became necessary for him in the interests of the firm to go to Melbourne, Australia, where he remained for six years.
In 1860 Mr. Sloan again came to this country and almost immediately established his home in Rochester, where he engaged in the steam and gas fitting business in partnership with R. E. Sherlock, the firm style of Sherlock & Sloan being assumed. This connection was continued with mutual pleasure and profit until the death of Mr. Sherlock twenty years later, when Mr. Sloan became sole proprietor. The business had been developed into a whole- sale concern for the sale of plumbers', steam fitters' and engineers' supplies and the trade had constantly increased until the volume of business annually transacted was represented by large figures. The house, too, had always been known for its straightforward methods and the policy thus inaugurated at an early day has always been maintained.
Extending his efforts to other fields, Mr. Sloan became a prominent fac- tor in financial circles and as president of the Mechanics Savings Bank and a director in the Genesee Valley Trust Company was thus identified with the
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business interests of the city up to the time of his demise, which occurred September 1, 1903.
In the religious and benevolent life of his city, Mr. Sloan always took a prominent part and his deeds of unassuming charity and words of kindly counsel and encouragement are treasured in the memory of many. For more than thirty years he was an elder in the Central Presbyterian church and was closely identified with its development and progress. He was one of the board of directors of the Rochester City Hospital and also one of the original trustees of the Reynolds Library and in the welfare of both institutions he always displayed a deep interest.
Mr. Sloan was first married in 1865 to Miss Mary Eveline Vosburgh, of Lima, New York, whose death occurred in 1882, leaving one son, William E. Sloan, who has succeeded him as the head of the large business which he built up. His second wife, Mrs. Hanna Curtis Jones, of Owego, New York, to whom he was married in 1885, died in 1897.
In all that pertained to municipal progress in varied lines and which con- tributed to a city's growth, prosperity, improvement and normal development, Mr. Sloan's influence was actively felt and he was ever ready to give both his personal services and his financial assistance toward furthering the material and moral welfare of the city of his adoption. As a business man he made a record which any man might be proud to possess, for upon a very meager foundation of capital possessed on his arrival in America he built a goodly for- tune and at the same time maintained an honored name.
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Henry 6. Misura
Henry C. Misner
A BOUT THE middle of the last century one of the most prominent firms in this city was that of Brackett, Wisner & Palmer, which for many years conducted a large crockery business on State street, first in the old Ellwanger & Barry building and afterward at the corner of Church street, where, under another but similar title, it is at present located. Of this firm the most active and influential member from the beginning was the one who forms the subject of this sketch. Henry Clark Wisner was born in Mt. Morris, Livingston county, at the old State street home, on the 29th of June, 1834, and died at his Oxford street home, in this city, December 20, 1906. Having lived in his native vil- lage till he had reached the age of sixteen years, young Wisner removed in 1850 to Iowa City, where he engaged in the crockery business, in which he became quite successful. In 1857 he was married-by Rev. Mr. Clark, of Lyons, Iowa, at the residence of John P. Reznor, near Clinton in that state -- to Elizabeth Rosanna Reznor, who was born in Ashland, Ohio, October 8, 1838, and died in Colorado Springs, November 14, 1894.
After residing in the west for a few years Mr. Wisner returned to this state, coming to Rochester in 1858, in consequence of an advantageous proposi- tion that had been made to him by James Brackett, who was afterward presi- dent of the Rochester Savings bank, to engage in his old line of trade in this city. A partnership was at once formed, as noted above, which met with unvarying prosperity during its continuance. In 1867 Colonel Brackett retired from the firm and five years later Mr. Wisner bought out the interests of the remaining partner, George Palmer, running the business alone after that till near the close of his life. In spite of the incessant activity thereby demanded he filled for twelve years, from 1883 to 1895, the office of president of the Consolidated Fruit Jar Company of New York, that branch of trade having been largely developed by his exertions, and afterward was president of the Poughkeepsie glass works.
Wearied at last by half a century of labor he retired in 1905 from active control of the business, turning it over to the Henry C. Wisner Company, in which concern, then formed, he was the principal stockholder. From that time on, his health slowly failed till, on the 20th of December, 1906, he suf- fered a stroke of apoplexy, from which he was not able to rally. He had three
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children: Frank Porter Wisner, born May 28, 1867, now living in this city; Harry Reznor Wisner, born January 15, 1870, who died in 1893, and Eliza- beth Lucy, wife of Richard Franchot, now residing at Niagara Falls, who was born February 4, 1876. He was an upright citizen, shedding around him the best of influence and leaving an example to be followed by those who knew him.
As these local sketches of men of prominence in our city, which is yet small enough for all to be neighbors in the good old-fashioned meaning of the word, are chiefly of value to the friends and families of the subjects of these lives, a few words as to the wanderings of the earlier generation may be of interest. Leaving their pleasant home among the mountains of Switzerland, near Gen- eva, two brothers came over about 1620. The Dutch authorities, who were then in possession of the New Netherlands, granted to these Wisner brothers a large tract of land on Long Island, which was occupied by their descend- ants till the English came into control in 1684. The new rulers seem to have refused to recognize the title of the Wisners, so that they lost their property and migrated from that region, one branch going south, while those with whom this notice has to do moved to Orange county, where the family flour- ished for more than a century. One member of it, Henry Wisner, was a mem- ber of the Continental Congress and would have been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had he not been sent home through the influence of General Washington, to supervise the manufacture of powder for the Con- tinental army. After the Revolutionary struggle had come to a successful termination, our branch of the Wisner family moved from Goshen to Aurelius, in Cayuga county, about 1800, and at the latter place five sons were born in the family homestead, all of whom were professional men and all achieved dis- tinction in one way or another, one of them becoming the "war governor" of Michigan, while another was one of the judges of the highest court in that state.
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