USA > New York > The men of New York: a collection of biographies and portraits of citizens of the Empire state prominent in business, professional, social, and political life during the last decade of the nineteenth century, Vol. II > Part 36
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Mr. Saxton was born in the Wayne- county village where he still lives. At the outbreak of the war he was fifteen years old, and a clerk in a dry-goods store. Previously he had attended the village high school, and he was then trying to fit himself for college. He enlisted in the 90th New York infantry. The regiment was sent to Key West, Florida, where two hundred of its mem- bers died of yellow fever. Young Saxton saw his first service at the siege of Port Hudson. He was in the Red-river cam- paign, and in the Shenandoah valley with Sheridan. The privations of the march through the valley nearly ended his career. He was sent to a hospital to die, but lived to be mustered out as sergeant major. To close Mr. Saxton's military record here, it may be said that he never "appealed to the soldier vote," though he has held high office in the Grand Army of the Republic.
Mr. Saxton studied law after his return to Clyde. He was admitted to practice at the age of twenty- one, and was married soon thereafter. Ile opened an office in Grand Rapids, Mich., but returned to the East after two years. He has practiced his profession in Clyde ever since, where he has been a " counsel learned in the law."
MEN OF NEW YORK- GENESEE SECTION
The rural lawyer almost always becomes a poli- tician. Mr. Saxton did better - he became a states- man. He served his apprenticeship in various village offices, and then graduated into the legislature. He. was a member of assembly, 1887-89, and a state senator, 1890-94. His term as lieutenant governor began January 1, 1895.
The name of Charles T. Saxton is associated with most of the reform legislation of all these years. He introduced the Australian ballot system in New York, and put on the statute books the first and only Corrupt Practices act ever passed in this state. As temporary president of the senate, in 1894, he ap- pointed the Lexow committee, which investigated the Tammany government of New York with so startling results ; and by a resolution of his colleagues he served as a member of that committee up to the time of his election as lieutenant governor. As president of the senate he was of great assistance in undoing the vicious legis- lation which a previous legislature had fastened upon Buffalo. His words, "I will call the roll," successfully employed to defeat a piece of political chicanery, recall an historic episode in the methods of presiding officers.
Charles T. Saxton may best be de- scribed as a practical reformer. He is not extreme in either aims or methods. He has always been abreast of the best political sentiment of his time. He has gone about his work unostentatiously, and has done it thoroughly. His judgment and his justice are praised even by his opponents. Probably no one ever dis- liked him personally.
Despite the interruptions to his early education, Mr. Saxton's tastes are those of the scholar. He has received the de- gree of Doctor of Laws from Union Uni- versity, and in 1892 he was elected honorary chancellor of that institution. He has been a favorite speaker before educational bodies. He was the legisla- tive champion of the University Ex- tension movement. He writes finently and forcibly, and has been a contributor to the newspapers, and to the North American Review.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Charles T. Saxton was born at Clyde, Wayne county, N. Y., July 2, 1846 ; was educated in the village schools ; served in the Union army, 1861-66 ; was ad- mitted to the bar in December, 1867 ; married Helen
M. Field of Clyde October 1, 1868 ; was member of assembly, 1887-89, and state senator, 1890-04 : 1vas inaugurated lieutenant governor of New York Janu- ary 1, 1895.
Albert L. Swett is one of the solid, sub- stantial business men of Medina, where he has lived for the past thirty years. Practically his whole life has been spent in Orleans county. He was born there less than fifty years ago, in the town of Ridge- way. In early childhood he was taken to Illinois, where his education was commenced at the age of seven years. In his sixteenth year, however, he returned to his native county, and settled in Medina, which has ever since been his home. He entered Medina Academy, and there completed his education.
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ALBERT L .. SIETT
The following year he left school, and secured employment in the foundry of the Bignall Mig. Co. of Medina. This concern does a large business, and during the seven years that he remained with
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them he acquired a knowledge of good business methods, and slowly accumulated from his wages a sum sufficient to enable him to go into business for himself.
Finally, in 1873, with a capital of $1200 that he had saved in this way, he formed a partnership with W. H. Samson, under the firm name of Samson & Swett. The new firm followed the same general line of business with which Mr. Swett was already familiar, and began the manufacture of iron hardware specialties. The venture was successful from the start, and in 1889 Mr. Swett bought out the interest of his partner, and has since carried on the business alone, under the style of the A. L. Swett Iron Works. The establishment has grown from the small beginning of twenty-odd years ago, until to-day it is one of the largest in western New York, employing nearly two hundred men. The factory is substantially built of Medina sandstone, and the water supply, taken from Oak Orchard creek, is far in excess of the demands of the present extensive business.
In politics Mr. Swett is an earnest Republican. He has often given his party the benefit of his counsel in county and state committees ; but he has steadfastly refused nominations for other than local offices, feeling that the interests of his constantly increasing business demanded his undivided attention. He is always actively concerned in securing the nomination of suitable men, and is willing to work hard to support them.
Mr. Swett is one of the leaders in all movements tending to advance the prosperity of his community. He has been a member of the board of education of Medina for nine years, and has done good work in extending and building up the public-school system of the town. He is now president of the Medina Business Men's Association and of the Boxwood Cemetery Commission, and secretary and treasurer of the Medina and Shelby Water Power Co. For nearly thirty years he has been a member of the Baptist Church of Medina, and he is one of its most active supporters. He was one of the founders of the local Young Men's Christian Association, and has always maintained a lively interest in the organ- ization. But his sympathies are not bounded by the narrow limits of the town in which he lives ; and all Christian work, both at home and abroad, finds in him a vigorous champion.
1872; has been engaged in the manufacture of iron hardware specialties at Medina since 1873.
Lemuel L. Cosier, having lived in Genesee county and vicinity most of his life, and having practiced medicine in Batavia for more than thirty years, is widely known and respected in western New York, both professionally and in social relations. His forefathers were New England people, and their sterling qualities doubtless had something to do with his own successful career. In the choice of profes- sion, at least, the influence of inherited tastes and predetermined fitness seems clearly apparent, since both his father, Joseph C. Tozier of Bangor. Me .. and his grandfather, Joseph Allen of Buckland, Mass., followed the medical profession.
Born in Livingston county, New York, fifty-seven years ago, Dr. Tozier received an excellent element- ary and academic education. He was not able to take a college course, and instead of that began to teach when eighteen years of age, following that calling for several years. All the time, however, his heart was set upon the medical profession, and he was only biding his time until circumstances should enable him to go through the training and study required for the doctor's degree. Where the will is strong the way rarely fails to appear, and Dr. Tozier was soon able to carry out his plan. Having read medicine under the direction of his father, Joseph C. Tozier, and taken a thorough course of study under Dr. Norris G. Clark of Batavia. he entered the Bellevue Medical College of New York city in Oeto- ber, 1862, and graduated therefrom in March, 1864. He was thus pursuing his studies in the midst of the Civil War, and he turned his talents to excellent account in the service of the government even before his acquisition of a degree. Having passed the examination of the United States army medical board, he was assigned to the United States hospital at Lexington avenue and 51st street, New York city, serving on the staff of Surgeon Alexander B. Mott. Dr. Tozier continued his work in this institution after his graduation until the close of the war. During a part of this time he was released from hospital service, and was made medical examiner of recruits at the Battery.
The army hospital in New York was happily closed in June, 1865, and Dr. Tozier, ordered to a distant post, chose this opportunity to leave the service and engage in private practice. In taking this step he showed excellent judgment, as the sequel proved. Selecting for his field of work Batavia and Genesee
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY -- Albert Louis Swett was born at Ridgeway, Orleans county, N. Y., April 21, 1850 : was educated in public schools and Medina (N. Y. ) Academy ; was in the employ of the Bignall Mfg. Co., at Medina, 1866-133; married . county, where he was well and favorably known, Lucinda M. Fuller of Shelby, N. Y., September 18,
and where he had previously married, he began the
MEN OF NEW YORK - GENESEE SECTION
somewhat difficult task of building up a large general practice. In this he attained success more quickly than is generally the case, and made himself known within a few years as one of the foremost physicians in his town and county. In 1869, only four years after settling in Batavia, he became county coroner, and continued to hold the office for fifteen years, or until 1884. He was a medical director of the Western New York Life Insurance Co. in 1877-78.
Dr. Tozier has always taken a broad view of his profession extending far beyond the commercial side of it, and has contributed in various ways to the welfare and progress of his calling. Ile belongs to what is called the "old school " of practitioners : but he is neither narrow nor unreasonable in his views, and keeps his mind open to the truth in whatever quarter it may be found. He was secretary of the Genesee County Medical Society for many years, and was president in 1879. Dr. Tozier's chief interest in life has been professional, as is natural and proper ; but outside of this he has devoted considerable attention to farming and stock raising.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY- Lemuel Lancaster Tosier was born at York, Livingston county, N. Y., March 16, 1839 ; received an academic educa- tion, and taught school, 1857-62 ; gradu- ated from Bellevue Medical College, New York city, in March, 1864; married Emily A. Putnam of Batavia, N. Y., May 31, 1864 ; served in the United States army hospital at New York, 1864-65 ; was coro- ner of Genesee county, 1869-84 ; has prac- ticed medicine at Batavia since July, 1865.
3obn ff. Baker is a notable exception to the rule which too often bars out scientific discoverers from the list of those who live to witness the wide recognition of the value of their research. When but a mere boy he resolved to study medicine. Un- discouraged by the meager opportunities offered in the district school. he managed to get hold of various works on physiology and anatomy, mastering them in the hours that his mates devoted to boyish sports. The more he studied, the firmer became the conviction that he must be a physician, and among the members of the class that matriculated at Geneva Medical College in the fall of 1836 there was probably no happier fellow than this youth of
twenty, who now saw a prospect of the fulfillment of his great ambition. From this institution he gradu- ated with honor after a four years' course, and three months later he established an office in Otselic, N. Y., beginning the arduous labors of a country physician and surgeon.
LEMUEL. I .. TOZIER
Dr. Baker's territory covered many square miles, and long rides over bad roads at all hours were a necessary condition of his practice. All such ser- vice was given cheerfully, and the night was never so stormy nor the way so rough as to constitute an excuse for a refusal to attend a case where suffering could be alleviated. To piece out his scanty earn - ings - for what rural doctor ever had a full purse ? -- he accepted an appointment as postmaster under President William Henry Harrison. Dr. Baker was then the youngest man holding that position in the United States. He has now gone to the other extreme, for the authorities at Washington say that he is the oldest living ex-postmaster. In those early years the young doctor's interest in public matters
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was shown by a term of service as school inspector for the town of Roxbury, N. Y. Appreciating his valuable aid in educational matters, his townsmen next elected him school commissioner, but the growing demands of his profession prevented his filling the office.
JOHN F. BAKER
During the first eight years of his practice Dr. Baker adhered to the allopathic doctrines that he had been taught ; but becoming convinced of the superior merits of homeopathy, he made a radical change in his methods, and has since practiced according to the " new school." About this time he moved to Batavia, and the town has been proud to claim him as a resident for nearly half a century. During his long practice he has occupied his office alone, with the exception of a four years' partnership with his brother, Dr. Cyrus C. Baker, and a two years' partnership later with his son, Dr. John Wells Baker.
In 1881 Mrs. Baker died of cancer. An intense desire to relieve her sufferings had led her husband' to make a special study of that disease. He was
unable to save her life, but he continued his re- searches untiringly, firmly believing that the materia medica contains a remedy for every ailment. After working on the theory accepted by other physicians, he tried a new method that soon proved efficacious. The treatment is entirely by internal medication, which kills the cancer cells, and removes them from the system. Although Dr. Baker has eured many of the most malig- nant cases of cancer, he does not profess to do impossible things. Of the various kinds of cancerous diseases he admits that he has thus far been able to conquer only two ; but these are the most com- mon species. He has a professional prej- udice against advertising, and his fame has spread wholly through the unsolicited testimony of those whom he has restored to health. His patients are fond of tell- ing of his generosity : for one of his peculiarities is a fear of overcharging --- a trait not invariably characteristic of specialists.
Although Dr. Baker has long since passed the usual period of life allotted to mortals, many a younger man might emulate the activity and enthusiasm of this kindly, liberal-hearted octogenarian. He maintains a lively interest in Masonic affairs, having joined that fraternity in 1854 with the Scottish Rite degree ; and also in the Independent Order of Good Templars, which initiated him in 1887. The church of his choice is the Episco- palian. He has been a member of the New York Homeopathic Medical Society for many years. His treatise on cerebro- spinal meningitis and hernia published in the Hahnemannian Journal, Philadel- phia, shows that he is accepted as an authority on other diseases besides the one to which he now devotes so usefully all his time and energy.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY-John Follett Baker was born at Roxbury, Delaware county, N. Y., September 14, 1815 ; graduated from Genera Med- ical College January 21, 1839; practiced medicine in Otselic and Lebanon, N. Y., 1839-48; was school inspector of Roxbury, 1835-37, and fost- master in 18/1: married Sarah Ann Kimber of Genera, N. Y., January 26, 1839, and Jennie Cordin of Batavia, N. Y., December 9, 1886 : has . practiced medicine in Batavia since 1848, and of late has devoted his entire time to the treatment of can- cerous diseases.
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Charles D. Carroll, though he was born in Canada and received his early education there, is a true American, and comes of an honorable line. The Carrolls of Maryland were one of the most noted families of colonial days, and Charles Carroll, who died in Baltimore in 1832, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, was the head of the family. "Charles Carroll of Carroll- ton," as he signed himself, in order that he might not in any way compromise a kinsman of the same name, was the first senator elected from the state of Maryland under the constitution of the United States, and served the nation and the state in many prominent positions. The subject of our sketch is a direct descendant of John Carroll, a cousin of this statesman of the early days.
Mr. Carroll's education was begun in a private . school at Sarnia, Ont., from which he entered the high school at Guelph, where he remained two years. The same period at Berlin (Ont. ) Academy followed, and he finished preparing for college under a private tutor. A college course, how- ever, was not attractive to the youth, who longed to enter the mercantile world, and begin the actual business of life. Accordingly, at the age of eight- een, he entered the service of G. Doeltz & Bro. of Detroit, Mich., as a clerk. Hle remained with this firm six years, and then accepted a position with Barnes & Bancroft of Buffalo. The firm was one of the largest dry-goods concerns in western New York, and Mr. Carroll found exceptional opportunities to fa- miliarize himself with the working details of an establishment of this kind.
After five years in Buffalo Mr. Carroll determined to embark in business for himself. In looking about for a good opening he was attracted to Rochester, and in 1880 he moved thither, and or- ganized the firm of C. H. Carroll & Co., dry-goods merchants. Seven years later the business was enlarged, and the style became Carroll, Hutchings, Southard & Co. In 1890 Messrs. Hutchings and Southard withdrew from the firm, which has since been known as Carroll, Beadle & Mudge.
Mr. Carroll has many qualities that render him peculiarly fitted for the management of a large establishment, and his business has grown ever since its organization, until it is to-day one of the largest
department stores in Rochester. He is blessed with a wonderful memory for names and faces, and though his employees number several hundred, he knows each one of them personally. It is also no uncommon thing for him to recall by name a customer whom he has met but once. This happy faculty, combined with great executive ability and sound business judgment, has brought him deserved success, and advanced him to a foremost rank in his chosen calling.
Politics has never claimed any great share of MI !. Carroll's attention, for he has realized the necessity of devoting all his energies to his constantly increas- ing business. Yet he is not wholly absorbed in his work, but is mindful of the various social duties that devolve upon all. He is a member of the Rochester Club and the Yacht Club, of the Young Men's
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CHARLES HI. CARROI.I.
Christian Association, and of Christ Episcopal Church.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY - Charles Hamilton Carroll was born at Warwick, Ontario.
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June 15, 1851 ; was educated at Guelph High School, Berlin Academy, and by a private tutor; was in the employ of G. Doeltz & Bro., Detroit, Mich., 1869-75, and of Barnes & Bancroft, Buffalo, 1875- 80 ; has conducted a dry-goods business at Rochester since 1880.
.1. B. LAURENCE
A. JS. Lawrence belongs to a family that has given to the nation many men distinguished in busi- ness, literature, and the professions, as well as in military and public life : and he has contributed his share in maintaining the distinction and prestige of the family name.
John Lawrence, the founder of the family in the United States, was a lineal descendant of Robert Lawrence, who followed Richard Cour de Lion in the Crusades, and was knighted for his bravery. John Lawrence came to this country with Governor Win- throp in 1630, and settled in New England. In 1826, Colonel Lawrence's parents moved from Con- necticut, and settled in Warsaw, N. Y. : and there Colonel Lawrence was born May 18, 1834.
lle made good use of his early educational advan- tages, and was already well advanced in his studies when he was put to work, at the age of twelve, in a bookstore. The opportunities for acquiring addi- tional knowledge were most valuable to a lad of his studious habits and ambition. At the end of seven years he was employed by a large pub- lishing house in Buffalo, in which he held a responsible position until 1856. He then spent two years in the drug business at Niagara Falls, N. Y., and in 1858 returned to his native town of War- saw. In company with associates, in 1859, he built and operated the Warsaw Gas Light Works, purchased and oper ated a foundry and machine shop, and conducted a mercantile business.
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He was actively engaged in these oper- ations when the Civil War, with its call to patriotism and self-sacrifice, broke in upon his life. He entered the army, as quartermaster of the regiment that after- wards became famous as the 1st New York dragoons. Colonel Lawrence's military career was long and varied, as he served in the commissary, ordnance, and quartermaster's departments, in the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James, and in the 4th, 7th, 10th. 18th, and 24th army corps and cavalry corps. During this service he received from President Lincoln a commission as captain and assistant quartermaster gen- eral United States volunteers ; and was promoted to the rank of major, and later to that of lieutenant colonel, in the quar- termaster's department, U. S. A. During the campaign that ended in the surren- der of General Robert E. Lee, Colonel Lawrence served as chief quartermaster of the Army of the James ; and upon the capitulation at Appo- mattox Court House, he was designated to receive the surrender, to dispose of the property of that part of the Confederate army, and to assist in pro- viding for the peaceable return to their homes of the Southern officers and soldiers. When this had been accomplished, Colonel Lawrence was detailed for duty near the Rocky mountains, where he rendered efficient service. The region abounded at that time with buffalo, antelopes, wolves, and hos- tile Indians. In 1866 he was mustered out of service, receiving brevet commissions from the war department "for faithful and meritorious services during the war. "
MEN OF NEW YORK-GENESEE SECTION
For a few years Colonel Lawrence then engaged, among other interests, in the development of the slate industry in Canada. In 1870 he became con- nected with the lumber business in Buffalo, and later he returned to his old home in Warsaw. There he has lived since, occupying himself with various man- ufacturing and mercantile pursuits and public affairs.
Colonel Lawrence has been interested for years in the National Guard. He was active in perfecting the organization of the National Guard Association of the State of New York, and was for ten years its recording secretary and a member of its executive committee. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was chosen delegate at large from the state department to the Centennial National En- campment held in Philadelphia in 1876. He is also
a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, and of other mili- tary organizations and associations, and is prominent in the Masonic fraternity. He was one of the organizers of the Warsaw Board of Trade, and has been its secretary and a member of its board of directors. He served for five consecu- tive years as president of the Wyoming County Agricultural Society, and for four years as president of the state association.
PERSONAL CHRONOLOGY --- Abram B. Lawrence was born at War- saio, N. Y., May 18, 1834; wos in business in Buffalo, 1854-56, and in Niagara Falls, N. Y., 1856-58 ; mar- ried Elisabeth Faulkner of Wheatland, N. Y., March 26, 1857 : was in business in Warsaw, 1858-62; with associates, built and operated the Warsaw Gas Light Co., 1859-62 ; served in the Union army, 1862-66 ; engaged in slate mining and manufacturing in Canada, 1867-70, and in the lumber business in Buffalo, 1870- 71; has lived at Warsaw since 1871, engaged in mercantile pursuits and in pub- lic affairs.
Denry C. Moyes, well known in Rochester in both private and public life, was born in Yates county, New York. He is of Puritan and Huguenot stock, his paternal ancestors having left Normandy for England in the twelfth century. One of his forefathers became attorney- general of England under Queen Elizabeth. Ilis family were among the first Puritan exiles to Hol- land, and later its members led the party of Puri-
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