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Livingston County New York Biographies - Surnames N-R

Transcribed by Lynn Tooley


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Livingston County New York Biographies extracted from the History of Livingston County, New York: from its earliest traditions to the present, together with early town sketches.


Enos A. Nash Biography

ENOS A. NASH, — A prominent farmer and ex-supervisor of the town of Portage was born in that town September 4, 1845. His grandfather Alfred Nash, a veteran of the war of 1812, migrated with his family from Connecticut, his native state, to Western New York in 1818. He made the journey by wagon and first settled in Rochester, where he purchased a strip of land, lying east of the business part of the city and embracing that portion now adjoining East Avenue. He soon sold this property and removed to Portage (then Nunda, Alleghany county,) and was one of its earliest settlers. He took up two hundred acres of wild land which he cleared and amid all the disadvantages under which the early pioneers labored, eventually succeeded in bringing to a high state of cultivation and success crowned his efforts. He married Elizabeth Hoyt of Connecticut and they reared a family of nine children. His son Enos H., the father of Enos A. became a tanner and currier and for many years conducted a business in that part of Portage known as Hunts Hollow. He afterwards returned to the homestead, where he remained until his decease, February 3, 1845. He married Elanora B. Stockwell of Vermont, and reared three children, John A., Adelia E., and Enos A. His wife Elanora died March 14, 1886. Enos A. Nash received his education in the district schools and at the Nunda Academy. At the breaking out of the war he twice enlisted without his father's knowledge, Mr. Nash being obliged upon each occasion to prove to the authorities that his son was under age in order to secure his release. Upon reaching the age of eighteen however be again enrolled himself as private in the Fourth New York Heavy Artillery, which was attached to General Grant's command. He took part in the various engagements in which his regiment participated and was taken prisoner, being for four months confined in Belle Isle and Libby prisons, before being exchanged. He was mustered out with his company October 18th, 1865, and returned home. He married Miss Augusta Williams, a daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Averill) Williams, and they are the parents of two children, Arthur J., and Albert B. Arthur married Ruth O. Morton of Jamestown, N. Y., and they have one child, Marion Irene. They live on what is known as the Ingham farm in Portage, owned by Enos A. Nash. Albert married Grace A, Hark of Alleghany county. They reside with Mr. and Mrs. Nash and assist in the care and management of the farm. Mr. Nash was for a number of years a member of the board of supervisors, and for several years served his town as collector. He has also besn Justice of the Peace for twelve years. Mr. Nash has always been a republican and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant in 1868.


Aurora D. Newton Biography

AURORA D. NEWTON, — A substantial farmer and highly respected citizen of the town of York, was born in that town Maich 12, 1828. His father Dudley Newton, was one of the earliest settlers in the county. When about twenty years of age he left his home in Colchester, Conn., and journeyed westward, seeking a suitable location in which to establish a home. He first located in Avon, Livingston county, about the year 18G0. At that time Avon was called Hartford and was a part of Ontario county. He remained there for a time and then took up a tract of land in the town of York, on which he erected a log house and engaged in the toilsome work of clearing his farm and reducing the land to a state of cultivation. Here he passed the remainder of his life. He married Hannah Deitz, a native of Hagerstown, Md,, and of German descent. Eight children were born to them — Daniel B., Jeremiah, Cordelia, Orville H., Alonzo, Newell, Susan Amanda and Aurora D. Both the father and the mother died in 1862, the former aged eighty-two years and the latter seventy-five.

Aurora D. Newton attended the district school and assisted in the working of the farm, of which in later years he became the owner. His marriage with Elizabeth Eraser occurred in 1851. She was a daughter of Donald G. and Margaret (Ferguson) Eraser and a descendant of one of the Scotch families who settled the north part of the town in an early day. Mrs. Elizabeth Eraser Newton died in 1853. leaving one son, Walton A. now residing in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Newton was again married March 17, 1864, taking for his second wife Henrietta Clark, of Caledonia, and they have one daughter Stella H. Mrs. Newton died September 22, 1868. Mr. Newton cast his first presidential vote for General Winfield Scott in 1852 and since the organization of the Republican party in 1854 has been an active worker in the interests of that party and has at various times held offices of a public nature which he has invariably filled in an able and intelligent manner. He has been elected to the office of assessor, highway commissioner and supervisor of the tow-n. The latter office he held seven consecutive years, two years of which he served the Board as chairman. Mr. Newton has also been active in the church and social life of the community and has for many years been an ardent member and supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church of Fowlerville, in which he has held all the offices and has several times served as delegate to the Lay Electoral conventions of: the Genesee Conference.


John O. Nickerson Biography

JOHN O. NICKERSON, -A prosperous mill owner of Livonia, was born in Waterloo, N. Y., March 31, 1852. While very young his parents removed to Albion, N. Y., where he later received his education. After attaining his majority he engaged as an apprentice at the machine trade in Corry, Pa., where he remained seven years. The year of 1880 he spent in travel through the west working at his trade en route. In 1883 he came to Livonia, where for a time he followed his tradeand for one season operated the steamer Mollie Teft, on Hemlock Lake. In 1887 and the year following he resided in Rochester. In 1891 he returned to Livonia and installed a machine shopwhich has since proved a profitable venture, and in 1900 he further increased his business by establishing a complete flour and feed mill plant, both concerns being now in a healthy, flourishing condition. In October, 1878, Mr. Nickerson married Robina Hoskin, of Corry, Pa., and they have seven children: Edwin O., Livingston Blake, William C., Walter C., Coral, Louis, and John J. James O. Nickerson, the father of John, was a native of Connecticutand a former newspaper man. He married Louise Blake, daughter of Richard Blake, of Livonia, and they have five children: John O., Jessie married Gardner Marsh, of Conesus, Livingston B. now a citizen of Minneapolis, Cornelia married William Holmes of Wayland and Lucy married James Van Duzen, and resides in Pachogue, Long Island.


Maurice J. Noonan Biography

MAURICE J. NOONAN, — Of Mount Morris, was born in Ireland, December 25, 1843. His mother removed to this country in 1847, locating in Geneseo, and in 1848 removed to this village. Mr. Noonan received his education at the public schools here. In July, 1864, he enlisted in Co. D. 58th New York Volunteers, serving his country until December of that year, when he received his discharge. In the spring of 1865 he accepted a position as foreman in the cigar factory of J. L. Thompson, of Syracuse, N. Y., remaining with him until 1869, when he decided to open a factory for the manufacture of cigars at Mount Morris. He secured the store he now occupies in March, 1870, and established a wholesale and retail business of some magnitude. Having a desire to retire from business life, he sold this establishment in 1893 and in 1899 again took possession of it and has since been actively engaged in its management. Energetic, enterprising, and successful in business, Mr. Noonan has always been in close touch with his fellow citizens, favoring and supporting, financially and otherwise, such enterprises as seem for the best interest of the community. He has also taken an active interest in politics and is ably conversant on all political questions and party issues. As president of the village he served two years, and is at piesent a member of the Board of Trade and Livingston club. In October, 1870, he was joined in marriage with Miss Agnes M. Skillen, of Mount Morris.


George C. Northrop Biography

GEORGE C. NORTHROP — A prominent produce and grain dealer of Lakeville, N. Y., and an old resident of the town of Livonia, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., December 18, 1828, His early education was obtained first at the district schools of his native place and afterward he attended the Livonia Academy, his parents having removed to Livonia when he was a child. At the early age of fourteen he took up the study of civil engineering, for which even at that age he evinced a peculiar aptitude, and five years thereafter he was employed by the Erie railroad on their preliminary survey of the Rochester division. He was then engaged in similar work for the Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad Company of Ohio, and afterward assisted in the survey for the enlargement of the Erie canal. After the completion of the canal survey, which covered a period of about two years, he was employed in the capacity of civil engineer for the following railroad corporations: The Genesee Valley Railroad from Avon to Mount Morris; The Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska; The Logansport, Peoria and Oquaka Railroad, now a part of the Bloomington and Western system; The Geneva and Southwestern railroad, now a part of the Lehigh Valley system, between Geneva and Naples as chief engineer; The Dansville and Mount Morris Railroad; The Ohio Southern Railroad; The Alleghany Valley Railroad at that time a narrow gauge road running between Wayland and Hornellsville and since made a part of the D. L. & W. system. He then engaged for the state, establishing boundaries for the canal road in the Genesee valley. In 1884 he located at Lakeville, where he established his present business which he has profitably conducted to the present time. His is one of the thriving establishments which put life and energy into the surrounding community and establishes a ready market for the neighboring farmer's grain and produce. Mr. Northrop has during his later years been an ardent supporter of the Prohibition party. He is thoroughly public spirited, strictly honest in all his dealings and a man of the highest intelligence. His librarycontains books from the pens of sotne of the best writers which he has carefully collected and intelligently perused. His marriage with Lavina Games, of West Sparta, took place in 1853. Three children were born to them: Minnie, who mi^rried William Jackson, resides at Livonia and has five children; Luella Elizabeth, who married Rev. G. V. Parsons, a Baptist minister of Fort Fairfield, Maine, and they have two children; and Grant F. who married Miss Jennie Deery and has five children. He is in the employ of the Erie railroad as engineer and resides in Rochester.


William Henry Norton Biography

WILLIAM HENRY NORTON, — Is a well known and prosperous farmer and produce dealer of Springwater. His father, John B. Norton, was educated for a physician at Auburn, N. Y. He came to Springwater and on February 20, 1820 purchased a large tract of land on the spot where the village now stands. This region was at that time a virgin forest. He cleared a portion of his land but devoted his time chiefly to the practice of his profession. Much of his original holdings he afterward disposed of from time to time and thereby acquired a competence. For forty or more years he practiced in this district and his field of labor extended over a large area. He became widely known and was highly esteemed, being of a kind and generous nature and possessed of the strictest integrity. In politics, he was in early days a Whig, but later became a loyal Republican, and being a man of sound principles and positive character his opinions in political matters carried much weight. He was joined in marriage June 8, 1823, with Jane Marvin, a daughter of one of the early settlers in Springwater. Mr. Marvin was a Methodist and a strict sectarian, a true friend and a kind benefactor. He passed his declining years in Springwater, where he died in 1845. To Mr. and Mrs. Norton were born eight children, of whom four are now living: Levina married C. Y. Andrus and is now a widow; Asher B., Oscar M. and William H. Those not now living are John M., who died in 1901. Solomon G., Juliette and Aaron M. Mrs. Norton died on their farm two miles below the village of Springwater in 1855 at the age of fifty-seven. She was an earnest member of the Methodist church. Dr. John B. Norton died at the homestead August 29, 1878.

William H. Norton was born in Springwater August 15,1840, and was named after the president then in office, William Henry Harrison. His education was obtained at the district school and the Lima Seminary. He early developed an aptitude for a business life, even at thirteen carrying on business for himself in buying and selling sheep. At nineteen he purchased his father's farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres just north of the village of Springwater, which thirty years later, in 1890, he sold for ten thousand dollars. Soon after disposing of this place he purchased the land he now owns, consisting of four farms and including their present home, a handsome and valuable property located on main street in the village of Springwater. Mr. Norton makes a specialty of sheep raising and owns one of the finest flocks of registered Shropshire and Hampshire sheep in the county. Mr. Norton attends to the management of his affairs personally and is one of the largest grain and p oduce dealers in the county. He also buys and ships large quantities of hay annually. On August 24, 1870 he was united in marriage with Alice Wooden, a daughter of Rev. T. J. O. Wooden, a Methodist minister of the Genesee conference and at one time well known as a successful revivalist. Mrs. Norton received her education at the Lima academy, of which she is a graduate and Drew Seminary at Carmel, N. Y. in which she took a Post Graduate course. She is also an accomplished musician. She has one brother, Irving, a physician residing in Independence, Cal.,'who is also a successful ranch and mine owner. Mr. and Mrs. Norton have three children. Lillian M., is a graduate of the State Normal School musical department and of the Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She married Dr. James D. Stewart, of Springwater, and has one son, Norton A., born November 21, 1900. Oakley Wooden, the second child, attended the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary and the State Normal School. He took up the study of dentistry in the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the dental department of that institution. He practiced his profession in Baltimore several years and in May, 1901, returned to Springwater and practiced until June, 1902, when he opened an office in Lockport, N. Y., and is now one of the leading dentists in that city, with a branch office at Wilson, N. Y. Ethel L. graduated from both the classical and musical departments of the State Normal and for three years engaged in teaching at Port Jefferson, and Islip, L. I., and is now a student at Smith College Northampton, Mass. Mr. Norton is a staunch republican, well versed in political issues, with an intelligent understanding of and an abiding faith in the principles upon which the republican party was founded. Mr. and Mrs. Norton are members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in its work. For many years Mrs. Norton was a teacher in the Sunday school and Mr. Norton was its superintendent. He also holds the office of trustee of the church.


Lewis C. O'Connor Biography

LEWIS C. O'CONNOR, — A prominent attorney, and postmaster of Geneseo, was born at LeRoy, N. Y., January 17, 1870. When four years of age his parents came to Geneseo, where he later acquired his preliminary education in attending the village schools and the State Normal. In 1890 he entered the offices of Hon. Kidder M. Scott and Lubert O. Reed, then district attorney, as a law student, and in September, 1893, entered the law department of the University of Michigan. He was admitted to the bar in 1894 and opened an office in Geneseo. In politics Mr. O'Connor is a Republican and for a number of years has been a prominent factor in the local field. He served the town of Geneseo as clerk seven years and for four years as police justice of the village. In May, 1898 he was appointed postmaster under the McKinley administration and was reappointed by President Roosevelt in 1902. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth F. Bryant in August, 1902. Mr. O'Connor is one of the active, enterprising progressive young professional men of the county. Zealous in the performance of his duties as the Govermnent's agent, and handling intelligently and in the main successfully such legal problems as are placed in his hands.


Theodore F. Olmstead Biography

THEODORE F. OLMSTEAD,— Cash ier of the Genesee Valley National Bank of Geneseo, N. Y.. was born at Lakeville. Livingston county, September 16, 1836, His father, Lucius F. Olmstead, who was a native of Vermont, was bnrn March 10, 1796. Lucius F. Olmstead when a young man settled at Cayuga Bridge, N. Y., and constructed two miles of the Seneca canal at that place. In 1835 he erected the saw and flour mills at Lakeville, which he operated until 1854. These mills are still known as the Olmstead Mills. In 1858 he removed to Geneseo, where he lived in retirement until his death, October 15, 1868, at the age of seventy-two. His wife, Emeline Willard, was born at Cayuga Bridge. November 1. 1805, and was a daughter of Loring Willard, of that place. They were married April 9, 1822, and became the parents of nine children, namely: Loring W., born March 12, 1823, died January 4, 1868, aged forty-five; Francis A. and Lucius Asher died in infancy; V. Francis E., born December 6. 1838, died September 29, 1872; Franklin W., born December 15, 1831, died 1868; William H., born March 25, 1828, died December 25, 1848; Mary L., wife of A. W. Daniels, of Geneseo, born October 3, 1825, died December 20, 1902; Charles E. D., born September 14, 1846, died at St. Paul, Minn., May 6, 1899, and Theodore F. The mother died April 4, 1887, aged 82 years.

Theodore F. Olmstead the sole surviving member of the family, received his education at the common school and the Canandaigua Academy. February 24, 1858, he enered the Genesee Valley National Bank as bookkeeper and teller, and June 25, 1881, was promoted to assistant cashier, which he held until December 17, 1884, when he was appointed to his present position, that of cashier. He has also been a director in the bank since 1877. Mr. Olmstead's executive ability and strict integrity are highly appreciated in Geneseo, where he has held numerous offices of trust. From 1870 to 1875 he served the county as its treasurer. He is secretary and treasurer of Temple Hill Cemetery and a member of the Board of Water Commissioners, of which he has been secretary and treasurer. He has also been a member of the Board of Health and for several terms served as village trustee. Fur sixteen yeais he was secretary and treasurer of the Genesea Gas and Electric Light Company, and for a number of years was a director of the Geneseo Glove and Mitten Factory. On May 13. 1861, Mr. Olmstead married Laura E., daughter of the late Dr. Daniel Bissell. They have had but one child who died in infancy.


Albert C. Olp Biography

ALBERT C. OLP, — Attorney, of Mount Morris. In 1831 Daniel Olp came with his family to this county from Mansfield, W^arren county, N. J., and settled on land which he had previously purchased in the town of Mount Morris. The journey to the new home was performed with teams. The log cabin into which he moved was a primitive structure, made of hewn timber and covered with "shakes" from the forest trees.. In time, however, the log cabin was •superseded by a commodious frame structure and other improvements rapidly followed. His only son, John, succeeded to the property, introduced new ideas in farming and became a successful modern farmer. In his business life he was scrupulously honest, full of energy and industry, and an indefatigable Avorker. A staunch Democrat thoroughly posted on the political questions of the day and a ready talker, he was always ready and willing to support the principles of his party. November 26, 1845. he married Eliza Rockfellow, of Mount Morris, who died August 28, 1859, leaving two sons and two daughters. Mr. Olp again married in 1865 to Elizabeth McKelvey, by whom he had two children, Frank J., and Albert C. She died June 7, 1894. Frank J. met death by drowning in the Genesee River July 11, 1889.

Albert C, our subject, was born at Mount Morris, August 31, 1876. He attended the Mount Morris High school, graduating in 1895. He then entered the law office of J. M, Hastings, of that place, with whom he studied until February, 1899, when he was admitted to the bar. He continued with Mr. Hastings as managing clerk until April 1, 1900, when he opened an office for the practice of his profession at No. 34 Main street. He is a member and master of F. & A. M. Lodge No. 122, and Mt. Morris Chapter No. 137 R. A. M. and a member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian church. He has served as Justice of the Peace and is now village attorney and clerk of the Board of Education. He has served as secretary of the Democratic county Central Committee, and is president of the Active Hose Company, and Vicepresident of the Livingston Club.


Edwin B. Osborne Biography

EDWIN B. OSBORNE, — Mount Morris, was born in Tompkins county, N. Y., January 22, 1853. His education was obtained in the Trumansburg village schools and also at the Poughkeepsie Business University. At the age of eighteen he took a clerkship in a hardware store in his native place, where he remained eight years, during which time he acquired a thorough knowledge of the hardware business in all its branches. In 1883 he came to Mount Morris and purchased the hardware business which L. C. Brigham established in 1850 and which Mr. Osborne has since profitably conducted. In 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jackson, of Dunkirk. N. Y., and their family consists of five children: Jackson E., Donald H., and Harold T., Clinton P. and Blanche H.


Roy A. Peck Biography

ROY A. PECK, — Editor and proprietor of the Caledonia Era, was born at Titusville, Pa., September 25, 1875. When he was eight years of age his parents removed to Hazelton, Kansas, where he later obtained an education, afterward entering the Ohio Valley Business College, at Marietta, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1895. The year following he came to Caledonia and for two years served as secretary and treasurer of the Caledonia Natural Gas Company and also acted as correspondent for three of the Rochester daily papers. In May, 1901, he opened a job printing office and began the publication of the Caledonia Era, a live, enterprising newsy paper, which under Mr. Peck's admirable management has attained to a place in the front rank of the newspapers of the county. His father, Alpheus H. Peck, at one time a farmer and once a successful merchant, is now living in retirement in Caledonia. He was born November 21, 1831, and was thrice married, his first wife being Eliza Kirkpatrick, a native of Scotland, whom he married in 1853. She died in 1865 leaving two children, Jane Isabelle, who married James C. Tennent, a capitalist of Caledonia, and Elbert B., of Indianapolis, Ind., married Maud "Weaver, of Adrian, Michigan. Mr, Peck again married taking for his second wife Caroline Smith, to whom was born one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Caroline Peck died in 1868. His present wife, whom he married in 1873, was Eunice M. Kellog. a native of Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Roy A. The financial success and present good standing of the Caledonia Era, from a newspaper standpoint is due entirely to the careful and intelligent management of Mr. Roy Peck, who started the enterprise with a determination to succeed, safely conducted it through the trying period of its earlier existence, and its advertising columns today denote the confidence of the business men of the place in its qualities as an advertising medium.


Jay C. Pickard Biography

JAY C. PICKARD — A well known merchant of Byersville and supervisor of the. town of West Sparta, was born November 23, 1865. He obtained an education at the district school and later the Nunda High school. In 1891 he purchased of W. H. Libby, the general store at Byersville which he is now conducting and which has proved a source of prufit to himself and pleasure to his many patrons. In 1888 he was joined in marriage with Fannie Libby, daughter of George W. Libby, of West Sparta. Three children have been born to them, Glenn, Lynn, and Wayne. In 1893 Mr. Pickard received the appointment of postmaster at Byersville which office he retained until the adoption of the Rural delivery in that section when the office was discontinued. In 1901 he was his party's choice for supervisor and was elected by a handsome majority, and in 1903 was re-elected to the same office. Daniel L., the father of Jay C. Pickard, was a native of Cayuga county, and when a child his parents came to West Sparta where they purchased a farm. He married Martha F. Purchase daughter of Charles Purchase, a wealthy resident of West Sparta, and reared a family of seven children, three of whom are now living, Clarence A., C. Elmer and Jay C.


David Halsey Piffard Biography

DAVID HALSEY PIFFARD --Residing in the Piffard homestead, in the village of Piffard and town of York, is a grandson of one of Livingston county's most prominent early settlers. David Piffard, the paternal grandfather of David Halsey, was a native of England, having been born at Pentonville, in the parish of Clerkenwell, without Middlesex county, August 9th, 1794. The family is of French Huguenot extraction. David Piffard was a man of the highest intelligence. He was gifted with a rare memory and was a great reader, and had the advantage of a thorough classical as well as practical education. At the age of eight he went to France and pursued his studies in Paris and Versailles, where he also made a special study of architecture, perfecting himself in that profession after his return to London in 1813. In December of 1822, at the age of twenty-nine, he came to America with letters to LeRoy Bayard & Co., of New York, who were his father's agents in America. For two years he resided in New York. In 1824 he journeyed West and purchased of John Brinton of Philadelphia, and others, six hundred acres of land lying in the rich and fertile valley of the Genesee. A portion of this land is now covered by the village which bears his name. Here he established his home and henceforth devoted his attention to the management of his farm and about ten thousand acres of land which he owned near Flint, Michigan, and two tracts of land which he had purchased at an early day in Erie county, Pennsylvania. Mr. Piffard was a man of wide experience. He had witnessed three forms of Government in France. He was a subject of George III, had lived in England during the regency of the Prince of Wales and had seen the coronation of King George IV. In America he lived through thirteen presidential administrations. He early allied himself with the Whig party, and in 1854, when the Republican party was organized, he joined their ranks and remained a loyal supporter of the principles of that party through life. In 1825 he married Ann Matilda Haight, a daughter of David L. Haight, of New York. Five children were born to them. David Haight married Constance Theall and died in 1881, leaving four children: D. Halsey, Nina H., Charlotte O., and Emma M. Sarah Eyre died in 1881. Charles Carroll resides in Santa Cruz. California. Ann Matilda died in May, 1898. Henry G., a prominent physician in New York City, married Helen H. Strong, daughter of General William K. Strong. They had four children: Henry H., died in 1892. Helen married Everett Oakes. Chas. H. and Susan F. David Piffard was a member of the First Vestry of St. Michael's parish, Geneseo, and was on the building committee of the first church building of that parish. He had made a special study of medicine and became very skillful. He practiced among the poor and needy of his neighborhood, receiving no remuneration for his services. He was universally loved and respected, and his memory is affectionately held in the hearts of many who were recipients of his kindness. He died at his home, Oak Forest, Piffard, June 27th, 1883.

David Halsey Piffard, eldest son of David Haight Piffard, was born in the homestead September 18th, 1849, and studied at Temple Hill Seminary, Geneseo. After leaving school, and during his earlier years, he was connected with several business enterprises in New York. In 1869 he returned home and took charge of his grandfather's business, which he managed until the fall of 1872, when he went to California. From there he travelled through the Western States and several of the countries of South America. He eventually located at Georgetown, Colorado, where he engaged in mining, lumbering and sawmilling. In 1878 he engaged in sheep raising in Western Texas, which business he managed personally for two years. In 1880 he returned to Leadville, Colorado. During the following six or seven years he was connected with a number of large mining companies, milling companies and smelter works in the mountains of Colorado and attended to various branches of their business which required the oversight of an expert. He also spent much time during these years in prospecting for gold, silver, copper, lead and coal in the lesser known portions of the Rocky Mountains.

Returning to Piffard in 1888 he took charge of the Genesee Salt Co's works, which were, at that time, being conducted at a loss, but which he afterwards placed on a paying basis through careful management and the perfecting of new processes which he invented. For this work he was very well equipped, having spent the greater portion of his life in chemical and electrical work and study.

He was united in marriage in February, 1898, with Pauline Arthur, daughter of Edward Paul Arthur of New York City, and they have one daughter, Pauline.


William D. Pitt Biography

WILLIAM D. PITT, — A merchant cf Mount Morris, is a native of New York City, at which place he was born February 18, 1851. His father, William Pitt was born in Frome, Herford county, England, and for thirty years previous to his coming to America had resided in London. The old English custom of the son learning and following his father's trade was then in vogue, and William had taken up the trade which his forefathers had mastered and been perfecting for upwards of two hundred years, that of watch-making. In 1849 he sailed for America landing in New York after a stormy passage of six weeks duration. He remained in New York several years, afterward removing to Ithaca and later to Groton, N. Y., where he ended his days in 1868.

William D. Pitt received a practical education in the schools of Ithaca and Groton. In 1880 he came to Mount Morris, where for some four years he was in the employ of the Genesee Valley Manufacturing Company, and in 1884 opened his present place of business. Mr. Pitt carries a stock of groceries, glassware, wall paper, etc., and enjoys the liberal patronage of many Mount Morris citizens. In 1882 he married Sarah C. Beach of Oakland, N. Y, They have one daughter, Margaret Louise.


John M. Prophet Biography

JOHN M. PROPHET,— Of the firm of Winters and Prophet, of Mount Morris, is a native of New York, where he was born July 29. 1856. The schools of that city and later the University of New York furnished him an excellent education. He becarce identified in a business enterprise there with Mr. John C. Winters, also a native of New York, and in 1879, having disposed of their business in that city, they came to Mount Morris and established the canning factory, which they have since developed into one of the largest concerns of its kind in the country, embracing as it does plants in Geneseo and Oakfield, N. Y., equipped with modern machinery and having a combined capacity of 10,000,000 cans of fruit and vegetables per annum. Four years ago this company erected and installed a plant for the manufacture of tin cans used in their business. These are made in Mount Morris and furnish employment to many hands. John Prophet, the father of John M., came from England with his parents when six years of age and became a resident of New York city, where he later became a successful merchant. His death occurred in 1868. His wife who survived him, formerly Ann Eliza Brady, was a descendant of the Brady family who settled in New York over two hundred years ago and were prominent in New^ York social and business circles. Her brother. Hon. William T. Brady for several terms held the office of mayor of New York and was active in politics during the early fifties. John M. Prophet married Margaret H. Knapp, of New York, in 1881. They have had eight children, of whom seven are living. The eldest, Margaret H., died in November, 1897, at the age of sixteen. Those living are John M. Jr., an assistant in his father's office, Clara Louise, Ann E,, Wilson B., Marion H., Eleanor B. and Marjorie K. Mr. Prophet has always been thoroughly alive to the welfare of the town in which he resides, has taken an active interest in its government and is an ardent supporter of public enterprises. He has held numerous public offices, including those of trustee, and president of the village. In politics, he is a republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church of Mount Morris in which he has been warden for many years and is now senior warden.


Willis J. Randolph Biography

WILLIS J. RANDOLPH, — Of Moscow, N. Y., was born at Richmond, Northampton County, Penn. May 19, 1862, and received his education in the Portland Academy and the schools of Columbia, N. J. When eighteen years of age he began learning telegraphy in a railroad ofiice and the year folP.wing, in 1881, entered the Lackawanna office at Portland, Pa., as extra operator and one year hence was made a permanent one. He was shortly after this engaged as timekeeper at the Buffalo machine shops and in 1885 was tendered the office of operator for the D. L. & W., at Mount Morris, where he remained three years, coming to Moscow in 1888 as the company's agent. In 1881 occurred his marriage with Miss Ada Francis Michaels, of Columbia, N. J., and they have two children, Grace, who is attending the State Normal School at Geneseo, class of 1904, and James who for some years has been an assistant in the D. L. & W. office with his father. Mr. Randolph is a member of the Mt. Morris Lodge of Masons, of the Blue Lodge and also of the Chapter. He has always been prominent in town affairs taking an active part in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of its citizens. A republican in politics, he has for years actively upheld the principles of his party. He ably served the town of Leicester, as town clerk, for two terms, and has been a Justice of the Peace four terms.


Frank Redband Biography

FRANK REDBAND,— Of Caledonia, was born in Wheatland, N.Y., in 1859, and was educated in the common schools of that place. In 1880 he commenced the study of fish culture as an assistant under Mr. Seth Green at the State Fish ponds in Caledonia and has from time to time been promoted until in 1900 he was appointed superintendent of the ponds, which position he now holds. Mr. Redband was married to Julia Green in 1888. Their children are Nellie, Ruth, Arthur, Florence and Jennette. He is a Mason and a member of the K. O. T. M., and attends the First Presbyterian church. Thomas, the father of Mr. Redband, was born in England and married Mary Green, also of England. They came to this country at an early day and raised four children.


Hon. William Y. Robinson Biography

HON. WILLIAM Y. ROBINSON,— Member of assembly for this district, was born at West Sparta, December 14, 1843. His education was obtained at the common schools and the Nunda Academy. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in the drug and book business in the village of Nunda and has conducted that business up to the present time. Mr. Robinson was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1879 and was re-elected the two succeeding years. He was elected a Member of Assembly in 1885 and 1886 from Livingston county and was again elected to the same office in 1902.


A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF S. L. ROCKFELLOW
OF MOUNT MORRIS, N. Y.

Samuel L. Rockfellow was born in the town of Mount Morris, August 4. 1826. He received the commcm school education usual at that time and at the age of twenty became a teacher. For two years he taught, or applied the birch as seemed most necessary, in the Barron district of Mount Morris and in Alle ghany, hoping at the end of that time to enter college. A serious eye trouble made it necessary tD give up this plan, and he became a clerk in the dry good store of C. C, Goodale, in the village of Mount Morris. In less than three years he was established in partnership with A. D.. Mordoff and continued as a merchant for twenty years; for two years under the firm name of Mordoff & Rockfellow, for three years as Rockfellow & Ames, the partner being Henry G. Ames, and the remaining time alone.

In 1853 he was united in marriage to Juliet L. Conkey, daughter of Deacon James Conkey.

In 1870 he sold his dry goods business to Beach and Bacon, of Geneseo, and moved to Rochester where he purchased a half interest in the Lake View Nurseries with Henry L. Fairchild. Several now prominent residence streets of Rochester were laid out by them on their property and in 1873 a large portion of it was sold to a co-operative building association. After this sale Mr. Rockfellow and his family spent a winter in Edenton, North Carolina, on the Albermarle Sound. Returning to Rochester he engaged in the lumber business with Cameron and Chase and also conducted a real estate business in disposing of heretofore unsold nursery land.

In 1878 he returned to Mount Morris, purchased the Bodine Manufacturing property, and, in 1880, formed the Genesee Valley Manufacturing Company of which he has been manager and president up to the present date, 1905.

His wife died in 1900. He has one son, John A., who is a civil engineer and ranch owner in Arizona; and one daughter, Annie G., who is a practicing architect.

Mr. Rockfellow has been connected with the Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years. He became a member of the First Church of Mount Morris in 1856 and of the Central Church, Rochester, in 1870. He has acted as elder forty years and been a vigorous Sunday School worker for forty-five years, as superintendent or teacher. Since 1878 he has had charge of an adult Bible class numbering from fifty to seventy members, and has met with them on an average of a little over fifty Sundays each year for twenty-six years. He was associated with the late Rev. Levi Parsons in compiling and publishing the Mount Morris Centennial History in 1894. He has been a member of the Livingston county Historical Society for many years. Although nearly four score years have been his he still retains his place in business, is in good health, and full of active life.


A. H. Rogers Biography

A. H. ROGERS, — One of the leading merchants of Geneseo, N. Y., is a native of New York City, where he was born in 1852. His advent in the drug business came naturally, as his earlier childhood was spent more or less in his father's drug store. Thus he early became familiar with the handling of drugs and was later a valued assistant of his father's in the management of his two large stores in that city. His father, Arthur H. Rogers, Sr., embarked in the drug business in New York in the early forties, and being an excellent manager and a skilled pharmacist he rapidly accumulated a competence, until at the time of his death in 1877 he was possessed of considerable property, besides two finely equipped drug stores. Four years after his father's death Mr. Rogers disposed of the twu stores which he inherited and removed to Geneseo, where he purchased the W^alker Pharmacy at the corner of Main and Center streets, which he is still conducting. He was married in 1877 to Mary M. Coornbe, of New York. They have four children Julia, Emily, Beth, and Charles H. Arthur H. died while young, Mr. Rogers is a member of the Geneseo Lodge, F. & A. M. He has served as trustee and president of the village and is now president of the board of health.

Charles H. Root Biography

CHARLES H. ROOT, Caledonia— About the year 1807, Israel D, Root, a native of PittsHeld, Mass,, accompanied by his seven sons journeyed westward seeking a suitable location for the establishment of a home and the rearing and maintaining of a large family. The western part of New York state was at that period not far from the boundaries of civilization, but the beautiful and productive valley of the Genesee was, even at that early date, beginning to acquire a reputation as a wheat producing section and was proving the Mecca for some of the more enterprising New Englanders who in seeking to better their condition thus laid the foundation for prosperity and contentment which naturally follows upon a life of honest toil in a land of plenty. Near this valley, Mr. Root decided to locate, and in what is now the town of York in Livingston county he acquired from the government a tract of land a square mile in extent, A portion of this original tract is still in the possession of members of the family and the homestead erected by Mr. Root in pioneer days is now in a good state of preservation.

Charles H. Root was born and reared in the old homestead. His early education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood, the Geneseo State Normal school and the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, all of which he attended winters. The summer months were spent assisting his father in the care of the farm. At the age of nineteen he took a position in a grain and coal business at Fowlerville, N. Y., and two years from that time he accepted a similar position with the Retsof Mining Company, of Retsof, N. Y. He remained with this Company six years, during which time the Genesee and Wyoming Railroad Company was organized. Mr. Root was one of the incorporators of that company and becam.e its first General Freight and Passenger agent. He then accepted the position of Superintendent of the Lehigh Salt and Mining Company of LeRoy, N. Y. remaining with them three years, when the mines were closed by the salt trust. During his connection with this Company he helped organize and became a stockholder in the Lehigh and Pavilion Railroad and was elected to the office of General Freight Agent. In 1894 he purchased the real estate and insurance business of W, M. Chapman, of LeRoy, N. Y., which he conducted some three years and sold out. Meanwhile, he had succeeded in purchasing the several interests in the Wheatland Land Plaster Company, interested New York capital in the concern, reorganized the company, and incorporated it under the name of the Consolidated Wheatland Plaster Company, which is now being profitably conducted. They have added to this plant facilities for the manufacture of plaster of Paris and Vv-all plaster. Mr. Root has served as secretary, vice-president, and is now president and treasurer of this company. In 1898 he organized the Oatka Chemical Company for the manufacture of ''Black Death," an insect poison, and he occupies the office of Vice-president and Treasurer of this concern. In January. 1901, he was employed by Chicago capitalists as General Freight and Passenger agent of the Gulf and Mississippi Transportation Company and office manager of the American Salt Company, with headquarters at Belle Isle, La. He remained there over a year, when his other business interests demanding his attention, he returned to Caledonia and shortly afterward became one of the organizers of the Caledonia Marl and Lime Company and was elected its secretary. In June, 1895, he was united in marriage with Katherine P. Merritt, daughter of Mial A. Merritt, the leading contractor and builder of LeRoy, N. Y. They have four children: Miriam, born September 10, 1896; Pierson Vallance, born June 1, 1898; Mary Elizabeth, born August 15, 1899. and Reginald Dean, born August 1, 1903. Mr. Root is a thoroughly wide awake business man. He is energetic, original and progressive and enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence of the several business men and capitalists who have unhesitatingly placed their capital under his management. He is, in politics, a Republican and a staunch adherent to party principles, and has served the Livingston county Republican League as its secretary.


Daniel F. Russell Biography

DANIEL F. RUSSELL, — Of the firm of Russell and Culley, of Mount Morris, whs born at that place January 1, 1859. When a young man he secured a position as clerk with the firm of Olp and Nott, hardware merchants of Mount Morris. In 1890, Mr. Olp, the senior member of the firm, died, and the business was thereafter carried on by Mr. Nott until his death in 1895, and in March, 1896, Messrs. Russell and Culley purchased the business, which consists of hardware, agricultural implements and a well equipped plumbing establishment. In 1898 Mr. Russell married Miss Jessie Brown, of Leicester, N. Y., daughter of Frank L. Brown, of that place. They have two children: Francis and Emerson. Mr. Russell is always a Democrat and has for a number of years been prominent in local politics. He has served six years, and in the spring of 1903 was elected to another term as village trustee. He has been collector of the town and is now serving his third term as town clerk.


Thomas Russell Biography

THOMAS RUSSELL, —Of the town of Geneseo, was born January 29, 1855. His early life was passed on his father's farm in Geneseo until reaching his majority, when he took the management of the Williamsburg farm near the village, owned by Major William A. Wadsworth, and the fact that he is still the manager of this large farm testifies to his ability and success as a practical and progressive farmer. His marriage to Marion Willard, daughter of Ephraim Willard, of Leicester, N. Y., occurred March 15, 1883. His father, Robert Russell, had for many years been a resident of Geneseo until his death, which occurred in February, 1901. His' widow resides on their farm south of the village. They have had eight children, of whom Thomas is the eldest, namely: Mary, wife of Charles Edgerton, of Bergen, N. Y.; Eliza, died at an early age; Robert resides on the homestead with his mother, as does Margaret and Edward. William resides in Groveland.N.Y., and Emma, the youngest, died at the age of eighteen.


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