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From: "Linda H. Gutiérrez" <>
Subject: Biographical sketch of Charles F. SMITH
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 21:57:24 -0600


The following biography appears on pages 677 - 678 in the

"History of Rochester and Monroe County New York From the Earliest Historic Times to the Beginning of 1907" by William F. PECK, The Pioneer Publishing Company, New York and Chicago, 1908.

**Other surnames of interest in this biography: PITKIN, PERKINS, & LONG

**Business establishments: E.F. SMITH & CO.; E.F. & A.G. SMITH; SMITH & PERKINS; SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY; ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK; ROCHESTER & STATE LINE RAILWAY


There is perhaps no biographical history given in this volume which indicates more clearly the value of unabating energy and unassailable probity in the active affairs of life than that of Charles F. SMITH, who for many years was a controlling factor at Rochester in the most extensive wholesale grocery house of the state outside of New York city. He was born February 23, 1829, in this city and was therefore a representative of one of its oldest, and for many years one of its most honored families. His father, Elijah F. SMITH, was the founder and promoter of the extensive wholesale grocery house which since 1826 has been recognized as one of the most substantial business enterprises not only in Rochester but of central New York. A native of Connecticut, he removed to Petersburg, Virginia, in early life and there successfully conducted a commission business. Coming to Rochester when the city had scarcely emerged from villiagehood, he and his brother, Albert G. SMITH, estab!
lished a grocery business on the 6th of May, 1826, under the firm name of E.F. SMITH & COMPANY. The first store was in a stone building on Exchange street. The young firm, through sagacious and judicious management, throve and laid the foundation for the present immense trade of the house. In the year 1829 the firm was changed to E.F. & A.G. SMITH and about two years later the rapid increase of their business necessitated removal from the original location to a brick building erected by William PITKIN, on Buffalo street. In 1831 the firm erected a business block of their own at No. 29 Exchange street, where they continued until 1839, when A.G. SMITH retired and Samuel W. CRITTENDEN became a partner. Upon his retirement in 1842 he was succeeded by William H. PERKINS and the firm name of SMITH & PERKINS was assumed. In 1853 Gilman H. PERKINS was taken into the partnership and the title changed to SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY. In 1856 Charles F. SMITH became a member of the !
firm, no other change occurring until the death of William H. PERKINS in 1858. The following year Elijah F. SMITH, who up to this time had been a controlling factor in the successful management and conduct of the business, retired to enjoy a well earned rest and throughout his remaining days was connected with no business enterprise save for the management which he gave to his investments. He was the founder of the ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK and throughout the years of his residence here his name was ever a most honored one on commercial paper, while his business integrity was entirely unassailable. In fact, the name of SMITH, as borne by the representatives of this family, has ever stood as a synonym in Rochester business circles for commercial honor and trustworthiness. Elijah F. SMITH figured prominently in community affairs, contributing in substantial measure to the growth and progress of the city along many lines. He was, moreover, honored with election to the mayoral!
ty as the first chief executive chosen by popular suffrage the mayor prior to this time having been elected by the common council.

The work laid down by Elijah F. SMITH was continued by his son, Charles F. SMITH, who as boy and youth pursued his studies in the grade and high schools of Rochester and in the Westfield Academy in Massachusetts. He was a young man of about twenty years at the time of the discovery of gold in California and in 1849 went to the Pacific coast. A year convinced him that not all who sought riches would win wealth in the far west and he returned to Rochester. Soon afterward he engaged in business in Niagara county, New York, where he remained until 1852, when he entered the wholesale grocery house of SMITH & PERKINS, which twenty-six years before had been established by his father and his uncle, Elijah F. and A.G. SMITH. As indicated, several changes in the partnership occurred and upon the retirement of his father, Elijah F. SMITH, in 1859, the business was continued by Charles F. SMITH and Gilman H. PERKINS. A few years later, when Harvey W. BROWN entered the firm, the sty!
le of SMITH, PERKINS & COMPANY was assumed. In 1871 the business block which had been erected by the firm some years before became entirely inadequate for the trade and in January, 1872, they removed to a fine building which they erected and which at that time was considered by traveling salesmen as the best adapted to their line of any in the country. The safe, conservative policy inaugurated by the founders has always been in nowise lacking. In fact the company have ever been regarded as leaders in modern business methods resulting in the enlargement of trade.

A man of resourceful ability, Charles F. SMITH was in other prominent ways active in the business life of Rochester. He was one of the directors of the Old ROCHESTER & STATE LINE RAILWAY for twenty years was a trustee of the ROCHESTER SAVINGS BANK. His success came not through any spectacular means or startling speculations but was won through the long laborious years by methods that neither sought nor required disguise. His success was built upon the substantial qualities of close application, un remitting attention, laudable ambition and unfaltering perseverance. Justice was ever maintained in his relations with employes [sic] as well as patrons. His life was characterized by uniform courtesy to every individual and the humblest man in his service received the same kindly attention, when he had occasion to consult with Mr. SMITH, as did the most profitable customer.

Not long after his return from California, Charles F. SMITH was married to Miss Sarah LONG, a daughter of Dr. LONG, for many years one of the most esteemed and honored physicians of Rochester. They became parents of two sons, C. Walter and Bordman, both well known in business circles in Rochester. The death of Mr. SMITH occurred May 31, 1888, when he was in his sixtieth year of his age. For many years he had been a vestryman of St. Luke's church and in his religious belief and observances was found the secret of his unalterable business integrity and his consideration for others. His life was the embodiment of high ideals and lofty principles and yet in manner he was most unassuming and genial. No man who ever came in contact with Charles F. SMITH ever entertained for him other than the highest respect and esteem.

*****

I am not related nor do I have any connection to any of the persons in the above biography.

Linda
in Costa Rica

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