Rochester Family Papers

Born in 1752 in Westmoreland County, Va., Nathaniel Rochester played a significant role as a statesman, military leader, and businessman in both North Carolina, where he was appointed a major in the militia, and eventually in Hagerstown, Md., where he was elected to the Maryland legislature, and served as postmaster, judge, sheriff, presidential elector, and vestryman of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Parish. He married Sophia Beatty in 1788 and they had 12 children. When Rochester's business partner decided to move to Kentucky, Rochester and his wife moved to Dansville, NY, then to Bloomfield, and finally, to the tract of land that came to bear his name. Rochester spent the remainder of his life engaged in developing the town he had created and was active in its financial and political life. He was responsible for the creation of Monroe County with his town as the county seat. In addition, he served in the New York legislature, and was one of the founders of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church.

Nathaniel Thrift Rochester was the child of Col. Nathaniel and Sophia Rochester, born on March 4. 1802 in Hagerstown, Maryland. He moved to the Genesee Country with his family at a young age, coming to Rochester in April 1818. According to his obituary, Nathaniel Thrift Rochester was a quiet man who engaged business, first in the iron trade with his brother Henry E. Rochester and William H. Ritter, then with J. M. Whitney Co. in running the Shawmut Mills. He also served for many years on the Board of Supervisors, including a term as its clerk, along with one term as City Clerk. A lifelong member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, he was elected warden in 1851. Nathaniel Thrift Rochester married Catharine Ann Cummings of New York City on June 15, 1836. They had 6 children together, only one of whom survived to maturity – and even that child passed away over 20 years before his father. Nathaniel Thrift Rochester passed away at Saratoga Springs on June 14, 1883, and is buried in the Rochester family plot at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Also to be found in the collection are papers from several other children and grandchildren of Col. Nathaniel Rochester:

William Beatty Rochester (January 29, 1789-June 14, 1838) - lawyer and congressman from the 20th and 28th Districts of New York; candidate for Governonr on Anti-Masonic ticket,1836. Died at sea in sinking of the steamer Pulaski.

Thomas Hart Rochester (September 23, 1797-October 6, 1874) - successful miller and president of Rochester City Bank; 6th Mayor of Rochester, 1839.

Henry Elie Rochester (January 7, 1806-June 3, 1889) - graduate of Hobart College. Trained as lawyer under elder brother William; involved in several law partnerships over his career. Also heavily involved in Whig and, later, Democratic politics. One of the founders of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Roswell Hart Rochester (August 17, 1839-November 27, 1897) - son of Henry Elie Rochester and his wife, Jane Hart Rochester. Entered the employment of Western Union in 1865, when it was based in Rochester; made assistant treasurer in 1866 and moved with the company to New York City in 1871. Later elevated to Treasurer, a position he held until his death.