From Cheryl Ayres (46935923);
From Semi-Centennial History of the City of Rochester
by William F. Peck (1884)
pages 713 - 715
AMON BRONSON. A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the business and official character of Amon Bronson, - a resident of Rochester for forty-four years, identified with all its interests, and a prominent, successful business man. He was born in the town of Scipio, in Onondaga, now Cayuga county, on the 23d of March, 1807. Little indebted to schools for education, his application to study was none the less efficient and advantageous. His authors were few and well chosen; their teachings were understood, assimilated, and utilised. In his library history and science predominate, and fiction has no place.
Thrown upon his own resources at an early age. he removed to Avon, Livingston county, where he acquired and practised the trade of a carpenter, whereby he learned of an open field in the lumber trade, in which he engaged with ardor as his pursuit for life. In the year 1832 he came to Rochester, purchased the lumber yard on Exchange street, and gave his mind, with untiring energy and unwearied patience, to carve for himself a pathway to unexceptional, yet undoubted success. The first to establish the lumber business in the city of Rochester, he sustained for a period of forty-four years a leading position among those engaged in the same branch of trade, and was frequently approached for advice, assistance, and counsel, which uniformly reflected credit upon himself and his associates.
His life was characterised by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing. Enterprising, thorough, and reliable, his trade became extensive and lucrative. Exact, and yet generous, his many employees saw in him a man of strong mental power, superior, genial, and considerate, regardful of all in interest, and actuated by innate sympathy for the unfortunate and esteem forthe high-minded.
In all dealing he was never known to oppress a debtor. To those without means or credit he supplied both, with a knowledge of men rarely found deceptive. Himself just, upright and honorable, he influenced others to like action - emulative of his virtues, dreading his reproachful look. His honesty shone conspicuous, unshadowed by the slightest cloud of distrust. His fidelity to right was equaled only by his ability to perceive it. None questioned his word, whether given during the routine of business transaction or expressed in the ordinary relations of society; it was as good as his bond.
Long and assiduously devoted to one pursuit, skill, caution and method combined to safety, harmonious action and eminent success. Familiarised with the minutest detail of his concerns, punctual to the moment in meeting an agreement, lenient to the unfortunate, he was accorded genuine respect; the entire community gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for acquisition of wealth. He had in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With unselfish motive he plied his vocation, and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy. A mind less active would have sought recreation, ease, and rest where he centered all thought and time on business. Confident of self, impatient of dictation or obligation, he sought no partnership, but conducted his affairs with a certainty and regularity not the less assured from the absence of noise and bustle.
Amon Bronson was more than a business man.. All enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people, the city, and the welfare of the country obtained his hearty commendation and support. He was to an eminent degree a public-spirited and benevolent man. His benefactions are mainly known to their recipients. Of a disposition which shrank from notoriety, he was unostentatious in the alleviation of distress, and generous of his gifts. Many are the poor who, but for his substantial aid, would have lacked their now comfortable homes. It has been said of him, "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him, for he caused the widows heart to sing for joy; he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." Kind and sympathetic, his heart responded to appeals for charitable and benevolent objects, and the philanthropic institutions of the city found in him a sincere and liberal friend. He was deeply interested in the City hospital, to which he contributed largely, and in the Industrial school and other laudable institutions.
In person Mr. Bronson was above the ordinary height. His deep, dark eyes twinkled with merriment, anticipating and enjoying a witticism, or spoke a volume of reproof to misstatement or maladministration. His habits were temperate and abstemious. Socially, he was reticent, yet genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those with whom he came in contact. His gait was an index of the man - never hurried, but uniform. To and from office and house he traveled day after day for years, with a regularity marked and proverbial.
A believer in the elevating tendency of religious influences, he aided in the upbuilding of the churches which adorn the city. For many years he was an attendant at St. Lukes church, and was during his entire life one of the most thoroughly practical Christians to be found in any community.
Capable and efficient in the management of his own affairs, he was called to engage in various offices of trust. For years he was a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank, and was for a time a director in the City bank. In the former institution he had been a prominent member from its first organisation, and the board of trustees, at a meeting held July 29th, 1876, entered upon their record the following: "We hereby record our appreciation of his unquestioned integrity of character, and of the benevolence and generosity of his disposition, so constantly manifested, not only in his relations to this board, but in all his social and public relations in this community where he has lived so long."
Political advancement Mr. Bronson never sought, and many solicitations to accept public preferment were courteously yet firmly declined. He was an alderman for one term, and was elected supervisor from the third ward from 1859 continuously to 1867. At elections he received the cordial support of both political parties, and their unanimous action was a high personal tribute to his worth.
In the board of supervisors he served as chairman on most of the important committees, and performed the duties of the position ably and acceptably. To older citizens his signal services during his term of office are well known. In unearthing fraud his sagacity and business ability were of great service. By a searching investigation into the accounts of a defaulting treasurer, deficits were discovered and losses exposed.
During the civil war he was on the committee of bounties, and frequently advanced large sums from his own purse for the use of the county. He was known as a war Democrat, and, without stint, threw his influence in behalf of a government imperiled by rebellion. A consistent Democrat, he was never a bitter partisan, and when, in 1865, an unsought nomination for senator had been accepted through the urgent request of many prominent citizens, it was a proof of popularity, and confidence of capacity and worth, that he ran largely ahead of his ticket in a senatorial district hopelessly Republican.
He was married in 1840 to Miss Ann Emerson, daughter of Thomas Emerson, and in 1848 built the residence on Plymouth avenue, where he resided till the close of life. In domestic relations the testimony is uniform and emphatic as regards consideration, kindness and indulgence. When in the full enjoyment of physical and intellectual vigor he was stricken with paralysis, on November 13th, 1869, and incapacitated for other than general supervision of business affairs. A second shock in July, 1876, was final, and under its influence he gradually passed away, retaining his mind to the last. His funeral was attended by many friends, who followed his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester board of lumber dealers closed their places of business and attended the funeral in a body, and the employees of Mr. Bronson formed part of the funeral train.
Resolutions of respect were passed by the Rochester board of lumber dealers, by the employees of the firm, by the board of trustees of the Monroe county savings bank, and by the board of supervisors at their regular meeting on October 11th, 1876. The following resolution, introduced by Supervisor Pond, was put to motion and adopted unanimously, by a rising vote: "Desiring to recognise in a suitable and appropriate manner the great loss which the county of Monroe has sustained in the death of Amon Bronson, who died July 28th, 1876, we hereby record our high regard and reverence of his character and ability as a citizen and public officer. His honesty of purpose, his strength of mind, his breadth of thought, together with his noble, generous heart, will ever be a bright, conspicuous example to this community and in this board, where he so long lived and labored, giving so liberally of his time and best effort for the good and interest of his fellow-citizens."
From Semi-Centennial History of the City of Rochester
by William F. Peck (1884)
pages 713 - 715
AMON BRONSON. A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the business and official character of Amon Bronson, - a resident of Rochester for forty-four years, identified with all its interests, and a prominent, successful business man. He was born in the town of Scipio, in Onondaga, now Cayuga county, on the 23d of March, 1807. Little indebted to schools for education, his application to study was none the less efficient and advantageous. His authors were few and well chosen; their teachings were understood, assimilated, and utilised. In his library history and science predominate, and fiction has no place.
Thrown upon his own resources at an early age. he removed to Avon, Livingston county, where he acquired and practised the trade of a carpenter, whereby he learned of an open field in the lumber trade, in which he engaged with ardor as his pursuit for life. In the year 1832 he came to Rochester, purchased the lumber yard on Exchange street, and gave his mind, with untiring energy and unwearied patience, to carve for himself a pathway to unexceptional, yet undoubted success. The first to establish the lumber business in the city of Rochester, he sustained for a period of forty-four years a leading position among those engaged in the same branch of trade, and was frequently approached for advice, assistance, and counsel, which uniformly reflected credit upon himself and his associates.
His life was characterised by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing. Enterprising, thorough, and reliable, his trade became extensive and lucrative. Exact, and yet generous, his many employees saw in him a man of strong mental power, superior, genial, and considerate, regardful of all in interest, and actuated by innate sympathy for the unfortunate and esteem forthe high-minded.
In all dealing he was never known to oppress a debtor. To those without means or credit he supplied both, with a knowledge of men rarely found deceptive. Himself just, upright and honorable, he influenced others to like action - emulative of his virtues, dreading his reproachful look. His honesty shone conspicuous, unshadowed by the slightest cloud of distrust. His fidelity to right was equaled only by his ability to perceive it. None questioned his word, whether given during the routine of business transaction or expressed in the ordinary relations of society; it was as good as his bond.
Long and assiduously devoted to one pursuit, skill, caution and method combined to safety, harmonious action and eminent success. Familiarised with the minutest detail of his concerns, punctual to the moment in meeting an agreement, lenient to the unfortunate, he was accorded genuine respect; the entire community gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for acquisition of wealth. He had in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With unselfish motive he plied his vocation, and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy. A mind less active would have sought recreation, ease, and rest where he centered all thought and time on business. Confident of self, impatient of dictation or obligation, he sought no partnership, but conducted his affairs with a certainty and regularity not the less assured from the absence of noise and bustle.
Amon Bronson was more than a business man.. All enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people, the city, and the welfare of the country obtained his hearty commendation and support. He was to an eminent degree a public-spirited and benevolent man. His benefactions are mainly known to their recipients. Of a disposition which shrank from notoriety, he was unostentatious in the alleviation of distress, and generous of his gifts. Many are the poor who, but for his substantial aid, would have lacked their now comfortable homes. It has been said of him, "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him, for he caused the widows heart to sing for joy; he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." Kind and sympathetic, his heart responded to appeals for charitable and benevolent objects, and the philanthropic institutions of the city found in him a sincere and liberal friend. He was deeply interested in the City hospital, to which he contributed largely, and in the Industrial school and other laudable institutions.
In person Mr. Bronson was above the ordinary height. His deep, dark eyes twinkled with merriment, anticipating and enjoying a witticism, or spoke a volume of reproof to misstatement or maladministration. His habits were temperate and abstemious. Socially, he was reticent, yet genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those with whom he came in contact. His gait was an index of the man - never hurried, but uniform. To and from office and house he traveled day after day for years, with a regularity marked and proverbial.
A believer in the elevating tendency of religious influences, he aided in the upbuilding of the churches which adorn the city. For many years he was an attendant at St. Lukes church, and was during his entire life one of the most thoroughly practical Christians to be found in any community.
Capable and efficient in the management of his own affairs, he was called to engage in various offices of trust. For years he was a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank, and was for a time a director in the City bank. In the former institution he had been a prominent member from its first organisation, and the board of trustees, at a meeting held July 29th, 1876, entered upon their record the following: "We hereby record our appreciation of his unquestioned integrity of character, and of the benevolence and generosity of his disposition, so constantly manifested, not only in his relations to this board, but in all his social and public relations in this community where he has lived so long."
Political advancement Mr. Bronson never sought, and many solicitations to accept public preferment were courteously yet firmly declined. He was an alderman for one term, and was elected supervisor from the third ward from 1859 continuously to 1867. At elections he received the cordial support of both political parties, and their unanimous action was a high personal tribute to his worth.
In the board of supervisors he served as chairman on most of the important committees, and performed the duties of the position ably and acceptably. To older citizens his signal services during his term of office are well known. In unearthing fraud his sagacity and business ability were of great service. By a searching investigation into the accounts of a defaulting treasurer, deficits were discovered and losses exposed.
During the civil war he was on the committee of bounties, and frequently advanced large sums from his own purse for the use of the county. He was known as a war Democrat, and, without stint, threw his influence in behalf of a government imperiled by rebellion. A consistent Democrat, he was never a bitter partisan, and when, in 1865, an unsought nomination for senator had been accepted through the urgent request of many prominent citizens, it was a proof of popularity, and confidence of capacity and worth, that he ran largely ahead of his ticket in a senatorial district hopelessly Republican.
He was married in 1840 to Miss Ann Emerson, daughter of Thomas Emerson, and in 1848 built the residence on Plymouth avenue, where he resided till the close of life. In domestic relations the testimony is uniform and emphatic as regards consideration, kindness and indulgence. When in the full enjoyment of physical and intellectual vigor he was stricken with paralysis, on November 13th, 1869, and incapacitated for other than general supervision of business affairs. A second shock in July, 1876, was final, and under its influence he gradually passed away, retaining his mind to the last. His funeral was attended by many friends, who followed his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester board of lumber dealers closed their places of business and attended the funeral in a body, and the employees of Mr. Bronson formed part of the funeral train.
Resolutions of respect were passed by the Rochester board of lumber dealers, by the employees of the firm, by the board of trustees of the Monroe county savings bank, and by the board of supervisors at their regular meeting on October 11th, 1876. The following resolution, introduced by Supervisor Pond, was put to motion and adopted unanimously, by a rising vote: "Desiring to recognise in a suitable and appropriate manner the great loss which the county of Monroe has sustained in the death of Amon Bronson, who died July 28th, 1876, we hereby record our high regard and reverence of his character and ability as a citizen and public officer. His honesty of purpose, his strength of mind, his breadth of thought, together with his noble, generous heart, will ever be a bright, conspicuous example to this community and in this board, where he so long lived and labored, giving so liberally of his time and best effort for the good and interest of his fellow-citizens."
From Cheryl Ayres (46935923);
From Semi-Centennial History of the City of Rochester
by William F. Peck (1884)
pages 713 - 715
AMON BRONSON. A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the business and official character of Amon Bronson, - a resident of Rochester for forty-four years, identified with all its interests, and a prominent, successful business man. He was born in the town of Scipio, in Onondaga, now Cayuga county, on the 23d of March, 1807. Little indebted to schools for education, his application to study was none the less efficient and advantageous. His authors were few and well chosen; their teachings were understood, assimilated, and utilised. In his library history and science predominate, and fiction has no place.
Thrown upon his own resources at an early age. he removed to Avon, Livingston county, where he acquired and practised the trade of a carpenter, whereby he learned of an open field in the lumber trade, in which he engaged with ardor as his pursuit for life. In the year 1832 he came to Rochester, purchased the lumber yard on Exchange street, and gave his mind, with untiring energy and unwearied patience, to carve for himself a pathway to unexceptional, yet undoubted success. The first to establish the lumber business in the city of Rochester, he sustained for a period of forty-four years a leading position among those engaged in the same branch of trade, and was frequently approached for advice, assistance, and counsel, which uniformly reflected credit upon himself and his associates.
His life was characterised by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing. Enterprising, thorough, and reliable, his trade became extensive and lucrative. Exact, and yet generous, his many employees saw in him a man of strong mental power, superior, genial, and considerate, regardful of all in interest, and actuated by innate sympathy for the unfortunate and esteem forthe high-minded.
In all dealing he was never known to oppress a debtor. To those without means or credit he supplied both, with a knowledge of men rarely found deceptive. Himself just, upright and honorable, he influenced others to like action - emulative of his virtues, dreading his reproachful look. His honesty shone conspicuous, unshadowed by the slightest cloud of distrust. His fidelity to right was equaled only by his ability to perceive it. None questioned his word, whether given during the routine of business transaction or expressed in the ordinary relations of society; it was as good as his bond.
Long and assiduously devoted to one pursuit, skill, caution and method combined to safety, harmonious action and eminent success. Familiarised with the minutest detail of his concerns, punctual to the moment in meeting an agreement, lenient to the unfortunate, he was accorded genuine respect; the entire community gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for acquisition of wealth. He had in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With unselfish motive he plied his vocation, and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy. A mind less active would have sought recreation, ease, and rest where he centered all thought and time on business. Confident of self, impatient of dictation or obligation, he sought no partnership, but conducted his affairs with a certainty and regularity not the less assured from the absence of noise and bustle.
Amon Bronson was more than a business man.. All enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people, the city, and the welfare of the country obtained his hearty commendation and support. He was to an eminent degree a public-spirited and benevolent man. His benefactions are mainly known to their recipients. Of a disposition which shrank from notoriety, he was unostentatious in the alleviation of distress, and generous of his gifts. Many are the poor who, but for his substantial aid, would have lacked their now comfortable homes. It has been said of him, "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him, for he caused the widows heart to sing for joy; he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." Kind and sympathetic, his heart responded to appeals for charitable and benevolent objects, and the philanthropic institutions of the city found in him a sincere and liberal friend. He was deeply interested in the City hospital, to which he contributed largely, and in the Industrial school and other laudable institutions.
In person Mr. Bronson was above the ordinary height. His deep, dark eyes twinkled with merriment, anticipating and enjoying a witticism, or spoke a volume of reproof to misstatement or maladministration. His habits were temperate and abstemious. Socially, he was reticent, yet genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those with whom he came in contact. His gait was an index of the man - never hurried, but uniform. To and from office and house he traveled day after day for years, with a regularity marked and proverbial.
A believer in the elevating tendency of religious influences, he aided in the upbuilding of the churches which adorn the city. For many years he was an attendant at St. Lukes church, and was during his entire life one of the most thoroughly practical Christians to be found in any community.
Capable and efficient in the management of his own affairs, he was called to engage in various offices of trust. For years he was a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank, and was for a time a director in the City bank. In the former institution he had been a prominent member from its first organisation, and the board of trustees, at a meeting held July 29th, 1876, entered upon their record the following: "We hereby record our appreciation of his unquestioned integrity of character, and of the benevolence and generosity of his disposition, so constantly manifested, not only in his relations to this board, but in all his social and public relations in this community where he has lived so long."
Political advancement Mr. Bronson never sought, and many solicitations to accept public preferment were courteously yet firmly declined. He was an alderman for one term, and was elected supervisor from the third ward from 1859 continuously to 1867. At elections he received the cordial support of both political parties, and their unanimous action was a high personal tribute to his worth.
In the board of supervisors he served as chairman on most of the important committees, and performed the duties of the position ably and acceptably. To older citizens his signal services during his term of office are well known. In unearthing fraud his sagacity and business ability were of great service. By a searching investigation into the accounts of a defaulting treasurer, deficits were discovered and losses exposed.
During the civil war he was on the committee of bounties, and frequently advanced large sums from his own purse for the use of the county. He was known as a war Democrat, and, without stint, threw his influence in behalf of a government imperiled by rebellion. A consistent Democrat, he was never a bitter partisan, and when, in 1865, an unsought nomination for senator had been accepted through the urgent request of many prominent citizens, it was a proof of popularity, and confidence of capacity and worth, that he ran largely ahead of his ticket in a senatorial district hopelessly Republican.
He was married in 1840 to Miss Ann Emerson, daughter of Thomas Emerson, and in 1848 built the residence on Plymouth avenue, where he resided till the close of life. In domestic relations the testimony is uniform and emphatic as regards consideration, kindness and indulgence. When in the full enjoyment of physical and intellectual vigor he was stricken with paralysis, on November 13th, 1869, and incapacitated for other than general supervision of business affairs. A second shock in July, 1876, was final, and under its influence he gradually passed away, retaining his mind to the last. His funeral was attended by many friends, who followed his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester board of lumber dealers closed their places of business and attended the funeral in a body, and the employees of Mr. Bronson formed part of the funeral train.
Resolutions of respect were passed by the Rochester board of lumber dealers, by the employees of the firm, by the board of trustees of the Monroe county savings bank, and by the board of supervisors at their regular meeting on October 11th, 1876. The following resolution, introduced by Supervisor Pond, was put to motion and adopted unanimously, by a rising vote: "Desiring to recognise in a suitable and appropriate manner the great loss which the county of Monroe has sustained in the death of Amon Bronson, who died July 28th, 1876, we hereby record our high regard and reverence of his character and ability as a citizen and public officer. His honesty of purpose, his strength of mind, his breadth of thought, together with his noble, generous heart, will ever be a bright, conspicuous example to this community and in this board, where he so long lived and labored, giving so liberally of his time and best effort for the good and interest of his fellow-citizens."
From Semi-Centennial History of the City of Rochester
by William F. Peck (1884)
pages 713 - 715
AMON BRONSON. A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the business and official character of Amon Bronson, - a resident of Rochester for forty-four years, identified with all its interests, and a prominent, successful business man. He was born in the town of Scipio, in Onondaga, now Cayuga county, on the 23d of March, 1807. Little indebted to schools for education, his application to study was none the less efficient and advantageous. His authors were few and well chosen; their teachings were understood, assimilated, and utilised. In his library history and science predominate, and fiction has no place.
Thrown upon his own resources at an early age. he removed to Avon, Livingston county, where he acquired and practised the trade of a carpenter, whereby he learned of an open field in the lumber trade, in which he engaged with ardor as his pursuit for life. In the year 1832 he came to Rochester, purchased the lumber yard on Exchange street, and gave his mind, with untiring energy and unwearied patience, to carve for himself a pathway to unexceptional, yet undoubted success. The first to establish the lumber business in the city of Rochester, he sustained for a period of forty-four years a leading position among those engaged in the same branch of trade, and was frequently approached for advice, assistance, and counsel, which uniformly reflected credit upon himself and his associates.
His life was characterised by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honorable dealing. Enterprising, thorough, and reliable, his trade became extensive and lucrative. Exact, and yet generous, his many employees saw in him a man of strong mental power, superior, genial, and considerate, regardful of all in interest, and actuated by innate sympathy for the unfortunate and esteem forthe high-minded.
In all dealing he was never known to oppress a debtor. To those without means or credit he supplied both, with a knowledge of men rarely found deceptive. Himself just, upright and honorable, he influenced others to like action - emulative of his virtues, dreading his reproachful look. His honesty shone conspicuous, unshadowed by the slightest cloud of distrust. His fidelity to right was equaled only by his ability to perceive it. None questioned his word, whether given during the routine of business transaction or expressed in the ordinary relations of society; it was as good as his bond.
Long and assiduously devoted to one pursuit, skill, caution and method combined to safety, harmonious action and eminent success. Familiarised with the minutest detail of his concerns, punctual to the moment in meeting an agreement, lenient to the unfortunate, he was accorded genuine respect; the entire community gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for acquisition of wealth. He had in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With unselfish motive he plied his vocation, and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy. A mind less active would have sought recreation, ease, and rest where he centered all thought and time on business. Confident of self, impatient of dictation or obligation, he sought no partnership, but conducted his affairs with a certainty and regularity not the less assured from the absence of noise and bustle.
Amon Bronson was more than a business man.. All enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people, the city, and the welfare of the country obtained his hearty commendation and support. He was to an eminent degree a public-spirited and benevolent man. His benefactions are mainly known to their recipients. Of a disposition which shrank from notoriety, he was unostentatious in the alleviation of distress, and generous of his gifts. Many are the poor who, but for his substantial aid, would have lacked their now comfortable homes. It has been said of him, "The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon him, for he caused the widows heart to sing for joy; he delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." Kind and sympathetic, his heart responded to appeals for charitable and benevolent objects, and the philanthropic institutions of the city found in him a sincere and liberal friend. He was deeply interested in the City hospital, to which he contributed largely, and in the Industrial school and other laudable institutions.
In person Mr. Bronson was above the ordinary height. His deep, dark eyes twinkled with merriment, anticipating and enjoying a witticism, or spoke a volume of reproof to misstatement or maladministration. His habits were temperate and abstemious. Socially, he was reticent, yet genial and courteous, winning and retaining the regard of those with whom he came in contact. His gait was an index of the man - never hurried, but uniform. To and from office and house he traveled day after day for years, with a regularity marked and proverbial.
A believer in the elevating tendency of religious influences, he aided in the upbuilding of the churches which adorn the city. For many years he was an attendant at St. Lukes church, and was during his entire life one of the most thoroughly practical Christians to be found in any community.
Capable and efficient in the management of his own affairs, he was called to engage in various offices of trust. For years he was a trustee of the Monroe County Savings Bank, and was for a time a director in the City bank. In the former institution he had been a prominent member from its first organisation, and the board of trustees, at a meeting held July 29th, 1876, entered upon their record the following: "We hereby record our appreciation of his unquestioned integrity of character, and of the benevolence and generosity of his disposition, so constantly manifested, not only in his relations to this board, but in all his social and public relations in this community where he has lived so long."
Political advancement Mr. Bronson never sought, and many solicitations to accept public preferment were courteously yet firmly declined. He was an alderman for one term, and was elected supervisor from the third ward from 1859 continuously to 1867. At elections he received the cordial support of both political parties, and their unanimous action was a high personal tribute to his worth.
In the board of supervisors he served as chairman on most of the important committees, and performed the duties of the position ably and acceptably. To older citizens his signal services during his term of office are well known. In unearthing fraud his sagacity and business ability were of great service. By a searching investigation into the accounts of a defaulting treasurer, deficits were discovered and losses exposed.
During the civil war he was on the committee of bounties, and frequently advanced large sums from his own purse for the use of the county. He was known as a war Democrat, and, without stint, threw his influence in behalf of a government imperiled by rebellion. A consistent Democrat, he was never a bitter partisan, and when, in 1865, an unsought nomination for senator had been accepted through the urgent request of many prominent citizens, it was a proof of popularity, and confidence of capacity and worth, that he ran largely ahead of his ticket in a senatorial district hopelessly Republican.
He was married in 1840 to Miss Ann Emerson, daughter of Thomas Emerson, and in 1848 built the residence on Plymouth avenue, where he resided till the close of life. In domestic relations the testimony is uniform and emphatic as regards consideration, kindness and indulgence. When in the full enjoyment of physical and intellectual vigor he was stricken with paralysis, on November 13th, 1869, and incapacitated for other than general supervision of business affairs. A second shock in July, 1876, was final, and under its influence he gradually passed away, retaining his mind to the last. His funeral was attended by many friends, who followed his remains to Mount Hope Cemetery. The Rochester board of lumber dealers closed their places of business and attended the funeral in a body, and the employees of Mr. Bronson formed part of the funeral train.
Resolutions of respect were passed by the Rochester board of lumber dealers, by the employees of the firm, by the board of trustees of the Monroe county savings bank, and by the board of supervisors at their regular meeting on October 11th, 1876. The following resolution, introduced by Supervisor Pond, was put to motion and adopted unanimously, by a rising vote: "Desiring to recognise in a suitable and appropriate manner the great loss which the county of Monroe has sustained in the death of Amon Bronson, who died July 28th, 1876, we hereby record our high regard and reverence of his character and ability as a citizen and public officer. His honesty of purpose, his strength of mind, his breadth of thought, together with his noble, generous heart, will ever be a bright, conspicuous example to this community and in this board, where he so long lived and labored, giving so liberally of his time and best effort for the good and interest of his fellow-citizens."
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