My Genealogy Hound

BRONSON A. WESSELL is Treasurer of the firm of Rumsey & Co., Limited, at Seneca Falls, manufacturers of all kinds of pumps, fire appliances, hand fire-engines, hose trucks, hose carts, hose wagons, hose carriages, etc. The works were established in 1844 by John A. Rumsey, and continued under his name for many years. A short time previous to his death, however, which occurred May 30, 1888, a stock company was formed and articles of incorporation secured, with John A. Rumsey President, and L. Rumsey Sanford Secretary. The present officers are: Andrew G. Mercer, President; A. Rumsey, Vice-President; Bronson A. Wessell, Treasurer; and L. Rumsey Sanford, Secretary. The works are run by water-power, and a large force of men is constantly employed. The plant is in every way well equipped for the business and its reputation is first-class, both at home and abroad.

Bronson A. Wessell was born in Oneida County N. Y., December 21, 1842, and is the son of Richard and Lydia (Norton) Wessell, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Connecticut. The Wessells are of German origin, and the Nortons of English descent. Richard Wessell was a farmer, and spent the greater part of his life engaged in farm work. Some time previous to his death, which occurred in 1880, he removed to Vernon Center, where he lived a retired life. The mother died in 1875.

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the parental family, which comprised five children, and his early life was spent upon the home farm, and also at Vernon Center, where he attended the common schools and later Vernon Academy. He was but fifteen years of age, however, when he left school and went to Knoxboro, N. Y., where for four years he clerked in the store of James C. Knox. He then went to Oneonta, N. Y., where he engaged in business for himself and there remained until 1861. That year he came to Seneca Falls and engaged in the clothing business, remaining thus employed until 1865, when he entered the service of the Merchants’ Union Express Company. In 1869 he entered the employ of Rumsey & Co. as clerk, which position he continued to hold until 1890, at which time he was made Treasurer.

Mr. Wessell’s marriage united him with Miss Belle A. Kerr, of Seneca Falls, and daughter of Thomas H. Kerr. They have one daughter, Mildred F., who is yet at home. In politics Mr. Wessell is a Democrat, and has been very active in the councils of his party for many years. While never an office-seeker, and even though averse to holding public office, he has yet filled some minor positions, including Supervisor of the town, and member of the Board of Trustees of the village. Since February, 1890, he has been President and a Director of the New York Mutual Savings and Loan Association. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church.