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Burton N. Wiltsie was born in
Pittsford but, in 1876 at the age of 14, he went to school in Akron, Ohio.
He also spent time
out west on a cattle ranch. In 1884 he returned to Pittsford, went to a
business school in Rochester and then went to work for his uncle, James
M. Wiltsie,
in the warehouses
and store on the canal and eventually in the general store of Wiltsie and
Crump.
As a young man he was a trim, strong fellow but in later years he
became very heavy in the fashion of President Taft.
He married Bridget (Traher) of Clyde and built a fine home at 15 Locust
Street. They did not have children.
He was a staunch Democrat and served as Village clerk for many years.
He was the Justice of Peace for the town as well as Supervisor.
He also served as the Postmaster for four years and was a Mason
who served as the Worshipful Master at one time.
He, along with John Steve and Sam Hutchinson, built an illuminating
gas plant along Plumb’s Lane by the village side of the canal and they provided
gas light for the village. It was named the Pittsford Power and Light Co.
(This was soon overtaken by the Despatch Power and Light.)
In later years he had an insurance agency and sold Mass. Mutual
Ins. but
Burt was famous for his three day drinking bouts. The stories are
legend and it was said that he used a cane
during his bouts and he handled it, somehow, so that it appeared that
it
was dragging him along. Others
spoke of his rooster, a "Plymouth Rock", which would sit on his shoulder
and crow upon command.
He was one of the most beloved “characters” in Pittsford. |