The
readers of the Democrat and Chronicle will be pained to learn of the death
of the above named citizen, which occurred at the family residence, corner
of Chestnut and Court sts, on Sunday morning. Mr. Falls was extensively
known through out Monroe county, being for many years a prominent citizen
of this city.
He
was born at Albany in this state, May 28th, 1[8]1[.] and came this city to
reside in 1838, when Rochester was a mere village.
He
was a printer by profession. He first entered the establishment of William
Al[fng] and afterwards formed a partnership with the late Joseph Curtis in
the publication of the Advertiser. After dissolving his partnership with
Mr. Curtis, he became connected with the book and job department of the
Democrat, a position he held for many years.
Twenty-six
years ago he started a book and job printing establishment which he
successfully conducted until two years ago, when poor health forced him to
give up active business. For many years he published the Hospital Review,
a paper issued in the interest of the city hospital, an institution in
which he was deeply interested.
He
was noted for his kindness of heart. In
the early times of the abolition movement, he was its hearty supporter,
belonging to what was known as the "Underground railroad." Many
old citizens will remember him soliciting funds to help some poor,
unfortunate slave over the lines to Canada, where they would be safe from
the bonds of slavery.
He
has held many positions of trust. Retiring
in disposition, he always refused political honors, except as he has
represented his ward three times on the Board of Supervisors, being
nominated twice by both political parties.
To
say that no truer, kindlier heart ever beat than that of William S. Falls
but feebly expresses the sentiments of this community. Loved and honored
by all, he has gone to a heavenly Father who will say -- well done thou
good and faithful servant.
He
was a prominent member of Veteran Union Grays, an association he was
deeply attached to.
He
leaves a beloved wife and three daughters, Mrs. John T. Briggs, Mrs. Kate
[B]oge[b]oom, and Mrs. Edward P. Olmstead to mourn his loss; also two
brothers and one sister, Col. R. J. Falls of San Francisco, Owen H. Falls
of Simcoe, Ont., and Miss A. K. Falls of this city.
