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Gabriel a man of unusual
character and personal gifts, especially when it is considered that he
had been deprived of his eyesight for fifty years. Early in life he learned
telegraphy and for many years was agent and operator at the New York
Central railroad station in Pittsford. Even after he became blind he
held this position and was an expert in making change.
He lived in the family home at 21 North Main Street where he was
in charge of a branch office of the Western Union Telegraph Company.
He was an expert in telegraphy, and he tutored many others who held responsible
positions. As this did not occupy his time fully, he learned the art
of making hammocks by hand, and developed quite a large business. He
was a man of unusual intelligence and had a brilliant mind.
Gabriel was a noted chess player and played with experts personally and
by telegraph, letter and postcards, and continued this hobby until nearly
82 years old. He learned typewriting and did his own correspondence.
The study of German also occupied his time and attention for many years,
especially after the death of his wife, Mary (nee Young). Before he was
blind, he ran a skillful business in the telegraph office. Even when
he was blind, he was a competent and daring horseback rider, being alert
and active. He was an advocate of fresh air and exercise. Almost invariably
he personally delivered the telegrams he received and found his way around
the village with the aid of a cane, seldom losing his way.
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