Stephen Adwen used his experience as a boat owner on the Erie Canal to create a grocery and provisions business at Lock 1 on the Erie Canal in Rochester, N.Y. About 1889 he became a commission merchant for hay at 118 Front Street and in 1890 at 199 Front Street., the Hay Exchange Building. Later addresses include 8 Market, 10 Market, 20 Market Street. Today's Rutgers Street off Monroe Avenue was, in the 1800's, named Adwen Street and included houses that he owned and rented out as well as the complex of 5 buildings on the canal that were his business. He lived at 5 Adwen St. with his wife, Josephine (1837-1897) who was a dressmaker. His sisters ran a fancy goods and toys business, his son George N. Adwen worked with him for several years, his son Stephen, Jr. had a cigar manufacturing business.
From the description of [Stephen W. Adwen account books], 1868 - 1896. (Rochester Museum & Science Center). WorldCat record id: 773192878
