Roselle W. Diefendorf has devoted his life to mechanical pursuits and for the past twelve years has been numbered among the enterprising manufacturers of Amsterdam, displaying original ideas and keen sagacity in the conduct of his business. He was born in Fort Plain, New York, November 9, 1871, and is a son of A. B. C. and Rose (Walcott) Diefendorf, the latter a direct descendant of Oliver Wolcott of Windsor, Connecticut, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Roselle W. Diefendorf acquired his education in the public schools of Fort Plain and afterward worked in a furniture factory. He was also connected with the electrical business and engaged in engineering work. He came to Amsterdam in 1897 and entered the Mohawk Carpet Mills, where he was employed for several years in the capacity of stationary engineer. Being anxious to advance, he entered business circles independently in 1912, opening the Diefendorf Novelty Works, of which he has since been the head. He has a well equipped plant and manufactures bag holders for use in retail stores. He also makes practice cases, a device that teaches mail clerks how to sort mail, and he manufactures other novelties, finding a ready market for the output of his factory. He is an expert along mechanical lines and has carefully planned his business, while he also has the executive ability to carry it forward.
On the 24th of February, 1893, Mr. Diefendorf was married to Miss Carrie Dussel of Canajoharie, New York, and they have one child, Gerdon, who was born September 10, 1903. Mr. Diefendorf is an adherent of the republican party but has never sought political office, preferring to remain in the background, and conscientiously discharge the duties and obligations of citizenship. He has been a resident of Amsterdam for twenty-seven years and during this period has made many friends, who are cognizant of his ability, honesty and genuine worth.