USA > New York > Niagara County > Biographical and portrait cyclopedia of Niagara County, New York > Part 52
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In 1835 he married Amanda Culver, of Bergen, and to this union were born two children : Frances A., married John Mc- Cargar, who resides in Orleans county ; and Louisa C., who united in marriage with William Wallace Moore, who is a resident of the town of Richfield, Genesee county.
James J. Moore is a democrat, and voted for Martin Van Buren. In religious belief he adheres to the Congregational church, of which he has been a trustee for some years.
JOHN G. MARKLE, a respected, in- dustrious, and useful citizen of the village of Wilson, now in his seventy-first year, is a son of John and Rose (Barth) Markle, and was born December 3, 1821, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany. His parents were also natives of Wurtem- berg, and lived there until their death, each attaining the age of four-score years. They were both members of the Lutheran church, and reared their family in that faith.
John G. Markle grew to manhood in his native country, receiving a good German education in the public schools there. After
leaving school he learned the trade of wagon maker, and worked at it for a time in the Fatherland. In 1854 he emigrated to America, and a few days after landing located in Orange county, this State. In February, 1856, he removed to the village of Wilson, this county, and has been a resident there ever since. Soon after locat- ing here he began wagon-making, and has steadily followed it until the present time. He has turned out a great many wagons and a number of fine carriages, buggies, and sleighs. His work is substantial and reliable, and has made him a good reputation in his line of business. As a consequence his trade has increased and his success been very gratifying. He has always been pains- taking and industrious, and the property he has accumulated has all been earned by hard work.
On October 1, 1849, Mr. Markle was married to Caroline Wuste, also a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. To them were born two sons and one daughter: John G., now serving in the United States army; Dennie A., a teacher in the commercial department of the Tonawanda High school ; and Charles N., engaged in general merchandising at Wilson, to whom a separate paragraph is devoted in this sketch.
Politically John G. Markle is a stanch republican, and has often been honored by election to local offices. He served as over- seer of the poor two terms, as trustee of the Wilson Union school for six years, and as trustee and treasurer of the village for the extended period of eleven years. He was for eight years trustee of the Greenwood cemetery. He and Mrs. Markle are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been steward and class leader for nearly a quarter of a century, and has also
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served as trustee. He was instrumental in collecting most of the money for the new Methodist Episcopal sanctuary in Wilson. He is a Royal Templar, and for many years has been closely identified with all the interests of the village, and labored faith- fully for its advancement and development. His loyalty during the late civil war was conspicuous, and he was active in support of the government. In short, he has always been a good citizen, a good neighbor, and a man who deserved and received the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Charles N. Markle, son of John G., was born in the village of Wilson, January 28, 1860, and grew to manhood here, receiving his education in the Wilson academy. After leaving school he went to Buffalo, and be- came a clerk in one of the largest dry goods establishments of that city. He remained there one year, and then accepted a similar position in a dry goods house at Lockport, this county, for the purpose of learning the dry goods business in all its details. After one year in the Lockport store he removed to Rochester, where he clerked for a time in a dry goods emporium, and in the spring of 1881 he embarked in the general mer- chandising business on his own account at the village of Wilson, this county. He has since conducted this establishment with a good degree of success and a constantly increasing patronage. In August, 1890, his store was destroyed by fire, but, Phoenix- like, he immediately started up again, and now occupies commodious rooms in the Masonic block, and carries the largest and finest stock of merchandise in the village of Wilson.
On the 29th of April, 1885, he was mar- ried to Carrie M. Darling, a daughter of Horace S. Darling, of New Fane, this
county. To them has been born one child, a daughter, named Grace D. He is an attend- ant at the Presbyterian church of Wilson, and contributes toward its support. He is a member of the Equitable Aid Union and the Life Reserve association at Buffalo. In politics Mr. Markle is a republican, like his father, and has served as town clerk for six years, and as clerk of the village for seven years. He is financial agent for the Ameri- can Express Company at Wilson, and a young business man of great popularity and future promise.
T FREDERICK BISHOP is of German extraction, and resides at North Tona- wanda. He came to the United States when quite young, and has had more than the ordinary experience of men of his years. He is the son of Frederick and Dora (Miller) Bishop, and was born in Germany on the 21st day of December, 1836. ITis pa- rents were both natives of Germany, and came to the United States in 1843, and on the 2d of September they landed in the city of New York, after a stormy voyage of nine weeks. As there were but few rail- roads in those days, they took the New York and Erie canal and came to Tona- wanda, some time during the first year after their arrival. Frederick Bishop (father) died at Tonawanda in 1874, at the ripe old age of seventy-four years. IIe was a labor- er, and was suffocated by coal gas. He was a member of the Lutheran church, having imbibed its principles in early youth, in his native country, where it was first established by its founder, Martin Luther. He was a democrat in politics, and firmly believed in its principles and policy. He believed in democracy against aristocracy. In 1821 he
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OF NIAGARA COUNTY.
married Dora Miller, by whom he had cleven children. Mrs. Bishop died at Ton- awanda in 1887, at the remarkable age of ninety-two. She, like her husband, was a Lutheran, and well grounded in the doc- trines and creed of the church.
Frederick Bishop came to the United States with his parents, at which time there were but few people located where Tonawanda now is. He received some common school education, but most of his time was devoted to drawing wood, and only a part to farm- ing, as the process of clearing the land had to be prosecuted. After the Lockport and Buffalo railroad was built, he was foreman on a section of the road for several years. He kept a public hotel for a number of years in this city, but retired from this bus- iness several years ago. He was engaged in the fire insurance business for several years. Hc enlisted during the war of the Rebellion, in Company F, 8th New York artillery, in 1863, and served until the close of the war. He was twice wounded during his enlistment ; first at Reim Station, on the Welden railroad, in Virginia, near Peters- burg, by a musket ball. The second time he was wounded at Fort Rice, by a spent ball. He started in life without a dollar, and worked at anything which came to hand.
On April 26, 1855, Mr. Bishop married Henrietta, daughter of Christian Krause, of the town of Wheatfield. They have seven children living, five sons and two daughters : Henry, Hulda, William, Louisa, Benjamin, George, and Frederick, Jr. IIc lias lost seven children by deatlı.
He lias been honored by his fellow citi- zens, and elected to office on several occa- sions ; has served as coroner for North Tou- awanda, as constable of Wheatfield, and is
assessor, at present, of North Tonawanda and town of Wheatfield. He was post- master at St. Johnsburg, in the town of Wheatfield, for several years, being ap- pointed by President Buchanan, during his administration. He is a member of the D. O. H. society, and also a member of the Lutheran church. He is familiar with the crced of the church, and the history of its founder, Martin Luther. He is a democrat in politics, and takes a lively interest in all party matters. He is a good public speaker, and does good service for his party in every campaign. He is truly a self-made man, with a general knowledge of men and things. IIe has acquired quite a large amount of real and personal property, hav- ing ten pieces of realty, improved with dwellings. IIe is popular with the people, and is strong minded and self reliant.
A ARON COLEMAN. By thrift and industry Aaron Coleman has become one of the most prosperous citizens of Bar- ker's, New York, where he is also one of the foremost farmers. IIe is a son of San- uel and Esther (Beldou) Coleman, and was born in the town of Windsor, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, January 14, 1814. Samuel Coleman was also a native of the Bay State, and in 1816 came to Ontario county, where he rented a farm, on which he resided for two years. Soon after locating in Ontario county he came to Somerset, this county, where he purchased a tract of land from the Holland Land Company. At the time of his purchase forests covered the eu- tire tract, and the sound of the woodman's ax was ever heard. A path that led through the forest was the only sign of its being visited by travelers. In 1819 he be-
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came permanently located upon his new farm, and by untiring energy and years of hard toil the dense forest-covered tract was changed into a beautiful and highly pro- ductive farm. Mr. Coleman was a Jackson- ian democrat, and was ealled out to engage in the second war for independence, but did not take part in any actual service, as his company was never called to the front. He united in marriage with Esther Beldon, and to these parents were born seven children, who grew up to years of maturity.
At the age of five years Aaron Coleman was brought, by his parents, to Niagara county. He was reared amid the wilds of the forest, and is now in possession of the old homestead, once occupied by his father. This farm contains one hundred and seventy- five acres, and during the lapse of nearly three-quarters of a century it has undergone a change that has given it a place among the finest farms of Niagara county.
He married Sophia Nye in 1838, and to them was born one child, Rosa, deccased. Mrs. Coleman died in 1839, and he united in marriage with Caroline Thurber in 1843, and to this second union have been born seven children : Alphonso, Clarence, Bert, George (deceased), Rosaltha, Emily J., and Carrie. Alphonso is a resident of Barker's, New York; Clarence and Bert are farmers in the town of Somerset, while Rosaltha married John M. Nellist, who lives with his father, and is manager of the farm. Emily J. united in marriage with Smith Dutcher, who died some years ago, and she now re- sides in the city of Buffalo. Carrie married John Rubatton, who is an undertaker at Fenton, Michigan.
In political sentiment Mr. Coleman ad- heres to the principles of the Demoeratie party, and for many years he has served as
assessor of his town. He is a member of Somerset Lodge, No. 639, Free and Ac- cepted Masons. He has ever been active in all movements and improvements in agri- cultural pursuits, and his earnest endeavors to improve the soil have gained for him the respect and confidence and good will of the farming element of his prosperous com- munity.
JOHN W. EGGLESTON, Jr., a wide- ly known, popular, and wealthy citizen of Niagara county, who has the honor of being one of the Argonauts, of '49, and has several times been president of the village of Wilson, where he resides, is a son of John W. and IIuldah ( Warren ) Eggleston, and was born at Jordan, Onondaga county, New York, December 14, 1828. The Egglestons are of English descent. Bene- dict Eggleston (grandfather) was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and resided in the state of Vermont. John W. Eggleston (father) was born in the Green Mountain State about 1803, but removed to Onondaga county, New York, while yet a young man. In that county he was married, and lived until 1835, when he came to Niagara coun- ty, and located in the town of Porter. In 1838 he left this county and went south, loeating in Mississippi, where he was prin- cipally engaged in the introduction and manufacture of a cotton gin in which he was interested, and in the sale of which he was very successful. In 1876 he returned to Niagara county, and died at the home of his son in the town of Wilson, in 1879, at the advanced age of seventy-six years. He was a democrat in politics, and married Huldah Warren, by whom he had four children. Mrs. Eggleston was born in Dor- set, Vermont, in 1808, and died in 1838.
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OF NIAGARA COUNTY.
John W. Eggleston, Jr., was reared prin- cipally in the county of Niagara, and re- ceived his education in the common schools and at the academy at Wilson. After leav- ing school, while yet quite young, he went to the city of Rochester, to learn the busi- ness of carriage manufacturing. He soon found that this employment was not con- genial, and, leaving Rochester, he joined his father at Natchez, Mississippi, and for a time became his assistant in the manufac- ture of cotton gins. Later he returned north, and located at Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he worked at carriage build- ing for a short time, and was then offered and accepted a position in the quartermas- ter's department of the United States army, then being organized for the war with Mexico. He first enlisted for one year, and when that expired, enlisted for a second term of one year, but before the expiration of the second year the war closed, and he was discharged. About that time came the great gold excitement in California, and catching the "gold fever," Mr. Eggleston joined a caravan, becoming one of the im- mortal " forty-niners," and made the diffi- cult and dangerous over-land trip to the new Eldorado. After enduring hardships innumerable, and passing through many dangers en route, he finally reached the land of promise, and engaged in mining the precious metal. It was his good luck to be very successful - far more so than many others who braved the dangers, and shared his early privations. For three long, excit- ing, and never-to-be-forgotten years he continued his search for the sparkling dust, and then turned his face once more toward the cast, and returning to New York, set- tled in the village of Wilson, where he has ever since resided. He purchased a fine
farm containing one hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, and has given his at- tention principally to farming and fruit growing, though dealing in fruit to some extent. He also owns a handsome residence in the village of Wilson, where he lives, surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life.
On June 12, 1853, Mr. Eggleston was wedded to Electa A., daughter of Dr. Jon -. athan Sayre, of the village of Wilson. Mrs. Eggleston is a refined and cultured lady, and is very popular with her friends.
Politically, Mr. Eggleston is a straight democrat, well posted on current politics, and active in support of the party he is identified with. He is a member of Outa- rio Lodge, No. 376, Free and Accepted Masons, and of Karnac Chapter, No. 511, Royal Masonic Rite, and Lake Shore Lodge, No. 331, Independont Order of Odd Fel- lows. In disposition he is retiring and modest, and while having no political am- bition, has frequently been called upon to serve in different official positions. He has been president of the village of Wilson sev- eral terms, and has also served as trustee a number of years. He was also president of the Board of Trustees of Greenwood cemetery here for several years, and takes rank with the best and most substantial cit- izens of this part of western New York.
SAMUEL G. BARTON, now serving as postmaster of Gasport, is a son of Isaiah and Tryposa ( Richardson ) Barton, and was born February 22, 1844, in the town of Royalton, this county. His father came to Niagara county when a small boy, and after attaining manhood, purchased and cleared out a farm. He married, and reared a family
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BIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY
of five sons and two daughters. Samuel G. was educated in the common schools and Lockport Union school. In 1880 he went to Dakota, where he served as commissioner of highways and supervisor. Returning to Gasport, he was elected justice of the peace, which office he still holds. He was appointed postmaster at Gasport in 1889, and in con- nection with this business conducts a gro- cery. He is a republican in politics, a member of Cataract Lodge, No. 94, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and of Royal Union, No. 105, Equitable Aid Union, of which he is now chancellor. He married Mary E., daughter of Absalom Mesler, on November 5, 1865. He and his wife are both very popular among their friends.
JOHN W. LA BAR, an aged and hon- ored citizen of Niagara county, who is spending the evening of his days in comfort and luxury, is a son of Joseph and Esther ( Marvin) La Bar, and was born in the town of Mayfield, Montgomery county, New York, on September 5, 1807. Joseph La Bar (father) was born August 14, 1761, in the city of Paris, France. He spoke both French and English fluently, and was a stu- dent at Murley college when the Marquis de La Fayette was fitting out his expedition to aid the struggling American colonies. Young La Bar determined to leave his col- lege and join these forces, and on making his desires known was appointed to a posi- tion in the commissary department of La Fayette's army, and embarked for America in that capacity when only seventeen years of age. He was present at the battle of Yorktown, and saw Lord Cornwallis sur- render. After the close of our revolution- ary struggle he returned to France with the
remainder of La Fayette's army in company with General Wadsworth. Finding a rev- olution in progress in that country, he acted on General Wadsworth's advice, and re- turned to America with that distinguished general and located at Hartford, Connecti- cut. Here he met and married Esther Marvin. In April, 1800, he removed to New York, and settled at Mayfield, Mont- gomery county, where he died February 22, 1831. He was a farmer exclusively after the Revolutionary war, and conducted his operations on a large scale, accumulating considerable property. In politics he was an ardent democrat, and in religion a Qua- ker. By his marriage with Esther Marvin he had a family of three sons and four daughters, the subject of this sketch being the youngest of these children. Mrs. La Bar (mother) was born in Connecticut, and was the daughter of Daniel Marvin, who was born in Bordeaux, France, but emi- grated to America at a very early day and located at Sansbury, Connecticut, where he lived until his death, in 1764, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was a hardware merchant, an active and prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and married and reared a family of three sons and two daugli- ters.
Jolın W. La Bar received his early edu- cation in the common schools and attended the academy at Johnstown for two years, after which he learned the trade of tanner and currier. He worked at his trade for some six years, and in 1832 came into west- ern New York, locating in the town of Shelby, Orleans county, and began dealing in real estate. His business was scattered over a large territory, and necessitated fre- quent changes in his place of residence, but in 1856 he finally settled in the town of
Jahr It. La Bar, Sur
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OF NIAGARA COUNTY.
Lockport, one and one-half miles east of the city, where he now resides.
On August 14, 1832, Mr. La Bar was mar- ried to Almira, daughter of Nicholas and Jane ( Ross) Palmer, and to them was born a family of five children : John, a farmer, who married Mary E. Roe, and resides in the town of Royalton, this county ; Mary J., who married John P. Robens, now a mer- chant at Fort Scott, Kansas; Lydia, mar- ried Harvey Cudaback, a farmer of the town of Porter, Niagara county ; Emma, married George Sprague, a flour merchant of Albion, Orleans county, this State; and Charles W., who married Jennie Baker, re- sides with his parents, and operates the home farm. Mrs. Almira La Bar died July 7, 1886, at the advanced age of seventy-six years.
In politics John W. La Bar was a demo- crat until 1840, when he became a "Free Soiler," and upon the organization of the Republican party he joined it, and has ever since given it an active and enthusiastic support. IIe was the first candidate of that party for supervisor of the town of Royal- ton, in 1856. In the fall of 1857 he was elected to the State assembly from the first district of Niagara county by a majority of four hundred, and served for one term. He was again tendered the nomination but de- clined the honor. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and during his more active life was a prominent church worker and a steward and class leader in his church. He is now in his eighty-fifth year, and quietly enjoying the comforts and blessings of an active, useful, and honorable life, among which may be classed the esteem and high regard of all who know him, and a conscience void of offense toward his fel- low man.
P ETER D. BACHMAN, deceased, was a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Delo) Bachman, and was born in October, 1802, in the State of Delaware. When six years of age he went with his parents to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and at eighteen left there and walked to Niagara Falls, New York. IIe was a miller by occupation, and for a number of years was in the employ of the Porters in that capacity at Niagara Falls. He afterward conducted a flour and feed store. He was a whig in early life, but later became a democrat. He served as street commissioner and supervisor. He married Anna Wagoner, whose father, Mar- tin Wagoner, was a native of Switzerland. By this nnion he had six children : Henry, died in 1887; Mary, married E. D. Butler, and is now deceased; Martin, drowned when young; Elizabeth; Daniel, died at the age of fifteen ; and one who died in infancy.
RANK E. KEYES, expert for the United Indurated Fiber Company's works, of Portland, Maine, and Lockport, New York, and an inventor of considerable repute, is a son of Orrison and Lucina Ann (McClure ) Keyes, and was born September 22, 1852, in Sullivan county, New Hamp- shire. The Keyes have been residents of that State since the Revolutionary period, and there Mazelda Keyes, the grandfather of Frank E., was born in 1773, lived an active and useful life, and died in 1843. IIe was a farmer by occupation, and married Sarah Foster, by whom he had five children. Orrison Keyes (father) was born in Sullivan county, New Hampshire, in 1819, and died at his home in that State in 1877, aged sixty-eight years. He was a mechanic and carriage maker by trade, a democrat in
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BIOGRAPHY AND HISTORY
politics, and married Lucina A. MeClure, a daughter of Robert McClure. By this mar- riage he had nine children: Anson, who graduated from Dartmouth college and Albany law school, and is now practicing law at Faribault, Minnesota; Zenas, was aeeidentally killed by being impaled on a pitchfork, in 1858; Nettie, married William Brooks, a wholesale merchant at Holyoke, Massachusetts ; Martin L., is superintendent of the United Indurated Fiber Company's mills at North Gorham, Maine; Nellie, married Charles P. Fletcher, and died at the age of twenty-one years; Angie, de- ceased when only thirteen years old; Belle, married Edwin Allyn, a merchant at Holy- oke, Massachusetts ; Frank E., and one who died in infancy.
Frank E. Keyes attended the common schools of his native State for several years, and there laid the foundations of the broad and practical education which he has secured by wide reading, careful study, and the con- stant exereise of his intellectual powers. At an early age he embarked in the carriage manufacturing business, in company with an older brother, under the firm name of Keyes Brothers. This enterprise was con- ducted very successfully for a period of ten years, when, in 1879, they disposed of their carriage works, and began manufacturing and dealing in lumber on an extensive scale at the same place. This firm continued to operate in lumber until 1885, when it was dissolved, and Frank E. went to Watertown, Suffolk county, Massachusetts, as superin- tendent of the Watertown Indurated Fiber Company's works. He set up the machinery, put the business into operation, and re- mained as superintendent until 1886, when he removed to Peterborough, New Hamp- shire, to take charge of the Amoskeag
Indurated Fiber Company's business there. This company was not in any way eonneeted with the other fiber companies, thereby re- quiring considerable skill to avoid infringing on patents already granted. However, Mr. Keyes overeame all these difficulties, and in 1887 manufactured ware that was aeknow]- edged to be superior to any other in the market. Here he remained until February, 1889, when the two companies consolidated, and he came to Niagara county as expert for the United Indurated Fiber Company of Portland, Maine, and Loekport, New York, under contraet for a term of five years. During his career in these various works his inventive genius has fashioned quite a number of applianees caleulated to increase the efficiency of the machinery in use, and to add thereto. Sixteen of these inventions have been patented, and a large number have been assigned and are in use by the indurated fiber companies. One, known as the insulator for eleetrie wires, he still has in his possession.
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