USA > New York > Genealogical and family history of central New York : a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the building of a nation, Volume II > Part 24
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thew. Children of Frederick C. M. and Amelia Katherine Lautz: I. Amelia, died in infancy. 2. Augusta Joan, married George A. Austin ; children : Frederick C. M. Lautz and Spencer Trageser Austin. 3. Emma Matilda, born April 16, 1878, died September 6, 1902. 4. Eliza- beth Caroline. Mrs. Frederick C. M. Lautz survives her husband and continues her resi- dence in Buffalo.
The name Barr is evidently of BARR Hebraic origin, in which Bar means "son," and Baar "was famous." In Arabic the word Barr means "wheat," in Persian means "fruit," and the Irish word Bar means "excellence." The name as well as the bearers thereof evidently has come through Celtic or Gallic and Teutonic families, as the spelling of the name would indicate. In the Gallic the name is spelled Barre; Teu- tonic, Barry or Barrh, and when anglicized it is Barr. In religion the Barrs have always been Protestants. As Huguenots or Re- formers they fled from persecution in France to Scotland and England, in 1572-1681 they were refugees in the north of Ireland from Scotland. The American ancestor settled in Connecticut, a branch of the family later set- tling in Vermont, from whom the Buffalo family descends.
(I) William Barr was born in Rutland, Ver- mont, about 1781, died in Orleans county, New York, in 1835. He was the son of a farmer, and his early life was spent on the farm; in 1814 he was hired by a representative of the United States government to go to Troy, New York, there load his teams with provisions and carry them to the soldiers at Fort Porter, Buf- falo. While on this trip he was deeply im- pressed with the advantages western New York offered to settlers, and on his return to Rutland, sold his farm and emigrated to west- ern New York. He made this trip with his wife and five children in covered wagons, carrying a complete camping outfit and mak- ing the journey very comfortably, breaking his own road part of the way and. keeping his course by means of blazed trees marked on his former journey, and by others who had passed that way. He settled near Albion, Orleans county, where he purchased a tract of land which he cleared and there erected a home in the then wilderness. He found the soil fertile, and by hard labor he maintained his family in comparative comfort. He resided
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on the Albion farm until his death. He mar- ried, in Rutland, Malinda, daughter of John Gordon, who survived him and made her home with her son, John C., in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she died about 1858, aged seventy-six years. Of their ten children, five were born in Rutland and five in Orleans county: I. Ma- linda, married Hugh McCendy, of Albion, New York ; moved to Wisconsin, where she died, aged sixty-eight years. 2. William, died in Chicago, Illinois, aged eighty years ; mar- ried Hannah Parmalee, of Orleans county, died in Chicago, aged seventy years. 3. John Gordon, married Mary Ann Rathbun, born in New London, New York, died in Buffalo, May 6, 1892, daughter of Acors Rathbun, a pioneer farmer of central New York, who died 1855, aged eighty-four years ; children : i. Cor- nelia, married Francis Wilder, of Buffalo, and had Charles Dudley and Frank L. ii. George Dudley, born March 30, 1846, married April 20, 1871, Sarah Susan Jones, born in Buffalo, New York, February 22, 1848, daughter of Nathaniel Jones (2), born in Burlington, Ver- mont, January 2, 1811, died May 24, 1880, married Emily Harris, born in Buffalo, Janu- ary 29, 1819, died February 15, 1887, daughter of Asa and Mary Harris; Asa was born in Hartford, Connecticut, April 15, 1795, died June 28, 1874; Nathaniel Jones (I) was born October 28, 1779, married Susan - -, born August 14, 1785. iii. William H. D., of Erie, Pennsylvania. 4. Kate, died unmarried. 5. Lucy, married William H. Watson. 6. Cather- ine, died aged seventeen years. 7. Alfred, died in Wisconsin. 8. Dewitt, an early Cali- fornia pioneer, died unmarried. 9. Robert W., of further mention. IO. Ann, married a Thompson.
(II) Robert W., ninth child of William and Malinda (Gordon) Barr, was born in Orleans county, New York, near Albion, August 29, 1829. He was educated in the public school and worked on the farm until he arrived at a suitable age to learn a trade. He worked for four years learning the harness maker's trade, then began working as trainman on the Buf- falo & Rochester railroad, continuing until 1862. He began as trainman, but was rapidly promoted until he became a passenger conduc- tor. In 1862 he resigned his position with the railroad company and entered upon a long and successful career as a hotel proprietor. His first house was "The Barre," of Buffalo, fol- lowed by "The National," of the same city.
He sold the latter property and purchased the "Judson House," at Lockport, New York, and afterward was proprietor of the "Reed House," at Erie, Pennsylvania, and "Stanwix Hall," at Rome, New York. After disposing of the latter he returned to Buffalo, where he conducted the "Tucker House." He was en- gaged in the hotel business for thirty years and was a well known and popular landlord. Later for twelve years he was salesman for H. Messersmith, of Buffalo, and for the past five years ( 1906-11) has been actively engaged in the development of Buffalo city and subur- ban real estate. In politics he is a Democrat, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church.
He married, February 1, 1849, Eunice Ade- laide, born in Oneida county, New York, De- cember 15, 1829, daughter of Lyman and Bet- sey (Mower) Littlefield. Children: Eugene Leslie, born February 21, 1850, died May 9, 1857, at Buffalo; George Washington, born March 24, 1852, died in Buffalo. January 28, 1869.
HESS This is an old German family that for many generations was seated in the duchy of Baden, Germany. The first of this branch to settle in the United States was Francis (or Francis Joseph) Hess, born in Baden, died in Buffalo, New York, July, 1882. He was a carpenter and builder and was well known to the trade in Buffalo. He was an active member of the Evangelical Society and prominent in the work of the mis- sion conducted by his church. He was a Re- publican in politics, but took little active part in public affairs. He was an upright, christian citizen, much respected by his friends and by those with whom he held business relations. He married Fanny Echardt, born in Switzer- land, August 19, 1826, died December 23, 1901. Children : I. Frank Benjamin (of whom further). 2. Lydia, married Charles Heist and resides in Buffalo. 3. Clara Matilda, a missionary, now residing in Washington ; married John M. Foster, now in China. 4. Anna Martha, married G. W. John. 5. Daniel Adam Andrew, now living in Buffalo : married Helen G. Geltz. 6. George Whitfield, died in infancy.
(II) Frank Benjamin, eldest son and child of Francis and Fanny ( Echardt ) Hess, was born in Buffalo, May 5, 1853, died April 28, 19II. He passed through the city public schools, graduating from the Central high
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school, class of 1871. He began business life as a bookkeeper for a lumber firm, then en- tered the employ of the Erie Railroad Com- pany as clerk. He worked his way up through successive promotions to be chief clerk in the Buffalo shops, and about 1890 was made divi- sion clerk and assistant superintendent. While Mr. Hess was the practical man of business and a trusted official, he was a great lover of music and made more than a local reputation as a composer. He was an accomplished per- former on the pipe organ and was organist for a church of the Evangelical Society and for thirty years organist of the Zion Reformed Church on the east side, and also choirmaster. He was a voluminous composer and published a book of church music that is extensively used. His ability as an organist as well as a composer was fully recognized in musical cir- cles, where he was held in highest appreciation. A more perfect illustration of the practical, trained business man and the cultivated, tal- ented man of music and art was rarely found. For a short time Mr. Hess was a private of the Sixty-fifth Regiment, New York National Guard. He was a member of Zion Reformed Church, and a Republican. He belonged to the Masonic order, but his greatest interest was in his music.
He married, March 6, 1873, Emily C., daughter of Adam Reinhard, a piano maker, born in Baden, Germany, died in Buffalo, New York, aged eighty-one years; he married Henrietta Geid, also a native of Germany. Frank B. and Emily C. Hess were the parents of the following children :
1. Frank William, connected with the pur- chasing department of the Erie railroad, at New York City, as chief clerk ; resides at Clif- ton, New Jersey ; married Mary Schroeder ; children: Frank Joseph, Robert Lewis, Ada Emily and Alfred Benjamin, two dying in infancy. 2. Clara Amelia, married Frank Muller ; resides in Montana; child: Robert M. 3. Ruth Charlotte, married Theodore W. Mayer ; resides in Buffalo; children : Emily Charlotte and Theodore William. 4. Henri- etta, married Dr. Robert C. Maynard. 5. Olive, died in infancy. 6. Lucy Ada, died aged eleven years. 7. Benjamin Robert, re- sides in Buffalo ; married Irene Regina Roth ; children : Lyndon Hess and Lorenzo Charles, 8. John Carl, resides in Buffalo. Mrs. Hess survives her husband1 and continues her resi- dence in Buffalo.
SPEIDEL
Though of comparatively re- cent settlement; the Speidels of Buffalo have earned a substan-
tial position in the business circles of that city. The family is of German lineage, trac- ing many generations of worthy ancestors in the "fatherland."
(I) George Speidel, born 1820, died 1902. grandfather of Charles G. Speidel, was a mil- ler of Würtemberg, Germany. He married Barbara Metzger and had seven children: I. Mary, married Rev. Berner, of Buffalo. 2. Coenrad, died aged eighteen years. 3. Bal- thasar (of whom further). 4. Rosa, died De- cember, 1890. 5. Rev. Peter, a minister of the Lutheran church. 6. Jacob, married Rose Klink ; six children. 7. Katherine, born 1860, died 1910; married Charles Matter. When forty-two years of age, George Speidel spent one year in the United States, visiting his children.
(II) Balthasar, son of George Speidel, was born in Würtemberg, Germany, October 24, 1847. He learned the trade of baker, master- ing it in all its varied details. In 1872 he came to the United States, settling at once in Buffalo, New York. He worked at his trade and after studying trade conditions determined to establish in the baking business for him- self. On July 18, 1872, he opened Speidel's Bakery, at 639 Michigan street. He prospered and enlarged his business, and in January, 1904, the Speidel Vienna Bakery Company was incorporated by Mr. Speidel and his sons, of which he is vice-president. He married, in Germany, June 11, 1872, Annie Blockenger, and embarked for the United States for their wedding tour. Children : 1. Charles, died in infancy. 2. Rosa, married George P. Riter ; has child, Dorothy. 3. Charles Godfrey (of whom further). 4. Fred William, president of the Speidel Vienna Bakery Company ; mar- ried Mamie L. Stokes. 5. Wilhelm Bernhardt, died in infancy. 6. Emma, married John Fritz ; has child, Helena. 7. William, married Ellen Kruce; has child, Frederick William, born January 27, 1906.
(III) Charles Godfrey, third child of Bal- thasar and Annie (Blockenger) Speidel, was born in Buffalo, New York, April 21, 1875. He was educated in the public schools, and was taken into the bakery business with his father, who thoroughly prepared him for the important positions he now holds, secretary, treasurer and manager of the Speidel Vienna
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Bakery Company, one of the large baking companies of the city. He is a member of St. Paul's German Lutheran Church and takes active interest in its prosperity. In politics he is a Republican. He married, September 23, 1897, Edith Gifford.
Dr. Moore, of Westfield, New
MOORE York, descends, through both paternal and maternal lines, from Irish ancestry of good position. His father, Edward J. Moore, although born in England, was the son of William J. Moore, a barrister, of Dublin, Ireland.
(II) Edward J. Moore came to the United States from England, in 1850, and settled in Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York. He continued there until after his marriage, then moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he engaged in the drug business. At the outbreak of the civil war Mr. Moore sold his drug store and going abroad remained until peace was de- clared, then returned to Westfield, where he engaged in agriculture until the death of his father-in-law, then removed to the McClurg homestead in the village of Westfield, where he died about 1888. He married, in Westfield, in 1851, Catherine McClurg, and had one son, William J. (of whom further).
Catherine (McClurg) Moore was the daugh- ter of James McClurg, born in Londonderry, Ireland, 1785, died in Westfield, New York, May 26, 1872. He came to America with his father in 1798, being then in his thirteenth year. His father had been engaged in the Irish rebellion which culminated in disaster in 1798. Being on the losing side Mr. Mc- Clurg Sr. came to the United States, settling first in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Father and son later removed to Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. where they engaged in the iron busi- ness, having foundry and furnaces. About 1807 James McClurg came to Westfield, New York, remaining until the war with England in 1812. He then returned to Pittsburgh, where he utilized his knowledge of the iron business and the McClurg furnaces in the casting of cannon for the United States gov- ernment. This is said to have been the be- ginning of cannon making in this country. After the war James McClurg returned to Westfield, where he remained until his deatlı in 1872. He opened a small store in West- field during his first residence and is noted in the histories of Chautauqua county as the first
merchant in Westfield and a financier of great ability. On his return in 1814 he again opened a store in the village and for many years thereafter was a leading merchant. His store was in a building that stood at the corner, now the Common, and is said to have been the first frame building erected in the village. In 1818 he built the first brick house ever erected between Buffalo, New York, and Erie, Penn- sylvania. It was built so substantially that now, nearly a century later, it is occupied by his grandson, Dr. William J. Moore. In as- sociation with Judge Campbell and George Hall, Mr. McClurg built the Westfield mill, in the village, on the site of an old mill. He built the "Westfield House" and the McClurg brick block that stands on South Portage street.
He also dealt heavily and profitably in village and town real estate. He purchased what was known as the Eason farm, divided it into village lots, and added what is now an important part of Westfield. He contributed liberally of this land for village improvement, donating the "Common" on the corner of South Portage and Main streets, also the land on which the South Portage street Presby- terian church is built. During his merchandis- ing days he had a large trade with the Indians, exchanging his store goods for their furs, etc. For thirty years he was a prominent, public- spirited and useful citizen of Westfield. Busi- ness was his ruling ambition and he was ever alert for any remunerative undertaking. He took a lively interest in public men and af- fairs and contributed his full share to the up- building of Westfield. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and very strict in his observance of the Sabbath day. In his business dealings he was most methodical and upright. During the latter years of his life he lived retired from business cares, having am- ply provided for the future of himself and family.
Mr. McClurg married Martha Eason, a niece of John Eason, an early settler, and daughter of David Eason, the first sheriff of Chautauqua county and state senator in 1823- 24. Children, all born in the McClurg home- stead in Westfield: I. Alexander, married Mrs. Maria Lambert, widow of a United States naval officer. 2. James, died unmarried. at the age of forty-two. 3. Julia Ann, married Dr. Davidson, of Chicago, Illinois. 4. Cather- ine, died in Westfield, in 1909. in her eighty-
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ninth year; she married, in 1851, Edward J. Moore, of previous mention.
(III) Dr. William J. Moore, only child of Edward J. and Catherine (McClurg) Moore, was born in Detroit, Michigan, April 26, 1852. The family later settled in Westfield, where the lad was educated in the public schools. He attended Cornell University, then deciding upon the profession of medicine entered Jef- ferson College, whence he was graduated, M. D., class of 1874. He went abroad after graduation and continued his studies in the hospitals of London, England. On his return from abroad he located in Cleveland, Ohio, where for ten years he was in active practice. After his father's death, in 1888, Dr. Moore closed up his business in Cleveland and retir- ing from practice went to Westfield, where he took up his residence in the old McClurg homestead. He settled the affairs of the estate and has since lived a retired life devoted to the management of his private affairs. He is an Independent in politics.
He married Helen, daughter of John Sut- ton, a prominent citizen of Indiana, Pennsyl- vania. Dr. Moore has no children.
OTTAWAY Among the very oldest fami- lies of the town of Mina, Chautauqua county, New York, is the Ottaway, their settlement being but seven years later than that of Alex Find- ley, the first settler in that part of the town of Clymer, afterward Mina. The Ottaway family were for many generations native to the county of Kent, England, where James, the American ancestor, was born. He was a miller by trade and operated a mill in his na- tive county. He was of an adventurous dis- position, and the reports from the United States, and Western New York especially, which he received, determined him to emi- grate. Accompanied by his wife, children and brother, Horatio, he sailed in 1823, arriving at New York City six weeks later. His des- tination seems to have been decided on before leaving England, for he at once proceeded up the Hudson river to Newburg, where he pur- chased a team and wagon. Soon afterward, with such supplies as were needed, he began the long, lonely and often dangerous journey to Western New York. He finally reached Buffalo, where he left his family and began his search for suitable land in that vicinity. Not finding a location to his liking, he again
took up his journey, going to Chautauqua county over the Buffalo & Erie road to West- field, thence to Maryville, and from there over the Waterford road to Mina. Although this was then virgin forest, he found signs of fer- tility in the soil, and, purchasing a part of lot thirteen, built a log cabin and began a clearing. His was the first deed given for land in the western part of Mina, and he was the first of the many English families that settled in that section, his house being the rendezvous for those following. He was very hospitable and his latchstring was always out for his countrymen until their own log houses could be built. He finally cleared and brought under cultivation a good farm, upon which his chil- dren were born, and which is still owned by his son.
He was three times married. His children were: James, William, Horace, Ann, Charles, Edmund, Joseph, Henry, John E. (of further mention ) ; Susan, Horatio.
(II) John E., son of James Ottaway, the emigrant, was born on the homestead farm in Mina, Chautauqua county, New York, June 20, 1827. He was educated in the district schools, and has always resided upon the home farm in Mina. He aided in its development and later in life became its owner by purchase from his father. There he celebrated his gold- en wedding, October 17, 1899, and still con- tinues his residence. He has followed agri- culture throughout his active years, and be- came one of the most influential and trusted men of his town. He was named as executor of many estates and became guardian of many trust funds. For many years he represented Mina on the board of supervisors, and was for a great many years a director of the State Bank of Sherman. He grew in mentality and in the rugged virtues of honesty and up- rightness as the years progressed until he ranked with the best of his day. Modest, yet unafraid, he has passed through the rugged scenes of a pioneer's life holding his integrity above reproach, and now looking back over his eighty-three years sees nothing but hon- est achievement and a life well spent. He has kept pace with modern development and is keen in his enjoyment of the daily paper, tele- phone and other modern inventions that have come into daily use during his lifetime. He is a staunch Republican in politics.
He married, October 17, 1849. Sarah Boor- man, born in Sherman, Chautauqua county,
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New York, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Hosmer) Boorman, of England, who were among the early settlers of the town of Sher- man, coming there in 1825. She has been a worthy helpmeet and contributed her full share to her husband's success in life and to mould- ing the character of her children. Children: Osmer J., of Sherman, New York; Arthur B. (of further mention) ; G. Fred, of Mina, New York; Susan A., married Lester Jones, of Mina; Cora E., of Westfield, New York.
(III) Arthur B., son of John E. and Sarah (Boorman) Ottaway, was born on the home- stead in Mina, Chautauqua county, New York, May 8, 1854. His early education was ob- tained in the public school and Sherman Aca- demy. In 1873 he came to Westfield, where he entered the academy, graduating at the age of twenty-one years. He prepared for col- lege, but circumstances interfered and the col- lege course was abandoned. In the intervals of school life he assisted on the farm, but his first employment after leaving school was teaching. He taught for a number of terms, in the meantime devoting himself to reading law, having determined to fit himself for that profession. He prepared under the preceptor- ship of William Russell, of Westfield, and af- ter the required time spent in the latter's office was admitted to the bar in 1879. He at once began practice as junior of the law firm of Russell, Deckerman & Ottaway, and after its dissolution practiced alone. Later he became senior of the legal firm of Ottaway & Mun- son.
Mr. Ottaway was elected district attor- ney of Chautauqua county in 1884. He held this office three years, winning the commenda- tion of both bench and bar. He then retired to private practice, which has always been large and important. He was for several years attorney for the board of supervisors and was retained in many cases of importance. On January 1, 1906, he was appointed county judge of Chautauqua county by Governor Higgins, and elected to the same position at the ensuing election, which high position he most worthily fills at the present time (1911).
Judge Ottaway is learned in the law and as a practitioner most skillful in its application. As a judge he is fair and impartial, giving to each attorney his legal rights, and to each de- cision most careful study. He is a Republican in politics. He is public-spirited and progres- sive, aiding in every way to further the inter-
ests of Westfield and to advance the cause of the public good. He is unmarried.
This name, written Rumsey RUMSEY and Rumsie, first appears in New England with Robert Rumsey, who was of Fairfield, Connecticut, where his name appears on town records, Jan- uary 23, 1664. He married Rachel
Children: Benjamin, Isaac, Robert (of fur- ther mention ) ; Rachel, Abigail, Elizabeth and Daniel.
(II) Robert (2), son of Robert (I) Rum- sey, was a resident of Fairfield, Connecticut. He married and had issue: Joseph, John (of further mention) ; William and Nathan.
(III) John, son of Robert (2) Rumsey, was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, 1726, died at Hubbardton, Vermont, December 28, 1790. He lived at Redding, Connecticut, removing from there to Hubbardton, in 1784, after a residence in Redding of seven years. He mar- ried, in Fairfield, March 19, 1752, Esther Jones, born 1732, at Elizabethtown, New York, died at Hubbardton, July, 1808. Chil- dren: Abigail, born January 12, 1753, died at Warsaw, New York, 1826; Rachel, January 22, 1754; Nathan, June 15, 1756; David (of further mention) ; Mary, 1761; Esther, 1764; Ebenezer, 1768; Polly ; Ellen.
(IV) David, son of John Rumsey, was born at Redding, Connecticut, November 21. 1758, died at Westfield, Chautauqua county, New York, January 2, 1849. He served in the war of the revolution, enlisting March 1, 1778, to serve ten months, and received a revolutionary pension for his services. He moved from Connecticut to Hubbardton, Vermont, in Feb- ruary, 1792, and from there to Westfield, New York, in 1831. He married, at Roxbury, Con- necticut, May 9, 1781, Hannah Bronson, born October 2, 1760, at Woodbury, Connecticut, died at Westfield, February 14, 1841. Chil- dren, first five born in Roxbury, Connecticut, last five at Hubbardton, Vermont : Philo, June 9, 1783, died at Westfield, 'April 23, 1840: Esther, born March 4. 1784, died at Troy, New York; Stephen (of further men- tion) ; Zalmon, March 3, 1789, died at Hub- bardton, Vermont, January 13, 1813; Mary, January 24, 1791, died in Westfield, New York ; Catrina, February 24, 1793, died at Randolph, New York, March 9, 1854 ; Laura, March 7, 1795; Aaron, May 6, 1797, died at Buffalo, New York, April 6, 1864; Olive, Feb-
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