USA > New York > Cattaraugus County > Dayton > Historical and biographical history of the township of Dayton, Cattaraugus County, New York : comprising the villages of Cottage, Wesley, Markham, Dayton, South Dayton, and Fair Plain > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
Albert E. Hale (father) was born April 7, 1827, in Ontario County. In 1839 he moved to Ellery, remaining there until 1853 when he moved to Randolph. He resided there until 1869, when he moved to Cold Spring, while a resident there he was several times chosen as supervisor, and was an influential citizen. He moved to Cherry Creek in 1888, where he died August 6, 1892. He married Phoeba Jane Matteson and their children were Flora E., born in October 1855, she married March 26, 1874, Elbert Price of Cold Spring and died February 5, 1893; Eugene A. (subject).
MRS. BURTON C. WILSON.
BURTON C. WILSON.
One of those who have expended a great deal of energy and is deeply interested in developing and building up South Dayton and bringing it to the attention of a class of desirable residents from other places, is B. C. Wilson, who is a son of H. S. Wilson (see this section) and was born December 1, 1849, in Livonia, Livingston Co., N. Y. He moved with his parents in 1862 to Ellington, where he attended the Ellington Academy. After his school days he worked at the carpenters trade and at farming. In 1877 he moved to South Dayton and in company with C. E. Wade, erected a building and
195
RESIDENCE OF E. A. HALE.
started a hardware store. He continued in business through several changes until 1887, when he sold to Frank Fuller, and went to Lilly Dale, where he worked at building. After remaining there for two months he went to Chicago and took charge of the construction of some buildings for his brother, H. R. Wilson, an architect of ability in that city. While there he purchased property on which he erected some buildings selling the same at a nice profit. In 1888 he returned to South Dayton and purchased a third interest in his
RESIDENCE OF B. C. WILSON.
196
present business. Besides being an excellent business man, he is an architect of some ability, having designed and constructed several of the best residences in South Dayton. He married January 1, 1872, Martha McElroy, who was born at Ellington, March 1, 1853. Their children are Nettie, born June 3, 1874, she married June 24, 1896, James Wright, and they reside at Kane, Pa. Henry, born April 2, 1876, he married October 28, 1896, Esther Armstrong, and is in business at Kane, Pa .; Nellie, born November 22, 1880, she married November 14, 1900, Wm. Edick and they reside at South Dayton. Mr. Wilson is a republican, a gentleman of culture, and is respected as one of Dayton's best citizens. He is a member of Cherry Creek Lodge No. 384 F. & A. M. and of the A. O U. W.
FRANK J. PEACOCK.
Frank J. Peacock, a firmly established business man of South Dayton is a son of Smith Peacock, who gave up his life in the defense of his country in 1864. He was born May 25, 1856, in the town of Hanover, Chautauqua County, N. Y., and commenced his business career in 1872 by clerking for Clark & Co. at Perrysburg, and later for L. Ranlett at South Dayton. In 1885'86 he was in business for himself conducting a general store at Pine Valley. This he closed out and went to Iowa, remaining one year. Soon after his return he went to Cassadaga where he clerked for a number of years. In October 1898 in company with L. R. Fisher they started their present prosperous business at South Dayton. They keep a general line of drugs and patent medicines, groceries and provisions. Mr. Peacock is a social and a
197
fraternal companion belonging to several societies. He is a member of Cherry Creek Lodge No. 384, F. & A. M .; Gowanda Chapter No. 136, R. A. M .; Dunkirk Commandery No. 40, K. T .; Dunkirk Consistory 32d degree. He was also a charter member of the Pine Valley Lodge of the I. O. O. F. He is a careful and honorable business man, who by his own efforts has achieved what the world calls success.
LOUIS R. FISHER.
Louis R. Fisher, an enterprising merchant of the village of South Dayton, is a son of J. G. and Sally Ann (Cook) Fisher and was born March 17, 1859, at Warren, Pa. Both his parents are characterized by great energy, industry, and enterprise. His grandfather, John Fisher, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died at the advanced age of 106 years. Mr. Fisher received his education at the High Schools of Warren and Jamestown and at the
LOUIS R. FISHER.
MRS. LOUIS R. FISHER.
Forestville Free Academy. He learned the drug business in all its details in the store of Dr. A. P. Parsons of Forestville. In 1883 he went to Leon and in company with his brother-in-law, Dr. F. E. Tuttle, opened a drug store, which business he conducted for two years and then sold to M. Davis. He located at South Dayton in 1885 and worked at marble and granite until 1892 when he purchased the grocery stock of L. Ranlett and the stock of drugs of Dr. M. S. Corey of Hamlet. In 1894 he purchased the lot on the corner of Park and Pine streets and erected a building 18x60 feet. In October 1898, F. J. Peacock purchased a half interest in the stock and the firm is now known as Fisher & Peacock. They carry a full line of drugs, patent medicines, groceries, tobacco, cigars, etc., and enjoy a good trade. In 1900 Mr. Fisher erected another building 24x90 ft. which is now occupied as a hardware store and a bank. He married January 15, 1896, Jennie L. Cooper. They have one child, Donald, born December 31, 1896. Mr. Fisher is a good business man, progressive, public-spirited and popular.
198
GEORGE W. FANCHER.
George W. Fancher, one of the progressive and leading dentists of this locality, is a son of Edmund and Jane (Gates) Fancher, and was born September 3, 1846, at Johnsonburg, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mr. Fancher traces his ancestry back to one of the soldiers of the Marquis de LaFayette, who came from France with that famous hero, and fought for the independence of the American Colonies, and who after the close of the war settled in the United States. The branch of the family from which he is descended emigrated to Wisconsin in the early history of that state and he
GEORGE W. FANCHER.
still has relatives there. Geo. W. Fancher spent his early days in Erie County, N. Y., and when nineteen years of age removed to Chautauqua County. He married August 19, 1866, Celestia Livermore, daughter of Jesse and Polly (Lawson) Livermore. Mrs. Fancher traces her ancestry back to old Revolutionary stock and the blue blood of England. At an early age she attended the Fredonia Academy and afterwards became a school teacher. She conducted successfully the first term of school ever taught in South Dayton. Their children were Leon D., born ---- 18- now an attorney practicing at Jamestown; Jennie May, born July 6, 1869, she married Elmer Kendall, and died in 1899; Lena Belle, born December 22, 1871, she married August 18, 1898, Arthur Hulett, and now resides at South Dayton; Charles
199
E., born December 30, 1873, is married and resides at Balcom; Sophia L., born September 4, 1876, now a school teacher in the town of Cherry Creek. Dr. Fancher is energetic, and active in whatever he undertakes. He is a good dentist and well up in his profession. His office is fully equipped with all modern appliances and he keeps fully abreast with the times.
CHARLES E. HERRINGTON.
Sterling enterprise and energy, good management and many other meritorious qualifications have been the stepping stones that have paved the path to success in the business career of Chas. E. Herrington, dealer in carriages, wagons, sleighs, cutters, harnesses and all kinds of horsemen's
CHARLES E. HERRINGTON.
equipments. He was born December 26, 1857, at Ellicottville, N. Y. Educated at the Ellicottville Union School, and early in life engaged with his father in the livery business at that place. For a number of years they did an extensive business until the advent of the railroad. In 1880 he went to Salamanca, where he was in the coal business until he came to South Dayton, in 1883. Upon the death of his father, in 1890, he succeeded him in a very flourishing business. Mr. Herrington is well known and needs no extensive comment. He is progressive and energetic and has built up a large and influential business. He married September 5, 1888, Elma Warner. They have two sons, E. G., born June 21, 1891, and Guy B., born March 19, 1898.
200
JESSE B. NASH.
ISAAC H. PHILLIPS.
ISAAC H. PHILLIPS.
Industry, economy and good management will bring a competency to any man. This is strikingly proven in the case of our subject, who started life without a dollar. Isaac H. Phillips was born January 28, 1852, in the town of Villenova. He received his education at the district school and the Forestville Free Academy. He did farm work and manufactured cheese for a number of years. In 1888 he purchased his present profitable business of Frank Fuller. The firm of Phillips & Nash are substantial dealers in all kinds of general hardware, builder's materials, paints, agricultural implements, etc., etc. Mr. Phillips success has been due entirely to his individual efforts. Without a dollar's capital when he began life he is now one of the town's substantial citizens, a position he has attained by incessant toil and good management. He married May 31, 1891, Belle Nash, a daughter of Ansel A. and Mariette (Hovey) Nash, who was born December 1, 1866. Their children are Ashley E., born February 26, 1893; Marion, born June 8, 1898; Marjoria, born January 12, 1900.
JESSE B. NASH.
Jesse B. Nash of the hardware firm of Phillips & Nash, a man who, though very modest concerning himself, has by his own energy and industry gained the reputation of being a successful business man. He is a son of Ansel A. Nash, who was born in Herkimer Co. in 1821, came to Persia in 1824, and from there to South Dayton, where he died June 6, 1897. He married in August, 1847, Mariette Hovey, who was born in September 1823, in Chautauqua County. Of their seven children, Jesse B. was born April 2, 1869, in the town of Persia. He came to South Dayton in 1883 and in February 1889
201
entered the store of I. H. Phillips to learn the trade of tinsmith. In 1896 he purchased an interest and was made a member of the firm. He married May 7, 1893, Sadie Ingersoll, a daughter of D. J. Ingersoll of Cattaraugus. Mr. Nash started in the battle of life with nothing but untiring energy and indomitable pluck and has acquired considerable property, and no citizen is more highly or more generally respected than he. He is a member of Cherry Creek Lodge No. 384, F. & A. M., the Odd Fellows and the Maccabees.
THEODORE ENGLISH.
Theodore English has been in the photographic business at South Dayton for about 12 years. It is to him that much credit for the photographic work of this volume is due. During the time that he has been in the business his
MR. AND MRS. THEODORE ENGLISH.
work has steadily increased and especially so during the past year. His studio is furnished in a tasty and attractive manner and is equipped with all the latest apparatus for the work. Mr. English was born in the town of Dayton, June 22, 1851, and resided on a farm at Wesley until 1888, when he removed to South Dayton and was employed in a mill at that place. After working there for one year he purchased the gallery and outfit of J. H. Scott. He has erected an addition to the building and has improved it in other ways until he now has a tasty home and gallery combined. He was married January 10, 1875, to E. A. Filley of Leon, and to them there have been born two children : Ethel, born September 14, 1877, married H. C. Adams of Randolph, August 19, 1900, and now resides at that place. Bernard G., born September 6, 1885, died April 20, 1893. Mr. English is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the K. O. T. M. lodges and is a much respected citizen.
202
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE A. PETERS.
GEORGE A. PETERS.
George A. Peters of Peters Bros., proprietors of one of the largest hardware and tinning establishments of the town of Dayton, was born May 27, 1869, in the town of North Collins. His father Michael Peters was born in Germany October 2, 1825 and came to America in 1855. He married in 1863, Sarah Winner of North Collins, who died May 20, 1894. Their children were Joseph, born December 27, 1865, partner, and a resident of North Collins, and George A. (subject). Mr. Peters received a practical education in the common schools, afterwards attending Leland's school of stenography and telegraphy. His first business venture was in the grocery business in Buffalo. This he was engaged in for two years when he sold and engaged in the meat business. Following this for one year he sold and began railroading. For several years he worked as extra operator and agent at different stations on the B. & S. W. For six months he was agent at the South Dayton station, when he resigned September 2, 1900, and established himself in his present business. They carry a large, new, first-class stock of general hardware, stoves, farm implements, builder's materials, wind mills, etc. Much credit is due him for the push and energy that has characterized his successful efforts in the establishment and judicious management of his present business. He possesses firm social qualities and ranks high as a good business man. He married February 22, 1898, Lottie E. Tippmama of Buffalo.
"WHEN things go wrong and you can't help it,-whistle."
203
VALLEY HOUSE.
One of the esentially characteristic institutions of a village is a long established leading hotel or public house. Its history is, in small, that of the community itself. All the lights and shades of the life around it are reflected in its own. In every public event or matter of importance it has borne its part. All types of men and people have flowed through its corridors from time to time. The political conference, the business interview, and the social confab have found shelter behind its doors. The caucas whisper or traffic's dark intrigue, shunning the open air, have crept around from mouth to mouth in its secluded chambers; and moist, merry men have used it for their mirth when they were festive. Among the most attractive hostelries of this kind which gladden the eye of the tired traveller with promise of good cheer and grateful rest, is the Valley House at South Dayton, admirably located for its business. As will be noticed by the picture, it is a large structure, three stories, nicely fitted and furnished throughout, and kept with scrupulous regard for cleanliness and health. The commissariat is bountiful and of a quality above reproach and the service is plentiful and good. The proprietors are well fitted by nature and training for their business.
Dexter F. Bacon was born August 7, 1858, in the town of Cherry Creek. He was with his father W. W. Bacon, in the hotel, and was engaged in the lumber business until the spring of 1892, when he purchased the hotel at. Smith's Mills. He leased his hotel property there and came to South Dayton June 22, 1900, and in company with James Rundell purchased the Valley House. Mr. Rundell disposed of his interest November 6, 1900, to H. T. Smith. Mr. Bacon married September 24, 1885, Alice L. Wheeler of Villenova. They have one son Dana D., born June 29, 1893.
Henry T. Smith was born April 6, 1861, in the town of Villenova. He was a son of Marvin E. and Roba (Ames) Smith. In 1883 he purchased the hotel of his father, which he successfully conducted until 1899, when he sold to J. B. Taylor. For several years he farmed it and dealt in cattle. On November 6, 1900, he purchased the interest of James Rundell in the Valley House which he conducted until his death March 8, 1901. He married February 24, 1883, Addie Coon, who died February 20, 1891. They had one child, Roger, born November 15, 1885.
Since the above was written Mr. Bacon has purchased the interest of the late H. T. Smith and is now the sole proprietor. He is in every way qualified to successfully conduct the same.
SOUTH DAYTON always welcomes new comers. They want more industries and the more they get the more they want. They will sell land cheap for a new industrial plant, or if necessary will give the site. Parties desiring to engage in most any business will do well to visit South Dayton.
SOUTH DAYTON like all villages has had its periods of prosperity and adversity; but without question never during its existence has it been so prosperous as at the present time.
204
VALLEY HOUSE
VALLEY HOUSE
HENRY T. SMITH.
DEXTER F. BACON.
VALLEY HOUSE, SOUTH DAYTON.
MRS. FRANK S. PEEK.
FRANK S. PEEK.
FRANK S. PEEK.
Frank S. Peek is one of those practical, sagacious, enterprising business men who constitute a very welcome and important factor in the material welfare and progress of a community, and South Dayton is fortunate in possessing such a man. He is a son of Silas H. and Rosetta (Congdon) Peek, and was born in the town of Eden, Erie County, N. Y., April 11, 1853. Samuel Peek, (grandfather) was born in 1793, in Oneida County, N. Y. Silas H. Peek (father) was born November 27, 1821, at Eden, N. Y. He married May 27, 1847, Rosetta Congdon, who was born October 25, 1824, in Villenova, N. Y. Frank S. Peek received his education at a select school, after which he turned his attention to gardening and truck farming. In 1885 he engaged in the produce business, and buying and selling hay. He is now an extensive dealer in hay. At Conewango Valley he has a cut hay plant which he operates on an extensive scale. For the past ten years he has bought and shipped on an average 600 to 800 cars yearly. Aggregating at least 9,000 tons. He buys and ships from twenty-five stations within a radius of thirty miles of South Dayton. In April, 1894, in company with A. G. Drummer he purchased the Kent property of nearly 800 acres which net them a nice revenue each year. He moved to South Dayton in April, 1899, when he purchased the Ewing homestead. Since then he has purchased the Crumb farm of 170 acres, the Wilcox farm of 70 acres, besides 35 acres located south of Conewango Valley. Mr. Peek married April 11, 1888, Florence Agnes Sisson of Evans, who was born October 10, 1857. Their children are Lizzie
FRED. S. AND LIZZIE ALICE PEEK.
207
RESIDENCE OF FRANK S. PEEK.
Alice, born August 5, 1883, who is an elocutionist of ability; and Fred S. born January 4, 1889. Locally, Mr. Peek is identified in a leading way with almost every institution of usefulness in the community, in all of which he is an intelligent and useful worker, counting no sacrifice of his interest when the general welfare is at stake. He is a member of Fortune Lodge No. 788, F. & A. M., North Collins, N. Y. He is enterprising, substantial, and a good citizen for the town.
ANDREW G. DRUMMER.
Andrew G. Drummer is a bright, energetic and active business man, who is appreciated for his worth in the community. He was born July 2, 1862, in Hamburg, N. Y. He received a common school education which was afterwards supplemented by a course in the German Catholic School. He began his useful career with the Buffalo and Rock City Pipe Line Co. In 1880 he entered the station at Hamburg as agent's helper, since which time up to November 1900 he has been continuously in the employ of the Erie Railroad Co. He has been their agent at Hamburg, East Buffalo, Cherry Creek, and Conewango besides for a while being train dispatcher. In 1892, in company with F. S. Peek, he purchased some valuable land located in the towns of Cherry Creek and Leon, the products of which net him a nice revenue. For the last nine years he has been the private secretary of Mr. Peek looking after his many and detailed interests. On November 19, 1900, he entered E. B. Crissey's Bank at South Dayton as cashier, which position he now acceptably holds. Mr. Drummer has attained his present enviable position by industry and close attention to business. He married October 11, 1887, Georgia DeLaney of Cherry Creek. They have one daughter, Frances J., born July 5, 1888. Mr. Drummer is a member of the school board and a highly respected citizen.
208
ANDREW G. DRUMMER.
MRS. A. G. DRUMMER AND DAUGHTER FRANCES.
E. B. CRISSEY, BANKER.
The people in and around South Dayton are fortunate in having available for their needs, a bank, ample in scope and well adapted to specific wants. It was established December 1, 1900, by E. B. Crissey. A. G. Drummer is the efficient cashier. A building to be used exclusively for banking purposes is contemplated. Mr. Crissey is the Vice-President of the Farmer's and Mehcanic's Bank of Jamestown, and President of the First National Bank of
E. B. CRISSEY.
Falconer. His sympathy with and knowledge of the wants of a country bank make him a successful country banker. He possesses rare executive ability and conducts the affairs of the banks on a sound and conservative basis.
SOUTH DAYTON is recognized as the financial center of a large tributary territory and the business transactions of the village in a financial way reach large amounts annually.
210
NICHOLAS W. BURKHALDER.
Among the varied industries of this section there has been probably none that has given more intelligent, successful and useful men to the town than that of lumbering. There are many reasons for this, too many indeed to enumerate here. It is sufficient to say that the risk involved, the development of trade and the multitude of details connected with the business all tend to develop man's many sided business nature. With those who stand first in the general manufacture of lumber in this locality is the gentleman of the firm of Burkhalder & Whipple, whose name heads this
NICHOLAS W. BURKHALDER.
sketch. He was born December 28, 1851, and when twelve years of age moved with his parents to the town of Dayton, settling near Markham. When seventeen years of age he came to South Dayton and commenced his successful career by working for Wickham & Berwald in a saw and shingle mill, soon after purchasing the interests of Mr. Berwald. The business has steadily increased and the mill has no superior in this section, either in equipment or in capacity. Mr. Burkhalder is a man of untiring efforts, careful business habits and large resources. He began life as a poor boy and by his business acumen has accumulated from nothing his present prosperous business. He married September 18, 1881, Montie Perry, who died April
211
JOHN P. BURKHALDER. Died March 7, 1899. Age, 1 year, 11 months, 5 days.
MRS. N. W. BURKHALDER.
Born, September 15, 1858. Died, April 27, 1899.
LUCILE AND CHRISTINE A. BURKHALDER. MYRTIE PERRY.
27, 1899. Their children were Christine A., born December 2, 1891; Lucile, born October 10, 1894; John P., born April 2, 1897, he died March 7, 1899; Frank, born April, 1899, he died September 5, 1899. Nicholas Burkhalder, father of N. W., was born in France, emigrated to this country in 1840, and died in the town of Dayton in 1870. His mother Caroline (Dever) Burk- halder was born in Buffalo and died in 1869. Mr. Burkhalder is a republican, a member of the A. O. U. W. and the I. O. O. F. and is one of the substantial citizens of the town.
A bright and highly accomplished young lady is Miss Myrtie Perry, who was born June 18, 1865, at Nashville, N. Y. Miss Perry is a successful music teacher, a leader in social circles and a general favorite. She has resided in the family of N. W. Burkhalder for the past thirteen years and faithfully looks after his motherless children.
BENJAMIN A. WHIPPLE.
One of the most important industries of early Dayton was its lumber trade. Among the well-known representatives of that business is B. A. Whipple, who has been engaged for some years as a manufacturer and dealer in this commodity. He was born October 30, 1844, in Licking Co., Ohio, and when ten years of age moved with his parents to Hanover Center, Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Here he remained until seventeen years of age when he enlisted
213
in Co. K., 112th Vols. As a soldier he was a good one being several times promoted. From a private he was promoted to first duty sergeant and then to 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to duty in Co. B, 112th Reg. where he served until that regiment was disbanded. After that he was transferred to Co. E., 3rd N. Y. and took command of a company. After serving there for a short time he was detailed on the staff of the Brigadier General, doing duty at headquarters and remaining there in that capacity until the close of the war. He was commissioned First Lieutenant and honorably discharged August 28, 1865. At the close of the war he had charge of all Brigade books and papers, state and regimental properties, which he brought from the field and left at the Capitol at Albany. He returned to Hannover Center and contracted for wood for the Lake Shore R. R. and came to Pine Valley in 1875. Here he found employment with J. C. Shults doing carpenter work. In 1877 he went into partnership with R. F. Ewing in a general store, which he sold in 1881 and took charge of Mr. Ewing's lumber interests. This he looked after for one year when he purchased John Wickham's interest in the mill property and there the firm of Burkhalder & Whipple now do an extensive business in all kinds of rough and dressed lumber, feed, etc. Mr. Whipple married October 29, 1880, Mary L. Watkins, who was born in Corrington, Ky., May 4, 1853. Their children are Sidney E., born October 4, 1881, who is now attending a business college at Bradford, Pa .; Charles B., born November 12, 1883; Frank E., born July 16, 1886. Mr. Whipple is a son of Sidney Whipple, who was born July 6, 1816, in Berkshire, Mass., and now resides at Clear Creek, N. Y. His mother was Melissa A. (McCauley) Whipple, who was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., September 8, 1820, and died July 13, 1897, at Clear Creek, N. Y. Politically, Mr. Whipple is an enthusiastic republican, a member of the A. O. U. W. and one who has done much for South Dayton.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.