USA > New York > Seneca County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Steuben County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Tioga County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Chemung County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Schuyler County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Ontario County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Cortland County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Yates County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Tompkins County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Cayuga County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
USA > New York > Wayne County > History of Central New York : embracing Cayuga, Seneca, Wayne, Ontario, Tompkins, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chemung, Steuben, and Tioga Counties, Volume III > Part 37
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At the age of fifteen years Joseph O. Woolf left Hendy Creek and came to Elmira, where he attended Miller's Business School. He then entered the employ of the C. M. & R. Tompkins Company, wholesale grocers, with whom he was identified for a period of thirty years, most of that time being spent on the road as a sales representative. Mr. Woolf's next business connection was with the Hygeia Ice Cream Company as sales manager, which position he now holds. Since 1915 he has also been interested in the florist business, at that time having purchased the Backer greenhouses at 428 West Fourth Street. In February, 1929, he assumed control of the LaFrance greenhouses at 308 East Miller Street, and now has 21,000 square feet under glass. A shop and office are main- tained at 105 West Church Street.
Mr. Woolf married Miss Isabel Gruber, of Elmira, the daughter of Philip and Margaret Gruber, natives of Pennsylvania, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Woolf have two sons: 1. Hiram Gruber, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy, Starkey Seminary, and Ham- ilton College. He taught for two years at Starkey Seminary, and is now principal of Liberty St. School at Penn Yan. He has spent seven summers as a student at the Auburn Theological Seminary and School of Religious Education in preparation for the minis- try. 2. Luther Earnest, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Starkey Seminary, class of 1931. He is now a student at Cornell University.
Mr. Woolf is a Republican and is serving his fourth term as alderman of the third ward. He is an Elder of Lake Street Pres- byterian Church, and is affiliated with Ivy Lodge, F. and A. M.,
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Elmira Chapter and Commandery. He also belongs to the Rotary Club and is vice president of the Century Club.
Glenn Vance Ostrander is a veteran of the World War, and one of the enterprising young business men of Elmira, where he is manager of the Atlantic Refining Company. He was born at Wellsville, New York, August 4, 1898, the son of Jesse G. and Lena May (Vance) Ostrander.
Jesse G. Ostrander was a native of Denver, Colorado. He located in New York during his early life and for a number of years was identified with the retail fruit business. For fifteen years he was manager of the Alger Shoe Store at Wellsville, and later was a member of the firm of Ostrander & Goodliff. Prior to his death he was connected with the McEwen Oil Well Supply Company of Wellsville. Mr. Ostrander died April 7, 1925, and his widow resides at Wellsville. He was a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and had various lodge affiliations. To Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander the following children were born: 1. Glenn Vance, the subject of this sketch. 2. Kathleen Louise, married Howard Withey, lives in New York City. She is a graduate of the New Haven (Connecticut) Normal School of Gymnastics. 3. Robert J., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, now a pharmacist, lives at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, married Miss Eliz- abeth Comstock, of Wellsville.
Glenn Vance Ostrander is a graduate of the public schools of Wellsville, and following his graduation from high school in 1917 he enlisted for service in the World War and was sent to Fort Slocum, New York, and later to Fort Allen in Vermont. He sub- sequently served at Camp Shelby and Camp Merritt and sailed for overseas duty as a member of the 76th Field Artillery, Third Division. He participated in many important battles and drives of the war, and was discharged with the rank of corporal, October 10, 1919. Mr. Ostrander began his business career with the Amer- ican Natural Gas Company, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and in 1921, returned to Wellsville as a salesman with the Reynolds Auto-
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mobile Company. A short time later he located at Wellsboro with the Corning Glass Works. In 1923 he organized the County Credit Bureau at Wellsboro, and was identified with that organization until 1926, at which time he entered the service of the Atlantic Refining Company as a salesman. He received his appointment as manager of the company's Elmira office in July, 1929.
On November 4, 1922, Mr. Ostrander married Miss Laura Mae Downs, of Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of L. M. and Lena Downs, natives of Hornell and Rushville, New York, respectively. Mr. Downs died in 1905 and his widow lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander have two sons: 1. Robert G., born Octo- ber 26, 1924. 2. Harry J., born January 30, 1926.
Mr. Ostrander is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to B. P. O. Elks, Rotary Club, Rabshaw Fish- ing & Hunting Club, and Slide Island Rod & Gun Club.
Ralph C. Smith, the owner and manager of Mayer's Smoke Shop, at 203 East State Street, was born at Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York, November 21, 1892, the son of Grove and Eliz- abeth A. (Simmons) Smith.
Grove Smith, who died May 31, 1930, was a native of Catskill, New York. He spent his early life on a farm and later became a building contractor. He was a Democrat and served for many years as trustee of the village of Rhinebeck. Mr. Smith held mem- bership in the Methodist Church and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His wife was born in Ulster County, New York, and died March 15, 1922. Both are buried at Madalin, New York. There are two children in the Smith family: 1. Ralph C., the subject of this sketch. 2. Floronce M., married Frank Sutton, lives at West Lafayette, Indiana. He is a graduate of Purdue University.
After his graduation from Rhinebeck High School, Ralph C. Smith attended Cornell University, from which he received a de- gree in Arts and Science in 1915. In that year he became a de- signer of steel forms to be used in concrete work and spent two years in the employ of the Hydraulic Pressed Steel Company, of
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Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to Ithaca in 1918 as an instructor of machine gunnery in the ground school at Cornell University, and later that year returned to Cleveland as inspector of engineer- ing material for the United States Naval Department. During the following two years he was identified with a construction company in Cleveland as engineer. Mr. Smith became secretary of the Ithaca Chamber of Commerce in March, 1922, and served in that capacity until 1928. He has since been proprietor of Mayer's Smoke Shop, formerly owned by Harry Mayer.
On July 2, 1917, Mr. Smith was married at Cleveland to Miss Jennie O. Frost, born in Troy, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1889, the daughter of Frank and Sena D. (Dunbar) Frost. Mr. Frost died in March, 1918, and his wife died in June, 1926. Both are buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Ithaca. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have no children. She is a graduate of Ithaca High School and Ithaca Conservatory of Music.
Mr. Smith is a Republican and was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor of Ithaca in 1931. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is affiliated with Hobasco Lodge, No. 716, F. and A. M .; Eagle Chapter, No. 58, R. A. M .; Masonic Club; ยท B. P. O. Elks, Past Exalted Ruler during 1928-29; Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club; Exchange Club; Ithaca Advertising Club, and Ithaca Country Club. He is president of the Cornell Club of Ithaca, director of the Y. M. C. A, and past president of the Ithaca Automobile Club.
Alfred J. Meyer is successfully engaged in business in Elmira as president of the Silvertown Motor Company, Studebaker and Rockne dealers, and he is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, June 11, 1892, the son of Joseph J. and Elizabeth (Haupt) Meyer.
Joseph J. Meyer was a native of Germany and died in 1905. He attended the public schools and studied pharmacy. He then was identified with a pharmacy at Lake and Water streets in Elmira for more than twenty-five years. In 1900 Mr. Meyer re-
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tired. He was a Republican, a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His widow was born in Germany and resides at 37 West Third Street, Elmira. They had two children: 1. Florence Belle, a graduate of Elmira Free Academy and Warn- ers Business College, Elmira, married Emerson Hanley, of Elmira. 2. Alfred J., the subject of this sketch.
The early education of Alfred J. Meyer was received in the pub- lic schools of Elmira and he is a graduate of Elmira Free Acad- emy. His first position was with Carl Wilbur, electrical contrac- tor, and three years later he went with George Young, of Elmira. In 1910 he entered the automobile business as a mechanic in the LaFrance Garage, at Fox and Carroll streets. Mr. Meyer left his employment in 1917 and enlisted for service in the World War at Washington, D. C. He received the commission of second lieu- tenant, First Regiment, Motor Corps of the Aviation Section and sailed for overseas duty, being in charge of Motor Reception Park No. 7, at St. Nazaire, France. He was discharged at Camp Upton, Long Island, May 10, 1919, and immediately returned to his former employment with the LaFrance Garage. On Septem- ber 15, 1919, he organized the Silvertown Motor Company with the following officers: Alfred J. Meyer, president; George Petzke, vice president, and John T. Osowski, secretary and treasurer. On November 21, 1921, the business was merged with the LaFrance Garage, and the new corporation retained its original officers. They have been located at 301 East Church Street since that time, and in 1931 also became agents for the new Rockne car, a product of the Studebaker corporation. Their territory as agents includes Tioga and Chemung counties in New York, and Bradford County in Pennsylvania.
On December 27, 1917, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Irene Burns, born at Elmira, August 20, 1892, the daughter of Daniel Burns. Mr. Burns died in 1914 and his wife died in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have no children.
Mr. Meyer is a member of Second Presbyterian Church, B. P. O. Elks, American Legion, Association of Commerce, Elmira Busi- ness Men's Association, New York State and American Automo-
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bile Associations, and Chemung County Rod & Gun Club. Poli- tically, he is a Republican. Mrs. Meyer holds membership in St. Cecelia's Catholic Church, Elmira.
Theodore R. Murdock, D. D. S .- Numbered among the able and successful dental surgeons of Chemung County, Dr. Theodore R. Murdock, of Elmira, holds a prominent place. He was born in this city, September 11, 1897, the son of Herbert L. and Florence (Rose) Murdock.
Herbert L. Murdock is identified with the Temple Book Store, located in the Masonic Building, Elmira. He was born here and is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy. As a young man he studied stenography with Theodore C. Rose, his wife's father, as his tutor. The latter was the first shorthand writer and court stenographer in Chemung County and served as court stenog- rapher in District United States Court for over thirty-five years. Herbert L. Murdock also became a court stenographer and served in that capacity in this city for ten years, and at Red Bank, New Jersey, for twenty years. As mentioned above, he and his wife are now proprietors of the Temple Book Store. She was born at Norwich, Chenango County. Mr. Murdock is a Republican and a member of Park Presbyterian Church. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Murdock: 1. Theodore R., the subject of this sketch. 2. William E., lives at Elmira, where he is identified with the Perry Insurance Company. He married Miss Thelma Harrison, of Tren- ton, New Jersey.
After his graduation from high school at Red Bank, New Jersey, Theodore R. Murdock entered the University of Pennsyl- vania, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1919. During the World War he enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a first class hospital attendant at the 24th and Gray Ferry dock, Philadelphia. In 1919 he became asso- ciated in practice in Elmira with Dr. Henry A. Moore. Since March 1, 1929, he has maintained a private practice with offices at 221 West Church Street. Dr. Murdock is identified with the Che-
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mung County, New York State, and American Dental Associa- tions.
On October 6, 1920, Dr. Murdock married Miss Emily C. Naser, who was born at Red Bank, September 24, 1898, the daugh- ter of Andrew W. and Jane (Casey) Naser. They are residents of 932 West Gray Street, Elmira. Doctor and Mrs. Murdock have a son, Theodore R., born in Elmira, January 13, 1927.
Doctor Murdock is a Republican, a member of the First Bap- tist Church, and belongs to Ivy Lodge, No. 369, F. and A. M .; Elmira Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M .; Elmira Commandery, K. T .; Cashmere Grotto; Torch Club; Theta Chi fraternity; Elmira Ex- change Club; Elmira Country Club; American Legion; and Che- mund Rod and Gun Club.
William Lynn Houseman .- A well known and responsible citi- zen of Geneva and Ontario County is William Lynn Houseman, who is the capable superintendent of public schools in this city. He was born at Lenox, New York, February 13, 1887, the son of William O. and Estella F. (Pratt) Houseman.
William O. Houseman was a native of New York, born at Stockridge, in October, 1855. He was a farmer throughout his life. Mr. Houseman was married in 1880 to Miss Estella F. Pratt, daughter of Ezra Pratt, for many years a successful merchant at Oneida, New York. Later, he lived at Rochester. To William O. and Estella F. (Pratt) Houseman were born three children. Mr. Houseman died in 1922 and is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneida.
William Lynn Houseman obtained his early education in the public schools of Munnsville, New York, and was graduated from Oneida High School in 1902. He later took special work at Col- gate Academy before entering Colgate University, and in 1904 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science. In 1921 Mr. Houseman received the degree of Master of Arts at Columbia University. He has also taken graduate work at New York and Cornell Universities. In 1908 he was appointed
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as instructor of science in the high school at Cortland, New York, and the following year he was made vice principal, and principal of the high school in 1910. In the latter year he went to Hope, North Dakota, as superintendent of schools and served in that capacity four years. Upon his return to New York Mr. House- man located at White Plains as an instructor and athletic coach in the high school. In 1916 he was made principal of the Court Street elementary school and two years later became principal of White Plains High School. He held the latter position success- fully for nine years and in 1926 came to Geneva to assume his present responsibilities as superintendent.
Mr. Houseman was married on August 31, 1909, to Miss Maud C. Wilson, the daughter of Charles Wilson, of New York Mills, Oneida County. They are the parents of a daughter, Jacquelin.
Mr. Houseman is a Republican, a member of North Presbyter- ian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He was one of the founders of the senior society of Skull and Scroll at Colgate University. Mr. Houseman also belongs to the Y. M. C. A., and is former president of the Finger Lakes School Men's Club.
Mr. Houseman took a conspicuous part in college athletics, being captain of the Colgate varsity football team for one year and captain of the varsity baseball team for four years. He later played professional baseball in Watertown during 1908.
The Houseman family lives at 22 North Brook Street, Geneva.
Walter Curtis, road contractor, with offices at 511 Exchange Street, is one of Geneva's best known and most dependable busi- ness men. He was born in Yorkshire, England, July 11, 1869, the son of Reuben and Mary (Godley) Curtis.
Reuben Curtis was born in England in 1843 and came to this country about 1872. He settled at Mansfield, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a stone mason and contractor until the time of his death, December 12, 1912. He is buried there. He was mar-
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ried in England in 1867 to Miss Mary Godley, who died in 1902. Both were members of the Methodist Church and the father of Reuben Curtis, as well as several uncles, were ministers of wide renown in England. To Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Curtis were born seven children, of whom Walter, the subject of this sketch, was the first.
Walter Curtis obtained his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and in 1888 was graduated from high school. He then came to Geneva, where he spent two years in the employ of the Geneva Preserving Company. Later he was connected for ten years with the Standard Optical Company, and in 1900 went as superintendent of the Hygeia Ice Company of Geneva. In 1905 he engaged in the contracting business as a builder and excavator, and in 1921 became a highway contractor. In association with his brother, Reuben F. Curtis, they have built much of the concrete highway system in the Finger Lakes district during the last twelve years. From 1914 until 1924 they also conducted a retail coal and builders' supply business in Geneva.
Mr. Curtis was married January 5, 1898, to Miss Mary Ella Campion, the daughter of Andrew A. and Caroline (VanDusen) Campion. He was a member of one of the earliest families of Geneva. To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis the following seven children were born: 1. Theodore A., born October 7, 1900, associated with the Automatic Vending Machine Company, of Harrisburg, Penn- sylvania. He is married and has a daughter, Betty Jane. 2. Maida Margaret, born January 23, 1903, married Floyd A. Gray, lives at Newburgh, New York. 3. Helen S., born December 16, 1904, a graduate of Geneva High School, class of 1925, now the wife of Robert E. Sayre, lives at Geneva. They have a daughter, Shirley Anne. 4. Walter Marvin, died in infancy. 5. Robert E., born June 19, 1910, a graduate of Geneva High School, class of 1930, now con- nected with the Shur-On Standard Optical Company, of Geneva. 6. Mary Elizabeth, born March 31, 1912, a graduate of Geneva High School, class of 1930, now a stenographer with the Shur-On Standard Optical Company, Geneva. 7. Lucille E., born March 23, 1914, attends Geneva High School.
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Mr. Curtis is a Republican and is ward committeeman. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Geneva, is affiliated with B. P. O. Elks, Geneva, and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
David Bruce Ayers, of Geneva, is among the city's most repre- sentative young business men, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Kittanning, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1896, the son of John G. and Lillian (Bruce) Ayers.
John G. Ayers was born at Butler, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1856. He was a civil engineer by profession and spent the greater part of his life in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany in that capacity. He lived at Kittanning and later at Geneva. Mr. Ayers was married in 1894 to Miss Lillian Bruce, daughter of David D. and Eleanor (Mackey) Bruce, of Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. To them were born two children: 1. One died in infancy. 2. David Bruce, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Ayers died in July, 1930, and his wife died in August, 1908. Both are buried in Glen- wood Cemetery, Geneva.
David B. Ayers obtained his schooling at Kittanning, Pennsyl- vania, and Geneva. His first employment was with the Geneva Trust Company and in September, 1918, he enlisted for service in the World War. His company did not see service in France, how- ever, and Mr. Ayers was discharged May 7, 1919. He then re -. turned to his former employment in Geneva. In 1921 he went to Penn Yan, where he was associated with the Penn Yan Boat Com- pany until 1925. He then organized the Chesapeake Boat Com- pany, of Chesapeake City, Maryland, of which he was president and treasurer. He disposed of his interest at the latter date and in 1930 returned to Geneva, where he took over the John B. Clark Insurance Agency. It has since been conducted as the David B. Ayers Agency, and Mr. Ayers is already recognized as one of the insurance experts in Ontario County. He has offices at 40 Seneca Street.
On September 20, 1920, Mr. Ayers was united in marriage with Miss Esther A. Guile, daughter of Charles E. and Hattie (Fen-
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ton) Guile, of Penn Yan. Mr. Guile is widely known as the presi- dent of Guile & Windnagle, Inc., basket manufacturers, of Penn Yan. To Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have been born two sons: David Bruce, Jr., and Charles Fenton. Mrs. Ayers is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and traces her lineage back to General Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame, and to Com- modore Perry. She also holds membership in the Geneva Wom- en's Club.
Mr. Ayers is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, American Le- gion, Geneva Country Club, Seneca Yacht Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Arthur George Schulz .- Among Wayne County's representa- tive and successful young business men is Arthur George Schulz, furniture dealer and funeral director, of Newark. He was born at Rochester, New York, November 14, 1892, the son of Charles, Jr., and Emma (Huober) Schulz.
Charles Schulz, Jr., was born at Wurtemburg, Germany, the son of Charles Schulz, who spent many years in the employ of the steel mills of Rochester, New York. He was a moulder. His son, Charles, Jr., was educated in the public schools of Rochester, and throughout his life followed the tailoring business in that city. He died at the age of thirty-six years, and is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Rochester. He was married in 1891 to Miss Emma Huober, the daughter of Michael Huober, of Newark, New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Schulz were born two sons, the elder of whom was Arthur George, the subject of this sketch.
Arthur George Schulz was but four years of age when his father died and he came to Newark with his mother and brother soon after. He attended the public schools and when fifteen years of age was employed as a clerk in the grocery store of J. W. Chase. He later secured employment in the Steuerwald Furniture Com- pany, of Newark, and two years later went to New York City to attend the Renaurd School of Embalming. Mr. Schulz became a licensed embalmer in 1913 and upon his return to Newark became
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associated in the furniture and undertaking business with Harry Parker. The partnership continued until June, 1923, and since that time Mr. Schulz has engaged in business alone. His furniture store is located on East Union Street and the undertaking estab- lishment at 215 South Main Street. The latter has been occupied since 1926.
On April 5, 1912, Mr. Schulz married Miss Laura Belle Conklin, the daughter of John and Belle Conklin, of Newark. Their son, William C., born in August, 1920, died April 23, 1930, and is buried in East Newark Cemetery.
Mr. Schulz is a Republican in politics, holds membership in the Baptist Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, B. P. O. Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Loyal Order of Moose, Rotary Club, and Newark Country Club. He is president of the Newark Chamber of Commerce and through his efforts the organ- ization is taking a prominent part in the establishment of a com- munity bank, to replace the First National Bank and Arcadia Trust Company, which were closed during 1931. This situation left Newark, a city of 8,000 population, without any banking facilities.
Charles Henry Staunton .- One of the well known business men of Geneva and Ontario County is Charles Henry Staunton, portrait studio, located at 50 Seneca Street. He was born at Dav- enport, Iowa, October 30, 1866, the son of Edwin Adolphus and Jennie Matilda (Barrett) Staunton.
Edwin Adolphus Staunton, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in England in 1835 and at the age of six years came to this country and lived with his uncle, Rev. William Staunton, D. D., a minister of the Episcopal Church in New York City. Edwin A. Staunton was educated in the public schools there and throughout his life followed mercantile pursuits in Davenport, Iowa. He died there in 1910. Mr. Staunton was married in 1857 to Miss Jennie Matilda Barrett, whose father was born in Cork, Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Staunton were born eight children.
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Charles Henry Staunton grew up at Davenport, Iowa, where he attended the public schools. At the age of fifteen years he left school to enter the studio of Jacob Lenz, photographer, and he remained in his employ for five years. Mr. Staunton then spent two years with Mark W. Owens, of Muscatine, Iowa, and one year at St. Paul, Minnesota. He was associated at the latter city with Emery & Brown, photographers, and in 1889 opened a studio at Davenport, Iowa, where he remained for one year as a manufac- turer of stereoscopic views. In 1890 Mr. Staunton located at Poughkeepsie, New York, as studio manager for C. H. Gallop & Company, owners of studios at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, New York, Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Danbury, Connecticut. After almost three years, Mr. Staunton went to Rochester, New York, as a finisher of portraits for Ranger & Cornell. The following year he located at Northampton, Massachusetts, and remained for one year in the studio of Francis Schilaire. He then returned to his former employment with C. H. Gallop & Company, at Pough- keepsie. In 1898 he went to Wolcott, New York, where he owned and operated a studio specializing in the manufacture of illustra- tive song films. During the following year Mr. Staunton became a partner in the Stereopticon & Film Exchange, of Chicago, and two years later went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained for one year as chief operator for J. C. Coovert, portrait artist. Mr. Staunton was next located at Milford, Massachusetts, as man- ager of the studio of J. C. Brown, and the following year he went to Rochester, New York, as experimental chemist for the De- fender Photo Supply Company, which was later merged with the Eastman Kodak Company. In 1912 Mr. Staunton opened a por- trait and commercial studio in Rochester, which he successfully operated for fifteen years. In 1927 he sold his interests and located at Geneva, but the following year resumed his portrait work and established a studio in this city.
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