USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 66
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Fellows and is active in its work. He is a director of the First National Bank of Falconer.
At Lewistown, Pa., in 1901, Sumner I. Houghwout married Bessie L. Hartswick, of that city. They have one child, Rosamond C. In Mr. Houghwout's own family he has one brother, Irvin B., and one sister, Mrs. Jennie A. Martin, of Jamestown, N. Y. Irvin B. Houghwout is in the auditing department of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Buffalo. His parents are both deceased.
Mr. Houghwout is actively interested in everything pertaining to the progress of Falconer, and whenever any particular work is under way which has for its object some civic welfare, Mr. Houghwout will always be found ready to lend a hand to further the enterprise.
ALBERT J. TIFFANY-The town of Jamestown owed much to the group of men which in the middle of the nineteenth century put a large number of its in- dustries upon a broad and ample foundation. Con- spicuous among these, and easily a leader by his force of character, his wide vision and his practical business ability, was Albert J. Tiffany. Like many other great executives he was more than a business man. He possessed a well rounded character and rich nature, and his personality was one to leave an ineffaceable mark upon those who were associated with him, and in his loss the community felt a gap that would take a long time to heal.
Albert J. Tiffany was born in the town of Ellicott, May 21, 1843, a son of Jehiel and Sophronia (Durkee) Tiffany. Jehiel Tiffany, the first of the family in Chautauqua county, was born in Randolph, Vt., March 10, 1798, a son of Benjamin Tiffany. Jehiel Tiffany grew to manhood in his native town, and received his education in the public schools there. When about twenty years of age, he came to Chautauqua county, and located in the town of Ellicott. He bought a large tract of timber land, over 1,000 acres, part of the tract including what is now East Jamestown, and he erected a saw mill. He cut the timber and after manufacturing it into lumber founded a market for the production in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Louisville, Ky. The lum- ber was rafted down the Ohio and Allegheny rivers to its destination, and from these markets was shipped to all parts of the world. Mr. Tiffany soon became an extensive, lumber manufacturer. He then engaged in another business, that of clearing the land and cutting it up into, farms, etc. Much of the land was used in building lots both in Jamestown and Falconer, and the land upon which the Gustavus Adolphus Orphans Home now stands was part of the original Tiffany tract.
Jehiel Tiffany married Sophronia Durkee, of Ver- mont, and to that union were born the following children: Helen, who died in infancy; Augusta, who died young: Helen Augusta, who married Captain Joseph W. Whidden, of Boston, Mass .; Placentia, who married William H. Porter, of Ellicott, N. Y .; Louise A., who married Nathan S. Porter, of Ellicott, N. Y., and she died in 1882; Ruth E,, who married J. Smith; Alhert James, see forward; James Hopkins, who died in infancy; and John H., real estate man of Jamestown, N. Y., who married Jessie C. Whitman.
Albert James Tiffany received his early education in the public schools of Jamestown, and later completed his education at the Jamestown Academy. After com- pleting his course of study, he accepted a position with a retail grocery house, but being a progressive man and seeing the opportunities in real estate took up the im- proving of some land that he owned in Falconer and from then on he conducted a general real estate business. In 1874, he built a store in Falconer, and from that time until his death divided his time between that and his real estate business. In politics Mr. Tiffany was a Republican, but in local affairs voted for the men and measures that he thought were for the best interests of all the people. He was a member of the various Masonic bodies of Jamestown, N. Y .: Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 145, Free and Accepted Masons; Western Sun Chapter, No. 67, Royal Arch Masons; Jamestown Council, No. 32, Royal and Select Masters: Jamestown Commandery, No. 61, Knights Templar. Mr. Tiffany was also a member of the Chadakoin Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Falconer.
Mr. Tiffany married, Jan. 11, 1871, in Falconer, N. Y., Coralyn Conic, a daughter of Ephraim Conic, a well known resident of Ellicott township, Chautauqua county, N. Y. Mrs. Tiffany is a woman of amiability and sterling character. Her true refinement and sweet personality have made for her a host of friends. She has been a splendidly loyal and devoted wife. She is a daughter of the American Revolution, a lady of the old school, full of dignity. sweetness and gracious womanhood. Mr. Tiffany passed away at his home in Falconer, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1917, and his remains were laid at rest in Pine Hill Cemetery at Falconer, N. Y.
Although Mr. Tiffany was widely known in the busi- ness circles of Chautauqua county, he was never active in politics and cared very little for social functions. His life was, nevertheless, an active one, and his enterprises were such as added to the general wealth and welfare of the city and township. He was a man restless and energetic in his business life, incessantly battling for better things, yet as calm and impartial in his judgment as he was alert and keen in his decisions. It is needless to say that he exerted a wide-spread influence on the affairs of Chautauqua county, which is still felt and will be recognized for many years to come.
WILLIAM LUCIAS KENT-For a quarter of a century the William L. Kent Creamery had its home on Baker street, Jamestown, then its founder, William Lucias Kent, moved the business to No. 23 Market street, where he continued its active head until his death, Sept. 23, 1919. Mrs. Maude E. Kent continued the business with the aid of her sons and daughters for a time, then sold out, and resides at her home on Schuler street, Jamestown, N. Y. Mr. Kent built up a large business in dairy products; his wagons driven by his sons covered a large portion of Jamestown, and Kent's Creamery was a household word. Joseph M. Kent, his ancester, came to Chautauqua county, in the spring of 1819, and settled on lot 19, in the town of Cherry Creek, where he is credited with being the first settler. He was born in Royalton, Vt., and prior to coming to Chautauqua county had lived in Herkimer
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FOUR GENERATIONS OF KENTS: WILLIAM H .; WILLIAM L .; ROY W., AND ROY P. KENT
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and Onondaga counties, N. Y. He built a bark-covered log house, then returned for his family. Kent's Road and Kent's Corners are names well known to the old settlers, and Kents figured prominently in the settle- ment of that section of the county. William L. Kent was a son of William H. and Alice Amelia (King) Kent, his father a farmer.
William Lucias Kent was born at Kent's Corners, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Nov. 11, 1866, and died in Jamestown, N. Y., Sept. 23, 1919. He was educated in Jamestown public schools, and early became familiar with the creamery business. At the age of twenty-one, in 1887, he established Kent's Creamery on Baker street, in Jamestown, and there conducted a retail business in milk, cream, butter and eggs. He continued a highly successful business on Baker street until 1912, when he moved his store to 23 Market street, and there continued the W. L. Kent Creamery until his death. He was an excellent business man, and as his sons and daughters became of suitable age they were employed in the creamery. After his death, Mrs. Kent became head of the business, and at that time her sons, Roy P., Albert J., and Floyd E., each drove a firm wagon over city routes, and her daughters Alice A., Ruth R., and Myra were employed in the store with their mother. Finally Mrs. Kent retired, but the W. L. Kent Creamery continues.
Mr. Kent was a member of the Jamestown Board of Commerce, a progressive, energetic business man, and a public-spirited citizen. In religious faith he was affiliated with the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Kent married, in Panama, town of Harmony, Chautauqua county, New York, Maude Emmeline Polley. born in Panama, September 17, 1864, daugh- ter of John Clark and Marthena (Palmer) Pol- ley, her father for many years engaged in the oil business. Mr. and Mrs. Kent were the parents of eight children: 1. Roy P., born Sept. 22, 1886; married Sarah Parsons, and they are the parents of Roy P., Jr., Earl H., and Pearl Kent. 2. Albert J. (Bert), born Jan. 24, 1887; married Eva Warner, and they are the parents of Dorothy, Ennice, and Phyllis Kent. Mrs. Eva Kent died July 1, 1920. 3. Maud E., born Sept. 22, 1889; married Frank A. Venblow. 4. May B., twin with Maud E., married George Parsons, and have three children: William J., Charles J., and Irene B. Parsons. 5. Alice A., born Dec. 5, 1890. 6. Ruth R., born Ang. 26, 1892. 7. Mrs. Myra A. Young, born April 24, 1894; is mother of a son, Clarence Ernest Young. 8. Floyd E., born Nov. 4, 1896.
GUSTAF D. DANIELSON-Among the Swedish population none holds a higher place than Gustaf D. Danielson, while among the business men of James- town he is a factor worthy of attention. He has met with a large degree of success, his various enterprises having developed into flourishing achievements.
Gustaf D. Danielson was born in Sweden, Oct. 7, 1873, son of Daniel Carlson, who was a farmer, also a cabinetmaker, having on his farm a wood working shop in which he built various pieces of furniture. The mother of Gustaf D. was Marie (Jones) Carlson. The boy attended the graded schools of his native town
and acquired a good elementary education. He worked upon the farm with his father before and after school, and assisted in the cabinetmaking shop, where he re- ceived his first training in the trade. Young Danielson was an energetic lad, with ambitions ideas taking form in his mind, so it was not surprising that in 1890, when he was seventeen years old, Gustaf D. Danielson started for the United States, that land of promise of which he had heard so much. After landing in this country he went to Jamestown, N. Y., and obtained employment in the Jamestown Chair Company, which brought into use the knowledge gained in his father's shop. After a time spent in the chair company, he went into the factory of Maddox & Company, gaining fresh experience there. While in this employ he and a few other men decided to start a cabinet making com- pany of their own, so leaving Maddox & Company he went into this new concern, the Corporation Cabinet Company. Remaining here for a few years, he sold out his interest in the business, and with a number of men, some in the trade and some in other lines, helped to organize the Elite Furniture Company of Jamestown. The company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in March, 1909, the first meeting of the stockholders being held March 17, 1909. There were fourteen stockholders in all, representing several of the leading business concerns of the city, among them being Charles J. Anderson, who is in the retail shoe business at No. 103 East Second street, and at the corner of Main and West Second streets; Gustaf A. Lawson, now a member of the Board of Supervisors of Chautau- qua county and treasurer of the Jamestown Car Parts Manufacturing Company: Axel E. Bloomquish, John A. Anderson, Frank Webeek, and others who stand well in the city's manufacturing life. They manufacture a high grade line of parlor, library and davenport tables, pedestals and tabourettes. The company first started their work in the old Martyn factory on West Fourth and Clinton streets, and continued there until the re- quirements of the concern demanded more space; they acquired land on Allen street extension and built a new factory of four stories and basement, 54 by 112 feet, having a large lot for further expansion. Into the yard at the rear of the building there is a private switch running from the Erie Railroad. The present officers of the concern are: Charles J. Anderson, president: Gustaf D. Danielson, vice-president; Gustaf A. Lawson, treasurer; Robert E. Jones, secretary; Axel E. Bloom- quist, general manager since the formation of the concern. One of the reasons for the continued success and steady growth of the company is because the foreman of each department is made a stockholder, and it is to his own advantage to give his entire attention to the interests of the Elite Furniture Company.
In addition to the engrossing attention which Mr. Danielson gives to his business, he is greatly interested in outside affairs, being a member of the local lodge of Maccabees and the Order of Moose. He is an Independent in politics, not being bound to either one party or the other. A striking characteristic of Mr. Danielson is that he enters into any enterprise with characteristic zeal, giving the most careful attention to details which might have escaped the eye of one less thorough.
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Gustaf D. Danielson married, in Jamestown, Sarah Ann Butler, a native of Yorkshire, England. Of this union there was issue: Emily, Mabel, Vernet, Gonald, Gustaf D., Jr.
ROLLIN ROCKWELL THOMPSON-Many years ago in Westfield, N. Y., a tailoring business was established by Robert H. Thompson, a resident of that village. The business grew and extended, so that in the course of time Mr. Thompson took his son William into the firm and years after that the grandson of the founder of the business was also made a partner in it. The tailoring business of the Thompsons has always had an enviable reputation for honesty of dealing and reliability, and for three generations has stood the test of time and the numerous changes wrought by condi- tions which have revolutionized many customs within the last few years.
Rollin Rockwell Thompson was the grandson of Robert H. and Nancy (McMeekan) Thompson, and the son of William H. and Alice (Rockwell) Thompson. He was born in Westfield, May 5, 1882, and was educated in the grammar and high schools of that town. After his graduation from the latter institution, he entered the tailor shop of his father and learned the trade, in due time assisting in carrying on the business already so well established. Since the death of his father he has continued it alone. Rollin Rockwell Thompson is what is called in the language of the day a good mixer; he is affable with all classes of people, bright, energetic, and cheerful; his numerous friends all agreeing that he is one of the rising young men of Westfield. He is a Free Mason; in politics a Repub- lican; in religion a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
In Westfield, April 6, 1911, Mr. Thompson was married to Lulu Belle Miller, a resident of that town.
The father of Mr. Thompson, William H. Thompson, was born in the town of Westfield, June I, 1858, and died at his home there, March 26, 1918. He had one brother, Fred R. Thompson, and one sister, Mrs. James A. Pierce, of Buffalo. His wife, Alice (Rock- well) Thompson, died Nov. 25, 1910. William H. Thompson was a Free Mason of considerable promi- nence, having been for three years worshipful master and for two years district deputy grand master. He was a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Com- mandery, of the Consistory, and a past patron of the Chapter of Eastern Star in Westfield. He was a member of Ismailia Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Thompson was very active in the Knights of Pythias in addition to the other fraternities. In politics William H. Thompson was a Republican, and had always taken a great interest in all matters having to do with the town's welfare. For twelve years he served on the board of supervi- sors of the town, and was a most efficient, competent officer. His personality was most attractive, kindly, genial and generous, and he had a host of friends both in his home town and in the county of Chautauqua.
FRANK C. DAWLEY, who is one of the prominent and efficient public servants of Chautauqua county, N. Y., where he holds an important post as commissioner
of elections, is a son of Thomas and Betsey (Dawley) Dawley. John Dawley, the grandfather of the Mr. Dawley of this sketch, came to Silver Creek in the year 1817, driving an ox team from Sacket Harbor to that place. Here he remained for two years, engaging in the occupation of farming and then moved to Perrysberg. Thomas Dawley married Betsey Dawley, and resided in the town of Perrysburg, on the home farm, for 56 years. They were the parents of ten children ; their daughter, Ursula M. Dawley, still makes her home on the old homestead.
Frank C. Dawley was born in Perrysburg, the home of his father, Jan 8, 1858, and received his preliminary education in the local schools of his native region. After graduating from these institutions, he attended the high school at Forestville, and later Chamberlain Institute, where he took a preparatory course with a view to making the legal profession his career in life. After completing the course here, Mr. Dawley entered the office of James G. Johnson, at Randolph, where he read law, and later with C. B. Bradley, who afterward became district attorney of Chautauqua county. A serious change in his future plans however, took place at this time, for on account of poor health Mr. Dawley was compelled to find for himself an outside position, so, giving up the study of law, he went to Bradford. Afterwards he accepted a position as a business manager of the "Bradford Evening Star", and re- mained with this newspaper for a period of three years. His next work was to superintend and build the Silver Creek Cemetery, which he did with remarkable success. After the completion of this work, Mr. Dawley went on the road as a salesman, selling monuments, but later engaged in farming. In 1911 he became an inspector in the highway department of the State of New York, and six years later, in 1917, was chosen inspector of construction in connection with the build- ing of Government roads at Camp Custer, Mich. In December of 1918, Mr. Dawley was appointed to his present post, commissioner of elections, has filled that post to the satisfaction of the people ever since, and has been recommended for reappointment by the county committee of his party.
Frank C. Dawley was united in marriage April 28, 1888, with Jennie Smith, a native of Silver Creek, whose ancestors were among the first settlers of the county, belonging to the branch of the Smith family that counted among its members the founder of Smiths College at Northampton, Mass., and Mrs. Lockwood, one of the founders of the Daughters of the American Revolution. To them the following children were born: I. Beulah, who was a student at the University of West Virginia, and whose death occurred in 1902. 2. Josephine K., who attended Columbia University, N. Y., from which institute she graduated with the degree of B. S., and is now employed as a teacher of history in the high schools of New Haven, Conn. 3. Almena, a graduate of Oberlin College, Ohio, where she received her degree of A. B., and also of Chicago University with the degree of M. A. and is now a director of research for the Associated Women's Clubs of Minneapolis, Minn., and has been very active in war work during the recent World War, being stationed at Washington, D. C. 4. Dorothy, who is a teacher in the kinder-
John hickey
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garden at Yonkers, N. Y., having previously graduated from Oberlin College, Ohio. With the exception of Almena Dawley, all the children of Mr. Dawley attended and graduated from the Fredonia Normal School of this county. In politics Mr. Dawley is a Democrat, and for years has been a very active member of the county committee of this party. He is a lover of poetry and literature generally. He is also fond of outdoor life of all kinds, of the sort that hunts without a gun. He is always a supporter of the liberal move- ments that are trying to make progress.
ORSON C. CARPENTER-"Peacock Inn," of Mayville, N. Y., is a well known and popular Chautau- qua county institution. Its proprietor and manager, Orson C. Carpenter, is also widely acquainted in the vicinity, where the greater part of his life has been spent.
In June, 1918, Mr. Carpenter became manager of "Peacock Inn," located next to the court-house in Mayville, and under his management it has acquired reputation and favor as a leading hostelry of the famous Chautauqua Lake region. "Peacock Inn" was built in 1830 by William Peacock, agent and surveyor for the Holland Land Company. On the beautiful grounds of the Inn stands the old vault of the Holland Land Company, which was built in 1806. One of the most interesting features of the Inn is its fine antique furnishings, which have stood in place for the past century, and which, with the revival of interest in things of a by-gone day have attracted many visitors. "Peacock Inn" is open the year round, its excellent cuisine attracting many diners and dinner parties, while its many comforts, conveniences, social and recreation features, have made it a well patronized vacation center. Mr. Carpenter has brought this attractive establishment to its present high standard of entertain- ment, and has given to its management the fruits of his long experience.
HENRY THOMAS HIGGINS-As an architect Mr. Higgins has, for the last few years, taken an active part in the upbuilding of his home city of Dunkirk, much to the satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He is never found lacking in public spirit, and is a well known figure in fraternal and social circles.
Henry Thomas Higgins was born Dec. 16, 1880, in Dunkirk, and is a son of Patrick J. and Mary (Quigley) Higgins. Mr. Higgins was one of the large contract- ors and builders of Dunkirk and, had he lived, would have heen a very wealthy inan. In 1903, however, together with two other members of the family, he was accidently killed at a grade crossing.
The education of Henry Thomas Higgins was re- ceived in public schools and at St. Mary's High School, after which he entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Buffalo, and in due course graduated from that institution. He took an architectural course, American school, graduating in 1913, and after serving a short time as draughtsman went into business for himself. In his chosen profession Mr. Higgins has been very successful. Despite the fact that, during the recent war, building to a great extent was suspended, he was employed to draw plans for many fine residences and
has a considerable number now in course of prepara- tion. His other work includes the following: Exten- sions and additions to the Niagara Silk Mills, owned by the Dunkirk Industrial and Building Company; the buildings at the Municipal Bathing Beach; the Drohen Avenue Theatre, a very fine structure of its kind, of the erection of which Mr. Higgins had complete supervision. The record of the early years of Mr. Higgins' professional career warrant the belief that his work, in the future, will make him widely known as an architect of talent and originality above the . average. The political principles of Mr. Higgins are those of an independent Democrat. He affiliates with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protec- tive Order of Elks, and the New York State Associa- tion of Architects, and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Higgins married, June 6, 1910, Bertha, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Koch) Koch, of Buffalo, and they are the parents of two children, both of whom are now attending school: Agnes and Charlotte.
JOHN HICKEY-Of the men who marched away in 1861 many were never to return, many were to return crippled or broken in health, to end their lives as sufferers, but many, many more were to return in safety and to places of honor and esteem in the com- munities in which their after lives were spent. Each year the roll call of those men of 1861-65 grows shorter, and each Memorial Day there are more veterans' graves to decorate, more veterans in carriages in the pro- cession, and fewer who on foot can follow the flag to the cemetery. Among the men of 1861 who marched at the call of President Lincoln was John Hickey, who enlisted in Company B, 64th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and when he returned from the war was among those wounded in battle. He served his term of enlistment and tried to reenlist, but on account of injuries was not taken as a member of the 2nd Battalion, Invalid Corps, but continued in the service until 1864. Since 1896 he has been a resident of Fredonia, N. Y., where during the nearly quarter of a century which has since elapsed he has won the high regard and confidence of a multitude of warm friends.
John Hickey, son of Connor and Judith (Ryan) Hickey, was born in New York City, May 2, 1844, and there spent the first eight years of his life. He then found a home with a farmer of Brant township, Erie county, N. Y., with whom he lived for six years, receiving his board, clothes and an opportunity to attend school in exchange for his services. At the age of fourteen he began receiving wages for his labor, twenty-five cents daily being his first wage. He con- tinued a farm employee until 1861, being in that year at New Albion, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., and there enlisted during the month of August. He served in Company B, 64th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, Lysander Jones, captain, under the com- mand of Colonel Parker of Gowanda, and fought in several of the sanguinary battles in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged. At the battle of Fair Oaks he was wounded in the left arm, and at Freder- icksburg was shot in the right shoulder, and still
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