USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 70
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Frank August Swanson attended the public schools of his native place until he was fourteen years of age, when he, with his parents, emigrated to this country. They settled in Jamestown, N. Y., and there the boy continued his schooling. When the time came for him to commence work, he at first took to farm work, but his inclinations were more in the nature of commercial affairs, and he forsook farming for employment in Jamestown factories. Later, for a time, he worked on the Lake Chautauqua boats. Even early in life young Swanson gave indication that he possessed a steady, stable character, and when he commenced to labor for money he applied himself steadily and thoroughly to such labor, and he profited by such labor, for he saved money steadily. In 1906, he ventured into independent business, as an interior decorator, and also for the retail merchandising of painte, oils, glass, wall paper, and such allied commodities. The contracting branch of his business was, at the outset, modest, and found employment for only one person, in addition to himself. But his handling of large and small contracts was satisfactory as well as lucrative, so that his contracting business now provides almost permanent employment for 25 men. His work is high grade, and in addition to much residential decorating, he has carried through many contracts for the federal government. His larger contracts include the decoration of the Jamestown Post Office, the Swedish Mission Church, Jamestown, the Swedish Baptist Church, Jamestown, the Dry Kiln at Ashville, N. Y., and a Stillwater, N. Y., church. Mr. Swanson devotes most of his time to the affairs
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of his growing business, and does not enter into politi- cal activities, but by allegiance he is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
On Nov. 28, 1906, Mr. Swanson married Edler H. Hokinson, of Jamestown. They have one child, Christine A., who was born Aug. 6, 1908.
AUGUSTIN WRIGHT, deceased, during a lifetime of intense and well directed activity was one of the most forceful factors in community affairs in Charlotte township. He entered upon the active duties of life unaided by influential friends or adventitions circum- stances. He was the sole architect of his own fortune, molding his own character and shaping his own destiny. He came to be an agricultural man of commanding ability, yet his labors were not restricted to the advance- ment of his own personal interests. He championed the highest interests of the municipality and of the people-at-large, with such success that his name came to be held in honor while he lived, and his death was regarded with sorrow that was at once general and sincere.
Mr. Wright was born in Chautauqua county, at Villenova, in 1847, a son of Augustin and Annie (Mc- Guire) Wright, pioneer settlers of Villenova. He received his early education in the district schools of Villenova, and was there reared to manhood. After finishing school studies, he took over the management of a 160 acre tract of land and it was not long before it was one of the best farms in the township. However, later he sold his farm and removed to Pomfret, where he engaged in farming for sometime and then went into the lumbering business. He continued in this business for seven years, then sold his large farm and accepted the position as manager of the D. C. Moon farm, a tract of 150 acres of land, which position he held for five years, then bought the farm. Here he engaged in the stock raising and agricultural business, and was one of the prominent and influential agricul- turalists of the township.
In politics Mr. Wright was a staunch Republican, though in local affairs he voted for the men and measurers who had for their object the best interests of the people. Mr. Wright and his family were mem- bers of the Weslyan Methodist Church, and all were prominent in the social as well as the business affairs of this church.
In Villenova, Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary (Hopkins) Corwell, who was born at Livonia, N. Y., a daughter of James and Mary (Maloney) Hopkins. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright was horn one child, Jane, who married Charles Bronson, and they were the parents of three children: i. Wright Bronson, who resides in Sinclair- ville, a veterinary surgeon; he married Flossie Ried. ii. Reginold Bronson, who is a merchant in Cassadaga, and married Esther Linburg, who is a minister of the United Brethern Church; they are the parents of one child, Augusta, iii. Oliver Bronson, who manages the homestead farm; he is not married. By her first marriage Mrs. Wright had two children: William, who died at the age of fifty years; and Alice, also deceased.
In closing this review will say that Mr. Wright had taken a deep and sincere interest in all that had been accomplished in his community, and had cooperated in many measures for the general good. He was never remiss in any duty of citizenship, but faithfully per- formed every task allotted him to the best of his ability. He earnestly desired the best interests of the county, and labored for the welfare of Western New York with singleness of purpose. His business affairs, con- ducted and characterized by honesty and straightfor- ward dealing, brought to him prosperity that enabled him in his later years to enjoy all the comforts of life. He died on his farm, in August, 1913, at the age of sixty-six years, and thus passed away one of the promi- nent agricultural men of Charlotte township. He dem- onstrated by his labors the resources of this part of the State, and he left behind him an honored and irreproachable name.
WILLIAM HENRY BROPHY-Well known among the representative citizens of Dunkirk, N. Y., is William Henry Brophy, who carries on a well equipped undertaking establishment at No. 48 East Fourth street. Since his coming to the city he has associated himself earnestly and actively with church work as well as with everything that makes for civic hetterment in the community which he has chosen for his home and his business.
William Henry Brophy was born in Shortsville, Ontario county, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1872, the son of John Brophy, an employee of the New York Central railroad, and of Mathilda (Healy) Brophy, his wife. William H. Brophy attended the schools of Canandaigua, N. Y., and received his education mostly at Phelps High School, Phelps, N. Y., where his family had moved when he was very young. After several years spent in the Union High School at Phelps, he received a certificate. He first was employed by the New York Central railroad, under his father, as a member of the paint crew, subsequently accepting a position with the Pierce Hardware Company at Phelps, N. Y., where he remained until he decided to establish himself in the undertaking business. After receiving thorough instruction in this particular line of business, he formed a partnership with his brother, James T. Brophy, in 1898, and together they carried on a furniture and undertaking business until 1907, when his brother retired from the firm. William H. Brophy then dis- posed of the furniture business, desiring to devote him- self wholly to the other branch of the business, and in consequence has modern and complete equipment for his chosen work.
A Democrat in politics, Mr. Brophy takes a lively interest in that phase of politics which makes for the highest good of the city. He served on the Civil Service Board for four years, and was police com- missioner from 1914 until 1916. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and no good work done in the name of philanthropy or of religion appeals to him in vain. Mr. Brophy is also affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Maccabees. William Henry Brophy has attained success and this by his own unaided efforts.
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He is alert, firm, dignified and keenly observant, but at the same time indicative of the genial nature and gentle and courteous disposition which has drawn around him a host of steadfast friends.
Mr. Brophy married, June 5, 1901, Agnes Hanley, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and they are the parents of five children: 1. John Joseph, attending St. Bonaventure College, Allegany, N. Y. 2. Catherine, a student at The linmaculate Academy in Newport. Ky. 3. William Hanley, a student at St. Mary's High School, Dun- kirk. 4. Eleanor, at the same seminary as her sister Catherine. 5. Margaret, attends St. Mary's High School, Dunkirk.
GUSTAF A. LUND, president of the Alliance Furniture Company, one of the solidly established man- ufacturing industries of Jamestown, N. Y., and presi- dent of the First Swedish Mission Church of that city, is typical of the best of the naturalized citizens of America. Born in Sweden, came to America alone, at an age when most American boys are still in school, and have no thoughts more serious than those of school, and he worked his way steadily upward until he reached success, and in attaining it, incidentally found the means of livelihood for many families. The Alliance Furniture Company, of which he is the head, finds employment for approximately fifty people. Mr. Lund was one of the founders of that business, which he and his co-directors have developed by adherence to sound business methods and integrity of manufacture. Mr. Lund, who devotes his time mainly to production and grade of workmanship, has not hesitated to soil his hands, and don overalls, when there has been such need, and a good deal of the excellence of the manufact- ured product of the Alliance plant is due to his efficient and expert supervision of production.
Gustaf A. Lund was born in Sweden, Aug. 19, 1875, the son of C. F. and Christine (Swenson) Lund. When seventeen years old, he crossed the seas alone. Gustaf A. Lund received some education in the night school of Jamestown. Before long, however, he went into wood working factories of the place, and learned the cabinet making trade in all its phases. In the various furniture factories of the locality he eventually gained a comprehensive understanding of American methods, and an expert knowledge of mechanical wood-working devices. All through his life, he has proved himself to be fundamentally strong, of high moral character, steady and reliable. When he, with other Jamestown residents of his own nationality and characteristics, associated together to establish the Alliance Furniture Company, in 1905, he was able to bring to it experience, capital, and the assurance that a high grade article would be manufactured.
Mr. Lund, who is strongly prohibitionist in practice as well as in political affiliation, has devoted himself steadily to his business, and to his church, the success of both being the factor of prime import to him. He is president of the Alliance Furniture Company, and president also of his church, the First Swedish Mission. Sufficient has been written to indicate the stability of character of Mr. Lund, who by his effort since he came to Jamestown has appreciably aided in its develop- ment. He is the type that wins success, for his
thoroughness of execution is bound to bring thorough- ness of return. Mr. Lund has two brothers and two sisters in America and two brothers still in Sweden.
On June 20, 1901, at Jamestown, N. Y., Mr. Lund married Augusta Traff, and they have one son, Carl Courtney, who was born Jan. 6, 1915.
CHAUNCEY G. WARREN, secretary of the life insurance organization, the Empire State Degree of Honor, and known throughout the community for his public spirit and interest in the welfare of Stockton, N. Y., is a member of a very old Connecticut family.
Chauncey Warren, grandfather of Chauncey G. Warren, was born in East Ashford, Conn., April 22. 1802. He married Sally Knowlton of East Ashford, Conn., and they became the parents of three children: Ames K., secretary and one of the organizers of the Chautauqua Institute: Jabez, father of Chauncey G .; Lucian C., married Mary A. Crissey, a member of one of the oldest families of Stockton.
Chauncey G. Warren was born in Stockton, N. Y., Nov. 2, 1858, the son of Jabez and Myra A. (Grant) Warren, both deceased. He was educated in the gram- inar and high schools of Mayville, and then opened a general store on his own account in his native place, which he sold out after ten years in order to accept a position with the Bell Telephone Company, which he held for thirteen years. While thus engaged he was obliged to cover territory throughout the states of New York and Pennsylvania. Poor health necessitated his severing connections with this company, and he then became identified with the Empire State Degree of Honor, being elected to the office of secretary in 1917. This organization was founded by H. W. Seymour and Mortimer Ely, both deceased; the officers are: Presi- dent, Amos E. Hall, vice-president, B. O. Taylor; secretary, C. G. Warren; assistant secretary, M. T. Wakeman; and treasurer, C. E. Olsen. Intensely pro- gressive, Mr. Warren aids to the utmost all movements and measures which in his judgment tend to further Stockton's welfare and promote the cause of good government. His political affiliations are with the Democrats and his influence is often felt in political circles. From 1895 to 1899 he served as postmaster of Stockton, having been appointed to the office by President Cleveland.
Mr. Warren married, Oct. 20, 1880, Adele Ely, daughter of Lorenzo and Albina (Cooper) Ely. Mr. and Mrs. Warren have no children.
CHARLES F. SHUMAKER, one of the substan- tial business men of Silver Creek, N. Y., has spent almost his entire life in this community and is well known for his public spirit and interest in the welfare of the place.
Charles F. Shumaker was born in Germany, in August. 1855, the son of Charles and Reica (Kruger) Shumaker, and was brought to this country by his parents when he was but eight years of age. Upon landing in New York the family chose Silver Creek for their place of residence and it was here that the boy received his education, attending the local schools. After graduating from the Silver Creek High School,
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he learned the trade of carriage maker and then estab- lished himself in this particular line, making carriages for a Cincinnati concern. Later he became agent for a flour machine and manufactured the machines under the name of the Shumaker Manufacturing Company, but he did not remain in this business long as he soon started a canning company under the name of the Silver Creek Preserve Company, which later consoli- dated with two other plants under the name of the Fredonia Preserve Company, with the following officers: President, J. T. Shumaker; vice-president, Charles F. Shumaker; and A. F. French, treasurer. Mr. Shumaker is also director of the First National Bank of Silver Creek.
Intensely public-spirited, he always has at heart the best interests of those with whom he is associated and the welfare of his community and his State. He has always been identified with the Republican party, ever manifesting much interest in politics. At the present time of writing he holds the office of county com- mitteeman. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and no good work done in the name of charity or religion appeals to him in vain. He affiliates with the Free and Accepted Masons, is a member of the Citizens' Club and the Motor Boat Club of Silver Creek.
On Nov. 10, 1886, Mr. Shumaker was united in marriage with Adell Welch, and they are the parents of one child, Marguerite.
Charles F. Shumaker, in the summer of 1920, rounded out his sixty-fifth year of age, thus rounding out over half a century of continuous and fruitful ac- tivity in Silver Creek, and his record requires no com- ment, for as a public-spirited citizen and a fair-minded business man it speaks for itself with a distinctness not to be misunderstood.
CHARLES PETER LAWSON, successful farmer and merchant of Brocton, N. Y., was born on a small farm in the neighborhood of that place, in Portland township, Chautauqua county, March 17, 1857. He is a son of John and Joanna Lawson, both natives of Sweden, from which country they came to the United States early in life, the former as early as 1835. They were married in Portland township, where the elder Mr. Lawson followed the occupation of farming for many years.
Charles Peter Lawson received his education in the public schools of his native township, attending successively schools No. 9 and 11. The circumstances were such that the lad was obliged to seek some remunerative employment at an early age, but, being of an extremely ambitious nature, he continued to study by himself, using all his spare time for reading instructive books of many kinds. He assisted his father in the work on the latter's farm until he had reached the age of twenty-one years, and then, having reached his majority, he apprenticed himself to a local carpenter and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He continued in this line for some eight years, at first as an apprentice and later as a journeyman, and then removed to the village of Brocton, where he has for the past thirty-one years continued to make his home. Upon coming to this place Mr. Lawson engaged in business
on his own account and opened an establishment where he sold coal, wood, cement, building supplies, feed, etc. He has continued in this line ever since, and in the meantime has built up a very large and successful business, which is now one of the most important of its kind in the entire community. In addition to this highly remunerative enterprise, Mr. Lawson has invested in local real estate to a large extent and has accumulated about 250 acres of excellent farm land, including 150 acres of valuable vineyards. He also owns a number of tenement houses in Brocton village, where his own handsome home is situated. His private place is a very beautiful estate with fine grounds, barns and out- buildings, in addition to the residence. He is very justly regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of Brocton, and has done much for the development of its inaterial interests. He is a large employer of labor hereabouts, and in his various enterprises, mercantile and agricultural, keeps abont sixty men at work during the busy season.
Mr. Lawson has always participated in the general life of the community with energy and intelligence, and is a prominent figure in the local public life. He is a Republican in politics, and has taken an active part in promoting the educational system of Brocton, having held for many years the office of trustee for both Public School No. II and the Brocton High School. He is a Methodist in religious belief, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church of Brocton, of which he is a trustee and a most liberal supporter of the work of the congregation. He is a member and past noble grand of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member and the master of the local Grange, and a member of the Farm Bureau. Mr. Lawson is a selfmade man in the best sense of the term, and a fine example of the public-spirited and energetic citizen.
Charles Peter Lawson married (first) Augusta M. Johnson, a danghter of Carl Johnson. Two children were born of this union; Julia, who resides with her father; and LaVerne, deceased. Mr. Lawson married (second) March 2, 1893, Augusta M. Nelson, of May- ville, N. Y., a daughter of Angust Nelson. Mr. and Mrs. Lawson are the parents of six children, as follows: 1. Carl Clifford, educated in the Brocton High School, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College; now his father's assistant in the latter's business; married Edna Havilan, by whom he has had two children, Francis and Robert. 2. Pearl, who died at the age of five years. 3. John Edward, educated at the Brocton High School, Ohio State Military Academy, and Allegheny College, Meadville. 4. Archie, educated at the Brocton High School, now a student at Cornell University. 5. Ruth, who resides with her parents, and is now attending the Brocton High School. 6. Marion, now a student at the Brocton High School.
JAMES H. KELLOGG, M. D .- Fifteen years of active practice in Chautauqua county have made the work and personality of Dr. Kellogg so thoroughly familiar to a majority of the citizens as to render any introductory phrases wholly superfluous. During his long residence at Bemus Point, Dr. Kellogg has become fully identified not only with the medical hut
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also with the political and social interests of the county, and is extremely well known in fraternal circles.
Silas Kellogg, father of James H. Kellogg, is now practising law at Greenwood, Steuben county, N. Y. He married Lessie Davis, and they are the parents of nine children, including George, a civil engineer, now employed in Albany, James H., mentioned below, and daughters who are engaged in teaching.
James H. Kellogg, son of Silas and Lessie (Davis) Kellogg, was born Aug. 8, 1876, at Greenwood, Steuben county, N. Y., and received his earliest education in public schools of his birthplace, afterwards passing to the Hornellsville High School, and then entering the University of Buffalo for the purpose of studying medicine and surgery, graduating in 1902 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For one year there- after he served as interne in the Erie County Hospital, Buffalo. The year of his graduation he passed an examination by the State Board. In 1903. Dr. Kellogg left Buffalo and went to a mining camp in South Dakota for the purpose of relieving a professional friend, the camp belonging to the South Dakota Mining Company. In 1904, in association with the late Dr. Scofield, he opened an office at Bemus Point, N. Y., and after Dr. Scofield's death succeeded to his practice. Since 1909, Dr. Kellogg has been attending physician at the Chau- tauqua County Hospital, conducted under the auspices of the county. He also holds the position of health officer of the town, having been elected in 1909. It is to be hoped that Dr. Kellogg will long remain a resident of his town and county, where he has won such merited distinction as a physician and prominence as a citizen, and where, in all probability further honors await him.
The political allegiance of Dr. Kellogg is given to upholding the principles advocated by the Republican party. He has served as county committeeman from this district for about fifteen years. He belongs to the Chautauqua County Medical Society, of which he was president in 1917, and is also enrolled in the New York State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He belongs to the I. C. O. Society of the University of Buffalo, now a fraternity. His religious membership is the Universalist church. He affiliates with Sentinel Lodge, No. 151, Free and Accepted Masons, and also with the Chapter, Commandery and Consistory.
Dr. Kellogg married, Sept. 6, 1906, Blanche, daughter of Charles H. and Adelaide Martin.
THOMAS E. HILTON-When a man has made a reputation in different spheres of action it is difficult for the biographer to introduce him in a single sentence, and of the late Thomas E. Hilton, of Charlotte town- ship, who was distinctively a man of this class, it must be said that he stood in the foremost rank of the agri- culturists of Chautauqua county, being also a public- spirited citizen, serving for years as assessor of his township. Mr. Hilton was also a business man, repre- senting for a long period in his township the well known firm of Wheeler & Company, of Rutland, Vt.
William Hilton, father of Thomas E. Hilton, was born June 12, 1812, at Bertrand, England, and was a
son of James Hilton, whose other sons were: Thomas, who remained in England; and James and John, who came to the United States and resided in New York City. William Hilton emigrated as a young man, settling in the town of Charlotte, where he became the owner of a tract of woodland comprising 100 acres. This land he cleared and improved and continued to cultivate it until 1863 when he moved to what is known as the Chandler-Johnson farm, an estate of 170 acres in the same township. This he also improved, moving subsequently to the farm now owned by his grandsons. There he passed the remainder of his life, engaging in general farming and making extensive improvements on the estate. He was a Republican, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The father and mother whom he had left in his English home were always much in Mr. Hilton's thoughts, and after the death of his mother he received the following letter from his aged father:
Bertrand, England, January 13, 1858.
My Dear Son:
I now sit down with a heavy heart and tearful eyes to write a few lines to let you know that we are all in good health as far as it concerns the body. But my cup of sorrow is full, but through the help of God I hope to meet your dear mother again before long, to part no more. Her death was a great release to her. She lay two days and two nights and could not speak. She suffered hard the first three or four days, but she was easier at the last of her sickness. She died easy and as long as she could talk had a bright hope for the future. It all but broke my heart to be at her side and she could not speak. I had to go away a little while and when I came back she would put her arms around me. You may judge my feelings, for I cannot describe them.
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