USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 74
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labor. His own farm he has very considerably improved; has set out an orchard, vineyard, has erected honses, barns, and in many ways has given indication that his farming has been successful. He now has a fine dairy and general farm, and it has been wholly because of his own indefatigable efforts, coupled of course with skillful farming. Politically, Mr. Stroebel is a Republican, but he has not taken much active part in political movements; he has been too busy with pro- ductive affairs. But whenever he is approached regard- ing some local movement, he has been ever ready to assist, as far as he was able. He is a member of the Mayville Grange, and belongs to the Methodist Episco- pal church, at Mayville.
And he has had the satisfaction of raising a worthy family. He was married on Jan. 9, 1895, to Carrie Beck, of Buffalo, but also a native of Germany. They have had eight children, seven of whom they have reared. The surviving children are: 1. George, educated in district school, and now a railroad employee. 2. Anna, received a district school education, and on Oct. 10, 1910, married Fern Supean. 3. Fred, similarly educated as to elementary grades, but now an under- graduate of Northwestern University, Chicago. 4. Henry, educated in the district and in Mayville High schools; he assists his father in the operation of his farms. 5. Helen, who was educated in district and high schools, and is now in Jamestown Business College, preparing for entrance into commercial life. 6. Ralph, a pupil in the district school. 7. Ruth. Albert, the deceased child, died in his first year.
Mr. Stroebel has wealth in land and family, the latter being his surer wealth, as well as being that which he prizes above all else. And he has also earned a wealth of esteem from his neighbors during the sixteen years he has lived amongst and worked with them.
CHAUNCEY ABBEY ROOD, M. D., who has been for many years one of the best known physicians of Brocton, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and a citizen whose influence has been felt in many departments of the life of the community and always in the direction of the advancement of his fellow-townsmen, is a native of Charlotte, N. Y., where his birth occurred June 3, 1854, a member of one of the old and prominent families in this part of the State. He is a son of William Wilson and Sally (Chase) Rood, and a grandson on the maternal side of Stephen and Clara (Holbrook) Chase, prom- inent and highly respected members of the community in their day.
William Wilson Rood, the father of Dr. Rood, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits in this region. He and his wife were the parents of five children, besides our subject, as follows: Alexander John, a prominent citizen of Sinclairville, where he is engaged in business as a farmer and stock dealer and also operates a cheese factory: George, who is engaged in farming and stock raising, and is the agent of an agricultural implement concern at Cherry Creek, N. Y .; Clarissa Sallie, who hecame the wife of William B. Luce, of Cassadaga, N. Y .: Mary, who became the wife of F. A. Pond, a successful druggist at Lillydale; Edgar, of Westfield, N. Y., where he is practicing
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medicine; he studied at the Medical School of the Uni- versity of Buffalo, and was graduated at the same time as his brother, Dr. Chauncey Abbey Rood.
Dr. Chauncey Abbey Rood began his education in the public school of his native town, and later attended the Fredonia Normal School at Fredonia, N. Y. Having determined upon a professional career, the young man then matriculated at the Medical School of the University of Buffalo, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878, taking the degree of M. D. He passed the examination of the State Medical Examiners in the same year, and began the practice of his pro- fession in Cassadaga, N. Y. He remained thus occupied for seventeen years, and became one of the leading physicians of the region during that time. It was in the year 1895 that he first came to Brocton, and since then he has been engaged in general practice here and has built up a large clientele and won a reputation second to no physician in the place. His practice today extends far beyond the confines of the immediate community of Brocton, and he commands the respect and affection not only of his own patients and professional colleagues, but of his fellow-citizens generally.
Dr. Chauncey Abbey Rood was united in marriage, Oct. 8, 1879, at Brocton, with Ida M. Dudley, a daughter of John and Maria (Hotchkiss) Dudley, and a member of one of the prominent families of that place.
To Dr. and Mrs. Rood two children have been born, as follows: I. Mahel M., a graduate of the Uni- versity of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and is now a teacher at the Brocton High School. 2. Clifford Dudley, born Nov. 6, 1886; studied for the law at Ann Arbor for two years, and later at the University of Boulder, Colo., receiving the degree of LL. B. at the latter place. He practiced the law for one year at Sterling, Colo., and then had to give up his professional activities on account of an affection of the throat. He then became a travelling auditor for the United States Radiator Company of Detroit. He was affiliated with the Masonic order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, When the United States entered the great World War, young Mr. Rood enlisted, July 16, 1917, in the United States Army, Quartermaster's Corps, and was sent to Fort Hancock, N. J., where he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was about to take his examination for a commission when he unfortunately contracted pneu- monia, and died from that disease, Oct. 26, 1918.
Dr. Rood was a Democrat in politics, and a Metho- dist in religious belief, and attends the Methodist Epis- copal church at Brocton. He is a member of Lake Shore Lodge, No. 851, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
AXEL G. LOFGREN, who for twenty-five years has been a member of the choir of the First Lutheran Church of Jamestown, N. Y., was a trustee and presi- dent of that choir for many years, was president of the Young People's Society of that church, was finance sec- retary, and has given practically all his leisure through life to matters connected with music and singing societies.
Axel G. Lofgren was born in Stockholm, Sweden, March 29, 1865, the son of Andrew G. Lofgren, a grocer of that city, and of which place he remained a merchant until his death. Axel G. attended the public schools of Stockholm, and received education to a grade ahout equivalent to that of a graduate of an American high school would have passed. After leaving school, he was apprenticed to a baker in Stockholm, and eventually worked in Germany also at the trade. In 1888, he emigrated from Sweden to America, landing in New York, where for several years he remained, working as a baker. In 1890, he came to Jamestown, and immedi- ately found good employment in the Charles Berg Bakery. After about a year spent in Jamestown, Axel G. Lofgren married, and took his bride to Sweden to visit his parents. He returned in October, 1891, and entered the employ of Olaf Lundquist, clothier, as a salesman. As such he worked, subsequently for two other Jamestown merchants, the Wiquist & Johnson firm, and Lewis Gosberg. In January, 1908, he was appointed chairman of the Board of Assessors of the city of Jamestown, and has since held that office.
Mr. Lofgren is and has since he first came to James- town been very much interested in community and church work, especially with activities having some relation with music. He has given worthy service in the choir of his church, the First Lutheran, and for very many years has been a member of the Jamestown Choral Society, of which organization he was treasurer at one time. He was also treasurer from 1901 to 1905 of the Swedish Singers Union. As might be expected, Mr. Lofgren is very popular in Jamestown, especially among those musically inclined, and his marked vocal powers have caused him to become widely known. He is a valued member of the Swedish One Hundred Club of Jamestown, and belongs also to the Norden Club. Politically, Mr. Lofgren is a Republican; and he belongs to the following named fraternal and benevo- lent societies: The Knights of Pythias, the Scandin- avian Temperance Benevolent Society, and the Swedish Brotherhood.
On May 7, 1891, in Jamestown, Axel G. Lofgren married Ida C. Erickson. To them have been born three children, but, to their great misfortune and grief, only one has been reared to manhood. Their first born, a son, Knute by name, died in infancy; their second, also a son, Milton, lived to reach the age of nineteen years, his decease occurring in 1918; their surviving child, a son, C. A. Raymond, is now in professional life, a dentist, associating in practice with Dr. Goucher, of Jamestown.
DEWITT C. AKIN, now deceased, was one whose upright life left its impress for good on the community in which he lived and caused his memory to be cherished by all who knew him. He was born Oct. 7, 1852, at Busti, a son of Howard and Harriet (Forbes) Akin, well known residents of Busti, Chautauqua county, N. Y. He received his early education in the public schools and after completing his course of study he assisted his father on the farm. Later, upon the death of his father, he took full charge of the farm, continuing in this occupation until his demise, which occurred Nov. 29, 1916.
Karl Peterson
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Mr. Akin gave his political support to the Republi- can party. In public affairs of the community Mr. Akin was active and influential, and his interests therein manifested in tangible support to many move- ments for the general good. Honored and respected by all with whom he came in contact, he occupied an enviable position in his district, as well as in social circles, not alone because of the splendid success he achieved, but also by reason of his honest and straight forward methods he always used, and because of his kindness and generousness of heart.
On June 8, 1871, at Busti, N. Y., Mr. Akin was married to Roena Cale, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Morey) Cale. To this union were born two children as follows: 1. Maud E., born June 25, 1873, who married W. R. Ramsdell, and they are the parents of two children: Beatrice, born May 18, 1911, and Wilfred, born Oct. 10, 1913. 2. Ransom J., born Oct. 7, 1878, who married Dora Gibson; they are the parents of one child, Hazel T., born Aug. 18, 1900, who is now (1920) a stenographer.
CARL OLOFSON, who has been a resident of Jamestown, N. Y., for about twelve years, and has during that period advanced appreciably in responsi- bility in the affairs of an important manufacturing corporation of that city, is an able man technically, and an indefatigable worker. He has been connected with the operation of the Dahlstrom Metallic Door Company's plant since coming to Jamestown, has been a member of the directorate of that company since 1910, was assistant treasurer for four or five years, and was elected to the responsibility of the vice-presi- dency of the corporation in 1918. He is a valued member of the administrative and working staff, is an expert tool maker, and has had charge of all the experimental work done in the plant almost since he first began to work therein.
Mr. Olofson was born in Gottland, Sweden, July 29, 1871. After attending school in his native place until he was of age to enter upon business occupations, he became apprenticed to a tool maker in Stockholm, Sweden. In 1892, he came to America, going soon after his arrival to Buffalo, N. Y., where for some weeks he worked in an iron works as a mechanic. He was not long. however, in getting properly placed, as a skilled workman at his trade, and for seven years he worked as a tool maker for the Buffalo Dental Manufacturing Company, the delicacy of their work requiring the services of an expert tool maker. Mr. Olofson left Buffalo eventually with improved pros- pects, having secured the position of manager of the machine shop of the Perry Knitting Mills Company, Perry, N. Y. In that company's employ he remained for seven years, leaving Perry to come to Jamestown, in 1907. He became a tool maker for the Dahlstrom Metallic Door Company, having come to Jamestown at the request of Mr. Dahlstrom, whom he knew in Sweden, and who well knew Mr. Olofson's skill at his trade. And Mr. Dahlstrom later had opportunity to discover Mr. Olofson's ability as an executive. He steadily advanced in responsibility, and in 1910 was made a member of the board of directors of the corpor-
ation. He hecame an administrative officer, was assist- ant treasurer for some years, and in 1918 was elected to the office of vice-president. He has a reputation for accomplishing things, and for concentration upon a given purpose until it has been accomplished. The work of the Metallic Door Company is so diversified, its types are so many, and its product has to be of so high a grade, both in design and finish, that the ingenuity of the officials must he taxed to the utter- most. Mr. Olofson has of late years had full charge of all the experimental work done in the plant, which means that his days are fully occupied. Mr. Olofson is a member of some fraternal organizations, including the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Scandi- navian Brotherhood, of Buffalo, N. Y. He is also a member of the Jamestown Norden Club. By religious conviction he is a Lutheran, an attendant of the First Lutheran Church of Jamestown.
In June, 1894, at Buffalo, Carl Olofson was married to Mary Skagman, and they are the parents of four children, who in order of birth are: Carl Eric, Anna Victoria, Ernest Sheldon, who is at the Chautauqua County Bank; Ray Darven, who is at school.
KARL PETERSON-A self-made man is the description which hest fits Karl Peterson, a manufact- urer of Jamestown. He has a natural gift for mechanics and is of an inventive turn of mind, quick to grasp the possibilities in any circumstance which may arise, and equally quick to develop the new idea presented to him.
Born in Sweden, in 1866, Karl Peterson enjoyed the advantage of a good common school education in that country before coming to the United States. His father was the operator and owner of a summer resort in Sweden, and during the busy season in the summer time young Karl spent all his time helping his father run the place, continuing this for about twelve years. One of the lad's duties was to superintend the workings of a steam engine which was used upon the place, and in taking it down and apart, greasing and repairing, packing it away for the winter, and putting it together again each spring, gave young Peterson his first exper- ience in mechanical workings. It was a fine oppor- tunity for one whosc natural trend of thought lay in that direction, developing also his business ability in conducting a place of that description. While in Sweden he also learned the manufacture of snuff, this being quite an industry in that country.
It was in 1886 that Karl Peterson came to America, being twenty years old at that time. After landing in the United States he went at once to Jamestown, N. Y., and in a short time joined with a man named James Holmes in the manufacture of snuff. He worked during all his spare time upon the perfecting of a wood carv- ing machine which he had invented, and at last accom- plished its least detail. He at once patented it and later sold the machine and his patent rights. Realizing that the production of snuff was not the line of business he cared to follow, he gave it up and entered the Art Metal Construction Company, working in their experimental department, and this form of occupation allowed him scope for his inventive genius. Part of the time he spent in the manufacturing of the voting machine. After three
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years with this concern, Mr. Peterson went into C. W. Morgan's bicycle handle bar factory, where he became superintendent of the works. In 1902, he formed a partnership with J. P. Danielson to manufac- ture small tools, such as plyers, wrenches, etc., taking six men into the business. They rented a small floor space in the Whitney building on Steele street, where they carried on their work, adding special machinery to their output after a time. In 1905, they bought the lot at the corner of Foote avenue and Harrison street, erecting a two-story building upon it, and in 1907 the Crescent Tool Company was organized and incorpor- ated under the laws of the State of New York with the following men as officers: Karl Peterson, president, Amel Nelson, vice-president, Charles F. Falldine, secre- tary and treasurer. From time to time additions have been made to the original plant, the business continu- ing to grow until at the present time it requires 300 men to turn out the constantly arriving orders. Fully one-half of the machinery used in the business is of their own invention and is fully covered by patents. The Crescent Tool Company is regarded as one of the successful, growing corporations of Jamestown, its officers being highly respected and well liked citizens of the city.
RICHARD NATHANIEL LINDBECK, D. D. S. -Already the citizens of Jamestown have become aware that this name represents one of the rising young professional men of that city. Dr. Lindbeck is well known in fraternal and social circles, and has a record of conspicuous activity in outdoor sports. During the late war he rendered valuable professional service to the Federal government.
Charles John Lindbeck, father of Richard Nathaniel Lindbeck, was a cabinetmaker at Falconer, Mont- gomery county, and married Emma Mary Peterson, who died in February, 1920. Their children were: Arthur F., Congregational minister at Fort Recovery, Ohio; C. Otto, student of medicine at Syracuse University; Malcolm T., attending Jamestown High School; John WV., died Dec. 20, 1918; Emma M., wife of Warner L. Morse, of Jamestown; and Doretta, wife of George Anderson, also of Jamestown. The third son of this family, Richard Nathaniel, is mentioned below.
Richard Nathaniel Lindbeck, son of Charles John and Emma Mary (Peterson) Lindbeck, was born May 19, 1892, at Jamestown, N. Y., and was educated in the grammar and high schools of his native city, graduating from the high school with the class of 1912. He entered the University of Chicago for the purpose of studying dentistry, graduating in 1915 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. For some time thereafter he was associated in the practice of his pro- fession with Dr. Roberts. With the entrance of the United States into the World War, the current of Dr. Lindbeck's life was temporarily diverted into other channels. In July, 1917, he received a lieutenant's commission in the junior grade, and was assigned to the United States Naval Station at Great Lakes, Ill., where he was professionally employed, also taking a post- graduate course. In April, 1919, he received an honor- able discharge. On returning to Jamestown he resumed the practice of his profession, and now has an office in
the new Bank of Jamestown building, where he is acquiring a profitable and increasing clientele, and at the same time making for himself an enviable reputation for knowledge of the science of dentistry and skill in its application. The favorable auspices under which Dr. Lindbeck's career has opened promise for him a prosperous and successful future.
As a member of the Masonic order, Dr. Lindbeck affiliates with Mount Moriah Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Jamestown, also the Chapter and Council. In politics he is an Independent. While a student at the high school he belonged to the Gamma Upsilon Greek letter fraternity, and also played football, base- ball and basketball. For one year he served as manager of the football team, and for three years was president of his class. During his university days he was a member of the executive committee, and the Xi Psi Phi fraternity.
Dr. Lindbeck married, Aug. 18, 1918, at Jamestown, Myrtle Marie Oldson, of Jamestown, N. Y.
JOHN BURBANK RUSH-Among the class of citizens who in the days gone by added to the growth and importance of Chautauqua county, who became prominent by the force of their own individual charac- ter, who stood in the front rank, was John Burbank Rush, who lived for many years in Jamestown, a retired farmer. But few citizens have lived in James- town that have left a brighter record for every trait of character that constitutes real greatness, and the record of his life is well worth preserving, furnishing instruction for the coming generation. His name has ever stood as a synonym for all that was enterprising in business and progressive in citizenship, and his industry and energy, his courage and fidelity to principle, were illustrated in his career.
John Burbank Rush was born in the town of Ellery, Chautauqua county, N. Y., May 1, 1833, a son of Israel and Elizabeth (Russell) Rush. His paternal grand- father, Jacob Rush, was a native of Canada, and descendant of English ancestors, but came to Chautan- qua county, and settled in the town of Ellery during January, 1811, at which time he purchased in sections No. 13 and No. 20, of township No. 2, range No. 12, his house being built on section 13, and here followed farming until his demise, which occurred at Ellery. He married twice, his second wife being Rhoda (Silsby) Rush, and they were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter. Grandfather John Russell, who was the father of Elizabeth Rush, came to Chautauqua county in 1811. He was an artisan, being skilful with the saw and trowel, and also engaged in farming. Mr. Russel married Rhoda Scofield, and they became the parents of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters.
Israel Rush, father of John B. Rush, was born in Canada, in 1807, and came to Chautauqua county, N. Y., with his father. He followed farming and became very successful, owning at the time of his demise 400 acres of the finest land in Ellery. He also carried the mail from Jamestown to Westfield. He married Eliza- beth Russell, and they became the parents of four children: Lewis, John B., Rhoda, and one who died at an early age. Israel Rush died at Ellery, Chautauqua
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county, N. Y., June 4, 1889, and is buried in Bemus Point Cemetery.
John B. Rush, whose name is the caption of this article, received his education in the district schools of Ellery, and after leaving school began his business career as an agriculturist, at which occupation he con- tinued until 1886, when he removed to Jamestown, where he lived retired until his demise, which occurred Dec. 9, 1901. Mr. Rush spent his winters in the city, and in summer resided on his farm. At both places he had a beautiful home, but always preferred his summer home to his winter home. Politically, Mr. Rush was a staunch Democrat, but never cared for the emoluments of office. Fraternally, Mr. Rush was a member of the Union Grange, and was one of its most respected members.
On Dec. 29, 1858, Mr. Rush was united in marriage with Mary A. Brownell, who was born Sept. 16, 1837, a daughter of Peter R. and Rhoda (Putnam) Brownell, who were prominent residents of Chautauqua county. Mrs. Rush is a lady of true culture and refinement, and is popular throughout Jamestown and Chautauqua county's social circles. She is a member of the Metho- dist church, the Ladies' Aid Society of that church, and a trustee. To Mr. and Mrs. John Burbank Rush were born two children: 1. Mary R., the wife of Clayton E. Price, who is a traveling salesman for the Fairbanks Company, and resides in Jamestown; they are the parents of a daughter, Carrie R., who married Lucien B. Parker, and they have a son, Edward James. 2. Carrie R., who married F. Langdon Peterson, of Ellery township; they are the parents of two children: Mabel R., who married Harley Elliott, and their children are Robert and Betty; and Harold R., who married Margaret Broadhead, and their children are Gail and Allen.
Mr. Rush was a public-spirited man, without being a partisan, charitable without ostentation, enterprising yet careful, deeply imbued with high religious prin- ciples, and his life flowed on in quiet power, silently accomplishing its beneficent results.
OLOF J. LINDBLAD-The town of Jamestown owes much to a group of men which in the middle of the nineteenth century put a large number of its industries 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 Olof J. Lindblad, who is now living retired in Jamestown, N. Y.
Mr. Lindblad was born in the Province of Skane, Sweden, Nov. 6, 1841, a son of Jolin and Carrie (Lauison) Lindblad. John Lindblad was a mechanic by trade, and worked at different occupations in his native home. He died in Sweden, at the age of seventy- eight years. Mr. John Lindblad and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and they were the parents of four children: Hannah and Sissa, both in Sweden; August and Olof J., who came to America.
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