USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume II > Part 78
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He was born in Jamestown, Chautauqua county, N. Y., May 24, 1891, the son of F. A. and Hannah (Olsen) Samuelson. In both paternal and material lines, Mr. Samuelson is of Swedish antecedents, both of his parents having been born in Sweden, although his father has lived the greater part of his life in Chautau- qua county, N. Y., and for many years was interested in agriculural interests in the city of Jamestown.
Frank T. Samuelson, in his youth, attended the public schools in or near Jamestown, and eventually entered the Falconer High School, graduating in due course. He entered commercial life, and became established in independent business as a retail merchant in Gerry, and in that enterprise has prospered. He is an aggres- sive business man, optimistic and ever alert to gain for his customers the latest advantages of market and commodity. His trading has been upon the strict principles of an honest man; he has sought to give value for value; and no labor has heen too great if he thought that by it he could bring advantage of material consequence to his customers. He is popular in the community, and has taken appreciable part in its affairs; he has held the offices of town clerk and register, and has shown that he is sincerely interested in the well being of the community. By religious conviction, Mr. Samuelson is a Lutheran, member and good supporter of the local church of that faith.
He was married. Aug. 1, 1911, in Falconer, Chautau- qua county, N. Y., to Maud Oste, daughter of H. G. and Teckle (Lindenleaf) Oste, both of whom were born in Sweden, but later became naturalized citizens of this country.
Mr. Samuelson is young yet, and will probably have many decades of productive work, in commercial and public affairs, still before him, but his record up to now is a good one, and he has given distinct indica- tion that he is a man of strong, steady character, that his temperament is a stable one, that he is possessed of abundant energy, and that in the direction of that energy, he has followed a logical course of good busi- ness and moral integrity. He should become a factor of increasing consequence in the district in which he moves.
JAMES WILLIAM ALVERSON, who for many years has held a prominent position among thie agricult- uralists of Ellington, Chautauqua county, N. Y., is a native of Leon, N. Y., his birth having occurred at that place, March 17, 1853. a son of James and Sarah (Blasdell) Alverson, old and highly respected residents of Leon, where the latter was engaged as a farmer for many years. The Alverson family is of New England origin, and James Alverson came to Chau- tauqua county at a very early date.
James William Alverson attended the public schools of his native region as a lad. From early youth he had a strong taste for rural life, and has taken a keen interest in agricultural matters, so that, as a young man he purchased a farm property in this region, which he has improved greatly and brought to a high degree of cultivation. He has always remained actively interested in the business affairs of Ellington, however, and is at the present time affiliated with the Conewango Valley National Bank. He is also a conspicuous figure in the social and fraternal life of the community and is a member of Lodge No. 915, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Ellington, and of the Grange of this place. He is at the present time affiliated with the Conewango Swamp Drainage Company, a concern which is engaged in the improvement of the poor land of this region. In his religious belief Mr. Alverson is a Methodist, and attends the church of that denomina- tion at Ellington.
James William Alverson was united in marriage, Oct. 1, 1879, with Mary A. Davis, a native of Ellington, where her birth occurred Aug. 16, 1859, a daughter of Henry Davis and Evelyn (Churchhill) Davis, his wife, the former a soldier in the Civil War. Mrs. Alverson died Feb. 14, 1918, and she and her husband were the parents of the following children: Harry J., born July 5, 1880; Rosa E., born Sept. 3, 1881; Herman D., born Dec. 7, 1890: Frances Evelyn, born Oct. 26, 1892; and Raymond W., born Dec. 4. 1898. Raymond W. Alver- son enlisted in the National Army, July 18, 1918, and returned Dec. 24, 1919; he was mostly in camp and did not go beyond seas.
JOHN AUGUST GUSTAFSON-It is a widely acknowledged truth that nowhere does there exist a greater opportunity for quick advancement for a man of enterprise than is to be found in the United States, where class distinctions are so little felt and individual ability so quickly recognized. It is this fact. of course, that forms so great an attraction for the bolder spirits of the Old World, and has brought to these shores so great a mass of immigration. A splendid example of how well founded is the belief for those who possess the requisite force of character and intelligence to take advantage of their opportunities is to be found in the career of John August Gustafson, of Jamestown, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., whose success in his business ventures has been exceedingly rapid although built firinly upon a foundation of sound and conservative business methods. Mr. Gustafson is a native of Sweden, born March 25, 1860, and there his entire life up to a few years ago was spent. As a lad he attended the schools of his native land, both public and private institutions, and there gained a very complete general
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education. As a young man he continued to reside in Sweden and there became a member of the army where, on account of his skill and marksmanship, he was made a sharp shooter. It was on April 26, 1906, that he landed in the United States, and here he soon found employment in the granite business in Quincy, Mass., then came to Jamestown, N. Y., in 1909, and worked for Mr. Sturdivant, of Jamestown, learning the methods of this trade in America. One year was passed by Mr. Gustafson in this employ and then, in 1910, he terminated the association and entered the same line of business on his own account. During the ten years that have elapsed since he made this move, Mr. Gustafson has met with a notable and well merited success, his enterprise, with offices at No. 1171 North Main street, Jamestown, having grown to large pro- portions, and at the present time (1920) it is one of the most important of its kind in the vicinity. His strict and scrupulous integrity in all his dealings, and his eminent generosity in his interpretation of all his obligations, have made him greatly admired and esteemed by his business associates and given him a high place in the esteem of his adopted community. Mr. Gustafson is a Republican in politics, but the large demands made upon his time and energy by his ever growing business have prevented him from taking so great a part in public affairs as his practical grasp of the questions and issues of the day qualify him to do. He is well known in social and fraternal circles, how- ever, and is a member of the Order of Good Templars, of Jamestown. He is a Swedish Lutheran in religion and attends the church of that denomination at Jamestown.
John August Gustafson was united in marriage, Dec. 3, 1886, in Sweden, with Anna M. Maria Liljegren, like himself a native of that country, her birth occurr- ing Sept. 23, 1863, a daughter of P. J. and Catherine Liljegren. Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson are the parents of two children, as follows: Ada E., born 1889, and John Arthur, born Aug. 25, 1891.
JOHN WILLIAM STOLKRANTZ, who retired from business a number of years ago and then pur- chased a farming property in Kiantone township, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and has since farmed that land industriously and successfully has had an adven- turous and interesting life.
He was born in Sweden, June 21, 1850, and was educated in the public school of his native place. After leaving school he assisted his father for a time, but eventually took to maritime occupations, and for twenty- four years sailed the seas, being often in America. Later he entered the steel business, but nine years ago he retired to a farm he had purchased in Kiantone township, since which time he has given his time closely to farming, which is really his hobby. He has taken an interest in community affairs also, and for three years was assessor of his district. In political allegiance he is a Republican, and has gained many sincere friends since he went to live in Kiantone.
Fraternally, Mr. Stolkrantz is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Mason, and has been closely identified with the functioning of local lodges of these ancient orders. He has been a member of the Grange for some years, and by religious
conviction is a Lutheran. During the World War, he loyally subscribed to the limit of his means to the various funds raised for the purposes of the govern- ment, or of some governmental agency, for some phase of war work. He has also been liberal in his support of all community projects he has deemed to be worthy, and to have given promise of being to the interest and well being of the community in general. That he may be regarded as a public benefactor is evidenced in his laying out the beautiful "Hillside," located on the brick road to Frewsburg, an ideal site for a home. This comprises eighty-seven and a half acres which he has laid out in lots and streets, and where several houses have already been erected. The electric line runs through the property, with good roadway on either side. Hillside Park, a beautiful recreation tract, is also a feature of this fine piece of property.
On May 12, 1894, in Chicago, Ill., Mr. Stolkrantz was married to Bertha Otalie, daughter of Victor and Oleva Lindstrom. Mrs. Bertha O. (Lindstrom) Stol- krantz was born in Sweden, in May, 1864. To Mr.' and Mrs. John William Stolkrantz has been born one child, John William, Jr., born Nov. 16, 1903, in Canada, whither they had gone from Chicago, Mr. Stolkrantz having in charge the installation of a new steel mill there.
Mr. Stolkrantz is a man of sterling qualities; gener- ous, hospitable, and entertaining. He has shown an unselfish interest in the community into which he ha's come to live for his remaining years, and also that he is possessed of good Christian principles.
TRYPHENA ARNOLD-In this modern age we have grown accustomed to women taking part in practi- cally all the activities open to men, and there is at least one occupation for which they have historical precedent since the days when Roman women owned their own farms and superintended the cultivation of them. In our own country, too, we have many examples of the ability and success with which they have followed this calling, and no where more so than in the great agricultural region of Chautauqua county, N. Y., where many of them have competed successfully with men in this line. Among the names of the women who have been successful farmers in this region should be mentioned that of Tryphena Arnold, who is now living retired at her home at Bemus Point on the pro- ceeds of her agricultural operations. Miss Arnold is a member of a family that has been identified with the farming life of Chautauqua county for many years, and which has given its sons to take part in every war in which the nation has engaged from the Revolution down to the present. She is a descendant of John Arnold, who resided in Columbia county, in the early days, and came with his wife to Chautauqua county in ISII. Here he purchased a farm near Bemus Point and conducted the same until the time of his retirement from active life. Her father was also John Arnold, who was born at Kinderhook, Columbia county, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1802, and came with his parents to Bemus Point in 1811. He was also a farmer during the major part of his life. His wife, mother of Miss Arnold, was Mary Bemus (Griffith) Arnold.
The Arnold family were among the pioneers of the
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MR. AND MRS. J. W. STOLKRANTZ AND SON
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region about Bemus Point, and the original log house built by the founder of the family was the place of birth of Miss Tryphena Arnold, and the old homestead is still in her possession. There she was born April 8, 1829, and her entire life has been associated with the neighborhood. As a girl she attended the public schools of the district, and after she had completed her studies there, became herself a teacher, following that profes- sion for a number of years. She afterwards inherited the Arnold farm and, giving up teaching, devoted hier- self to agriculture. She was highly successful in her farming operations, her place being always in the high- est state of cultivation, and there she raised large quantities of various products for the local markets. She is now enjoying a well earned leisure and lives in retirement in her attractive home. Miss Arnold is a Universalist in her religious belief and attends the church of that denomination at Bemus Point. She has always taken a keen interest in church work, and is one of the most valued and respected members of the congregation.
ARTHUR B. SUPKOSKA-In Dunkirk's Polislı citizenship the name of Supkoska has long been an honored one, the father, Joseph Supkoska, coming with others of his countrymen from the homeland and settling in Dunkirk, where he performed the burial service for the dead, being an undertaker. He pros- pered as the colony grew in size and importance, and when in 1912 Joseph Supkoska was taken, the business passed to his son, Arthur B. Supkoska, and is now Dunkirk's largest undertaking establishment. Joseph Supkoska married Mary Pavlak, who survives her husband and resides in Dunkirk. They had sons: Arthur B., Joseph, John, and Frank; daughters: Vic- toria, Anna, Mary, and Helen.
Arthur B. Supkoska was born in Dunkirk, N. Y., Jan. 10, 1894. He was educated in the Polish parochial and public schools, and after his father's death he prepared to succeed him in the undertaking business, having become quite well versed in certain parts of the business prior to becoming its head. In 1913 he was graduated from the Renouard School of Embalm- ing, New York City, and soon afterward became the actual managing head of the business.
Mr. Supkoska is a communicant of the Roman Cath- olic church and generously supports the parishes of St. Hedwig and St. Hyacinth. He is a member of Branch No. 132 of the Polish Union; Branch No. 608 of the National Alliance; Branch No. 278 of the Polish Falcons; Lake City Hose Company, No. 3; Monivszko Singing Circle; Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce; and in politics is a Republican, and a candidate for county coroner the present year (1920).
WALTER FRANKLIN PRICE, who is one of the most successful of the rising young farmers of Elling- ton, Chautauqua county, N. Y., is a native of Indian- apolis, Ind., born May 22, 1887, and a son of George Franklin and Mary (Neigel) Price, old and highly respected residents of that place, where the former was engaged in farming operations with a high degree of success for many years.
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Walter Franklin Price obtained his education at the local public schools of Indiana, where he established an excellent reputation as an industrious and intelligent student, and which he attended until he had reached the age of fifteen years. In the meantime he had assisted, during the summer months, his father on the latter's farm, and there gained a wide experience in agricultural work. Later he purchased a farm of his own at Ellington, and is now the owner of 59 acres of farm land, which he has brought to a high point of cultivation, and where he also conducts a dairy farm. Mr. Price has not confined his activities to farming, however, but is also interested in the banking circles of the community, and is affiliated with the Conewango Valley National Bank. In politics, Mr. Price is a staunch supporter of the principles and policies of the Republican party, and although not ambitious to hold public office of any kind, always discharges the duties of citizenship to the fullest degree. He is a member of the local Grange at Ellington, and has taken an active part in promoting agricultural activities in the neigh- borhood.
Walter Franklin Price was united in marriage, Dec. 25, 1912, at Ellington, with Frances Applegren, a native of this place, where her birth occurred Sept. 14, 1894, a daughter of Clarence Frank and Hattie (Ross) Applegren, old and highly respected residents here, Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of two children, as follows: Bonnylin Mary, born July 8, 1913, and Harriett Lucille, born June 25, 1916.
THE ALLIANCE FURNITURE COMPANY of Jamestown, N. Y., a corporation firmly established and developing steadily, owes its inception and development to a number of representative citizens of Jamestown, men of practical mind and financial integrity. It was organized on Jan. 5, 1905, and incorporated on that date under the laws of the State of New York, to manu- facture dining room furniture. Its original establish- ment soon became inadequate to cope with the volume of business developed, and a building three stories in height, 48 feet by 56 feet, was erected at No 615 Allen street, Jamestown, but this in turn had to give place to the present four-story structure, 64 feet by 152 feet, on same site. The present plant is equipped with the latest mechanical wood working devices for the pro- duction of the grade of dining room furniture the com- pany has aimed to supply, and its product is becoming more extensively known each year. About fifty people are at present employed in the plant, which is directed by men who are experts in their line, and of high principle, such as will not countenance poor work- manship. The first president of the company was Charles Berglund, and the original superintendent was Edward Bergquist. Both are dead, but their places have been taken by others who were of its founders, as were most of its present officers. The directorate, as at present constituted, is: Gustaf A. Lund, president and superintendent: Oscar Carlson, vice-president; Joseph Sandberg, assistant superintendent and director ; August Sandberg, director: Axel Eckberg, secretary and treasurer; Joseph Carlson and Hjalmar Sandberg, directors.
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WILLIAM JOHN OLSON-A member of the ' Swedish colony in Jamestown who is enjoying con- siderable success in business is William John Olson, a man who is very young to be the proprietor of a successful jewelry store. He did not come to the United States until he was seventeen years old and at that time was unable to speak the English language, though after reaching this country he never missed an opportunity to add to his steadily growing stock of English words and phrases, studying whenever possible.
William John Olson was born in Sundsvall, Sweden, Aug. 18, 1886. His parents probably died when he was a very young child, for he was brought up in care of a guardian, who, after young William had finished the course in the local school of his home town, apprenticed the boy, then thirteen years old, to a jeweler for four years. At the conclusion of the time for which he had contracted, the young man went to Stockholm, Sweden, and, finishing up his trade by working in a jewelry store for a short time, he turned his face toward America, arriving here in 1903. The first employment Mr. Olson had was with a lumberman in the woods of Mount Jewett, Pa., staying at the camp for a short time, and striving to master English. A little later he went to Smethport and found employment in the jewelry store of W. J. Kerr as a watch maker. In 1907 Mr. Olson went to Chicago to enter the service of the C. D. Peacock Company, under the direction of M. J. Bergling, the head engraver of that firm. After a year spent there he journeyed to Butte, Mont., going into the jewelry business there. In 1910 Mr. Olson returned to Smethport, bought out his former em- ployer, Mr. Kerr, and ran the business in his own name. After three years at this place he went to Jamestown, buying out S. P. Carlson and carrying on the store at No. 10 Main street, under the name of W. J. Olson, Here he still is, his business prospering each year; he is well and favorably known and is popular with the other tradesmen of the city.
Mr. Olson is a worker for every good cause in the home of his adoption. In every one of the Liberty Loan drives, Mr. Olson was always one of the active men, also serving on the Red Cross drives, and what- ever the cause might be, he always lent his hand to assist in every way. He is greatly interested in the work of the Young Men's Christian Association, being a director of the Jamestown branch. He is particularly interested in the boys' department. Mr. Olson is also a member of the Norden Club, and he and the members of his family are regular attendants of the Swedish Mission.
In Minneapolis, Minn., in 1910, Mr. Olson married Frideborg M. Pearson, and they are the parents of two children, Paul and Helen.
JOHN THORPE WILSON-The late John Thorpe Wilson, of Jamestown, N. Y., was one of those men whose lives and characters form the underlying struct- ure upon which are built the hopes of the prosperity of the American nation. The careers of such men as he show the possibilities open to a commonwealth like New York State to those who possess good business
ability and the high integrity that forms alike the good citizen and the good business man. His ambition along the worthiest lines, his perseverance, his steadfastness of purpose and tireless industry all furnish lessons to the young business man of the coming generations, and the well earned success and esteem he gained prove the inevitable result of the practice of these virtues. His entire life was devoted to the highest and best, and all his endeavors were for the furtherance of those noble ideals he made the rule of his daily life. The success he won as a business man never elated him unduly nor caused him to vary from the even tenor of his ways. His was a nature of singular sweetness, open- ness, and sincerity. Any estimate of his character would be unjust that did not point to the natural ability and keen mental gifts which he improved by daily and hourly use. He had a profound knowledge of human nature, and his judgment was sound and unerring. He had a strong and dominating personality, and his power over men was not the result of aggressiveness, but of the momentum of character and strength.
The Wilsons of Jamestown, N. Y., herein recorded, descend from English ancestors, who settled on part of the present site of the city of Jamestown while it was yet farm land and known as "English Hill." Four families came from England, and the American ancestor of one of these was John Wilson, an early settler in Chautauqua county. The name was originally spelled Willson and was so written by the first settler. Later generations have adopted Wilson as the proper form.
John Wilson was born in Ely, England, about 1770. He married there Elizabeth Atkinson, born in the same parish, March 25, 1772. They removed to St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, England. He had a son John.
John (2) Wilson son of John (1) and Elizabeth (Atkinson) Wilson, was born in St. Ives, Cambridge- shire, England, Dec. 26, 1802, died in Jamestown, N. Y., July 4, 1873. He was a boat builder by trade and followed that occupation in his native town. In 1834 he came to the United States with his wife and three children, accompanied by four other families from England. One of these was also named Wilson, although it is not known that they were related. This colony remained together and finally settled in Chau- tauqua county, near what was then the village of Jamestown, and now within the city limits. They secured land adjoining and gave the place the name "English Hill," which it bore for many years. John Wilson did not long remain on his original location, but moved into the village of Jamestown, where he could find work at his trade. He later built flat boats for himself, loaded them with lumber and other salable products, and floated them down the rivers to Cincinnati, Ohio, where a profitable market was found for them. He was very successful in his river trading, and as the years came upon him abandoned the river and pur- chased a farm in Kiantone, Chautauqua county, from Governor Reuben E. Fenton. He cultivated and lived on his farm the remainder of his days, although his death occurred at the home of his son Robert, in James- town. He was a member of the Episcopal church, and in political affiliation was a Democrat.
He married in Ely, England, June 17, 1825, Rebeckah Thorpe, born June 26, 1802, died Jan. 14, 1873, daughter
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of John and Elizabeth Thorpe. To them were born eight children, as follows: 1. Robert, born Ang. 17, 1826, died Dec. 26, 1902. 2. William, born July 27, 1828, died June 2, 1903. 3. George, born Jan. 28, 1831, died April 27, 1832. 4. Elizabeth, born April 11, 1833, died Jan. 5, 1920; married H. V. Kellogg, a native of Ver- mont, and had one child, Jennie R. Kellogg, born March 2, 1863. 5. John Thorpe, of whom further. 6. Horace, born March 10, 1840, died May 10, 1905. 7. Sarah, born Aug. 6, 1843, died May 14, 1916; married John Reed, and resided at Frewsburg, N. Y. 8. Mary, born Feb. 2, 1846, died Jan. 30, 1913; married (first) Jefferson Frew: (second) Captain Whitney.
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