USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume III > Part 28
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George W. Smith, father of John Frank Smith, was born in England, and grew to manhood in his native land, learning the trade of currier and tanner. As a young man he immigrated to the United States, settling in Lynn, Mass., where he worked at his trade until coming to Chautauqua county, N. Y., and taking up his abode in Panama. There he conducted a tannery for some years, and then removed to Jamestown, where he took up painting and paper hanging, but some years later abandoned it for the shoe business in which he was engaged on West Third street under the firm name of George W. Smith & Son. He was a Republican, and attended the Protestant Episcopal church. Mr. Smith married, in Lynn, Mass., Sarah Bindley, who was, like himself, a native of England, and their children were: George W., died in infancy; William H., George M.,
Sarah H., Charles A., Albert M .; John Frank, mentioned below ; Abner D., Minnie, Caroline F., Julia A., Frederick B. The parents of these children died in Jamestown.
John Frank Smith, son of George W. and Sarah ( Bindley) Smith, was born Feb. 25, 1846, in the town of Panama, Chautauqua county, N. Y., and for a short time attended school in his native place. When the family moved to Jamestown he was still a boy, but his oppor- tunities for acquiring an education were limited, and he was but little over sixteen when he enlisted in Company K, 49th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel D. W. Bidwell and Captain Alonzo J. Marsh. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Spottsyl- vania Court House, being wounded in the last engage- ment by a shot which passed through both hips. This was on May 10, 1864, and he was obliged to remain in the hospital until Sept. 2, 1864, when he rejoined his company and regiment in time to take part in the battles of Fisher Hill, Opequon, Cedar Creek, and to help break the line before Petersburg, April 2, 1865. He was present at the Grand Review in Washington, and on June 24, 1865, was mustered out.
On returning to Jamestown the young soldier learned the trade of a machinist under the instruction of Josephus Clark and followed it until 1872, when he abandoned it for that of plumbing, conducting a success- ful business until 1887, when he was appointed inspector of plumbing to the Board of Health of Jamestown. He has ever since continuously filled that responsible office, being now in his twenty-fourth year. Nothing could more conclusively prove that he is thoroughly master of his business. In politics, Mr. Smith is a true Republican. He is a member of James M. Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of Jamestown, and the Union Veteran Legion, also belonging to the Protective Home Circle of Jamestown. The Golden Rule is his motto and his religion.
Mr. Smith married (first) in Jamestown, Sept. 8, 1868, Adele M., daughter of Adam and Mercy Mambert, and they became the parents of one child, George M., who died in childhood. Mrs. Smith passed away in 1894, and Mr. Smith married (second) Dec. 11, 1895, Rose V. Baugher, of Titusville, Pa.
John Frank Smith has a varied and eventful record. As soldier, business man and public official, he has rendered faithful service and won an honorable name.
ALBERT FERDINAND SOCH, M. D., one of the well known and capable physicians of Fredonia, Chau- tauqua county, N. Y., is a native of the town of Hanover, Chautauqua county, N. Y., having been born at this place, March 24, 1871, a son of Charles and Wilemina (Brewer) Soch. The elder Mr. Soch was a farmer all his life, and his death occurred at the age of seventy- four years. Mrs. Soch is still living, having just passed her eighty-sixth year.
Albert Ferdinand Soch received his preliminary edu- cation in the district schools of his native place, and after completing the elementary course went to work on his father's farm, where he remained for a time, later going to Boston, Mass. Upon arriving at Boston, he was given employment during the day, and utilized his even- ings by attending the Boston High School. Through
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very frugal living. the young man had managed to save a considerable portion of his earnings, with a view to entering college, and this he was enabled to do some time later. having accumulated enough money to pay for his tuition at the Phillips Exeter Academy, at Exeter. N. H. Mr. Soch, however, was compelled to continue working during his spare time in order to defray cther college expenses, and though many a young man would have turned back if placed under such a handicap, this was not the case with him and he con- tinned in his course, graduating with the class of 1894. and winning the affection and regard of his classmates as well as his teachers. His next step toward his edu- cation was taken when he went to Buffalo and entered the medical department of the Buffalo University, from which he graduated three years later with the degree of M. D. After graduation, Dr. Soch spent several years in hospital work, and was an interne for a time in the Erie County Hospital. It was not until 1900 that Dr. Sech came to Fredonia and there began the practice of his profession, opening an office for this purpose. His complete knowledge and capabilities soon recommended him highly as an able practitioner, and his practice con- tinued to grow until he can now claim one of the largest hereabouts. In fact. Dr. Soch's services are so greatly in demand that it has compelled him to give up his ambition to become a surgeon, his duties being too con- fining to permit him to continue his surgical studies. In toot Dr. Soch was appointed on the medical staff of the Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk, and he still occupies this post.
Dr. Soch is a member of the A. O. D. College Medical fraterrity, the American Medical Society, the New York Medical Association, the Western New York Medical Association, the Chautauqua County Medical Associa- tion, and the Dunkirk Fredonia Medical Society, and is medical examiner for the Mutual Life Insurance Com- Fany, the John Hancock, Travelers', State Mutual. Baker' Life. Massachusetts Mutual, and Prudential Life Insurance companies. He is also very prominent in the social and club life here, and is a member of Fores' Lodge, No. 162, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. of which organization he is the junior warden, ard the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past noble grand ci the latter. In politics Dr. Soch is a Republican.
Albert Ferdinand Soch was united in marriage with Mary Ehzabeth Hall, a resident of Hamilton, Ontario, C'anada, a daughter of James and Margaret ( Brooks) Hall Mrs. Soch was formerly a trained nurse and A . m. Dr. Soch while doing hospital work in Buffalo. They were married June 27, 1900, and six children were bm ni thi, un jon, four of whom are living, as follows Hamile n H., who is now attending the high school at Fredonia: Albert F .. Jr., who also attends the high . I ad here: Robert A., a pupil in the elementary school ; and James W., who is in the kindergarten. The two Fre derea dare: Dorothy, who was the rides ch ! ! and died when she was seven years of age ; and Charle. L. who died in infancy.
JOHN EDWARD KASE-John Kase, father of J.h. ..... ' Har a long time resident of James- born in Hele, Germany, and there.
grew to manhood. To avoid German military service he came to the United States, finding employment and a home in Carbondale, Lackawanna county, Pa. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and soon after locating in Carbondale established a small furniture business in connection with his shop. He prospered in business as he became well known, and he continued a furni- ture dealer until his death, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Burr, in Scranton, Pa. He married Martha Seibold, also born in Germany, she dying in Carbondale, Pa. Children: I. Theodore, deceased, who was a real estate broker in Boston, Mass. 2. Julia, married Daniel Burr, a wholesale druggist of Scranton, Pa. 3. John Edward, of further mention. 4. Edmund, a practicing physician of Philadelphia, Pa.
John Edward Kase was born in Carbondale, Pa., July 17, 1858, died in Jamestown, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1913. He was educated in the public schools at Carbondale, and after completing his studies became associated with his father in the manufacture and sale of furniture, the young man becoming an expert finisher of fine furniture. making that branch his occupation for life. He contin- ned with his father until 1879, and when he came to legal age at once began his own career. For two years after leaving home John E. Kase was employed as a furniture finisher in a factory at Athens, Pa., going thence to Waverly, N. Y., where he was in the employ of the Hall and Lyons Company, furniture manufactur- ers of that town, where he continued until 1888. His business life in Jamestown began in that year with the Morgan, Maddox Company of this city. Later he was with the Maddox, Bailey Furniture Company, and still later with the J. W. Maddox Table Company, and with these companies he was employed as a furniture finisher until his death in 1913. He was a good workman, master of his branch of furniture making, his services always being in demand. He was a Democrat in politics, served as inspector of elections for many years, and was well known in Jamestown.
Mr. Kase married, in Lackawanna county, Pa., Jan. 5. 1881. Emma E. Fuller, born in Matamoras, Pa., daughter of Simeon C. and Emiline (Stout) Fuller. Mr. Fuller was one of the oldest and best known engi- neers on the Erie Railroad. He made his home in Port Jervis, N. Y., Carbondale, Pa., and later Susquehanna, Pa., where he died in 1883. His wife later moved to Jamestown, N. Y., where she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kase, in 1895. Children of John E. and Emma F. (Fuller ) Kase: 1. Blanche, died in child- hood. 2. Ralph Stout, born in Waverly, N. Y., Jan. 24, 1886, was educated in the grade and high schools of Jamestown, and later learned the printer's business, becoming an expert in this trade; he is now superintend- ent of the printing department of the Travelers' Life Insurance Company, of Hartford, Conn .; he married Margaret Maharon, of Jamestown, daughter of Judge John G. Maharon; Mr. and Mrs. Kase, Jr., are the parents of two children: June Mary and Betty June 3. Veranice Fuller, born Feb. 15, 1801, died April 1. 1001. 1. Simeon John, born in Jamestown, June 26. 1805; educated in the grade and high schools of James- town, Mechanics Institute of Rochester, N. Y., receiving from the Institute the degree of electrical engineer at graduation, June 14, 1917; after the United States
Polyole H. Phupler
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entered the World War, he enlisted in the emergency electrical department of the Coast Artillery School at Fortress Monroe, Va., his work that of an expert: he was mustered out of the service, Dec. 26, 1918, and is now with the Dudlow Manufacturing Company, Fort Wayne, Ind. Mrs. John E. Kase is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Sunday school. the Women's Christian Temperance Union, also the Home and Foreign Missionary and Clothes societies, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
ROXINA L. DAVIS, daughter of Ezra W. and Margaret W. (Cass) Davis, settled in Chautauqua county, N. Y., thirty years ago. She sprang from a hardy line of staunch New England stock, the Davis family coming from Vermont and the Cass family from New Hampshire, the former named having made a dis- tinctive record in the service of their country, and have always occupied a prominent place in business.
Miss Davis, since settling in Chautauqua county thirty years ago, has been actively engaged in business. She was first associated with Wilson & Van Tuyl's Hardware Store as bookkeeper, and when this company went out of business she joined a new enterprise with W. W. Wilson in the conduct of a tinsmith shop as a silent partner. She then branched out in the real estate line, a field in which she has made an eminent success, having built nearly the entire street known as Wicks avenue, West Jamestown. She also engaged in exten- sive building enterprises in Yates county in the central part of the State, both enterprises testifying .to good business acumen. Although her business career occupies a large portion of her time and attention, Miss Davis has not neglected her duty toward society, and has always been active in charitable and social organizations. She is a member of the Disciple church, and was one of the first members of the Young Women's Christian Association in Jamestown, being identified with that association for the past quarter of a century. She adopted and reared two children, namely, William C. and Margaret C. Davis, the latter named now the wife of William McKinley Loucks. Miss Davis has established a reputation for sound business judgment and square dealing with her associates that will stand for all time to come as a tribute to her memory.
JOHN AUGUST JONES-A man of great self- reliance and self-dependence of character, with deter- mination to succeed in whatever he undertakes, John August Jones very early in life gave evidence of the sturdy independence which has helped him to gain the comfortable competence which he now enjoys.
Born in the little town of Alsheda, Sweden, July 12, 1875, the boy spent his childhood on a farm, attending the common schools until he was fifteen years old, when he decided to come to the United States. Having rela- tives in this country, he had heard of their continued pro- gress in business and he felt the desire to emulate their success ; so in 1890 the lad started alone, landing in the United States and going direct to Jamestown, N. Y., where his friends were living. The career of John August Jones may be said to have started at that time, for he immediately applied for employment to the Gokey
shoe factory, where he remained for four years. At the same time he began studying at night, attending the evening classes at the Young Men's Christian Association and making rapid progress in the various branches he had chosen. In 1894 the young man changed his form of work, becoming a salesman in the clothing store of A. J. Peterson & Son, continuing with them for four years, when he resigned. He now thoroughly under- stood two branches in commercial business, shoes and clothing, and in October, 1908, in company with William H. Scharf and Luther L. Lincoln, bought out the cloth- ing store of J. Whitley & Son, a long established con- cern with a fine reputation, the new firm becoming known as Jones, Scharf & Lincoln. In a short time Mr. Lincoln sold out his holdings to the other two partners, they carrying on the business. In 1911 it became an in- corporated concern, under the name of Jones & Scharf, Inc., and at this time (1920) it still continues at No. 210 Main street, each year showing increased prosperity. Mr. Jones is greatly interested in civic affairs, being active in the work of the Board of Commerce of James- town and one of its board of directors. He is also con- nected with the Swedish Brotherhood and the Norden Club; he and his family are regular attendants at the First Swedish Lutheran Church, which he serves as treasurer.
In October, 1902, John August Jones married, in Jamestown, Hannah C. Eckman, daughter of N. P. Eckman, who resides in that city. Of this union four children have been born: Helen, Ralph, Robert, Marie. All but the youngest are now attending school, Mr. Jones being very desirous that his children shall have every advantage in life.
CLYDE HENRY SCHUYLER, D. D. S .- In the short space of a year Jamestown has become thoroughly familiar with the fact that this is the name of a very skillful and progressive member of the dental profession. His fellow-citizens have learned to place great confi- dence in Dr. Schuyler and to think no less highly of him as a citizen than in his professional capacity.
Clyde Henry Schuyler was born Feb. 4, 1892, at Frewsburg, N. Y., and is a son of Henry C. and Leplia ( Moore) Schuyler, the former a farmer of that place, where he is still living. Mrs. Schuyler passed away in March, 1909. The earliest education of Clyde Henry Schuyler was received in the public schools of the town of Carroll, whence he passed to the Frewsburg High School, graduating in 1912. For a year or two after, he taught in the district schools of Carroll township in order to earn the money wherewith to complete his course of study. He then entered the University of Pittsburgh for the purpose of studying dentistry, gradu- ating in 1916 with the degree of Doctor of Dental Sur- gery.
On Sept. 19, 1917, Dr. Schuyler enlisted in the Dental Corps with the rank of first lieutenant, and was ordered to Camp Sevier, S. C., taking charge of Dental Infirmary No. 1, for seven months. He had under his command twenty-nine commissioned officers, having charge in all of fifty-four commissioned and enlisted men. On Feb. 11, 1919, he received an honorable discharge after which he returned to Jamestown and opened his own office. Already he has received gratifying proof of the wisdom
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of his selection of a field of labor. If the first year of practice may be accepted as an augury of the future, Dr. Schuyler's career must unquestionably be one of success- iul achievement. Politically Dr. Schuyler is a Republi- can and a staunch one, but the demands of his profes- sion leave him little time for participation in public affairs. He belongs to the Psi Omega Dental fraternity.
WELCOME FRANKLIN ROSS, a Civil War veteran of worthy military record, was one of the oldest residents of the Conewango Valley, Chautauqua county, N. Y. He was a hotel proprietor in that place from 871 until his death. a record of forty-nine years of steady public service, in which he gained the respect of the majority of the residents of the district. He was popular and respected, honored because of his patriotic service, popular because of his whole-hearted manner, and respected because of his steady life. His calling was more than that of a keeper of an old-fashioned country hostelry where housing for horse and man could be had, and in his public service he was generally respected. And when bereavement came to him in the death of his adopted son, Robert H., who succumbed to the rigors of military campaigning a few weeks after the signing of the armistice, in 1918, he had evidence of the respect in which he was held in the neighborhood by the extent to which the residents gathered around him at that time.
Wele me Franklin Ross was born in the town of New Albion. Cattaraugus county, N. Y., April 13, 1843, the son di Joseph F. and Lydia ( Lewis) Ross, was educated in the public school of his native place. The Ross family is of Scottish antecedents, although for four gen- erations they have been resident in America. The Amer- ican progenitor of the branch of the Ross family to which Welcome F. Ross belonged was William Joseph Ross, who came from Scotland. His son, Joseph F. Ross, father of Welcome F. Ross, was a farmer in Cattaraugus county, N. Y.
When the great call came to American manhood, when the North and South sought to settle their differ- eners of opinion by armed conflict, Welcome F. Ross was still in his teens, notwithstanding which, he enlisted, o 1 12, as a private in Company B. 154th Regiment of New York Volunteers, and he passed through all the " ghting in which that regiment was engaged until the date bi his discharge, June 23, 1863. His honorable r .: . during the time of national emergency brought im xad return in self satisfaction and in respect by there and he had an honored place in the later patra to orgar ization, the Grand Army of the Republic. in the ranks of which association of veterans he rose grade of capriin His record in Masonry was a ret; one for be affiliated with that fraternal order fr - re than forty years.
jan 1. ros Mr. Ross was married to Julia A. Gardner who was born in 1845. She came of two old Camar: sms conn'y families, being the daughter of Dary' a . I. hira (Cr ssheld) Gardner, both of whom po Part in Camaraugus county. Mrs. Julia .A. (Gard- : :. Pel ted to celebrate her golden wedding, her dra'in t courrier un til 1916. The death of Welcome F Proper and Now. 7. 1920, interment in the Cone- vango Crmeter Mr and Mrs. Ross were the parents
of four children : Jessie E., Maud J., Elva G., and Helen B. Their family also included an adopted son, Robert H., who went into the national military service, May 26, 1918, during the war with Germany. He was sent to Camp Dix, N. J., for training, and in all probability would have gone to France during the winter of 1918 had the war lasted so long. But the signing of the Armistice, Nov. 11, 1918, rendered the sending of further troops overseas unnecessary, and quick demobilization of troops in home camps was commenced. Many of the camps near the seaboard were overcrowded, because of returning troops and of troops sent temporarily to the camps for demobilization. Camp Dix, at which Robert 11. Ross was stationed, was one such, and al- though his death did not occur while in the service, it is thought that it was caused through the rigors of camp life during the last month or so of his military service. He was honorably discharged, Nov. 28, 1918, reached home four days later, and died Dec. 16, 1918, his demise being the occasion of the manifestation of general and sincere sympathy for Mr. Ross in his sad bereavement. Still a life ending in national service in a cause so great as was that of America in the late war was not lived in vain.
PAUL B. WIQUIST-Among the most successful of the younger merchants and business men of James- town, N. Y., should be mentioned Paul B. Wiquist, whose success in recent years in building up a large and remunerative milk business there has given him a repu- tation for enterprise and intelligence throughout the community. Mr. Wiquist is one of the many figures of Swedish parentage whose activities are contributing to the material welfare of Jamestown, and is a son of Otto and Alma (Nelson) Wiquist, both of whom were born in Sweden. They came to the United States when young and settled at Jamestown, where the former en- gaged in business as a general clothing merchant and was highly successful. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: Paul B., with whom we are here especially concerned ; David Earle, who was drafted into the United States army during the late World War, was sent to France, and saw much active service, being in the firing line until he received a severe wound in his arm from which his death occurred July 21, 1919; Cecile, who served in France as a worker for the Red Cross Society for six months during the late war; Flavia, Floyd, Ililda, Edward, Margaret, Dorothy, Marion.
Paul B. Wiquist was born March 24, 1886, at James- town, and attended the public schools of that city. He graduated from the local high school, and in 1904 began his active business career. He has been successful from the outset in his enterprise as a dealer in milk and now supplies a very large number of people in this region, where his integrity and liberality have gained him the esteem of all. His products are quite generally regarded as being the best of their kind that can be procured. Mr. Wiquist is a prominent figure in social circles at Jamestown, and has always taken a keen interest in the welfare of the community where he dwells. Ite is a member of the local Grange, and attends the Swedish Mission Church, of which he is a most liberal and highly valued member.
Paul R. Wiquist was united in marriage, June 28,
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1905, at Jamestown, with Freida Winkler, a native of Buffalo, born Feb. 14, 1863, a daughter of August G. Winkler, a native of Germany, and for many years a cabinetmaker at Buffalo, and of Louise (Thomas) Winkler, his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Wiquist are the parents of two children, as follows: Howard Paul, born Dec. 29, 1906, and Gladys Louise, born Feb. 9, 1908.
SVEN EDWARD NELSON, one of the associates in the automobile firm of Nelson & Nelson at No. 15 Harrison street, Jamestown, is regarded as one of the rising young business men of this city. This firm makes a specialty of acetylene welding, blacksmithing and gen- eral automobile construction work. He is a son of Nels A and Helene (Nelson) Nelson, the former a farmer in Sweden, where he enjoyed considerable prosperity.
Sven Edward Nelson was born in his native land, Dec. 4, 1880, and by the time he reached the age of twenty years he had definitely made up his mind, and accordingly, in the year 1901, set sail for this country and soon after landed at the port of New York. He spent several years in Wilcox. Pa., working at the trade of blacksmithing, and in 1908 came to Jamestown, N. Y., where there was already a large settlement of his fellow countrymen, and here he began his business career as a blacksmith. He continued to follow this line for some time, but later took up the repairing of auto- mobiles and soon developed a large and lucrative busi- ness. He is now associated with Nels Berger Nelson under the firm name of Nelson & Nelson, and owns a large and well equipped automobile repair shop at No. 15 Harrison street, where they transact a good sized business. In politics he is a Republican, and in religious belief a member of the Swedish Zion Church at James- town.
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